For this particular experiment, we will be focusing on the growth and development of Flemish Giants. To see this entire process from beginning to end, please follow the posts with this (above) title, which will be numbered.
WEEK 13: Lots has gone on this past week. We are making a race against time to make room for an additional 10 new Flemish Giants. Due to this reason, we have sold 1 black sr buck and 1 white jr doe. We are also currently working on dividing condo's into 2 & 3 part sections, to make allowances for the new additions as well as upcoming keepers out of our litters. We will also be adding Light Grey's to our herd, as part of this increase.
In relation to the size of the condo's making a signifcant difference in size and weight on the flemish, we have came to the conclusion that the added space does help when it comes to muscle tone and development. It also seems to be effecting the length of the rabbits. While granted, there is a lot of genetics involved in this, we believe, due to the fact that our senior rabbits have grown longer in body, that this is because they do in fact - to a certain degree - fall under the 'positive' category in regards to 'the more space the have, their will be an increase to size'. Also, we are confident that the size of the condo's plays a key role in the muscle development and flesh condition of the Flemish. As they are able to move-about more, they obviously are using more muscle, verses being more stationary and acquiring "flab". Even those that were well endowed on the flabby side at the the beginning of this experience have toned up and have tighter, firmer flesh condition. The only problem there seems to be is weight gain. While they are all gaining weight, we feel that they are not gaining weight in the time that they would gain in smaller, more typical sized pens.
The continuation of this project will be to monitor the changes in all the seniors, but will become more focused on the kits, as our first litter has now been completed weaned from their mom and moved into their own space. It will be interesting to see the rate of development that occurs from birth to maturity.
Come back and see how things are going next week, as we renovated 4 new condo's in preparation for the new additions, as well the first results of the newly weaned juniors.
In relation to the size of the condo's making a signifcant difference in size and weight on the flemish, we have came to the conclusion that the added space does help when it comes to muscle tone and development. It also seems to be effecting the length of the rabbits. While granted, there is a lot of genetics involved in this, we believe, due to the fact that our senior rabbits have grown longer in body, that this is because they do in fact - to a certain degree - fall under the 'positive' category in regards to 'the more space the have, their will be an increase to size'. Also, we are confident that the size of the condo's plays a key role in the muscle development and flesh condition of the Flemish. As they are able to move-about more, they obviously are using more muscle, verses being more stationary and acquiring "flab". Even those that were well endowed on the flabby side at the the beginning of this experience have toned up and have tighter, firmer flesh condition. The only problem there seems to be is weight gain. While they are all gaining weight, we feel that they are not gaining weight in the time that they would gain in smaller, more typical sized pens.
The continuation of this project will be to monitor the changes in all the seniors, but will become more focused on the kits, as our first litter has now been completed weaned from their mom and moved into their own space. It will be interesting to see the rate of development that occurs from birth to maturity.
Come back and see how things are going next week, as we renovated 4 new condo's in preparation for the new additions, as well the first results of the newly weaned juniors.