How to Get a Dutch Doe to Produce Milk

The Dutch doe is a female Dutch rabbit, popular as a pet and also cultivated on farms for meat production. It is not, despite its name, original to the Netherlands, but in fact hails from Belgium. It is a mammal, and therefore produces milk for its young. There are natural ways to increase milk production in does.

Things You'll Need

  • Dutch rabbits
  • Alfalfa
  • Borage
  • Healthy, natural rabbit food with high carbohydrate content
  • Prolactin (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Increasing Lactation in Dutch Does

    • 1

      Have the Dutch does serviced (bred) at about 85% maturity, when they're about 18 weeks old. This is an optimal time to ensure a healthy pregnant doe as well as a healthy litter. If breeding for meat, high production can be achieved by breeding at 18 weeks, and then immediately following the birth of a litter.

    • 2

      Feed the pregnant Dutch doe an all-natural feed with a high carbohydrate content. Making loose alfalfa available and adding borage leaves as a snack is said to increase milk production in lactating does.

    • 3

      Lactation peaks at about 20 days after the doe gives birth. The Dutch doe continues to produce milk as long as suckling takes place. When the babies stop suckling, milk production ceases. During the suckling period, make food available "free choice," that is, keep food dishes full and alfalfa available in quantity for the doe to nibble at whenever she pleases. Her nutritional needs are highest during the suckling period.

    • 4

      If a Dutch doe is not producing any milk, or not enough to feed the babies, a veterinarian may choose to give her a shot of Prolactin, a milk-producing hormone naturally found in mammals.