Rabbit Reproduction

Question
I teach middle school life science and was recently asked by a collegue about rabbit reproduction to which I could not answer, nor find the answer easily accessible on-line.  When a rabbits eggs are fertilized and they implant into the uterine horns, does each fertilized egg grow its own placenta and its own umbilical cord?  When baby rabbits are born, is one baby born with its placenta before another baby is born?

Answer
Hi Melanie,

I didn't forget about you, I am trying to find my books but I will have an answer by later today.

Pam

Well this is what I have found.  It's not much but it might help.  The female reproductive tract of the rabbit is unique in several ways. There are two separate uterine horns, but no uterine body, as dogs and cats possess. Each uterine horn opens into the vagina separately. Rabbits are induced ovulators, like cats and ferrets, and do not have an estrus cycle. The external orifice is the vulva, and it usually swells and becomes reddish-purple when the doe is receptive to the buck for breeding.

From what I remember in college they each have their own amniotic sac and cord but they share one placenta.  The mother eats the placenta immediately after birth to avoid predators.  I know the 2nd part for fact because I have watched their deliveries.  I don't believe that they implant but rather just kind of float.  The mother also bites the umbilical cord after birth to separate it and then will deliver the next kit.  The whole birthing process takes about 20 - 30 minutes including labor.

I am sorry I can't give you more definitive answers.  Vet techs have 2 years of training so its hard to cram everything we need to know in 2 years.  There is an expert named Dana who I believe is a PhD in biology.  She may be able to give you a more detailed description.

Thank you

Pam