What is palpation in the context of rabbit breeding?

Palpation is a specific technique used in rabbit breeding to determine whether a female rabbit, known as a doe, is pregnant. This method involves gently feeling the abdominal area of the doe to detect the presence of developing embryos. By applying light pressure with the fingers, an experienced breeder can identify the small, firm structures that indicate pregnancy, typically detectable around two weeks after breeding.

The other options do not accurately describe what palpation entails. Grooming techniques focus on maintaining a rabbit's coat and hygiene rather than assessing pregnancy. Assessing the condition of a rabbit's fur relates to its overall health but does not involve palpation. While breeding techniques encompass a variety of practices, palpation itself is specifically linked to pregnancy detection and not directly to the breeding process or techniques. Thus, the definition aligns with the correct context of palpation in rabbit breeding.