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[EN] In any mammalian species a proper understanding of the natural, coevolved mother-young system is of major importance if productivity is to be optimized under conditions compatible with !he animals' welfare. The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cunicu/us) is particularly interesting in this regard given its unusually limited and stereotyped pattern of maternal care and the equally stereotyped set of corresponding specializations in !he young. For each of five key topics - the nest, parturition, nursing, suckling, and weaning - the behavior of the mother and then of the kits is described, followed by a consideration of !he possible application of this information to improving husbandry.