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The rabbit is primarily a herbivore,
which means that its major source of foodstuffs is of plant
origin. It is also a “simple-stomach” animal but, like the horse,
microbial digestion occurs in the large intestine and cecum. As
mentioned before, rabbits habitually practice coprophagy;
sometimes referred to as “pseudoruminant.” The practice begins in
rabbits shortly after they begin eating solid food at three to
four weeks. Fermentation in the large intestine and the practice
of coprophagy probably provide:
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The necessary amount of most B
vitamins
-
Some bacterial-synthesized protein
-
Further digestion of some nutrients
by multiple passage through the digestive tract.
The unique digestive process of the
rabbit makes it extremely efficient at utilizing roughages and
very sensitive to “carbohydrate over-load” of the large intestine.
In diets containing high levels of grain and low levels of high
quality fiber, carbohydrates pass through the small intestine and
enter the large intestine. In this area, carbohydrates act as food
for growth of undesirable bacteria. This frequently results in
enteritis (stomach upsets, diarrhea, etc.) produced by bacterial
toxins. For these reasons, Professional Rabbit Foods contain a
minimum of 40 percent alfalfa. Pen Pals Rabbit Feed is designed to
be fed as the total ration and, as such, are formulated to meet
all known dietary needs of the rabbit.
FEEDING
A rabbit owner who is “show” oriented
may wish to use Professional Rabbit for lactating does and getting
bunnies started. Mature show animals on the show circuit should be
fed the lower protein, lower energy Rabbit Pellets.
APPROXIMATE FEEDING
RATES
Type of Rabbit
Daily Feed Requirement
Bucks .........................................3 to 5 oz.
Resting Does ...............................4 to 6 oz.
Gestating Does ............................5 to 7 oz.
*Lactating Does-
First 3
weeks........................0.5 to 0.75 lb.
3 weeks to weaning.............. 1 to
1.5 lb.
*Growing Rabbits.......................... 2 to 4 oz.
* Self feed on a
free-choice basis for best results.
For More
Information contact RabbitHelp@adm.com
ADM Alliance Nutrition, Inc.
1000 North 30th Street P.O. Box C1 Quincy, IL USA 62305-3155
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