Rabbits produce two types of feces: one is a hard, dry pellet commonly seen
under the cage, and the other is a soft, high-moisture form which is not
ordinarily seen because the rabbit “reingests” it during the night. This
practice of consuming the “soft” or “night” feces is referred to as “coprophagy,”
and is a vital source of nutrients to the rabbit.
PROTEIN
Protein is made up of amino acids which form building blocks for muscle, blood
and fur. Protein is very important in all stages of growth. Factors such as
litter size, weight gain and hair coat appearance are directly affected by the
quality of protein consumed.
The rabbit’s opportunity to utilize its protein sources is increased because
of coprophagy. The bacteria in the rabbit’s cecum produce proteins which are
of high nutritional value to the rabbit. In fact, about 25 percent of the adult
rabbit’s daily protein intake (DPI) comes as a result of this process.
Although the rabbit makes very efficient use of protein sources it receives, the
protein must be of high quality to start with. This means that it must provide
the essential amino acids for the rabbit. Having these essential amino acids in
the diet assures that young, growing rabbits and high-producing does will
receive proper nutrient fortification for rapid growth, development and
lactation.
CHANGING FEEDING PROGRAMS
Rabbits should always be changed slowly from one feeding program to another
(over a five to seven day period), mixing new food gradually with old food. This
allows the rabbit to adjust to new food.
Feeding Recommendations:
Does Just Kindled: Limit feed
to 2 to 3 ounces the first day to prevent caked udders. Increase gradually by 1
ounce per day to free choice feeding within 4 to 5 days. Lactating does and
bunnies, feed free-choice.
Gestating Does: 4 to 6 ounces daily depending on condition.
Weaned Bunnies: Feed free-choice
.
Dry Does/Bucks: Feed according to condition and adjust to maintain proper
weight, 4 to 6 ounces daily.
Show Rabbit: Limit feed to individual rabbits’ proper weight and
condition.
Note: Overfeeding is a common problem with
rabbits. Does’ fertility drops and kindling problems increase if overweight.
Proper condition should be the determining factor in choosing whether self
feeding or limit-feeding is most proper and profitable, except to lactating does
and growing bunnies that must be self-fed.
FEEDING DIRECTIONS
Feed to growing and breeding
rabbits. Feed requirements depend on the size, breed, and stage of growth, use
orproduction.
|
Type of Rabbit
|
Daily Feed Requirements
|
|
Bucks
|
3 to 5 oz
|
|
Resting Does
|
4 to 6 oz
|
|
Does During Gestation
|
5 to 7 oz
|
|
*Nursing
Does- 1st 3 weeks
|
0.5 to 0.75lb
|
|
*Nursing Does - 3 weeks to weaning
|
1 to 1.5 Ib
|
|
*Growing Rabbits
|
2 to 4 oz
|
*Self
feed the doe during this period.
For young
rabbits we suggest self feeding for most economical gains. Provide clean, fresh
water at all times.
REMINDER:
Feed is perishable, it
generally has a 3 month lifespan to maintain nutritional value.
Return
to: Kindling Rabbit Production
Housing
|
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