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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. 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:
-
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.
FEEDING
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.
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