Rabbits Nutrition

Rabbits are small herbivores with specialized feeding needs and digestive systems.



They are selective eaters and choose nutrient-rich leaves and new plant shoots over mature plant material that is higher in fiber.

Rabbits are therefore considered concentrate selectors, because they naturally pick and choose foods higher in energy density, which predisposes them to obesity in captivity.

Anatomically, rabbits are nonruminant herbivores with an enlarged hindgut. The large cecum supports a population of microorganisms that uses nutrients not digested in the small intestine. Most of the bacterial population in the cecum is made up of the gram-positive Bacteriodes sp. This makes the rabbit very sensitive to oral antibiotics; administration of oral antibiotics can disturb the Bacteriodes population and lead to fatal GI upsets.

Separation of digesta on the basis of particle size occurs in the hindgut.

All the components of the basic diet (ie, protein, fiber, fat, and energy) should be managed in consideration of the life stage (growth, gestation, lactation, maintenance), breed, condition, and lifestyle of the rabbit.

Weaners
Energy >>> 2550 kcal/kg ME
Protein >>> 17%CP

Maintenance
Energy >>> 2500 kcal/kg ME
Protein >>> 15%CP

Lactating & Pregnant Does
Energy >>> 2600 kcal/kg ME
Protein >>> 18%CP

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