As we all know, rabbits are herbivores and their diet should primarily consist of grass with supplementary feed. However, in recent years, some farmers have been found violating this principle by feeding only commercial feed instead of grass, especially during winter and spring. This practice has led to negative consequences, making it essential to revisit the importance of a balanced diet for rabbits.
Rabbit feed is a mix of nutrients, often made from forage materials, homemade pellets, or commercially available feeds. It's convenient to use, but because the digestion process in a rabbit’s gastrointestinal tract takes about 5 to 8 hours, relying solely on feed without enough roughage can cause digestive issues. The lack of main material can lead to delayed digestion, causing microbial imbalance, food fermentation, and gas production. This may result in acidosis, the growth of harmful bacteria, and the release of endotoxins, which can cause toxic enteritis, dehydration, and even death in severe cases.
Green feed, such as wild or cultivated grass, is rich in nutrients and vitamins, soft, juicy, and highly palatable. It has a high digestibility rate—about 3 to 4 hours—and acts as a natural laxative. On the other hand, dried roughage, though less nutritious, helps to loosen food in the gut and supports slower digestion over 8 to 12 hours. This type of feed also helps prevent the growth of harmful anaerobic bacteria, maintaining a healthy gut environment.
Combining green feed and roughage ensures proper digestion, promotes intestinal health, and aids in efficient waste elimination. In short, green feed, roughage, and concentrated feed are all essential components of a rabbit's diet. They work together, complement each other, and support overall health. It is unrealistic to think that feeding only one type of feed can sustain rabbits successfully. Doing so can lead to poor growth, increased disease risk, and economic losses due to higher medical costs and lower productivity. A balanced, well-planned diet is crucial for both the health of the rabbits and the profitability of rabbit farming.
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