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 to deviate from this balanced approach, opting instead to feed only commercial pellets, especially during winter and spring. This practice has led to negative consequences, making it essential to revisit the importance of a proper feeding strategy.
Rabbit feed is a mix of nutritious ingredients, including homemade pellets or commercially available feeds, which are convenient to use. However, because these feeds take about 5 to 8 hours to digest in a rabbit’s gastrointestinal tract, they can cause delayed digestion if not properly balanced. This can lead to an imbalance in gut microflora, resulting in food fermentation, gas buildup, and ultimately acidosis. The overgrowth of harmful bacteria may also produce endotoxins, leading to toxic enteritis, dehydration, and even death in severe cases.
On the other hand, green forage—whether wild or cultivated—is rich in nutrients and vitamins. It is soft, juicy, and highly palatable, with a digestion time of around 3 to 4 hours. This type of feed acts as a natural laxative, helping maintain digestive health. Dried forage, also known as roughage, while less nutrient-dense, plays a vital role in slowing down digestion and promoting healthy gut function. It helps prevent the growth of harmful anaerobic bacteria by keeping the digestive system active and well-regulated.
Combining green forage with roughage and concentrated feed ensures a balanced diet that supports optimal digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health. These three components work together, complementing each other to support the rabbit’s well-being. It's unrealistic to believe that feeding only one type of feed can sustain healthy rabbit growth. Doing so can lead to poor development, increased disease risk, and economic losses due to higher mortality rates and lower productivity. Therefore, a well-rounded diet is essential for successful rabbit farming.
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