Feeds and Rabbit Feeding

The success of Rabbit Farming depends largely on Rabbit Feeding. Rabbits need food for the maintenance of their body and for production. Food is vital for the physiological or biological functions performed by the rabbits e.g. respiration, excretion, reproduction etc.. Both the quantity (level of production) and the quality of livestock product are directly influenced by the state of nutrition.

The quantity and quality of feed required by the animal is influenced by several factors such as age, physiological state (pregnancy, lactation, etc..) and growth rate of the animal. As a result when these animals are not properly fed, their productivity in term of meat, milk, etc. is adversely affected.

Poor Rabbit feeding may also result in disease condition and animal need feed for the maintenance of good health and to ensure resistance against disease and parasites.

Nutrient Requirements

Water may not technically be a nutrient but is however an essential requirement. Water consumption in rabbits is greater than might be anticipated. This is especially so for the lactating doe. Rabbits like all animals need four groups of nutrients: Carbohydrate, Protein, Minerals and Vitamins.

Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates and fats provide energy. Energy is the rabbit stimulant. Without a stimulant, a tissue cannot react to an impulse. Also, without energy a rabbit will soon die.

Proteins: All the body tissue other than bones, teeth and fat are proteins. Also, Proteins are made up of many different amino acids in a variety of combination. In addition, The rabbit makes its own protein from the proteins and amino acid it obtained from its food.

Minerals: Major minerals like Calcium and phosphorus help to give the bones their hardness. They are also involved in maintaining the acid-alkaline balance in the blood.

Vitamins: Vitamins are chemicals that are required in a very small amount to speed up chemical reactions within the animal’s body.

Rabbit Feeding Photo Gallery