Science: News and Articles
Rabbit Feeding in Autumn and Winter
Rabbit breeding is a very interesting and profitable activity! Thanks to their fertility and early maturity, they enjoy considerable popularity in industrial and farm operations.
Rabbits adapt to virtually any conditions, but they require proper care, otherwise there is a risk of losing the entire herd.
Rabbits, like other farm animals, are subject to various external factors that reduce productivity. Among other things, the feeding diet of rabbits is important.
Rabbits can eat almost anything offered to them. However, their gastrointestinal tract cannot digest everything.
Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the rabbits' diet is varied, yet at the same time does not harm their health.
Let us consider some features of feeding rabbits during the autumn-winter period:
- Succulent feeds — fresh grass — are removed from the diet, and hay is introduced. Grain is added to the feeding ration: oats, barley, wheat, corn, as well as compound feeds.
- Branches serve as a source of vitamins and minerals. Aspen and willow branches are the most beneficial, as their bark has antimicrobial properties. Rabbits should not be given branches of plum, cherry, elderberry, bird cherry, apricot, or peach, as they are toxic to them.
- It is necessary to ensure that food and water for rabbits are warm, so that the animals spend less energy warming their bodies. Cold and frozen food can be harmful to rabbits' health.
When considering rabbit feeding on an industrial scale, one of the important aspects examined in production trials is the effect of feed additives on the gastrointestinal tract condition, digestibility of nutrients, and especially hard-to-break-down feed fractions.
Let us review the results of scientific research conducted under a cooperation agreement with the Institute of Ecology and Evolution Problems.
The experiment was conducted in the institute's vivarium on 2 groups of rabbits — analogues of the California White breed from 90 to 120 days of age.
In the experimental group, the symbiotic feed additive DBA "ProStor" was added to the feeding ration.
The introduction of the DBA "ProStor" preparation into the rabbit feeding ration contributed to an increase in cecal microflora population.
Amylase activity increased by 20.9%, cellulase by 27.9%, proteases by 20.4%, and total nitrogen concentration by 10.9%.
In addition, the content of urea nitrogen in the chyme decreased by 10.5% and ammonia nitrogen by 9.1%.
It has been proven that the microorganisms in the preparation are actively involved in microbial metabolic processes.
Activation of immune, metabolic, and digestive processes resulted in more vigorous animal growth.
The live weight gain of rabbits over 30 days (from 90 to 120 days of age) increased by 25% compared to the control group.
The results of the trial confirmed the high effectiveness of the DBA "ProStor" preparation.
The feed additive enhances the natural resistance of animal organisms, maintains a high level of immune status, reduces the risk of infectious diseases, promotes weight gain, proper development of individuals, and high-quality pelts.
The feed additive DBA "ProStor" can be added to mash feeds and grain (grain mixtures).
This is especially recommended in autumn and winter, when feeds are no longer as rich in vitamins and amino acids.
Or, for example, if you notice that rabbits have slowed their growth, such as after an illness.