Rabbits are found in virtually everycountry in the world, providing protein, fiber, animalresearch, and companionship (third to dogs and cats).Because of an ability to utilize low-grain and high-roughage diets, they have the potential to be a futureprotein source. Classified as an herbivorous nonrumi-nant, rabbits have a simple, noncompartmentalizedstomachalongwithanenlargedcecumandcoloninhab-ited by a microbial population (primarily Bacteroides).Rabbits practice coprophagy, which enhances strate-gies of high feed intake (65 to 80 g/kg BW) and fast feedtransit time (19 h), allowing rabbits to meet nutritionalrequirements. Coprophagy also increases protein di-gestibility(50vs75–80%foralfalfa).Fecesareexcretedonacircadianrhythm,anddataindicatethattheinter-nal cycle differs when shifting from ad libitum to re-stricted feeding. Microbes digest cellulose (14% in rab-bits vs 44% in cattle) in the hindgut of the rabbit, butthe contribution of amino acids from microbial proteinis thought to be minimal. Lysine and methionine maybe limited in traditional diets, and urea is not utilized. Acetate is the primary microbial VFA, with more buty-rate than propionate. Unlike ruminants, more VFA are produced on starch than on forage diets; however, VFA provide limited energy for maintenance. Fiber is essen-tial to maintain gut health, stimulate gut motility (in-soluble fiber only), and reduce fur chewing. Low-fiberdiets result in gut hypomotility, reduced cecotrope for-mation, and prolonged retention time in the hindgut.High-starch diets may be incompletely digested in thesmall intestine due to rapid transit times, resulting inenteritis. Low-energy grains like oats are preferred.Low-protein concentrations increase cecotrope con-sumption and high levels decrease it. Finely groundfeeds lead to enteritis, so a coarse grind is recom-mended.Rabbits haveanunusual calciummetabolism,absorbing Ca without vitamin D facilitation; the excesscalcium is excreted in the urine (parathyroid hormoneand calcitonin regulate serum Ca levels). Diets high inCa (alfalfa based) may result in kidney damage foranimals at maintenance. Correct feeding managementbased on the idiosyncrasies of the rabbit gastrointesti-nal tract will maximize production for future meat pro-duction. A balanced diet containing adequate fiber (20to 25%), minimal starch, and optimum protein concen-tration is the key to preventing gastrointestinaldistress.
Irlbeck, N. A.: How to feed the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) gastrointestinal tract
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