ANFS 251 Exam 3 rabbits

Lagomorphs

rabbits, hares, pikas. Based on GI physiology and circadian rhythm. Cecum bacteria make cecotropes.

Rabbit nutritional and GI classification

monogastric herbivore

Rabbit teeth

Big and sharp incisors. Flat molars to grind forage. Need forage to grind teeth down or else they will overgrow.

Rabbit jaw structure

large gap between molars and incisors to accommodate long forages.

GIT of rabbits

same as horse, large cecum with anaerobic bacteria that ferments cellulose

Cecotropes require

Low fiber high protein. pellets excreted from cecum. Must feed adequate forage for cecotropes to function properly.

Circadian rhythm of rabbit

GI motility slows down at night to allow time in the cecum. Cecotropes excreted at night

Cecotrophy

the behavioral process by which mucus-covered soft fecal pellets are expelled from the intestine and consumed by the animal. Takes advantage of microbial protein, and are digested separately from forages.

Suckling stage of nutrition

Only allowed to suckle a few times a day. Mother ignores litter to not be caught by predators.

Weaning

gradual so GI can adapt. Small amount of high quality forage and small amout of grower pellet. Once weaned, supply high quality forage and hay mixed with exercise

Growth stage

Optimal not maximal nutrients best for teeth and GIT. Forage with 12-16% crude fiber and 16-18% crude protein. like horses.

Maintenance

basic body functions, temp and activity

Can you feed rabbits cat or dog food?

No. Too much energy and not enough fiber.

Gestation

32 day period, 4-10 kits. Nutrient requirements jump at 15-20 days.

Gestation nutrition

Nutrition jumps at 15-20 days. By day 21 introduce supplement, increase energy by 10-25%. start with forage then add high quality supplement

Lactation nutrition

allow free forage and complete supplement. Feed intake decreases 24-48 hours before kindling. Energy increases rapidly during lactation.

Senior nutrition concerns

tooth loss, quality, reduced ability to forage and chew, obesity

Senior nutrition solutions

wet pellets

Obesity causes

reduced drive to forage, decrease in exercise, heart weakness, skin, and kidney problems

Diets without high fiber and low energy cascade

passage of nutrients slowed to decreased saliva production to starch buildup in small intestine to less fiber in the cecum to boluses of undigested feed causing an impaction

Grooming challenges

lots of hair in GI tract because of grooming. Need lots of saliva made from fiber consumption to keep GI moving.

GI stasis caused by

diets too high in grain

GI stasis causes

hair and other material to build in the gut, trichobezoar

Trichobezoars

hairballs in the stomach. rabbits cant throw up, so ball stays in stomach and causes life threatening impaction.

Symptoms of trichobezoars

feed and water intake decreases, waste droppings decrease, lethargy and depression

trichobezoar treatment

rehydrate, mineral oil, increase gastric motility, feed fiber. usually too late.

Where does hairball come from

Hair plus stomach contents, dehydration leaves largest particles behind. Turns into solid, tightly adhered mass. Long hair breeds may need brushing.

High energy low fiber second problem

chronic soft stool and lack of cecotropes = cannot meet protein requirement

Regular exercise importance

ability to graze increases motility