Not everyone can achieve success in breeding rabbits. Even though these animals are unpretentious in terms of food, you need to adhere to specific rules with them. It is important to choose not only a reliable breed, but also the right diet for the animals. Wanting to get the best results, it is important to know what rabbits are fed for rapid growth and weight. This will allow you to count on good growth of the animals, as well as their precocity.
What to feed rabbits to gain weight quickly
Some owners prefer natural food.Others rely on ready-made mixtures, which contain all the vitamins and necessary components that are required for little ears and their normal development.
The latter are in demand today among rabbit breeders, since animals quickly grow and gain weight after eating such food.
Juicy feed is of particular value for animals. It is useful to give succulent food to animals in winter. This will help them not only gain weight, but also strengthen their immunity against various diseases that can be detrimental to individuals.
- Vegetable tops and greens. Despite its bitterness, wormwood is very beneficial for rabbits, and wheatgrass and plantain contain a large amount of moisture. Almost all vegetable tops are suitable. The exception is green tomatoes and potatoes. The harmful element here is solanine.
- Vegetables. Feed cabbage, young corn, and fodder beets are useful for animals.
- Cereals. Barley, wheat and oats are the crops that will help rabbits gain weight, quickly achieving the results desired by the owner.
- Hay. It is worth harvesting grass in the first two months of summer, when it is juicy and healthy. The grass is mowed before it begins to bloom. It doesn't take long to dry hay. Otherwise, it will lose many useful substances and a pleasant aroma.
- Tree branches with foliage. A favorite treat for rabbits is young acacia. It is better to avoid elderberry and bird cherry. They cause bloating and can disrupt the normal functioning of the animal's digestive tract.
Important! Unsuitable plants in the feed can negatively affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract of animals, and can also lead to death. These include herbs such as datura, sleep-grass, and marsh whitewing. You should also avoid celandine, buttercup, milkweed and marigold.
Use of growth stimulants
To help animals gain weight in a short time, growth stimulants are used. They have a complex effect on the body, protecting it from viruses and improving the digestibility of food.
The dosage of drugs is determined taking into account the individual characteristics of the animal, as well as its diet.
Growth stimulants of both foreign and domestic production are presented on the market:
- "Microvitam." The basis of the drug is amino acids, which accelerate metabolism and promote the synthesis of nucleic acids to create protein. “Microvitam” not only strengthens the immune system, but also makes rabbit fur more luxurious.
- "Phos-Bevit". This growth stimulator includes vitamin B and butaphosphan. It has a complex effect on the animal’s body: it strengthens the immune system, promotes accelerated growth and weight gain, and also improves metabolism. Cleanses the rabbits' body of toxins and waste. Controls hemoglobin.
- "Calphostonic". The components that make up the drug help strengthen the immune system and reduce the likelihood of developing diseases. It not only promotes accelerated growth, but also helps the animal more easily endure serious diseases.
- "Greencab 700" in capsules. Improves the microflora in the intestines, due to which the digestibility of feed increases significantly. Accordingly, this contributes to the accelerated growth of the animal.
- "Flavomycin".A feed antibiotic that improves the digestibility of products and promotes accelerated growth.
Feeding rules
In order for rabbits to gain weight quickly, it is necessary to adhere to certain feeding rules:
- There is enough food in the feeders. These animals eat often and a lot. Their stomach muscles are very weak, so food passes into the intestines only after new food arrives. Rabbits eat most in the morning and at night.
- Clean and fresh water in the drinking bowl. This will make fattening animals more efficient. In the cold season, the water should be heated.
- To maintain healthy intestinal motility, your diet should include foods that contain fiber (about 2/3 of such food from the entire diet).
- If the diet consists of several types of food, then the rabbits are given concentrates first, and then succulent food. The correct sequence of feed distribution will ensure a comfortable digestion process for the animal.
- To successfully fatten rabbits for meat at home, you should not only adhere to the feeding rules, but also choose the appropriate feed.
Important! In terms of feeding, rabbits are omnivores, but some foods should remain prohibited. To avoid unpleasant consequences, you should follow the recommendations for feeding such animals.
What not to feed meat breeds
It is highly undesirable for rabbits to be given foods that contain carbohydrates. Sugar, cookies and other sweet treats can lead to obesity, and this will negatively affect the quality of meat and its taste. Also, rotten grass and moldy silage should not be included in the diet. Wheat straw is also not suitable as food for rabbits. An alternative is oat or pea straw.