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Rabbit gastrointestinal physiology.

Ron Rees Davies1, Jennifer A E Rees Davies

  • 1Exotic Animal Centre, 12, Fitzilian Avenue, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex, RM3 0QS, UK. Reesdavies@AAV.org

The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Exotic Animal Practice
|March 6, 2003
PubMed
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A proper diet high in indigestible fiber is crucial for rabbit gastrointestinal health. Feeding fibrous vegetation like hay and grass prevents common digestive issues in pet rabbits.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Science
  • Animal Nutrition
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Rabbit gastrointestinal physiology relies on separating digestible and indigestible food components in the proximal colon.
  • Maintaining cecal and colonic motility requires a consistent diet rich in long-particle-length (>0.5 mm) indigestible fiber.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of diet in preventing common gastrointestinal problems in captive rabbits.
  • To provide dietary recommendations for optimal rabbit digestive health.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of rabbit gastrointestinal physiology and dietary requirements.
  • Review of common dietary-related gastrointestinal issues in captive rabbits.

Main Results:

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  • Inappropriate diets (low fiber, high protein/carbohydrate) and infrequent feeding of novel treats are primary causes of digestive problems.
  • Diets primarily of fibrous vegetation (grass, hay, weeds) are essential for maintaining gut motility.
  • Fruits, grains, and carbohydrate/fat-based treats should be avoided.

    • Conclusions:

    • Captive rabbits require a high-fiber diet, emphasizing fibrous vegetation.
    • Pelleted feeds should be minimized; extruded pellets retaining long fiber length are preferable.
    • Dietary management is key to preventing and managing gastrointestinal disorders in rabbits.