Rabbits are born naked, blind and helpless. The very concentrated milk gives young rabbits a lot of energy. Generally, the milk is high in protein and fat, but has a low lactose content. Until they are 14 days old, they consume only mother's milk. After 20 days, they slowly start to get used to the new feed. Weaning occurs around the 32nd - 35th day of life. Morning sucking transitions into several smaller meals spread throughout the day. The type and quantity of feed rabbits eat up to weaning affects the establishment of caecal flora and fermentation parameters during weaning. The quality of dietary protein is important for fast-growing rabbits because fermentation is not yet well developed in them. The recommended value for crude protein in the meal is 16%. It is best to add amino acids to meet their protein needs. The most important amino acids are arginine, lysine, and sulfur-containing amino acids such as methionine and cystine. It has been studied that rabbits cannot digest starch before 35 days of age. The fat content in rabbit diet is very low, usually less than 3%. However, dietary fiber is very important in rabbit nutrition. One of their main roles is the prevention of digestive diseases, as they control the intestinal microbiota. There they serve as food for some microorganisms and are thus decomposed. Common sources of dietary fiber include alfalfa, straw, and wheat bran. The need for fiber is especially noticeable in the post-weaning period. Low fiber intake will inhibit growth within 14 days of weaning. A lack of fiber is also associated with lower feed intake and digestive disorders. Experiments show a positive effect of dietary fiber on resistance to pathogens.
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