Rabbit Need Protein in Their Food
Proteins are made up of essential and nonessential amino acids. Essential amino acids are those that are not synthesized by the animal and must be ingested in the diet. The requirement for essential amino acids is affected by growth, lactation, pregnancy and wool production. Certain amino acids can be partly replaced by other amino acids.
For example, methionine can be replaced by cystine, and tyrosine can partly replace phenylalanine.
Although rabbits have an essential amino acid requirement, the situation is complicated by caecotrophy. Microorganisms within the caecum synthesize amino acids that are absorbed from the caecotroph during digestion. The amino acid composition of soft faeces is affected by the microbial population and the digestibility of dietary protein.
The importance of protein quality in rabbit nutrition is well recognized. For rapid growth rabbits are dependent upon adequate quantities of dietary essential amino acids. Bacterial protein synthesis in the Main has been demonstrated, but this protein, obtained by means of coprophagy, apparently dots not make a large contribution to the essential amino acid needs of the young rabbit.
Rabbits also need protein from their food. Protein also comes from plant or vegetables.
The recommended protein level of the diet is 12-1 3%. Higher protein levels of 17-18% may be used for breeding stock. and 15-16% for growth and 12-14% for maintenance.
Protein is part of the concentrated ration, but is also found in hay.
High protein diets will lead to an increase in the production and excretion of ammonia, and this may increase the rabbit's susceptibility to respiratory disorders, and eye infections(epiphora).
Excess protein can also affect palatability of cecotrophs and lead to decreased cecotroph consumption (Incomplete coprophagy) and the development of 'sticky bottom syndrome'.
Essential amino acid requirement of rabbits
Arginine
Glycine
Histidine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lysine
Sulphur amino acids:
Methionine + cystine
Phenylalanine + tyrosine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Valine
Mon Aug 20, 2012 6:01 pm
