Rabbit gastrointestinal physiology.
The rabbit's gastrointestinal physiology is a complex system that centers around the separation of digestible and indigestible components of the diet in the proximal colon. The clinical importance of this system is the need for a consistent diet high in long particle length (> 0.5 mm) indigestible fiber to maintain the motility of the cecum and colon. Most of the common gastrointestinal problems seen in captive rabbits are related to inappropriate diets (low fiber; high protein; high carbohydrate) and infrequent feeding of treats to which the rabbit is not accustomed. Many of these problems can be avoided if captive rabbits are fed a diet consisting primarily of fibrous vegetation, such as grass, hay, and fibrous weeds. Feeding of fruits, grains, and carbohydrate or fat-based treats should be avoided. Pelleted feeds, although convenient, should be kept to a minimum, and where pellets are used those manufactured by an extrusion process, which retains the long particle length of the indigestible fiber, should be chosen.
Davies
Ron Rees
RR
Exotic Animal Centre, 12, Fitzilian Avenue, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex, RM3 0QS, UK. Reesdavies@AAV.org
Davies
Jennifer A E Rees
JA
D000818:Animals; D004064:Digestive System / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004068:Digestive System Physiological Phenomena; D011817:Rabbits / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*