Pdf value of wheat straw and alfalfa hay as fiber source for. Alfalfa contains higher concentrations of protein and calcium compared to timothy hay table 1. Alfalfa hay offers the same longstrand high fiber that timothy hay offers, but with higher levels of energy, protein, and calcium. Make sure the hay is not moldy or musty and is of a high quality. The particle sizes of the alfalfa meal in the four treatment diets were 2,500, 1,000, 100 and 10. Do not purchase more than 6 weeks worth of feed at a time, as it will become spoiled. Diarrhea rabbits, cats, dogs, livestock, people regardless of the species, a bout of diarrhea can range from temporary nuisance to lifethreatening situation. Alfalfa hay is a widely used protein and fiber source for meat rabbits. Kaytee alfalfa cubes are tightly compressed blocks of nutritious suncured alfalfa that are a great fiber source for small animals or natural treat that compliments any kaytee food. Oct 03, 2016 rabbit husbandry making a hay rack and feeding alfalfa hay to your rabbits we are making a hay rack today for the young mini rex litter to help keep them from wasting hay. Some say timothy hay is best, others say plain old mixedgrass hay is the only way to go, and still others say to mix in a little alfalfa or other leguminous hay to boot. Avoid alfalfa, as it is too high in calcium for rabbits. A hay canister is a good way to provide unlimited access to hay without a mess.
This stops your rabbits getting so hooked on alfalfa that its difficult to make the transition to grass hay when they reach adulthood. Fresh fruits and veggies should also be included in your rabbits diet. Compared to timothy hay, alfalfa hay is higher in calcium, which is needed for growing rabbits. Alfalfa hay is distinguished by stalks, usually brittle and flat green to brown leaves. Alfalfa hay is higher in calcium and protein than grass hay, which is ideal for growing rabbits but too rich for adults. Lots of alfalfa hay, lots of pellets, and veggies as treats. Provides hours of good fun for rabbits and is packed full of nutritious vitamins and minerals too. Grass hay should make up the majority of your pet s daily diet. Value of wheat straw and alfalfa hay as fiber source.
Substitution of sugarbeet pulp for alfalfa hay in diets for growing rabbits. Safely fed to horses for thousands of years, alfalfas high protein, fiber, vitamin and mineral content all contribute to its high feed value. Very high in calcium, can cause sludge in bunnys urine. So yes rabbits can eat alfalfa hay, however they cant have much of it compared to other types of hay such as meadow hay and timothy hay. Alfalfa is an important component of an active horses diet. Very young rabbits, between 7 to 12 weeks, should not be. Numerous studies in monkeys, rabbits and rats have shown that it can lower blood. The high fibre content in grass is essential and the single most important thing in maintaining optimum intestinal and dental health in all rabbits. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Pellets choose a plain pellet that has at least 1820% fiber and no more than 16% protein. A rabbit should be fed twice a day, in the morning and evening. When alfalfa or timothy is used in a complete rabbit feed, the nutrients of the hay source used is taken into account and mixed with other appropriate ingredients to obtain a final diet formula that meets the needs of rabbits or guinea pigs. Alfalfa hay inclusion decreases caecal ph and favors caecal fermentation garcia et al. Feeding rabbits is a hot topic among enthusiasts, but the one thing most rabbitrearing folks agree on is that the loppers should have adlib access to hay.
Timothybased pellets are the best choice for an adult rabbit. Commercially milled alfalfa meal based pellets are the predominant feed for rabbits. Rabbit husbandry making a hay rack and feeding alfalfa hay. Pdf substitution of sugarbeet pulp for alfalfa hay in. Also, provide him with a separate litter box but dont use cat litter in it and he should litter box train himself. Adult rabbits mainly need a high quality fiber in their diet and therefore timothy hay is a.
Offer young rabbits unlimited amounts of calcium and proteinrich alfalfa hay and alfalfabased pellets. One basic alternative feed is based on feeding alfalfa hay and rolled oats. Hay for rabbits alfalfa hay vs timothy hay purina animal. My rabbits loved alfalfa hay even more than their grass hay, but its pretty high in protein and in calcium. A healthy adult rabbit should not eat alfalfa hay, which is very high in protein, calcium, and calories and may lead to health problems. Alfalfa hay is high in protein and minerals like calcium, which can be too rich for your bunny to eat all the time, causing health problems like obesity and bladder stones. Alfalfa hay is the traditional source of fiber in rabbits diets in algeria. My 10 weeks dutch can chew a little bit each time, but unless she has nothing. Alfalfa is a type of legume hay which is often fed to small animals. Jul 06, 2019 so yes rabbits can eat alfalfa hay, however they cant have much of it compared to other types of hay such as meadow hay and timothy hay. The naturals alfalfa ring is also great for growing rabbit kits or for poorly bunnies needing a protein boost. Which growingsemi adult rabbits need a fair amount of,but adult bunnies dont need it in such amounts a alfalfa has in it.
There are many types of hay available on the market, however, rabbits should only be consuming either alfalfa a legume hay when young and grass hays when older. But in adult rabbits, their calcium status should be constant, which means they dont need as much calcium as provided by alfalfa hay. As a result, alfalfa should only be fed to growing young bunnies under the age of 7 months. The daily diet of an adult pet rabbit should consist of. When harvesting hay, the first cutting is a coarser hay that includes a lot of. Apart from the lucernealfalfa grass hay di chotomy, other reasons for choosing a particu lar hay type, to the authors knowledge, have not been reported in the scientific literature. Offer young rabbits unlimited amounts of calcium and proteinrich alfalfa hay and alfalfa based pellets. But in adult rabbits, their calcium status should be constant, which means they dont need as much calcium as provided by alfalfa hay and therefore timothy hay is a better choice. A horse fed alfalfa as part of its daily ration will meet its need for protein while receiving essential vitamins and minerals. Alfalfa hay, on the other hand, should only be given to adult rabbits in very limited quantities, if at all, because it is high in protein, calcium and calories. Dec 05, 2008 okay,well alfalfa isnt good for rabbits over the age of 6 months,due to it being very high in calcium.
Timothy hay is the most popular rabbit feeding hay, and probably the easiest for you to obtain, but oat hay, wheat hay and bahia hay are all also okay. Once rabbits reach seven months of age, gradually switch them over to timothy, orchard grass, andor oat hay. As are the two animals that bred readily to make mules. Alfalfa hay is the most widely used fibre source in rabbit diets.
Sep 03, 2016 alfalfa s cholesterollowering ability is its best studied health benefit to date. At approximately 7 months, hay should be switched to timothy or oat hay and fewer pellets should be given. The key to preventing diarrhea in baby rabbits is twofold. Jul 20, 2012 timothy hay is the most popular rabbit feeding hay, and probably the easiest for you to obtain, but oat hay, wheat hay and bahia hay are all also okay. In poultry diets, dehydrated alfalfa and alfalfa leaf concentrates are used for pigmenting eggs and meat, because of their high content in carotenoids, which are efficient for colouring egg yolk and body lipids. The fiber content ranges from a low of 10% to 20% to a high of 20% to. The bulk of a rabbits diet must consist of quality rabbit pellets, fresh timothy hay alfalfa hay is often too rich for them, water and fresh vegetables. Alfalfa hay has a higher content of calcium and protein while timothy hay is higher in fiber content. If you are feeding alfalfa its a good idea to feed it mixed with grass hay. For people with allergies, look for the second cutting of hay. Apr 09, 2007 alfalfa hay is fine, as that is what most rabbit pellets are made from. General rabbit care diet san diego house rabbit society.
Okay,well alfalfa isnt good for rabbits over the age of 6 months,due to it being very high in calcium. My rabbits are transitioning to it now and do not seem to be put off or getting tummy upset. Alfalfa hay and timothy hay are both forage sources commonly used in rabbit and guinea pig diets. Otherwise, alfalfa should only be given occasionally as a treat. For the older bunny, constant alfalfa hay consumption can lead to gummy droppings, weight gain, sludge, and cecal pellets not being eaten. Alfalfa hay is a legume hay where as timothy hay and meadow hay are grass hay s. This food features small cloverlike leaves, branching stems, and small flower clusters. Alfalfa is high in protein and can lead to fat rabbits. Most domesticated rabbits european type meat rabbits are oryctolagus cuniculus, while many wild rabbits north american cotton tail types belong to the genus sylvilagus, so not only are they a difffernt species, but genus as well. Alfalfa pellets and alfalfa hay is for bunnies less than 6 months previous, as long as your bunny is below that which it really is then he may have all he needs. Can rabbits eat alfalfa pellets online rabbit care. Annual blood workups are highly recommended for geriatric rabbits. May 07, 2019 alfalfa is a type of legume hay which is often fed to small animals.
A small amount of proper and good quality commercial rabbit mix or pellets. Watch for gummy droppings, weight gain, sludge, and cecal pellets not being eaten. Very young rabbits, between 7 to 12 weeks, should not be offered vegetables and never fruit as devastating gastrointestinal problems can arise. Alfalfa hay is fine, as that is what most rabbit pellets are made from. This basic rabbit care handout and infographic are part of lafebervets basic rabbit care teaching module.
A small amount will aid a rabbits digestion, but dont give them too much. Alfalfa is great for a baby or growing bunny up to 1 year old and begin decreasing amount at 7 months while introducing grass hays, but an adult bunny usually needs a. Additionally, the calcium in alfalfa hay can predispose rabbits to urolithiasis when fed in large amounts. Apart from the lucerne alfalfa grass hay di chotomy, other reasons for choosing a particu lar hay type, to the authors knowledge, have not been reported in the scientific literature. Basic rabbit care handout and infographic lafebervet. Carrot tops as a partial substitute for alfalfa hay on diets for growing. Alfalfa hay for rabbits alfalfa hay is rich in calcium and protein and can be offered to an adult rabbit in moderation. Please take this brief quiz to test your knowledge. Rabbits can eat alfalfa hay but they are better off with a diet that mainly consists of grass hay such as timothy hay.
The benifits of feeding and growing hay for rabbits rise. Adult rabbits mainly need a high quality fiber in their diet and therefore timothy hay is a better option than alfalfa hay. When alfalfa or timothy is used in a complete rabbit feed, the nutrients of the hay source. Alfalfa can be given to underweight rabbits, only if calcium levels are normal. Wellpreserved alfalfa hay should be the foundation of a feeding program for young growing horses, recreational horses, and active horses.
I would recommend timothy hay, though, for some variety in his diet. Uses, side effects, interactions, dosage, and warning. Rabbit hole hay ultra premium, hand packed alfalfa for your small pet rabbit, chinchilla, or guin. Brooks dvm, phd, in ferrets, rabbits, and rodents second edition, 2004. Oct 02, 2006 alfalfa pellets and alfalfa hay is for bunnies less than 6 months previous, as long as your bunny is below that which it really is then he may have all he needs. Alfalfas cholesterollowering ability is its best studied health benefit to date. Rabbit diarrhea treatment, prevention and causes of bunny. Its no surprise that lots of alfalfa hay is grown in wisconsin, and on most area farms this is what youll find for sale. Nutritionally speaking, however, they are very different. Humans also eat alfalfa sprouts in salads and sandwiches. Here is a fun and challenging, swinging hay ring made from the finest meadow hay and alfalfa.
Lots of alfalfa hay, little pellets, and fruitsveggies as treats. For baby bunnies, alfalfa provides the high caloric content necessary for their development. Rabbit husbandry making a hay rack and feeding alfalfa. When you feed a lower quantity of pellets, you must replace the nutritional value without the calories, which is done by increasing the vegetables. Providing hay for your rabbits also helps keep rabbits occupied and prevents boredom because rabbits enjoy chewing. Alfalfa and clover hays are tastier to your rabbit, but contain a great deal of calcium and protein, neither of which your rabbits need in large amounts. If you feed alfalfa, youll need to pair it with rolled oats to get that increased phosphorus to balance out the calcium.
The only hay that should be limited or even completely eliminated from the diet of an adult rabbit is alfalfa hay. The fiber content ranges from a low of 10% to 20% to a high of 20% to 22%, with the average content being 15% to 16%. Also, rabbits can have up to 2 cups per 6 pounds of body weight of fresh rabbit approved veggies a day at adulthood. Since hay is a natural product, each bag will look and feel. Pellets should be fresh, and should be relatively high in fiber 18% minimum fiber. Good quality timothy hay is free fed at all ages and alfalfa haypellets are ok for young guys but need to be monitored in adulthood. Rabbit feeding and nutrition tractor supply company. Different types of hay commonly offered to pet herbivores. Silagealfalfa swathed, chopped and stored in a silo at 30 to 40 percent dry matter.
Weaned rabbits just starting to eat solid food and cecotrophs night feces can be given alfalfa hay and pellets. Quantitative relationships between administered cholesterol and alfalfa required to prevent hypercholesterolaemia in. However, because alfalfa is the main ingredient in rabbit pellets, which are also fortified with other minerals and vitamins to provide your pet with a balanced diet, generally adding extra alfalfa to your pets diet is not. Grass hay should make up the majority of your pets daily diet. Basic rabbit care 2016b indian prairie animal hospital. This means they cant eat large amounts of alfalfa hay due to its contents. Hayalfalfa dried in the field to a dry matter content of 80 percent or greater less than 15 to 20 percent moisture. Why alfafa hay isnt good for adult rabbits the thing with alfalfa hay is that it is high in calcium and protein which rabbits can eat but not in large amounts. As the rabbit matures, gradually reduce the quantity of pellets offered and transition to grass. Yes they can eat alfalfa pellets but only in specialized situations. From which viable mules have existed although very rare. This publication describes the horses digestive system and nutritional needs and how to select alfalfa hay. Good quality timothy hay is free fed at all ages and alfalfa hay pellets are ok for young guys but need to be monitored in adulthood.
It provides information on purchasing, storing, and feeding alfalfa hay. Rabbit husbandry making a hay rack and feeding alfalfa hay to your rabbits we are making a hay rack today for the young mini rex litter to help keep them from wasting hay. Alfalfa pellets are fine for younger rabbits but timothy. Haylagealfalfa swathed, chopped and stored in an oxygenlimiting structure at 40 to 60 percent dry matter. Over feeding calcium in adult rabbits can lead to bladder stones. Effects of particle size of ground alfalfa hay on caecal. All grass hays, such as timothy, orchard, oat, brome and johnson grass, are suitable for mature herbivores, because they contain protein and calcium levels appropriate to adult. Pellets should make up less of a rabbits diet as he or she grows older, and hay should be available 24 hours a day. I believe his good health is attributed to his diet. Offer a variety of hay to your rabbit to promote optimum health. Quantitative relationships between administered cholesterol and alfalfa required to prevent hypercholesterolaemia in rabbits. Rabbit diarrhea treatment, prevention and causes of. If the farm was in europe, then yes, the domesticated rabbits could easily interbreed with the wild types. It is essential for optimal and efficient gut function and.
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