Comparison of Rabbit Kitten and Mammal Milk Replacer Efficiencies in Early Weaning Rabbits

摘要

A milk replacer must be given as the main diet to young rabbits that are separated from their mothers before they reach weaning age (31–35 days). This procedure, which is a rescue protocol, allows them to survive. Moreover, the early separation of young rabbits before weaning prevents negative consequences in lactating rabbits, which is beneficial to pet rabbit producers. Kitten (KMR , Pet-Ag Inc., Hampshire, IL, USA: KMR) or mammal (Zoologic Milk matrix 30/52, Pet-Ag Inc., Hampshire, IL, USA: MMR) milk replacers have generally been suggested for use in rabbits; however, rabbit milk has a unique composition. Therefore, a rabbit milk replacer (RMR) was formulated in this study for comparison with these commercial products. Early weaned rabbits at 18 days of age were fed daily with RMR, KMR or MMR until 36 days after birth, while a commercial pelleted diet and water were provided at an amount exceeding the normal intake. The results indicated that it is possible to use RMR as a milk replacer for rabbits without serious adverse consequences. However, the RMR group presented a lower trend in nutrient digestibility than the other groups, although there was no statistical significant difference. Therefore, prebiotics and/or probiotics should be added to RMR formulations to improve this parameter.