Can rabbits be given zucchini: feeding rules and contraindications

Experienced farmers know how delicate and sensitive the digestive system of rabbits is, so a reasonable question arises whether it is possible to give rabbits vegetables, such as zucchini. It is known that it is impossible to feed rodents with dry food alone, the menu must include juicy food: fresh vegetables, root vegetables, potatoes, leafy greens. Zucchini for rabbits is a source of nutrients and fiber that benefits when following a diet.

Can rabbits eat zucchini?

It is possible, and even useful, to treat rabbits with zucchini. This vegetable belongs to the juicy green fodder, which must be present in the diet of rodents.The nutritional value of zucchini is low, only 6.8-9.6 feed units per 100 kg of vegetable pulp. Therefore, this product is given to rabbits not as a source of calories for fattening, but as a supplement rich in vitamins and nutrients that strengthens the animal's body.

Both food and fodder varieties of vegetables are suitable as rabbit food. The nutritional value of fodder squash is approximately the same as that of fodder beets.

Zucchini supplies the animal's body:

• ascorbic acid (vitamin C);
• fiber, which has a positive effect on digestion;
• B vitamins (B₃, B₆, B_9);
• phylloquinone (vitamin K);
• mineral elements - calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium;
• malic and other organic acids.

You can treat both decorative and meat-and-wool rodents with a juicy vegetable.It is readily consumed by both adults and young individuals. As a rich source of vitamins and minerals, zucchini is recommended to be given to individuals intended for mating, pregnant and nursing rabbits. It is believed that the succulent culture enhances the production of breast milk in the female.

Thanks to the beneficial substances included in the composition, zucchini in the animal's body:

• normalizes the functioning of the heart and vascular system;
• stimulates blood formation;
• has an antioxidant effect;
• normalizes the functional state of the nervous system;
• increases tone and activity;
• improves the functioning of the reproductive organs.

At what age can you introduce into the diet?

Zucchini can be treated to rabbits from 2 months of age.However, experienced farmers advise introducing a vegetable into the diet when the animals are 4 months old. By this time, the digestive tract is already beginning to fully work in the young, thanks to which the assimilation of new food is easier. The introduction of zucchini into the diet, like any new product, should be gradual. Each time the portion is slightly increased.

For young individuals, the vegetable is cut into small pieces to make it easier to eat. Either crushed on a grater with large holes, added to a grain or vegetable mash. Adult pets are recommended to give the vegetable mixed with corn silage.

How can I feed?

Usually rabbits are given raw zucchini. You can also give a boiled vegetable, but it will have much less nutrients. A young fruit, in which there are no seeds yet, can be given to rabbits whole, without cutting off the skin. An old vegetable has a hard skin that needs to be cut off.The seeds must also be removed.

Since rabbits are herbivorous mammals, they are happy to eat not only juicy pulp, but also squash leaves. Leaves can be added to the rabbit's diet throughout the growing season, and both leaves and shoots are suitable as feed.

Greens are also given fresh, but so that the rabbits do not have digestion, they dry it and grind it, less often they turn it into silage. It is advisable to mix squash tops with animal feed, bean greens, bran or greens of other vegetable crops, you can also add it to a wet mash. Usually, the body of rabbits accepts squash tops well, but it’s still not worth feeding your pets daily.

If you want your pets to enjoy zucchini not only in the warm season, but also in winter, then you can make a preparation. To do this:

• select medium-sized winter variety fruits without scratches and signs of decay (the length of the fruit stem must be at least 5 cm);
• vegetables are cleaned of sand and dirt, put in a warm and dry place so that the fruit leg dries out;
• transfer zucchini to a cellar or other dry and cool place where the temperature is between +5 and +10 °C;
• fold so that the fruits do not touch.

Is there any harm and contraindications?

Although zucchini is a source of nutrients for rabbits, it should not be included in the diet daily and in large portions. The juicy vegetable is loaded with fiber that improves digestion when eaten in moderation, but can cause diarrhea, excess gas, and intestinal microflora imbalance if consumed in excess.

To avoid problems with the digestion of pets, the daily intake should be observed - 200 g of juicy food per adult. For rabbits, the daily portion should be even less.Moreover, this amount can include both one zucchini and a mixture of different vegetables. It is much more useful for a rabbit to use a vegetable mash: zucchini, pumpkins, carrots, potatoes.

Experienced livestock breeders do not advise treating rabbits with zucchini every day. It is enough to give a treat 2-3 times a week. It is categorically impossible to make a diet of juicy food alone. It should be remembered that the rabbit should eat 70% of dry food per day. And only the remaining 30% are vegetables and herbs.

The fruit prepared for food must be cleaned of sand and earth, otherwise the pets will have indigestion. Also, rotten areas are cut out of the pulp, otherwise the rabbits will be poisoned.

Zucchini is a he althy food for rabbits. The substances contained in it correspond to the substances obtained by rodents in their natural habitat. Therefore, the inclusion of a vegetable crop in the diet ensures the full development of the herbivore's body.

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