When raising meat rabbits, the goal is to maximize growth while maintaining health and meat quality. At Silver Ridge Rabbitry and Farms, we’ve developed a secret recipe that balances protein, fiber, and essential nutrients to help our rabbits grow efficiently. This feeding plan ensures rabbits reach their ideal weight quickly, producing tender, flavorful meat while still promoting their well-being.
Key Ingredients for the Secret Growth Recipe
- High-Quality Hay (60-70% of the diet)
- Timothy hay, meadow hay, or alfalfa hay (for young, nursing, or breeding rabbits) is the foundation of a rabbit’s diet.
- Alfalfa hay is higher in protein and calcium, which is ideal for young growing rabbits or lactating does, while timothy hay is better suited for maintaining a balanced diet in older rabbits.
- High-Protein Rabbit Pellets (20-25% of the diet)
- Select a pellet brand with 18-20% protein content. High protein levels are crucial for muscle growth and development in meat rabbits.
- Choose pellets that contain added vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, which support bone development.
- Black Oil Sunflower Seeds (BOSS) (5% of the diet)
- BOSS adds healthy fats and provides additional calories, which are beneficial for rapid growth.
- Feed 1 teaspoon daily for smaller breeds and up to 1 tablespoon daily for larger meat breeds like New Zealand Whites.
- Whole Barley and Rolled Oats (5-10% of the diet)
- Barley provides complex carbohydrates for energy and protein to support growth, while rolled oats help with digestive health and coat condition.
- Add 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon daily, depending on the rabbit’s age and size. Young, growing kits may require more than mature rabbits.
- Wheat Germ (2% of the diet)
- Wheat germ is rich in B vitamins, protein, and essential fatty acids, which help with muscle growth and energy.
- Feed ½ teaspoon daily, mixing it into the pellet ration.
- Calf Manna Supplement (Optional, 2-3% of the diet)
- Calf Manna is a feed supplement high in protein, amino acids, and digestible carbohydrates, ideal for enhancing growth in meat rabbits.
- Mix 1 tablespoon into their feed daily for faster growth, especially for rabbits being raised for meat.
- Fresh Vegetables and Herbs (5% of the diet)
- Include dark leafy greens such as parsley, spinach, dandelion greens, and kale. These provide additional nutrients that support rapid growth.
- Herbs like basil, cilantro, and oregano can be offered occasionally for variety and added health benefits.
- Offer a handful of fresh greens daily for balanced nutrition, but avoid feeding high-water-content vegetables in large amounts.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) (1-2 tablespoons per gallon of drinking water)
- Adding ACV to the drinking water improves digestion and helps promote weight gain in meat rabbits.
- It can also support a healthy immune system and help prevent infections.
Feeding Schedule for Meat Rabbit Growth
- Morning Feeding:
- Provide high-quality hay (always available).
- 1-2 tablespoons of high-protein rabbit pellets.
- Optional: Add Calf Manna to the pellet ration if needed.
- Midday Feeding:
- Small portion of fresh vegetables and herbs, such as a handful of dandelion greens or kale.
- Sprinkle a mix of whole barley and rolled oats over the pellets.
- Evening Feeding:
- Top off the hay supply.
- Additional pellets if the rabbit is in a growth phase.
- Add BOSS and wheat germ for extra calories and protein.
Additional Tips for Optimal Growth
- Maintain Clean Housing
- A clean and well-ventilated environment promotes good health and faster growth.
- Reduce stress, as stress can negatively affect growth rates and immune function.
- Monitor Weight Gain Regularly
- Weigh the rabbits every 1-2 weeks to ensure they are on track with growth targets.
- Adjust the diet based on weight gain, increasing supplements if needed.
- Avoid Overfeeding Treats
- While supplements like grains, seeds, and herbs are important for growth, avoid giving too many sugary treats like fruits, as they can lead to weight issues and digestive disturbances.
- Provide Constant Access to Clean Water
- Ensure that rabbits have access to fresh, clean water at all times, ideally with a small amount of apple cider vinegar for added health benefits.
- Adjust the Diet for Breeding Stock vs. Market Rabbits
- Breeding does and bucks should have a balanced diet to maintain health and productivity, while market rabbits intended for meat production can have a slightly higher intake of protein and energy supplements to optimize growth rates.
Secret Ingredient: Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Adding 1-2 tablespoons of ACV per gallon of drinking water not only helps with digestion but also keeps rabbits’ coats shiny and enhances their growth. It’s a simple yet effective addition that we’ve found makes a noticeable difference in overall growth.
Conclusion
Our secret recipe for meat rabbits at Silver Ridge Rabbitry and Farms focuses on high-quality protein, balanced supplements, and strategic feeding schedules to optimize growth. By following this recipe, you can achieve rapid and healthy weight gain in your meat rabbits, producing tender, flavorful meat ready for the table.
If you have questions about our feeding practices or want more details on raising meat rabbits, feel free to get in touch! We are always happy to share our experience and insights.