Rabbit Minerals

Although minerals are required in much smaller quantitiesthan other food nutrients, they are no less important. Theyare particularly important for the high producing does andgrowing young, for without an adequate supply of mineralsserious troubles can arise, and production will certainly belowered. Although a number of different minerals arerequired by the rabbit, those most likely to be deficient arecalcium, phosphorus, sodium and chlorine, which latter arefound together as salt. The maintenance requirements willbe met if the ration contains some 4./0 of minerals, but a higherlevel of at least 5% is required for pregnant and sucklingdoes and growing young.

A mineral supplement made of equal parts of salt, feedingbone flour and finely ground chalk is quite suitable, althoughif a small amount of fishmeal is fed in the ration such asupplement is hardly necessary. There are also a number ofproprietary brands of mineral mixtures. It should perhapsbe added that an excess of minerals is likely to cause as muchtrouble as a deficiency. Mineral supplements may be addedto grain which has been slightly damped immediately prior tofeeding, or incorporated in a wet or dry mash.