Is it possible and in what form better to give pumpkin to rabbits, how to introduce it into the diet

Breeding rabbits is considered a rather difficult and time-consuming process. In order for animals to grow and develop normally, they need full and high-quality care. A balanced diet plays an important role in it. Many farmers are wondering: can rabbits eat pumpkin? This is a healthy product that is allowed to animals. But when feeding animals, it is worth considering important features.

Can pumpkin be fed to rabbits?

Pumpkin is a healthy product that must be included in the diet of rabbits. It has excellent taste and is of great benefit to animals. In this case, pumpkin should only be part of the diet. It is forbidden to constantly feed the animals with it.

If rabbits often eat pumpkin, you can get the following effects:

• saturate the body of animals with useful substances;
• stimulate milk synthesis in lactating rabbits;
• improve the condition of the coat, making it more silky;
• normalize the reproductive functions of males;
• to make rabbit meat of higher quality.

Benefits for rabbits

This product is considered very useful. It has many advantages:

1. The pulp contains many vitamins and minerals. Thanks to this, it helps to improve the reproductive capabilities of males, increases milk production in queens, and has a beneficial effect on the condition of the coat. Also, the product provides a rapid increase in growth.
2. Perfectly digested and absorbed.
3. Contains a lot of beta-carotene. Orange pumpkin varieties contain more of this substance than animal-favorite carrots.
4. Differs in a long storage period and at the same time retains a maximum of useful properties. Thanks to this, the vegetable can be used for feeding animals all year round.
5. Crushed pumpkin seeds, when added to feed, help prevent and eliminate helminthic infestations.
6. Improves the palatability of rabbit meat.
7. Strengthens the musculoskeletal system of animals. Also, the product helps to improve the condition of their teeth.

Thus, pumpkin is definitely recommended to be included in the diet of rabbits. At the same time, other products must certainly be present in the animal menu.

Males

Pumpkin is great for the health of males. If males receive this product systematically, it is possible to improve the quality characteristics of their sperm and make the offspring healthier.

Lactating rabbits

This vegetable has a beneficial effect on the amount of milk and the quality of lactation. Adding pumpkin to the diet of lactating females helps to saturate their milk with useful substances.As a result, it becomes more fatty and nutritious. Thanks to this, the rabbits do not experience a lack of vitamins and other important substances.

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Meat breeds

It is especially useful to use pumpkin for representatives of meat breeds. The fact is that this product has a beneficial effect on the quality of meat and contributes to its saturation with protein components and microelements.

At what age and how to enter into the diet

It is allowed to introduce pumpkin complementary foods to rabbits at 4 months. Previously, this is not recommended. Only at this age are the stomachs of animals ready to digest this vegetable. Until then, they should eat mainly breast milk. Also, animals are allowed to give greens.

In what form to give

There are several options for introducing pumpkin into the diet of rabbits. Each of them has certain features.

Raw

Rabbits can eat food in different forms. However, to get the most benefit, they should be given fresh pumpkin. It is recommended to cut it finely or grate it. In the first case, the vegetable pieces should be about 0.5 centimeters in size.

Thanks to such grinding of the vegetable, animals will be able to chew the product normally and eat the required amount over a long period of time. This will help them stay full for a long time.

Boiled (mashed)

It is perfectly acceptable to feed rabbits with mashed pumpkin. For this, it is recommended to bake the vegetable in the oven. There is no need to add salt or spices. When the product becomes soft, knead it well. It is important to cool it well before serving it to the rabbits.

Adding to compound feed

The combination of compound feed with vegetables is considered an excellent solution. At the same time, it is permissible to add pumpkin fresh or dried. For the prevention and treatment of helminthic infestations, pumpkin seeds should be periodically introduced into the diet of animals.

Important points

To give a pumpkin to regular or decorative rabbits, it is recommended to prepare it well:

1. Wash thoroughly in running water and remove seeds and skins. Young vegetables do not need to be peeled. But the maximum of useful elements is present in the pulp. Therefore, it is better to remove the bitter peel.
2. Chop or grind the pulp.
3. Mix the mixture with corn silage and feed to the rabbits.

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At the same time, it is important to control the amount of such feed - an excess of pumpkin in the diet can cause serious digestive disorders. It is permissible to feed rabbits with melons and gourds no more than 1 time per day. Pumpkin pulp should be given to animals in the morning or at lunch. It is not recommended to use the product in the evening, as it will only harm the animals.

With an excess of melon in rabbits, indigestion may begin. In this situation, it is recommended to immediately remove the product. At the same time, chamomile and oak bark must be included in the diet. It is permissible to prepare a decoction from plant materials and give it to the animals instead of water until their condition improves.

Sometimes the animals are given shoots and pumpkin leaves. To do this, it is recommended to grind them and pour boiling water over them. When the tops are softened and cool, they must be added to the mash with potatoes and bran. Moreover, it should not be given separately. This product is unable to meet the fiber requirements of rabbits, which can cause disease and reduced performance.

Farmers are interested in collecting and storing melons and gourds. No special conditions are required. In this case, a long and short workpiece is distinguished. In the second case, it does not exceed 10 days.

To prepare the product for a short shelf life, it is recommended to wash and cut the pumpkin, remove the seeds. Then wrap in plastic wrap and place in a cold place.To prepare a vegetable for a long period of time, it is recommended to do the following:

1. Select medium-sized fruits. They must necessarily have stalks.
2. Wash and dry each vegetable.
3. Leave the stalks to dry. When it changes color, move the vegetables to a cool place.

Experts advise against storing melons and gourds on concrete or plastic. It is much better to use wooden crates. For long-term storage, a place with a minimum illumination level, optimal humidity and temperature parameters is suitable. Pumpkin is a very healthy and tasty product that rabbits eat with great pleasure. In order for the vegetable to bring them only benefit, it should be introduced into the diet carefully, strictly following the recommendations of specialists.