Foreword
Preface
1 The Nature of Rabbit Production
I. Role of Rabbits and Other Livestock in World Agriculture
II. Attributes of Rabbits for Efficient Food Production
III. Microlivestock—A New Frontier in Animal Production
IV. Factors Limiting Rabbit Production
References
2 General Principles of Rabbit Nutrition
I. Proteins
II. Carbohydrates
III. Lipids
IV. Minerals
V. Vitamins
VI. Roles of Nutrients
VII. History of Rabbit Nutrition Research
References
3 Digestive Physiology
I. Classification Based on Feeding Behavior
II. Classification Based on Digestive Tract Physiology
III. Comparative Digestive Strategies of Herbivores
IV. Anatomy and Functions of the Rabbit Digestive Tract
V. Digesta Flow (Transit) in the Gut
VI. Microbiology of the Digestive Tract
VII. Comparative Digestive Efficiency
References
4 Protein and Amino Acid Nutrition
I. Protein Structure and Synthesis
II. Amino Acids in Rabbit Nutrition
III. Protein Quality
IV. Protein Requirements for Growth and Lactation
V. Digestion of Protein
VI. Digestibility of Proteins in the Rabbit
VII. Nonprotein Nitrogen (NPN) Utilization
VIII. Factors Influencing Protein Requirements
References
5 Energy Metabolism and Requirements
I. Energy Categories and Measurement
II. Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN)
III. Basics of Cellular Metabolism
IV. Cellular Metabolism of Carbohydrates
V. Factors Influencing Energy Requirements
References
6 Carbohydrates and Fiber
I. Classification of Carbohydrates
II. Readily Available Carbohydrates in Rabbit Nutrition
III. Digestion of Carbohydrates
IV. Fiber in Rabbit Nutrition
References
7 Fats
I. Chemical Characteristics of Fats
II. Digestion and Absorption of Fats
III. Use of Fat in Rabbit Diets
IV. Rancidity of Fats
V. Essential Fatty Acids
References
8 Mineral Nutrition of Rabbits
I. Calcium
II. Phosphorus
III. Magnesium
IV. Potassium
V. Sodium and Chlorine
VI. Manganese
VII. Zinc
VIII. Iron
IX. Copper
X. Molybdenum
XI. Selenium
XII. Iodine
XIII. Cobalt
XIV. Chromium
XV. Some Concluding Comments
References
9 Vitamins
I. Vitamin A
II. Vitamin D
III. Vitamin Ε
IV. Vitamin Κ
V. Î’-Complex Vitamins
VI. Vitamin C
VII. Some Concluding Comments
References
10 Water: Functions and Requirements
I. Properties and Functions of Water
II. Water Compartments of the Body
III. Water Requirements
IV. Nutrients and Toxic Elements in Water
References
11 Feeding Behavior and Regulation of Feed Intake
I. Ingestive Behavior of the Rabbit
II. Factors Affecting Feed Intake
III. Factors Affecting Feed Conversion Efficiency
IV. Feed Restriction
References
12 Nutrition-Disease Interrelationships
I. Enteritis
II. Milk Enterotoxemia
III. Cecal Impaction (Mucoid Enteritis)
IV. Tyzzer’s Disease
V. Coccidiosis
VI. Pregnancy Toxemia
VII. Other Diseases with a Nutrition Involvement
References
13 Feed Analysis
I. Dry Matter
II. Crude Protein
III. Crude Fiber
IV. Ether Extract
V. Ash
VI. Nitrogen-Free Extract (NFE)
VII. Estimation of Feed Energy
VIII. Feeding Trials
IX. Digestibility Trials
X. Measurement of Transit Time
References
14 Feedstuffs for Rabbits
I. Properties and Classification of Feedstuffs
II. Roughages
III. Concentrates
IV. Protein Sources
V. Nonnutritive Feed Additives
References
15 Toxins in Feeds
I. Natural Versus Synthetic Toxins
II. Metabolism of Toxins by Animals
III. Classes of Natural Toxins
References
16 Ration Formulation
I. Nutrient Requirements of Rabbits
II. Mathematics of Ration Formulation
III. Open Versus Closed Diet Formulas
IV. Quality Control of Diets
V. Specific Problems in Rabbit Ration Formulation
References
17 Feeding Rabbits for Various Productive Functions
I. Nutrient Requirements and Diets for Growth
II. Gestation-Lactation Diets
III. Complementary Diets
IV. Nonpelleted Diets
V. Rex Fur Production
VI. Angora Wool Production
VII. Feeding Rabbits for Exhibition
VIII. Feeding Laboratory Rabbits
References
18 Nutrition of Wild Rabbits and Hares
I. Digestive Physiology
II. Feeding Behavior and Food Selection
III. Nutrient Requirements
IV. Nutritional Effects on Reproduction
References
19 Nutrition of Guinea Pigs
I. Nutrient Requirements
II. Responses to Dietary Toxins
III. Examples of Adequate Diets
References
20 Nutrition of the Capybara
Appendix 1 Table of Feed Composition
Appendix 2 Organ Weight in Relation to Body Weight
Index
