Facts about Rabbits...

Facts about Rabbits...

Amazing, Fun, and Amusing
Rabbit Facts

Do you want to know a few interesting facts about rabbits? Rabbits are amazing creatures; there is no argument there. They are more than just cute and fluffy pets; they are raised for fun, food and profit. There are many facts about rabbits that you have probably never even heard about, but are about to find out.

Recently, the nutritional value of rabbit meat has been reviewed by several researchers & authors, showing that rabbit meat has a high nutritional value compared with other meats.

The main components of meat, excluding water, are proteins and lipids.

(Fact 1) Rabbit meat is a lean meat rich in proteins of a high biological value and it is characterized by high levels of essential amino acids. Furthermore, meat is also an important source of highly available micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. (Fact 2) Rabbit meat does not contain uric acid and has a low content of purines. The information available on chemical composition of rabbit meat is extremely variable, especially regarding fat content and also on the different productive factors, especially feeding factors having a strong influence on the chemical composition of rabbit meat, in particular, on its lipid composition.

(Fact 3) Rabbit meat is characterized by its lower energetic value compared with red meats due to its low fat content. The average Fat content is 4.5%. Fatty acid composition of rabbit meat is characterized by high polyunsaturated fatty acid content. (Fact 4) The amount of cholesterol in rabbit meat is about 59 mg/100 g of muscle, lower values than those presented in meat from other species (61 mg in pork, 70 mg in beef, and 81 mg in chicken).

(Fact 5) The mineral fraction of rabbit meat is characterized by its low contents in sodium (49 and 37 mg/100 g for hind leg and loin, respectively) and iron (1.3 and 1.1 mg/100 g for hind leg and loin, respectively), while the phosphorus level is high (230 and 222 mg/100 g for hind leg and loin, respectively. Rabbit meat has a low zinc concentration (0.55 mg/100 g) and the copper concentration is quite similar to the meat of other species (0.03 mg/100 g). Selenium levels in rabbit meat depend on diet, reported to vary between 9 μg/100 and 22 μg/100 g.

Meat is an important source of B vitamins. (Fact 6) Consumption of 100 g of rabbit meat contributes to 8% of daily Vitamin B2, 12% of Vitamin B5, 21% of Vitamin B6, and 77% of Vitamin B3 requirements, and provides a fulfilment of the daily Vitamin B12 requirement. In addition, rabbit meat, as is true of other meats, contains only trace amounts of Vitamin A. Nevertheless, it should be noted that a high amount of this vitamin can be found in rabbit edible liver. Extra supplementation of Vitamin E in the diet (200 mg/kg) to improve the oxidative stability of the meat has led to an increase of almost 50% of Vitamin E in rabbit meat.

(Fact 7) Rabbit meat is all white meat.

References.

1.       Journal review - 9th World Rabbit Congress – June 10-13, 2008 – Verona – Italy

2.        http://www.facts-about-rabbits.com/rabbits-facts.html

3.       Nutritional value of rabbit meat : a review by S Combes (http://www.inra.fr/productions-animales/spip.php?page=en-article&id_article=583)

4.       http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10523784

5.       www.ardengrabbit.com/facts.html

6.       www.threelittleladiesrabbitry.com/.../nutritional-value-of-rabbit-meat/

7.       http://www.konijn.be/konijn/Waarom_EN.aspx

8.       Others

RABBIT MEAT

HISTORY

The rabbit is native to North Africa and Spain. The Romans began importing rabbits to Italy in around the third century BC. During medieval times new-born rabbits and foetuses, known as laurices, were widely eaten in Spain and Italy as they were not considered meat and could be eaten on fish days.

From the fifteenth century on it was common practice for sailors and explorers to release breeding rabbits on islands to provide a supply of fresh meat. The rabbit is now found throughout Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and Australia.

In the first half of the twentieth century the rabbit population exploded. Myxomatosis, introduced as a form of pest control in Australia in 1951, and later in Europe, killed more than 95% of rabbit populations.

Rabbit is appreciated much more in Europe and appears regularly on the dinner table in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Sweden and Cyprus. Malta and Crete compete for highest rabbit consumption per head of population.

BIOLOGY

The rabbit is a member of the family Leporidae, which includes the hare. Rabbits are gregarious and nocturnal animals that feed on grasses and herbaceous plants but will also eat bark when grass is not available. Rabbits are highly efficient at converting plant proteins into animal proteins (their conversion rate is double that of cattle, for example).

NUTRITION

Rabbit meat is relatively low in fat and high in protein. It is a good source of niacin, iron, phosphorus, and vitamin B12.

BUYING
Select rabbits by size; they should be large enough to yield a decent amount of meat, but not too large. Younger, smaller animals will be more tender and better suited to quick cook methods such as roasting or barbecuing. Larger, older rabbits will have more flavour but may be less tender and so better suited to slower cooking.

STORING
Fresh rabbit will keep in the fridge for several days (or longer if vacuum packed). Freezing is not recommended as this can make the meat too dry.

PREPARING
To joint a rabbit, cut the hind quarters away from the body and separate the legs. Halve the leg joints. Cut the body (saddle) horizontally through the backbone into two or three portions, stopping at the rib cage. Cut lengthways through the breastbone and divide the ribcage section in half.

As rabbit meat is very lean, care should be taken to prevent it from drying out during cooking. Marinating or barding (covering in a fat or wrapping in bacon) can help moisten the flesh during roasting or barbecuing.

Ref:

http://www.eattheseasons.co.uk/archive/rabbit.htm

Overgrown Teeth

Introduction

Like human nails, Rabbit teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. Normal chewing action wears them down just to the point that they don't overgrow. This is one of the reasons it is important to feed your rabbit a high fiber diet.

A rabbit that has a malocclusion does not have this normal wearing action and can suffer overgrown teeth. This problem can be serious enough to inhibit the ability to eat. These teeth can be misaligned at a very early age in some family lines

There are two sets of teeth to consider, the front ' bug's bunny' teeth, called the incisors, are used for nibbling food into smaller pieces and for grooming. These teeth are easily examined and should be even, with a slight inwards curl, the tips being sharpened as the upper incisors wear against the lower ones.
Most molar overgrowth is the result of inappropriate nutrition and lack of access to sunlight. Many commercial rabbit foods appear like muesli and many rabbits, like most humans, have favorite bits! If the food is replenished daily without the whole ration having been eaten, selective feeding causes mineral imbalance. This, coupled with inadequate sunlight to activate Vitamin D, causes gradual softening of the facial bones and the molars begin to tilt. As the molars tilt they can no longer wear evenly and spikes appear, cutting into the cheek or tongue. This discomfort further reduces appetite and so chewing activity. Excess salivation and weight loss soon follow. Often there is overflow of tears as the tear duct is compressed by deformed molar roots. The molar enamel will crack and deep molar abscesses form causing swellings along the upper or lower jaw line. Treating these dental abscesses is frequently unsuccessful as the bone has become infected and drainage of the thick pus and dead tissue, without tooth root damage, often impossible.
Rabbits need to chew plenty of long fiber, hay and grass for example. A complete pelleted diet of compressed grasses is the ideal foundation.
And lastly be sure to allow rabbits to get enough sun light. Sunlight is needed on the skin to activate vitamin D so that minerals can be transported into bone to maintain a strong jaw and reduce the risks of teeth tilting and wearing unevenly.

Rabbit Housing

For the time I have reared rabbits since early 2008, I have struggled with all kind of Cages mentioned in may internet sites. The popular wire meshed floor cages have proved a menace to me as it require constant repairs due to rusting. Still it inflicts injuries to rabbits by either poking their feet or even breaking them.

I have built and brought down many of them as I found them not working well for me. But now I think I have designed the best cages that you may find around. 

Have a look at some pictures .

Figure 2 One side of the 3 storied Rabbitry holding the cages

Common Illnesses in Domestic Rabbits

Health Problems of Domestic Bunnies

Rabbit owners should be aware of the signs of illness in bunnies and which health problems to watch for. Here's an overview of the most common issues in domestic rabbits.

Though proper diet, housing, grooming, and handling of bunnies can go a long way in preventing health problems, some illness are more pervasive than others. The following health problems, listed in alphabetical order, are common afflictions of domestic rabbits. If you suspect your rabbit may be suffering from any of these issues, please bring the bunny to a rabbit-savvy vet.

Encephalitozoon Cuniculi

• Cause: E. cuni is a protozoan parasite that can be ingested or passed from another rabbit through urine. Many rabbits have some E. cuniculi and never show symptoms, until something triggers an overgrowth.
• Symptoms: A rabbit with an E. cuniculi overgrowth may have loss of balance, rolling, head tilt, or partial paralysis.
• Treatment: The vet will prescribe a dewormer such as Albendazole, Oxibendazole, or Fenbenzadole, often combined with the antibiotic Baytril.

Gastro-Intestinal Stasis

• Cause: Rabbits have very specialized and complicated digestive systems. Causes of G.I. Stasis can range from stress, gas, or ingestion of a foreign substance, to ingestion of too much fur, tooth pain, or a reaction to antibiotics.
• Symptoms: A rabbit going into stasis will not eat, drink, or poop. He may be hunched up, grinding his teeth in pain, and become lethargic and unresponsive.
• Treatment: Act quickly if a rabbit won't eat. Twelve hours without eating or pooping is an emergency, requiring immediate vet care. Many cases of tummy upset can be treated with infant gas reliever and stomach massages early on, but treatment for full-blown stasis generally consists of a motility drug, often combined with fluid therapy.

Maloccusion

• Cause: Rabbit's teeth are constantly growing, and they need to chew to keep the teeth at a comfortable length. Without a constant supply of long, fibrous hay or grass and leafy greens to chew, teeth often become overgrown and cut into the mouth, causing infection and anorexia. It can also be hereditary, as some rabbits simply are born with crooked teeth.
• Symptoms: Anorexia, especially if the rabbit shows an interest in food but then won't eat, is a sign of a dental issue. Drooling and grinding teeth in pain can be another sign of a maloccusion.
• Treatment: Prevention in the form of plenty of hay or grass and leafy greens, plus plenty of chew toys, can keep maloccusion at bay. Otherwise, teeth can be trimmed by a vet, or, in some cases, the offending teeth are surgically removed. Any ulcers or lacerations must be treated by antibiotics.

Myxomatosis

• Cause: Myxomatosis is a viral infection usually transmitted by blood-sucking insects
• Symptoms: Swelling, fever, listlessness, and respiratory distress are common symptoms. There may be discharge from the eyes and lesions, or even seizures.
• Treatment: Unfortunately, myxomatosis is usually fatal. There is a vaccine available, though it is illegal in Australia. Keeping rabbits inside is a great way to minimize threat of myxomatosis.

Pododermatitis/"Sore Hocks"

• Cause: Rabbits do not have pads on their feet like dogs or cats. Improper housing, such as a cage without a solid bottom, damages rabbit feet! Constant moisture and prolonged confinement, as well as obesity or overgrown nails, can exacerbate the situation.
• Symptoms: Rabbits in improper housing suffer from raw, inflamed feet, sometimes with callouses or abscesses, which can lead to seriously infected ulcers.
• Treatment: Proper flooring, exercise, and nail-trimming will prevent pododermatitis. Mild cases can be treated with topical ointments and "Nu-Skin." More severe cases require antibiotics.

Respiratory Infections

• Cause: R.I.s, sometimes called "Snuffles," can be transmitted from other rabbits, or occur because of stress, malnutrition, or bacterial infections. Sometimes allergies or environmental irritants, or even dust or debris lodged in the eye or nose can be the original cause of the problem. Pastuerella is the most frightening bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system and is highly contagious to other rabbits.
• Symptoms: Sneezing, wheezing, runny nose or eyes and sometimes fever indicate infection. Some rabbits develop ear-infections and display head-shaking or head tilt.
• Treatment: A rabbit-safe antibiotic, such as Enrofloxacin (Baytril.) Often, the vet will perform a culture to determine the bacteria causing the infection, and determine which antibiotic to prescribe.

Pasteurella in Rabbits

Your Bunny Probably Has It- Pasteurella

by Astrid M. Kruse, DVM

An understanding of what Pasteurella is and what it does is important in keeping your bunny healthy. Pasteurella multocida is a type of bacterium, a single-celled organism that can be inhibited or killed by specific antibiotics. Pasteurella can be acquired from anywhere, especially other bunnies, and often humans who may carry it on their skin or clothing. The bacteria enter the body via the nose or open wounds and start growing. Over half of all rabbits carry Pasteurella bacteria in their bodies, but most are not sick. A healthy immune system either eliminates the bugs from the system, or keeps their numbers and location tightly controlled where they are harmless. However, some rabbits are not able to destroy the Pasteurella that has colonized their bodies and develop pasteurellosis, clinical disease. Pasteurella infection is diagnosed from positive nasal cultures, obtained by sticking a sterile swab up the nose, smearing the bunny boogers on an agar plate, and seeing what bacterial colonies grow. However, the mere presence of Pasteurella does not establish that Pasteurella is actually causing the current disease since most bunnies test positive.

Commonly, rabbits with pasteurellosis show upper respiratory disease, also known as "snuffles". Rabbits clean and wipe their runny noses, unlike children, unless they are very ill. The slight crusting around the nostrils may go unnoticed, but the fur on the insides of the forepaws should be checked because this is where the discharge accumulates. With a worsening infection, the clear discharge becomes pus-filled. The infection may spread into the lungs and around the heart, leaving abscesses. Rabbits can also develop conjunctivitis, an eye infection, and blocked tear ducts. The Pasteurella bacteria may travel into the ear via the eustachian tube (what you pop open in an airplane). A middle ear infection is irritating; an inner ear infection is frightening because the balance (vestibular) organ is affected. Rabbits with deep ear infections will tilt their head or roll because their brain thinks the world is spinning due to signals from the infected vestibular organ. Anyone who has ever nursed a bunny through vertigo deserves a medal, and the bunny is entitled to extra treats. Abscesses caused by Pasteurella are all too frequent, and can appear anywhere on the body, although tooth root abscesses are common. The pus in an abscess is composed of dying bacteria and white blood cells (neutrophils) that are fighting the infection. Pasteurella abscesses often contain a dense, cheese-like pus that will not drain but requires surgery to scrape it out. Even after surgery, the infection frequently recurs. Many vets are now implanting beads with antibiotics into the infected site, which release antibiotics in high concentrations into the local tissues and can be very effective in preventing recurrence. New strategies for dealing with these abscesses are being developed- make sure your vet knows the most current therapy.

The risk of Pasteurella infection and illness can be reduced, although not eliminated. After contact with other rabbits and cats (and people?), thoroughly wash hands with soap and warm water and towel dry; you can also add an alcohol-based sanitizing gel. Change your clothes and shoes if you've been visiting the rabbits at the shelter before you enter your own bunnies' area. Clean the litter before an ammonia smell builds up at ground level, which can damage the bunny's respiratory tract and allow bacterial colonization.

Source

http://www.rabbitnetwork.org/articles/past.shtml