Investigations about the influence of different feedstuffs and feed structures on feeding behaviour of growing and adult fattening rabbits

In two trials with (1) growing rabbits and (2) adult rabbits, the influence of different rations (pellets, feed blocks, hay) and feed structures (lucerne hay, lucerne pellets, lucerne meal) on feed intake behaviour were analysed. Age of rabbits, ration type and structure of feedstuffs influenced feed intake behaviour of rabbits. With increasing age, the number of visits at the feeding place within 24 hours increased while the feed intake time per meal decreased. The data also shows that with increasing particle size of a feedstuff (lucerne) the duration of feed intake within 24 h increased. This was characterised by a more pronounced circadian rhythm with two peaks whereby the number of masticatory movements increased equivalently. Feeding feedstuffs with coarse structure led to a longer feeding duration within 24 h in adult rabbits and also to a lower use of the offered gnawing stick. It can be concluded that the feed intake of rabbits is not only controlled by hunger but also by a natural need for chewing.