ASPECTOS FISIOLÓGICOS E NUTRICIONAIS DA ALIMENTAÇÃO DE COLEHOS: UMA REVISÃO

Abstract

Rabbit farming is a activity and very accessible to the producer, as there are several possibilities for using rabbits, such as: commercialization of meat, fur and skin, urine (cosmetics industry) and production of handicraft objects, as well as pets. However, for it to be a profitable exploration, this creation requires some care that must be evaluated by the rabbit breeder, especially those related to sanitary control and food. Rabbits are monogastric herbivorous animals and have a gastrointestinal tract adjusted to digest high amounts of fibrous food. In addition, they perform cecotrophy, which consists of directly reingesting undigested nutritional material from the anus, released in the form of cecotrophs. The nutritional requirements of rabbits are determined by the amount of nutrients necessary for the animal's maximum performance, and meeting these requirements must take into account several intrinsic and extrinsic factors to the animals, in addition to the composition and quality of the food. Forage and concentrated foods are the main ingredients in the rabbits' diet. It is also important to consider alternative and more available foods in the region, which can be used in partial or total replacement of a conventional ingredient, with a reduction in cost and improved use by the animals. The use of additives has also been a strategy used to reduce feed costs in rabbit farming, helping feed efficiency and daily gains. Feeding management is essential to ensure the maximum use of food and supplements, ensuring adequate consumption by the animals. However, it is always necessary to update and deepen research in the area of nutrition and feeding of rabbits under the conditions of the country, since there is still a dependence on data on nutritional requirements and other parameters obtained in international studies. In this way, it is possible to guarantee greater efficiency in the production process of rabbit farming, which has an enormous market potential in Brazilian agribusiness.