The rabbit requires high levels of fibre. Low levels of fibre often result in gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhoea, caecal impaction, and may give rise to behavioural problems. Rabbits get bored easily and ideally should always be eating otherwise there is a tendency towards barbering and hair pulling. Fibrous material is necessary to keep the rabbits occupied and encourage appropriate jaw action, in order to keep their continually growing teeth in trim. In rabbits, irrespective of requirements, calcium absorption appears to be proportional to dietary calcium levels.
Excess calcium is excreted through the urine.
Where dietary calcium levels are high, the urine contains greater quantities of calcium precipitate, which is observed to mound on the litter when the animal urinates. Depending on conditions within the bladder this precipitate may also remain in the bladder as 'sludge' or form crystalline particles which continue to grow into uroliths, which can result in discomfort and disease in pre-disposed animals. Copyright 2000 by Supreme Petfoods Limited.