CHARNWOOD RABBIT
FEEDS
PROFESSIONAL/COMMERCIAL
Research tells us that
Rabbits require high levels of fibre. We believe that these must be
obtained from a combination of Ingredients, so that passage of food
through the animal is controlled, thus avoiding the problem of
compaction in the caecum, which has been a problem to so many rabbit
keepers.
We know that, for optimum
reproduction, growth and condition, these fibre providers must be
combined, before feeding, with top quality protein and energy sources,
and well balanced Vitamins, Minerals and Trace Elements.
We also know that the only
way that this can be achieved, is by blending all of the necessary feed
ingredients together, and producing the whole in pellet form. Unlike
the coarse rations which are produced for the pet trade, and which are
designed more to please the eye of the purchaser, than the nutritional
requirements of the rabbit itself, our Professional Rabbit Rations are
all complete feeds, and do not rely on the addition of other forage
sources.
We produce both High and
Medium Energy Rations, and are very proud of the fact that our Rabbit
Breeder/Grower Pellets with Acs, has been fed continuously on several
farms for over 5 years now – without break, and with very little
incidence of disease.
Although on a slightly
higher Nutritional level our Chinchilla Pellets are formulated to the
same stringent quality demands, and are now sought by customers from all
over the United Kingdom.
PET/PLEASURE
Pet Rabbits are usually
fed quite differently, however, with most pet owners feeling that they
must give their animals variety, and tending to choose the food, which
they buy, on appearance. By far the majority look for a coarse mix
containing as many different ingredients as possible – and the more
colour the better! You may correctly gather that we are not in complete
agreement with this principle. It is virtually impossible to get all of
the fibre a rabbit needs into a coarse mix, whilst still leaving room
for the other ingredients too, many of which are extruded, and contain
very little fibre!
Being realistic, however,
we know that we must make what the customer wants, although we do try to
keep fibre levels as high as possible. We also recommend that all
owners ensure that their pets have permanent access to good quality hay,
or other suitable forage.
Thumpers ® Supreme Rabbit Mix is the flagship of our Range.
Scientifically formulated to as high a nutritional content as possible,
Thumpers is still very appealing to the eye, and sales have increased
significantly every year since it’s introduction. Having no Sales staff,
this is all due to recommendation and must therefore be testament to the
quality we strive to maintain.
In addition to a
number of different Rabbit Feeds, Charnwood also offer top quality mixes
for Guinea Pigs (with added Vitamin C) and Hamsters & Gerbils.
RABBIT FEEDS
(PROFESSIONAL)
Charnwood Milling Company
have for many years now, researched the nutritional needs of rabbits, in
an effort to help Rabbit Framers/Breeders to stabilise their industry.
Commercial Rabbit keeping in the United Kingdom has never reached the
levels of that in other countries in the EEC, and, although there are
perhaps many reasons for this (others in Europe seem to use far more
medicants), we do feel that a fair proportion of the blame must lie in
the fact that insufficient attention has been paid to the nutritional
requirements of the rabbits themselves.
As stated in our preamble,
rabbits do need fibre – and not just fibre from one or two sources – but
certainly from five or six! This helps to ensure that the passage of
food through the animal is governed and controlled, thus avoiding the
major problem of compaction in the cecum, which has been the cause of so
many problems in many commercial enterprises..
Fibre alone, however,
should not be the only factor to be considered – careful attention must
be paid to the energy content of the feed (rabbits have an unusually
high capability to reproduce!) and also to the Vitamins. Minerals and
Trace Elements, which are so important as far as Health, Condition and
yes, Fertility are concerned. Our Commercial Feeds are:-
[401] RABBIT
BREEDER/GROWER PELLETS – 4mm
Protein 18.0% Oil 6.4% Fibre 15.0% Ash 8.5% DE 10.9mj/kg as fed
This ration comprises five
different fibre sources, all combined with quality protein, Micronized
Full Fat Soya Meal, and pure Refined Soya Oil, all combined to encourage
peak health, condition and performance! This is an extremely reliable
“all round” rabbit feed, and is available with, or without ACS
medication.
[401F] HI
FI RABBIT GROWER PELLETS – 4mm
Protein 15.0% Oil 5.5% Fibre 18.6% Ash 8.8% DE 9.7mj/kg as fed
An alternative ration
where disease can perhaps be more anticipated. This higher-fibre, lower
energy, ration does seem to offer more of a compromise, although
performance obtained might not be quite as high.
[402]
CEREAL RABBIT PELLETS – 4mm
Protein 13.0% Oil 4.0% Fibre 16.0% Ash 8.9% DE 8.3mj/kg as fed
A Lower protein, lower
energy, lower vitamin ration ideal for maintaining pet rabbits, or
alternatively as a base for Home Mixes and/or Coarse Rations. We do not
recommend this ration for commercial breeding or growing enterprises.
RABBIT FEEDS
(PETS
& PLEASURE)
Many Pet Rabbit owners
feel that feeding pellets must be boring for their animals, and by far
the majority tend to choose the food that they buy on appearance.. Most
look for a coarse mix, containing as many ingredients as possible – and
the more colour the better! Whilst we do not totally agree with this
principle, as rabbits need fibre, and most of the most coloured
ingredients contain very little at all, we do know that we must make
what the customer wants, and have one or two alternatives to offer. We
try to keep the inclusion of coloured extrusions to a minimum, and rely
instead on natural cooked flaked peas, and dried carrot flakes, to catch
the eye. We offer:
[439]
THUMPERS® COARSE RABBIT MIX
Protein 14.4%% Oil 3.5% Fibre 9.5% Ash 5.1% DE 11.9mj/kg as fed
The most popular of our
Coarse Mixes, the sales of Thumpers have increased dramatically since we
introduced it some 5/6 years ago. We have managed to attain a really
good mixture, without using coloured extrusions, and have included
cooked and flaked peas, beans and maize, along with dried carrot flakes,
to make a mix which really appeals – both to customer and rabbit! Our
very palatable Cereal Rabbit pellets [402] are included to carry the
necessary Vitamins, Minerals and Trace elements and Locust Beans and a
few whole Sunflower seeds are added for that extra treat.
[458]
CHARNWOOD “SHOW OFF” RABBIT MIX
Protein 13.8% Oil 6.4% Fibre 8.7% Ash 4.5% DE 13.2mj/kg as fed
Introduced some years ago,
in response to consultations with customers who like to show their
rabbits – this mix has proved very successful in producing several
National awards. The somewhat higher oil level results in brighter fur
and skin condition, and the higher energy level helps to boost
conformity. Fibre suffers a little though, and, as with all coarse
mixes, quality fibre should always be available.
[464]
RABBIT & GUINEA PIG MIX
Protein 15.8% Oil 3.9% Fibre 8.8% Ash 6.8% DE 12.0mj/kg as fed
This Ration contains added
Vitamin C, so necessary for healthy Guinea Pigs. It is based very much
on our popular Thumpers mix, with added protein and oil, the mixture
provides an excellent feed for either Guinea Pigs or Rabbits.
ALL PETS FED ON COARSE
MIXES SHOULD HAVE PERMANENT ACCESS TO ADDITIONAL FIBRE, AND CLEAN FRESH
WATER |