The Requirements of Protein and Amino Acids in Rabbit Nutrition and Production

This paper reviews the nutritional requirements of protein and amino acids in rabbit production. Protein plays a very significant role in the animal body and, therefore, must be appropriately provided for in the diet. All living cells have protein as one of its principal constituents. Protein has an essential association with living processes. They are important components of animal tissue (muscles, cell tissue) hormones and enzymes. The dietary protein requirements are 16% for maximum growth and 18% for lactation. The crude protein levels of 12%, 18%, 16% and 17% have been recommended for maintenance, pregnancy, growth and lactation respectively. Crude protein of 18 to 22% has been reported to be optimum for production of tropical rabbits. For hair or fur producing rabbits, the minimum of 17% crude was reported to be adequate. A crude protein of 15 to 16 percent is considered adequate for fattening rabbits. The optimum requirement of crude protein for breeding does seem to be roughly 17 to 18 percent. Basically, proteins are vital to animals and must be appropriately provided in the diet as required.