Sodium plays a crucial role in rabbits by maintaining the balance of water, electrolytes, and acid-base levels in their bodies. This ensures that rabbits don't suffer from dehydration or edema. Additionally, sodium helps regulate heart function, nerve signal transmission, and gastrointestinal motility, supporting overall health and normal physiological activities.
Chlorine is primarily found in the extracellular fluid and is essential for the production of gastric acid, which is a key component of gastric juice. Gastric acid not only stimulates appetite but also enhances the digestion and absorption of proteins and fats, contributing to better nutrient utilization.
If a rabbit's diet lacks salt, it can lead to several issues such as loss of appetite, poor coat condition, diarrhea, irregular urination, and weight loss. Most commercial feeds for rabbits are plant-based, which naturally contain very low levels of sodium and chloride. Therefore, it's important to supplement their diet with salt. Adding salt not only improves the taste of the feed, making it more palatable, but also supports digestive health. In winter and spring, salt can help prevent constipation, while in summer and autumn, it may reduce the risk of metritis. It's recommended to add 0.5% salt to the rabbit’s diet. During the growth phase, an additional 0.6% potassium should also be included to support proper development and muscle function.
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