Usage of Hay in the Rabbit Diet - Revision history

BCAdmin: /* Feeding Recommendations and Balancing */

2025-08-12T00:07:39Z

Feeding Recommendations and Balancing

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:07, 12 August 2025
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	= Feeding Recommendations and Balancing =		= Feeding Recommendations and Balancing =
	* Balanced fiber content (around 18–22% NDF) combined with adequate protein (16–20%) and fat (3–4%) supports health and growth.		* Rabbits should be fed complete pellets as their main or sole ration. in the Pellet Balanced fiber content (around 18–22% NDF) combined with adequate protein (16–20%) and fat (3–4%) supports health and growth.
	* Particle size should be consistent, ideally between 0.5–1.5 mm, to promote gut motility and reduce digestive stress.		* Particle size should be consistent, ideally between 0.5–1.5 mm, to promote gut motility and reduce digestive stress.
	* Hay should complement, not replace, a nutritionally balanced diet.		* Hay should complement, not replace, a nutritionally balanced diet.

BCAdmin: /* Hay Feeding Recommendations and Balancing */

2025-08-12T00:06:26Z

Hay Feeding Recommendations and Balancing

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:06, 12 August 2025
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	The coarse, loose fiber in hay is abrasive and can cause jaw stress and dental damage in domestic rabbits (Böhmer et al., 2017).		The coarse, loose fiber in hay is abrasive and can cause jaw stress and dental damage in domestic rabbits (Böhmer et al., 2017).
	= Hay ~~Feeding Recommendations~~ and ~~Balancing~~ =		= Common Types of Hay and Their Nutritional Profiles=

	"There is a vast difference in the nutritional value of hay, depending on the type of hay, the quality of forage prior to preparation, and the type and manner of the curing process of hay."		"There is a vast difference in the nutritional value of hay, depending on the type of hay, the quality of forage prior to preparation, and the type and manner of the curing process of hay."

BCAdmin at 00:05, 12 August 2025

2025-08-12T00:05:34Z

BCAdmin: /* Hay Quality and Storage Considerations */

2025-08-12T00:05:05Z

Hay Quality and Storage Considerations

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:05, 12 August 2025
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	* [[https://www.hobbyfarms.com/all-hay-is-not-equal-choose-your-livestocks-carefully/](https://www.hobbyfarms.com/all-hay-is-not-equal-choose-your-livestocks-carefully/) All Hay Is Not Equal: Choose Your Livestock’s Carefully]		* [[https://www.hobbyfarms.com/all-hay-is-not-equal-choose-your-livestocks-carefully/](https://www.hobbyfarms.com/all-hay-is-not-equal-choose-your-livestocks-carefully/) All Hay Is Not Equal: Choose Your Livestock’s Carefully]

	== Hay Quality and Storage Considerations ==		= Hay Quality and Storage Considerations =
	Hay quality varies drastically depending on forage species, harvesting maturity, drying, and storage conditions. Improper curing or storage increases risk of mold and nutrient loss. Compressed bales can harbor internal moisture and spoilage if not managed properly.		Hay quality varies drastically depending on forage species, harvesting maturity, drying, and storage conditions. Improper curing or storage increases risk of mold and nutrient loss. Compressed bales can harbor internal moisture and spoilage if not managed properly.

BCAdmin: /* Timothy Hay */

2025-08-12T00:04:21Z

Timothy Hay

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:04, 12 August 2025
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	The following is a quick summary of several popular forages and their nutrient profiles:		The following is a quick summary of several popular forages and their nutrient profiles:
	=== Timothy Hay ===		=== Timothy Hay ===
	\[[https://www.feedipedia.org/node/16886](https://www.feedipedia.org/node/16886) Phleum pratense L.] \[Poaceae]		[[https://www.feedipedia.org/node/16886](https://www.feedipedia.org/node/16886) Phleum pratense L.] \[Poaceae]

	Average composition:		Average composition:

BCAdmin: /* Misconceptions About “Long Fiber” and Hay */

2025-08-12T00:04:13Z

Misconceptions About “Long Fiber” and Hay

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:04, 12 August 2025
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	The coarse, loose fiber in hay is abrasive and can cause jaw stress and dental damage in domestic rabbits (Böhmer et al., 2017).		The coarse, loose fiber in hay is abrasive and can cause jaw stress and dental damage in domestic rabbits (Böhmer et al., 2017).
	\= Hay Feeding Recommendations and Balancing =		= Hay Feeding Recommendations and Balancing =

	"There is a vast difference in the nutritional value of hay, depending on the type of hay, the quality of forage prior to preparation, and the type and manner of the curing process of hay."		"There is a vast difference in the nutritional value of hay, depending on the type of hay, the quality of forage prior to preparation, and the type and manner of the curing process of hay."
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	The following is a quick summary of several popular forages and their nutrient profiles:		The following is a quick summary of several popular forages and their nutrient profiles:
			=== Timothy Hay ===
	\=== Timothy Hay ===
	\[[https://www.feedipedia.org/node/16886](https://www.feedipedia.org/node/16886) Phleum pratense L.] \[Poaceae]		\[[https://www.feedipedia.org/node/16886](https://www.feedipedia.org/node/16886) Phleum pratense L.] \[Poaceae]

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	The very low calcium content (averaging 0.33%) can be beneficial or detrimental depending on the rest of the diet’s mineral balance.		The very low calcium content (averaging 0.33%) can be beneficial or detrimental depending on the rest of the diet’s mineral balance.

	\=== Alfalfa Hay ===		=== Alfalfa Hay ===
	\[[https://www.feedipedia.org/node/275](https://www.feedipedia.org/node/275) Medicago sativa L.] \[Fabaceae]		[[https://www.feedipedia.org/node/275](https://www.feedipedia.org/node/275) Medicago sativa L.] \[Fabaceae]

	Average composition:		Average composition:
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	High alfalfa inclusion (88%-96%) has been shown to reduce mortality rates by over 10% in rabbits (Fernandez-Carmona et al., 1998).		High alfalfa inclusion (88%-96%) has been shown to reduce mortality rates by over 10% in rabbits (Fernandez-Carmona et al., 1998).

	\=== Red Clover Hay ===		=== Red Clover Hay ===
	Average composition:		Average composition:

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	Red clover hay can safely replace alfalfa meal up to 30% in balanced diets without affecting growth, digestibility, or mortality (Grandi et al., 1988).		Red clover hay can safely replace alfalfa meal up to 30% in balanced diets without affecting growth, digestibility, or mortality (Grandi et al., 1988).

	\[[https://www.feedipedia.org/node/246](https://www.feedipedia.org/node/246) Red Clover Hay – Feedipedia]		[[https://www.feedipedia.org/node/246](https://www.feedipedia.org/node/246) Red Clover Hay – Feedipedia]

	\=== Oat Forage ===		=== Oat Forage ===
	\[[https://www.feedipedia.org/node/500](https://www.feedipedia.org/node/500) Avena sativa L.] \[Poaceae]		[[https://www.feedipedia.org/node/500](https://www.feedipedia.org/node/500) Avena sativa L.] \[Poaceae]

	Average composition:		Average composition:
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	* Carbohydrates: \~17.7% DM		* Carbohydrates: \~17.7% DM

	\=== Grass Hay ===		=== Grass Hay ===

	Grass hay is a broad category including timothy, brome, orchard grass, tall fescue, bermudagrass, and others. It generally contains lower protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals than legume hays but is high in fiber. Because of its lower nutrient density, supplementation is often necessary to meet all nutritional needs.		Grass hay is a broad category including timothy, brome, orchard grass, tall fescue, bermudagrass, and others. It generally contains lower protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals than legume hays but is high in fiber. Because of its lower nutrient density, supplementation is often necessary to meet all nutritional needs.

	\=== Mixed Grass/Legume Hay ===		=== Mixed Grass/Legume Hay ===

	Blending legume and grass hays provides nutritional balance and often results in higher forage yields than monocultures. Ideal mixtures contain roughly one-third grass to two-thirds legume, with common pairings including orchardgrass/alfalfa and tall fescue/alfalfa. These mixes are palatable and healthy for all livestock types.		Blending legume and grass hays provides nutritional balance and often results in higher forage yields than monocultures. Ideal mixtures contain roughly one-third grass to two-thirds legume, with common pairings including orchardgrass/alfalfa and tall fescue/alfalfa. These mixes are palatable and healthy for all livestock types.

	\[[https://www.naturesseed.com/blog/which-pasture-plants-make-the-best-hay/#:\~](https://www.naturesseed.com/blog/which-pasture-plants-make-the-best-hay/#:~)\:text=Grass%20hay%20also%20comes%20from,is%20very%20high%20in%20fiber. Hay and Pasture Resources]		[[https://www.naturesseed.com/blog/which-pasture-plants-make-the-best-hay/#:\~](https://www.naturesseed.com/blog/which-pasture-plants-make-the-best-hay/#:~)\:text=Grass%20hay%20also%20comes%20from,is%20very%20high%20in%20fiber. Hay and Pasture Resources]

	\=== Bermuda Grass ===		=== Bermuda Grass ===
	\[[https://www.feedipedia.org/node/471](https://www.feedipedia.org/node/471) Cynodon dactylon Pers.] \[Poaceae]		[[https://www.feedipedia.org/node/471](https://www.feedipedia.org/node/471) Cynodon dactylon Pers.] \[Poaceae]

	Average composition:		Average composition:
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	* Carbohydrates: \~0.8% DM		* Carbohydrates: \~0.8% DM

	\== Hay Videos ==		== Hay Videos ==

	* \[[https://www.tiktok.com/@dominothespotcat/video/7139937962263022894?\_t=8VSUBshbIxG&\_r=1](https://www.tiktok.com/@dominothespotcat/video/7139937962263022894?_t=8VSUBshbIxG&_r=1) TikTok Video 1]		* [[https://www.tiktok.com/@dominothespotcat/video/7139937962263022894?\_t=8VSUBshbIxG&\_r=1](https://www.tiktok.com/@dominothespotcat/video/7139937962263022894?_t=8VSUBshbIxG&_r=1) TikTok Video 1]
	* \[[https://www.tiktok.com/@dominothespotcat/video/7139910883932654891?\_t=8VSUCWs9s55&\_r=1](https://www.tiktok.com/@dominothespotcat/video/7139910883932654891?_t=8VSUCWs9s55&_r=1) TikTok Video 2]		* [[https://www.tiktok.com/@dominothespotcat/video/7139910883932654891?\_t=8VSUCWs9s55&\_r=1](https://www.tiktok.com/@dominothespotcat/video/7139910883932654891?_t=8VSUCWs9s55&_r=1) TikTok Video 2]
	* \[[https://www.tiktok.com/@dominothespotcat/video/7139541620420054314?\_t=8VSUDNJgg15&\_r=1](https://www.tiktok.com/@dominothespotcat/video/7139541620420054314?_t=8VSUDNJgg15&_r=1) TikTok Video 3]		* [[https://www.tiktok.com/@dominothespotcat/video/7139541620420054314?\_t=8VSUDNJgg15&\_r=1](https://www.tiktok.com/@dominothespotcat/video/7139541620420054314?_t=8VSUDNJgg15&_r=1) TikTok Video 3]
	* \[[https://www.tiktok.com/@dominothespotcat/video/7139182140431846699?\_t=8VSUGY1PbEk&\_r=1](https://www.tiktok.com/@dominothespotcat/video/7139182140431846699?_t=8VSUGY1PbEk&_r=1) TikTok Video 4]		* [[https://www.tiktok.com/@dominothespotcat/video/7139182140431846699?\_t=8VSUGY1PbEk&\_r=1](https://www.tiktok.com/@dominothespotcat/video/7139182140431846699?_t=8VSUGY1PbEk&_r=1) TikTok Video 4]
	* \[[https://www.tiktok.com/@dominothespotcat/video/7124482741818641710?\_t=8VSUKkABG1b&\_r=1](https://www.tiktok.com/@dominothespotcat/video/7124482741818641710?_t=8VSUKkABG1b&_r=1) TikTok Video 5]		* [[https://www.tiktok.com/@dominothespotcat/video/7124482741818641710?\_t=8VSUKkABG1b&\_r=1](https://www.tiktok.com/@dominothespotcat/video/7124482741818641710?_t=8VSUKkABG1b&_r=1) TikTok Video 5]

	\== Quick Links to Hay Resources ==		== Quick Links to Hay Resources ==

	* \[[https://www.feedipedia.org/node/16886](https://www.feedipedia.org/node/16886) Timothy]		* [[https://www.feedipedia.org/node/16886](https://www.feedipedia.org/node/16886) Timothy]
	* \[[https://extension.psu.edu/understanding-a-hay-analysis](https://extension.psu.edu/understanding-a-hay-analysis) Understanding a Hay Analysis - Penn State Extension]		* [[https://extension.psu.edu/understanding-a-hay-analysis](https://extension.psu.edu/understanding-a-hay-analysis) Understanding a Hay Analysis - Penn State Extension]
	* \[[https://extadmin.ifas.ufl.edu/media/extadminifasufledu/cflag/image/docs/fl-equine-institute/2006/SelectingHay.pdf](https://extadmin.ifas.ufl.edu/media/extadminifasufledu/cflag/image/docs/fl-equine-institute/2006/SelectingHay.pdf) Selecting Hay for Your Horse – Lori K. Warren, PhD, University of Florida]		* [[https://extadmin.ifas.ufl.edu/media/extadminifasufledu/cflag/image/docs/fl-equine-institute/2006/SelectingHay.pdf](https://extadmin.ifas.ufl.edu/media/extadminifasufledu/cflag/image/docs/fl-equine-institute/2006/SelectingHay.pdf) Selecting Hay for Your Horse – Lori K. Warren, PhD, University of Florida]
	* \[[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5606619/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5606619/) Shape Variation in the Craniomandibular System and Prevalence of Dental Problems in Domestic Rabbits: A Case Study in Evolutionary Veterinary Science – Vet Sci. 2017 Mar; 4(1): 5]		* [[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5606619/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5606619/) Shape Variation in the Craniomandibular System and Prevalence of Dental Problems in Domestic Rabbits: A Case Study in Evolutionary Veterinary Science – Vet Sci. 2017 Mar; 4(1): 5]
	* \[[https://www.agdaily.com/crops/list-of-types-of-hay-found-us/](https://www.agdaily.com/crops/list-of-types-of-hay-found-us/) List of Hay Types Found in the US]		* [[https://www.agdaily.com/crops/list-of-types-of-hay-found-us/](https://www.agdaily.com/crops/list-of-types-of-hay-found-us/) List of Hay Types Found in the US]
	* \[[https://tributeequinenutrition.com/articles/whats-difference-between-grass-and-legume-forages](https://tributeequinenutrition.com/articles/whats-difference-between-grass-and-legume-forages) Differences Between Grass and Legume Forages]		* [[https://tributeequinenutrition.com/articles/whats-difference-between-grass-and-legume-forages](https://tributeequinenutrition.com/articles/whats-difference-between-grass-and-legume-forages) Differences Between Grass and Legume Forages]
	* \[[https://www.hobbyfarms.com/all-hay-is-not-equal-choose-your-livestocks-carefully/](https://www.hobbyfarms.com/all-hay-is-not-equal-choose-your-livestocks-carefully/) All Hay Is Not Equal: Choose Your Livestock’s Carefully]		* [[https://www.hobbyfarms.com/all-hay-is-not-equal-choose-your-livestocks-carefully/](https://www.hobbyfarms.com/all-hay-is-not-equal-choose-your-livestocks-carefully/) All Hay Is Not Equal: Choose Your Livestock’s Carefully]

	== Hay Quality and Storage Considerations ==		== Hay Quality and Storage Considerations ==

BCAdmin: /* Common Types of Hay and Their Nutritional Profiles */

2025-08-12T00:03:03Z

Common Types of Hay and Their Nutritional Profiles

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BCAdmin: Created page with "= Nuances of Hay in the Rabbit Diet = == Introduction == Hay is a widely recommended component in domestic rabbit diets, traditionally valued for its high fiber content and its role in maintaining dental and digestive health. However, the nutritional value, fiber type, particle size, and feeding strategy have a significant impact on rabbit wellbeing, growth, and longevity. This page explores the complexities and scientific findings behind hay usage in rabbit nutrition...."

2025-08-11T23:43:06Z

Created page with "= Nuances of Hay in the Rabbit Diet = == Introduction == Hay is a widely recommended component in domestic rabbit diets, traditionally valued for its high fiber content and its role in maintaining dental and digestive health. However, the nutritional value, fiber type, particle size, and feeding strategy have a significant impact on rabbit wellbeing, growth, and longevity. This page explores the complexities and scientific findings behind hay usage in rabbit nutrition...."

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= Nuances of Hay in the Rabbit Diet =

== Introduction ==
Hay is a widely recommended component in domestic rabbit diets, traditionally valued for its high fiber content and its role in maintaining dental and digestive health. However, the nutritional value, fiber type, particle size, and feeding strategy have a significant impact on rabbit wellbeing, growth, and longevity. This page explores the complexities and scientific findings behind hay usage in rabbit nutrition.

== Fiber: Role and Digestion in Rabbits ==

Fiber plays a critical role in preventing digestive disorders and supporting gut health in rabbits. Reviews by Gidenne (1996), Gidenne et al. (1998d), and De Blas et al. (1999) emphasize the importance of dietary fiber—particularly indigestible fiber—in maintaining digestive motility and preventing gut stasis.

Recent work by Licois and Gidenne (1999) demonstrated that fiber also helps resistance against pathogenic agents. Furthermore, the initial health status of rabbits influences their susceptibility to digestive issues from low-fiber diets, with healthier rabbits experiencing fewer disorders (Bennegadi et al., 2000).

However, excessive fiber intake (over 25% Acid Detergent Fiber [ADF]) dilutes dietary energy, forcing rabbits to increase intake to meet energy demands. At very high fiber levels, rabbits cannot compensate by eating more, leading to reduced growth rates (Lebas & Gidenne, 2000).

=== Fiber Particle Size and Its Effects ===

Fiber particle size has significant effects on digestion, immunity, and mortality:

* Heterogeneous particle size in feed increases lignin content, reducing digestibility and potentially promoting digestive stress.
* Studies on New Zealand White crossbred rabbits show that optimal Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) levels combined with medium particle sizes (0.5–1.5 mm) minimize mortality rates (down to 0%) and reduce *E. coli* infections.
* Larger particle sizes correlate with increased leukocyte, eosinophil, and neutrophil counts, indicating an immune response linked to diet.
* Imbalances in particle size and fiber content increase digestive stress and disease susceptibility.

(Source: https://scialert.net/fulltext/?doi=pjn.2019.101.108)

=== Misconceptions About “Long Fiber” and Hay ===

Rabbits require both short and long fiber particles for gut health, but the term "long fiber" is misleading. Pellet fiber length is already sufficient for cecal fermentation and motility (Al-Khalaifah, 2019).

Excessive fiber intake above >24% accelerates gut transit time, impairing nutrient absorption and increasing the risk of digestive disorders such as mucoid enteropathy (Moore, 2022).

Additionally, excess indigestible fiber combined with protein encourages harmful bacterial overgrowth and ammonia toxicity by disrupting digestive microflora balance (Moore, 2022).

Hay contains lignin, which reduces protein and energy digestibility, increases stomach retention time, and raises the risk of functional impactions.

The coarse, loose fiber in hay is abrasive and can cause jaw stress and dental damage in domestic rabbits (Böhmer et al., 2017).
== Common Types of Hay and Their Nutritional Profiles ==

=== Timothy Hay (Phleum pratense L.) ===
* Protein: ~3–13.8% DM (varies with storage and age)
* Fiber: ~31.8% DM
* Carbohydrates: 4.7–10.9% DM

Timothy hay is popular for fiber supplementation but cannot support adult rabbits alone due to low protein and energy digestibility. Its lysine content is low, meeting only about 70% of growing rabbits' needs. Calcium content is low (~0.33%), which can be either advantageous or limiting depending on the overall diet.

=== Alfalfa Hay (Medicago sativa L.) ===
* Protein: ~18.3% DM
* Fiber: ~28.6% DM
* Carbohydrates: ~4.5% DM

Alfalfa is highly palatable and widely used as a fiber and protein source. It promotes digestive motility and caecal flora balance. Inclusion recommendations vary but typically fall between 20–40%. High inclusion levels (>80%) have shown mortality reduction in some studies but may risk calcium overload in adults. Protein digestibility is moderate, limiting support for very rapid growth.

=== Red Clover Hay ===
* Protein: ~18.7% DM
* Fiber: ~27.4% DM
* Carbohydrates: ~13% DM

Red clover hay can safely replace alfalfa up to 30% without adverse effects on growth or mortality.

=== Oat Forage (Avena sativa L.) ===
* Protein: ~9.1% DM
* Fiber: ~34% DM
* Carbohydrates: ~17.7% DM

=== Grass Hay ===
Includes timothy, brome, orchard grass, tall fescue, bermuda grass.

* Typically high fiber, low protein, vitamins, and minerals compared to legumes.
* Nutritional content varies widely by species and harvest conditions.

=== Mixed Grass/Legume Hay ===
* Combines benefits of legumes (protein, minerals) and grasses (fiber).
* Balanced mixes (e.g., 1/3 grass to 2/3 legume) optimize nutrition and yield.

=== Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon Pers.) ===
* Protein: ~9.8% DM
* Fiber: ~31.3% DM
* Carbohydrates: ~0.8% DM

== Hay Quality and Storage Considerations ==
Hay quality varies drastically depending on forage species, harvesting maturity, drying, and storage conditions. Improper curing or storage increases risk of mold and nutrient loss. Compressed bales can harbor internal moisture and spoilage if not managed properly.

Pelleted feeds also risk contamination if stored in humid conditions but are generally easier to protect.

== Feeding Recommendations and Balancing ==
* Balanced fiber content (around 18–22% NDF) combined with adequate protein (16–20%) and fat (3–4%) supports health and growth.
* Particle size should be consistent, ideally between 0.5–1.5 mm, to promote gut motility and reduce digestive stress.
* Hay should complement, not replace, a nutritionally balanced diet.
* Excessive fiber without sufficient digestible nutrients reduces growth and energy availability.

== Summary ==
Hay remains a useful source of fiber in rabbit diets, but its role must be nuanced:

* Different hays vary widely in nutritional value and digestibility.
* Particle size and fiber composition impact digestive health and immune function.
* Excessive reliance on hay, especially poor-quality or high-lignin types, can reduce growth and cause dental strain.
* Balanced feeding of quality pellets is recommended for breeding and show rabbits.
* Proper storage and handling of hay are essential to maintain quality and safety.

== References ==
* Lebas, F., Gidenne, T., et al. (2000–2004). Recent advances in rabbit nutrition. COST 848.
* Gidenne, T. (1996). Fiber digestion in rabbits.
* Licois, D., & Gidenne, T. (1999). Fiber and disease resistance in rabbits.
* Bennegadi, H., et al. (2000). Health status and low fiber diets.
* Villamide, M. J., et al. (2009). Alfalfa hay in rabbit diets.
* Grandi, F., et al. (1988). Red clover hay in rabbit nutrition.
* Reed, T.E. (n.d.). Hay feeding recommendations.
* [PMC Article on fiber particle size and mortality](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7054611/)
* [Scialert article on fiber particle size and immune response](https://scialert.net/fulltext/?doi=pjn.2019.101.108)

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:05, 12 August 2025
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	Pelleted feeds also risk contamination if stored in humid conditions but are generally easier to protect.		Pelleted feeds also risk contamination if stored in humid conditions but are generally easier to protect.

	== Feeding Recommendations and Balancing ==		= Feeding Recommendations and Balancing =
	* Balanced fiber content (around 18–22% NDF) combined with adequate protein (16–20%) and fat (3–4%) supports health and growth.		* Balanced fiber content (around 18–22% NDF) combined with adequate protein (16–20%) and fat (3–4%) supports health and growth.
	* Particle size should be consistent, ideally between 0.5–1.5 mm, to promote gut motility and reduce digestive stress.		* Particle size should be consistent, ideally between 0.5–1.5 mm, to promote gut motility and reduce digestive stress.
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	* Excessive fiber without sufficient digestible nutrients reduces growth and energy availability.		* Excessive fiber without sufficient digestible nutrients reduces growth and energy availability.

	== Summary ==		= Summary =
	Hay remains a useful source of fiber in rabbit diets, but its role must be nuanced:		Hay remains a useful source of fiber in rabbit diets, but its role must be nuanced:

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	* Proper storage and handling of hay are essential to maintain quality and safety.		* Proper storage and handling of hay are essential to maintain quality and safety.

	== References ==		= References =
	* Lebas, F., Gidenne, T., et al. (2000–2004). Recent advances in rabbit nutrition. COST 848.		* Lebas, F., Gidenne, T., et al. (2000–2004). Recent advances in rabbit nutrition. COST 848.
	* Gidenne, T. (1996). Fiber digestion in rabbits.		* Gidenne, T. (1996). Fiber digestion in rabbits.