Weight gain ratio..

[GoinBackToCali]

We have 5 weeks till show time, most of mine are between 1.5 to 2.5 lbs, depending on litter size and birthday. They cannot be an ounce over 5lbs. in the years I have been showing.. well my kids, nobody has ever really come in at the 5lb mark.. we're all usually around 3.5 to 4.5.

My question is, with pigs we know that the weight gain ratio is for every 3lbs of feed poured, they gain 1lb. So realistically we know what we can feed them and make it to show. Of course you can also pull 20lbs off a pig in 2 days.. sometimes 30lbs. So what's the ratio for rabbits.. as in.. per cup of feed they gain what?

I have some.. my best does babies, and they are just stellar.. but I am concerned because they were born so early, such a small litter, that they got to large, and will be unuseable. Before, we had a buck who's litters always seemed to be in the 10 to 12 kit range, so all the babies, while they were top notch show wise, always came in on the low scale, I always won with his babies, but then again they got free feed and treats 24/7.

I feel like due to size, I cant allow these to free range graze or they may get out of hand sizewise....

Anybody have any input?

These are Californians, average weight 10 lbs as adults..

 

[GoinBackToCali]

So your telling me NOBODY knows the weight gain ratio on bunnies?



:bump

 

[BlueCamasRabbitry]

Hehe, nope!

Emily

 

[BlueGiants]

Zin, From what I've been reading, it varies dramatically depending on feed type, protein content of feed, breed, genetics, etc. I found this chart as an average:

Feed Consumption Guide
The figures below represent approximate amounts of feed used under good feed management. Prevent wastage by feeding according to the rabbits' needs.

[align=left]



Lbs. of
Feed


13 --
feed for doe, buck, and fryer to produce 4 lb of meat. A doe and a litter of eight eat approximately 104-108 lb of feed to produce market-size fryers.

40 --
produces a buck or doe from birth to breeding age (4-6 months).

2.7 --
produces 1 lb of meat between 4 and 8 weeks of age.

8 --
feeds each pregnant doe through 31 days gestation.[/align]
[align=left][/align]At this website : www.msstate.edu/dept/poultry/pub1384.htm(under Nutrtion)