grain vrs sprouts

[lissapell]

Can anyone tell me the nutritional difference in grain vrs sprouts? I have read a lot of conflicting info on these.

 

[Joe n TN]

Sprouts have much more nutritional value, in grain form you have more calories and/or protein.

I feed sprouts year around and offer limited grains in the winter. Just my opinion, but rabbits naturally eat more green stuff than they do grains, with the exception of in the winter when grains may be more available.

Feed both and your rabbits will be happy and healthy.

Joe

 

[tm_bunnyloft]

Actually Fodder sprouts have more Proteins.

__________ Sun Nov 11, 2012 3:20 pm __________

Check this out:
fodder-sprouting-systems-anyone-t10317.html

And this site gives an analysis of barley grain vs sprouts up to 7 days.....

http://www.earthineer.com/content.php?blogid=11229

Hope this helps.<br /><br />__________ Sun Nov 11, 2012 3:26 pm __________<br /><br />Make sure if you are feeding sprouts or fodder either one that it does not get mold.

 

[lissapell]

ok soo in reference to meat rabbits and being able to butcher at a younger age but a higher meat weight.....

After reading so much about grain feeding I was looking at that possibility. But I am wondering if I now should sprout them instead.

 

[tm_bunnyloft]

It takes a bit to get the hang of sprouting them. I started out soaking them 24 hours and they were not sprouting well. Now I soak them just over night to start and then twice a day from there on for about an hour each soak and am getting better results. One thing is to watch out for mold. If you add bleach to your initial soak water and keep your temps between 65 and 70 you should have pretty good luck in that area too.<br /><br />__________ Sun Nov 11, 2012 10:05 pm __________<br /><br />With sprouts/fodder you will still need to feed dry hay. I am planning to experiment with drying 8 day old fodder but haven't gotten that far yet. Also 2.5 pounds of seed will make about 15 pounds or so of fodder feed.

 

[Joe n TN]

Just do your own research and see what your rabbits respond to best. You'll find the right diet for fast market weight with a little trial and error.

I have found different research that claims sprouts have more nutrients, vitamins versus grains that have more fiber and protein.

I feed both but base my feeding regimen on good 18% pellets and supplement from there with the sprouts, B.O.S.S. and occasionally some rolled oats. They also get a healthy portion of weeds and garden scraps when they are in season.

Joe

ok soo in reference to meat rabbits and being able to butcher at a younger age but a higher meat weight.....

After reading so much about grain feeding I was looking at that possibility. But I am wondering if I now should sprout them instead.