Red Milo and Soybeans

[Wheels]

I have an opportunity to get some red milo and soybeans out of the field before harvest and was just wondering if anyone has fed or has any opinion on them before I say OK.

 

[MaggieJ]

Soybeans need to be cooked if you plan on feeding them to the rabbits. Roasting is best. They are very high in protein - 45-48%. They should be used as only 5-8% of the total diet because they can cause digestive problems, especially in young rabbits.

This information is taken from Ann Kanable's book, Raising Rabbits. She also mentions milo in the list of grains that can be fed.

 

[Wheels]

I assume the soybean plant itself would be fine? The beans are still very green, so it would be mostly leaves and stems I would be getting. The beans themselves won't be ready for a month or better.

 

[MaggieJ]

The book mentions soybean hay... but says it is not recommended for rabbits "as it is believed to be rather unpalatable to rabbits, quite indigestible, and a possible cause of reproductive problems." Given that, I would not chance it with my rabbits. This book was published in the late Seventies and although I find it very useful, it has not been updated as far as I know. Pity.

 

[tm_bunnyloft]

Im gonna have to see if I can find a copy of that book.

 

[Wheels]

Thanks!!

 

[MaggieJ]

Im gonna have to see if I can find a copy of that book.

Lots of used copies at abebooks.com - but watch the shipping costs... They vary from vendor to vendor.

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchR ... ng+rabbits