High calorie food - Museli mix info - Indie22*

I was really interested in Indie22's diet and temprement experiment, and sent the thread to John C and Anne McB. I asked if there was any research to back it up, and as yet, there isn't. So I asked for their professional opinions about the results, and thought you may be interested in this, as it's another reason to discourage Museli mix food and over feeding high calorie pellets.

John said

Re the feeding - it is interesting though a lot of the high sugar to kids stuff has been pretty well trashed
Conversely the syndrom of "over-heating" in horses is well known when excessive calories provided. As their digestion is so similar to rabbits, perhaps..?

In response to that, Anne said

I know of no research to support it. However, the overheating theory is appropriate, especially given the conversion ratio of rabbits.. that is that they are 'designed' for low quality herbage, e.g. hay, and are very efficient converters of what they eat into energy.

I mailed her back for clarification
"Ok, thank-you. Would you say, without research, that overheating could be a contributory factor to hyperactivity, or to any other condition?"

Yes

I had a chat with her about it, cos I wasn't sure what over heating is, and it's not an actual over-heating, but a rapid burning up of excessive empty (little nutritional value) calories that creates an energy surge. Rabbits are not designed to live on high calorie food, and gain ample energy from grass and leaves. Domestic buns may not, however, gain ample nutrition from a limited non-wild diet, so small amounts of pellets may be appropriate.

Anne was interested enough in the experiment Indie did to consider doing a small research project on it next year! well done

OOOh great. I am so sure this was what happened with mine that although I use rabbit royael I will never again feed it to my netherland as there is a difference and havnt done since I posted, hes strictly on hay nuggets and vedgies. With this hes calm, effectionate and happy. With the meusli he is not grumpy but agitated and easily annoyed.

Also just had a thought. I never have a problem feeding mix to my group of four but if they had excess energy they have a 9x5 area to play in and burn it off whereas the others are in their hutches, still 5x2 but if they cant get out that day they dont have the chance to burn it off.

How fascinating. Well done Indie and to Jay for following it through to a point where an academic can pick it up and see whether the connection is valid.

I can see HH being mentioned in vet schools!

Excellent work you guys and how facsinating.