Horse sorrel (or horsetail) - is actively used in animal husbandry and agriculture as a feed for our younger brothers.
For a man, this grass is just a weed, but for birds and animals it is a real vitamin delicacy. The use of horse sorrel in the diet of rabbits is especially popular.
Let's tell whether it is possible to give it to rabbits and in what quantity is recommended. In addition, learn about its benefits and how to prepare weed for future use for animals.
Can I give a plant?
Horse sorrel grows in almost the entire Eurasian zone, except for the Far North. Mostly - in forest and steppe places. Since you can meet him almost everywhere, it is easy to get for feeding animals. In this case, such a weed is also a storehouse of vitamins.
The composition of this perennial plant includes the following nutrients:
- flavonoids (render capillary strengthening, antiallergic, antibacterial, and also antiviral properties);
- tannins (improve digestion and cleanse the body, have anti-inflammatory properties);
organic acids (create an antimicrobial effect);- vitamin k (normalizes blood coagulability, provides rapid healing of open wounds, neutralizes the effect of some dangerous poisons);
- iron (catalyzes the process of respiration, prevents anemia);
- vitamin C (contributes to the formation of connective tissue, increase vascular permeability, the formation of glands - genital, thyroid, pancreatic);
- carotene (normalizes the growth of animals, their development and productivity, protects against various infectious diseases).
organic acids (create an antimicrobial effect);The presence of these substances in the composition of sorrel, has a beneficial effect on the whole body of rabbits, including decorative ones.
Animals whose diet contains horse sorrel are more energetic., good immunity and less rest are exposed to stress.
How to feed?
Horse oil should be present in feeds of rabbits throughout the year, but not as the main meal. It is worth remembering that for the full development and maintenance of the body of the animal, there must be a fairly diverse feeding.
Horse sorrel must be used in a group with other herbs. For example, you can add to the feed mixture:
- millennial;
- wheat grass;
- nettles;
- clover;
- plantain;
- caraway;
- sagebrush;
- dandelion and others
Rabbits should give horse sorrel when they grow up a little and get stronger, gradually increasing the amount of grass. Feed horse sorrel rabbits can be daily, observing the daily rate.
Since horse sorrel is a delicacy and not the main food of rabbits, the dose of this herb should not be more than a portion of normal feed. Thus, for young animals, the recommended daily intake of souring is from 60 g to 120 g, for adults - from 100 g to 180 g, for pregnant individuals - up to 220 g. Overdose with tartiness is fraught with problems with digestion.
Feed the rabbits can be both fresh sorrel and dried (preferably for decorative). Fresh to give this grass is better in spring. At this time of year, young leaves and cuttings do not have bitterness, contain a lot of moisture and nutrients. Because this is the most favorable time for collecting and drying herbs. But in the summer, at high temperatures, as well as under the influence of sunlight, oxygen loses moisture and many useful properties.
When harvesting hay from sorrel for the autumn-winter period, a few simple rules should be observed.
- After harvesting, the grass must be thoroughly washed from dirt and earth, separated from rotten leaves.
- It is better to dry an acid on a linen cloth (it absorbs moisture well), on a sunny day and always in the shade. The leaves must be laid out at a short distance from each other, so that there is no layering and then rotting.
- As soon as the sorrel becomes brittle, it should be moved to a dry ventilated place. For example, in the attic.
Such hay with proper harvesting can be stored for 2-3 years.
The fact is that in nature there are plants very similar to acidic (euphorbia, etc.), which contain substances dangerous for rabbits. They can lead to serious poisoning, and even cause the death of the animal. Such poisonous herbs are especially dangerous for females and young rabbits.
Horse sorrel is a very important element in the diet of rabbits. Thanks to the beneficial substances in its composition, the overall health and well-being of animals improves. Rabbits become more energetic, less prone to stress and illness, have a strong immune system. It is possible to include horsetail sesame in a usual feed for rabbits in a fresh or dry look. The main thing - to comply with the dosage.
