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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

The rabbit is a monogastric hindgut fermenters and is a herbivore. Microbes in the hindgut produce [[Volatile Fatty Acids - Anatomy & Physioogy|VFAs]] which are available to the animal for energy. Microbes also produce vitamins and protein, which are available only in minimal quantities as they are produced in the hindgut. Most microbial fermentation occurs in the [[Caecum - Anatomy & Physiology|caecum]] (as opposed to the [[Hindgut Fermenters - Horse - Anatomy & Physiology|horse]] where most occurs in the colon). Rabbits usually eat at dusk.

 

The rabbit is a monogastric hindgut fermenter and is a herbivore. Microbes in the hindgut produce [[Volatile Fatty Acids|volatile fatty acids (VFAs)]] which are available to the animal for energy. Microbes also produce vitamins and protein, which are available only in minimal quantities as they are produced in the hindgut (see [[Hindgut Fermenters - Anatomy & Physiology|advantages and disadvantages of hid gut fermentation]]). Most microbial fermentation occurs in the [[Caecum - Anatomy & Physiology|caecum]] (as opposed to the [[Alimentary System  - Horse Anatomy|horse]] where most occurs in the colon). Rabbits usually eat at dusk.

==[[Monogastric Stomach - Anatomy & Physiology|Stomach]]==

==[[Monogastric Stomach - Anatomy & Physiology|Stomach]]==

==[[Small Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology|Small Intestine]]==

*Functions similar to other animals but there are anatomical differences.

 

*The caudal flexure of the [[Duodenum - Anatomy & Physiology|duodenum]] is long and coiled, and may be referred to as the transverse part of the duodenum.

==[[Small Intestine Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|Small Intestine]]==

*The sacculus rotundus exists at the ileocaecal junction. It is an enlargement of the [[Large Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology|large intestine]] and contains [[Lymphatic System - Anatomy & Physiology|lymphoid tissue]].

 

A rabbit's small intestine functions similar to other animals, but there are anatomical differences. The caudal flexure of the [[Duodenum - Anatomy & Physiology|duodenum]] is long and coiled, and may be referred to as the transverse part of the duodenum.

The ''sacculus rotundus'' exists at the ileocaecal junction. It is an enlargement of the [[Large Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology|large intestine]] and contains [[Lymphatic System Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|lymphoid tissue]].

==[[Large Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology|Large Intestine]]==

==Large intestine==

Click here for information on the [[Large Intestine Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|large Intestine]].

*Visible on the external surface is a spiral constriction that runs 20-30 times around the caecum. This is related to the folding of the mucosa internally.

*There is an [[Appendix - Anatomy & Physiology|appendix]] at it's distal end containing [[Lymphatic System - Anatomy & Physiology|lymphoid tissue]].

===[[Colon - Anatomy & Physiology|Colon]]===

==[[Caecum - Anatomy & Physiology|Caecum]]==

*Has ascending, transverse and descending parts.

 

*The '''ascending colon''' is very long and occupies most of the ventral abdomen.

*First part has taenia and haustra, the second part does not and is arranged into coils that lie in the dorsal part of the abdominal cavity.

*The '''transverse''' and '''descending''' colons have the same anatomical arrangement as in other species.

 

==[[Colon - Anatomy & Physiology|Colon]]==

A rabbit's colon has ascending, transverse and descending parts. The '''ascending colon''' is very long and occupies most of the ventral abdomen. The first part has taenia and haustra, the second part does not and is arranged into coils that lie in the dorsal part of the abdominal cavity. The '''transverse''' and '''descending''' colons have the same anatomical arrangement as in other species.

==Coprophagia==

==Coprophagia==

*Rabbits eat some of their faecal pellets, called '''caecotropes''', directly from the [[Anus - Anatomy & Physiology|anus]].

 

*Caecotropes differ to normal pellets as they are softer, covered in mucus, smaller and contain large amounts of bacteria and microbes.

Rabbits eat some of their faecal pellets, called '''caecotropes''', directly from the [[Anus - Anatomy & Physiology|anus]]. Caecotropes differ from normal pellets as they are softer, covered in mucus, smaller and contain large amounts of bacteria and microbes. The purpose of this may be to gain access to the vitamins produced by bacteria in the [[Caecum - Anatomy & Physiology|caecum]]. Some microbial protein may also be available, but is thought to contribute little to the animal's requirement, as most is digested in the colon. Therefore, some amino acids (lysine and methionine) are added to commercial rabbit food. This behaviour is also seen in rodents.

*The purpose of this may be to gain access to the vitamins produced by bacteria in the [[Caecum - Anatomy & Physiology|caecum]].

*Some microbial protein may also be available, but is thought to contribute little to the animal's requirement, as most is digested in the colon.

**Therefore some amino acids (lysine and methionine) are added to commercial rabbit food.

***This behaviour is also seen in rodents.

==Calcium Metabolism==

==Calcium Metabolism==

==Test yourself with the Hindgut Fermenters Rabbit Flashcards==

Rabbits have unique calcium metabolism. Calcium is absorbed across the intestinal wall in the absence of vitamin D, which other mammals require for calcium absorption. Less-regulated calcium absorption results in calcium being excreted in the urine. Parathyroid hormone and [[Calcium#Calcitonin|calcitonin]] regulate blood levels. Kidney stones and calcification of soft tissue may occur if a high calcium diet is fed to rabbits for a prolonged period of time.

*[[Rabbit Alimentary System - Flashcards|Rabbit Revision Flashcards]]

|flashcards = [[Rabbit Alimentary System - Flashcards|Rabbit alimentary system]]

|OVAM = [http://www.onlineveterinaryanatomy.net/content/rabbit-abdomen-radiograph-ventral-view Rabbit Abdomen Radiograph - Ventral View]<br>[http://www.onlineveterinaryanatomy.net/content/rabbit-abdomen-radiograph-left-lateral-view Rabbit Abdomen Radiograph - Left Lateral View]<br>[http://www.onlineveterinaryanatomy.net/content/rabbit-abdomen Rabbit Abdomen]

[[Category:Alimentary System - Anatomy & Physiology]]

[[Category:Alimentary System - Anatomy & Physiology]]

[[Category:Rabbit - Alimentary System]]

[[Category:Rabbit Digestion]]

[[Category:Large Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology]]

[[Category:A&P Done]]