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 Ingredients
Nutritional Features of Specific
Ingredients
Alfalfa (pellet, stalk)
Alfalfa is naturally rich in fibre (cellulose and lignified
fibre), protein (essential amino acids such as lysine, threonine, tryptophan), b-carotene
(pro-vitamin A) and vitamin E, calcium and linoleic acid. Alfalfa also
contains some fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), reported to promote numbers of beneficial
bacteria within the gut. Both alfalfa pellets and alfalfa stalks are used in
Russel. Whilst
essentially the same ingredient stalks are particularly useful as they are of a fibrous
nature and assist the appropriate wear of dentition, and may help prevent dental
overgrowth. In
addition they can maintain a longer eating period, occupying the animal for longer.
Carrot (micronised, home-dried)
There are two different types of dried carrots used in
Russel Carrot & Leek Variety, micronised (bright orange flakes) and home-dried
(pale orange irregular shaped). Micronisation improves
the digestibility of the carrot, and enhances the palatability by
converting the starches to sugars. Colour retention with
the process is excellent which is why these flakes appear so bright. The home-dried
carrot is produced at the Supreme Factory from fresh carrots. Slices of carrot
are dried very slowly which maintains the aroma and flexibility of the product. Both types
of carrots are used as not only do they contain moderate levels of
protein and fibre, they are especially rich in b-carotene. Both are
extremely palatable and the different textures provide interest.
Extrusions
As the name suggests the beige wheat extrusion that
may be found in Russel Junior has wheat as its primary component. Wheat is rich in
starch, phosphorus and contains moderate levels of protein. These extrusions
also contain wheat feed a good fibre source, FOS and phosphorus, and, also oat feed, which
is a low energy ingredient and contains high levels of fibre. The wheat extrusion
also contains soya oil an excellent source of the essential fatty acid linoleic acid
(C18:2; w-6
fatty acids) and a vitamin and mineral supplement tailor-made to suit the rabbit. Such supplements
are essential to promote the optimal health and performance of the animal, and are added
to balance the levels of nutrients in the finished product.
Field Beans (flaked)
Beans
are a good source of protein and starch (which provides energy). They are high in
lysine, but relatively low in methionine and cysteine. They contain low
levels of fibre, have a high phosphorus content. The rolling (cracking) process used to
produce flaked beans improves their digestibility. |
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