For this particular experiment, we will be focusing on the growth and development of Flemish Giants. To see this entire process from beginning to end, please follow the posts with this (above) title, which will be numbered.
WEEK 7: We have spent the past week paying closer attention to the size and growth rate of the Flemish, rather than the feed and the increase, or lack there-of, of the amount of their feed in-take. As we have from the beginning of this experiment, we have kept record of weights, the condition of flesh and muscle tone, and the condition of their fur. However, we have purposely not actually "compared" the weights for the 4 weeks. The reason for this has been so that we could focus primarily on how they feel and look, rather than the amount of weight gain or loss (tho those numbers have been recorded).
The results of their flesh and muscle condition has been dramatic! Every single rabbit in the outside pens (which have been dubbed "rabbit condo's") has the appearance of having "thinned" out. They no longer carry a "flabby" appearance. And to the touch, they feel exceptionally well-muscled and tightly toned. While this was very pleasing, our concern turned towards the physical pounds - gained or lost - because, in appearance, each rabbit "looks" like they have lost a significant amount of weight, to the point that they visually appear to be longer in body than what they originally were. So... the time came (yesterday) to sit down with our recorded weight charts and do the math!
Much to our surprise... out of every single rabbit that has been weighed, not including the does with litters, have gained weight. The least amount of gain is an increase of 1lb 2oz, and the highest amount gained is at 4lb 8oz. The only rabbit that has gained over 5 pounds is one of the does that has been kept inside the shed during 90% of the time of this experiment... however - that doe does not have the tighter flesh condition of those that are in the outside "rabbit condo's", her appearance is more flabby, and her fur condition is not as shiny, or healthy looking as that of the ones outside.
At this point, what I am regretting is that I did not record the body length of each rabbit in the beginning of this experiment. For that would had answered the question of "has the rabbit gained length?" or "does the *fat* loss only make them appear to have gained length?" So, all I can do is take an educated guess: all of the juniors involved have physically gained length, due to the fact they are juniors and still growing, but the seniors only have the appearance of this, because the 'flab' is not nearly as predominant, therefore giving the illusion that they have gained length - because their length does not appear to be nearly as significant as that of the younger, junior rabbits.
Our next week will be focused on free-feeding the rabbits... Are they eating just because there is lots of food available, or if they seem to be only eating what they want/need? Come back next week to see the results, as well as any other discoveries that may be brought into focus.
The results of their flesh and muscle condition has been dramatic! Every single rabbit in the outside pens (which have been dubbed "rabbit condo's") has the appearance of having "thinned" out. They no longer carry a "flabby" appearance. And to the touch, they feel exceptionally well-muscled and tightly toned. While this was very pleasing, our concern turned towards the physical pounds - gained or lost - because, in appearance, each rabbit "looks" like they have lost a significant amount of weight, to the point that they visually appear to be longer in body than what they originally were. So... the time came (yesterday) to sit down with our recorded weight charts and do the math!
Much to our surprise... out of every single rabbit that has been weighed, not including the does with litters, have gained weight. The least amount of gain is an increase of 1lb 2oz, and the highest amount gained is at 4lb 8oz. The only rabbit that has gained over 5 pounds is one of the does that has been kept inside the shed during 90% of the time of this experiment... however - that doe does not have the tighter flesh condition of those that are in the outside "rabbit condo's", her appearance is more flabby, and her fur condition is not as shiny, or healthy looking as that of the ones outside.
At this point, what I am regretting is that I did not record the body length of each rabbit in the beginning of this experiment. For that would had answered the question of "has the rabbit gained length?" or "does the *fat* loss only make them appear to have gained length?" So, all I can do is take an educated guess: all of the juniors involved have physically gained length, due to the fact they are juniors and still growing, but the seniors only have the appearance of this, because the 'flab' is not nearly as predominant, therefore giving the illusion that they have gained length - because their length does not appear to be nearly as significant as that of the younger, junior rabbits.
Our next week will be focused on free-feeding the rabbits... Are they eating just because there is lots of food available, or if they seem to be only eating what they want/need? Come back next week to see the results, as well as any other discoveries that may be brought into focus.