The ingestion of 3 hay types by growing rabbits and the consequences on animal performance
were studied in a first part. Two kinds of hay from high nature value grasslands [CFP (Colchico-Festucetum
pratensis) and SBR (Senecioni-Brometum racemosi)] differentiated by their botanical composition were
compared to a classical agricultural hay (control). The 3 hays, offered ad libitum, were ingested at 30.6,
34.8 and 36.1 g/kg body weight (BW) respectively for SBR, CFP and the control, where the consumption
of SBR hay was significantly lower. (P<0.01). The type of hay distributed did not affect the consumption of
commercial feed or growth (44 g/kg BW and 36 g/d, respectively). The effect of meadow saffron concentration
(Colchicum autumnale) in CFP hay was tested at 3 doses (absence, 2.75 and 15% of the distributed hay
mass) with respect to their effect on ingestion and animal health. Again, no effect of the presence of meadow
saffron (MeS) in the hay on these parameters was observed, even at the highest dose. However, during this
second part, rabbits preferred to consume meadow saffron instead of the rest of the distributed hay (hardly
any MeS was refused by rabbits at the representative dose, whereas 12% of the rest of the hay was refused,
and 3.4 and 20% respectively at the maximal dose). The intake of the toxic alkaloid colchicine corresponded
to 30 to 44% of the median lethal doses (LD50) at the representative and maximal doses respectively. The real
exposure of the rabbits was probably lower, as the absorption of ingested colchicine is reported to be around
50% of the LD50 values which are established after an intravenous injection. Nevertheless, the absence of
any effect should be interpreted with caution. The colchicine content of MeS varied greatly depending on the
time of harvest and the parts of the plant taken into consideration. A late harvest (mid-June or later) would
ensure (very) low concentrations of colchicine in the aerial parts of MeS. The presence of cloves on this plant
should be completely avoided, due to the very high concentration of colchicine in the seeds. Moreover, long
term exposure of the animals to this toxic plant may increase the risk of adverse effects. The study shows
that hay distribution can aid digestion without altering the animal’s performance. Moreover, the valorisation
of hay from high nature value grasslands would not only add real value to the commercialisation of rabbit
meat by commercial breeders, but also to pet owners on the condition that hay quality would be guaranteed.