This study aimed to assess the influence of feed composition at the onset of solid feed intake, at 18 to 28 d of age, on growth performance and health in young rabbits until slaughter age (70 d). 796 rabbit kits, issued from 64 does followed during two successive reproduction cycles, were divided into 2 experimental groups differing in the diet that the suckling rabbits received from 18 to 28 d of age.