Search

Abstract: In a 2×2×2 factorial experiment the effects of housing system (pair caged (cage): 2 rabbits/0.122 m2 vs open top pen housed (pen): 13 rabbits/0.86 m2; same stocking density), floor type (wire mesh vs plastic net) and environmental enrichment (with vs without gnawing stick) were studied on live performance, health status and welfare (ear lesions) of growing rabbits (n =176). The housing system significantly influenced the body weight at 11 weeks of age (2630 vs 2557 g; in cage or pen, respectively) and the feed conversion (3.12 vs 3.38 g/g; in cage or pen, respectively). Floor type did not affect the traits tested. Gnawing stick consumption affected the body weight at 11 weeks of age (2553 vs 2622 g; without or with gnawing stick, respectively), the percentage of ear lesions (18.5 vs 1.20%; without or with gnawing stick, respectively). Some of the live performance traits of rabbits reared in pens was slightly lower. The presence of gnawing stick, especially in pens, reduced the aggressive behaviour and improved the welfare. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective of the study was to determine the effect of birth weight and the influence of nutrient supply during nursing and after weaning on the performance of suckling and growing rabbits (n =182). The experiment was set-up using a 3×2×2 factorial arrangement. Newborn female rabbits were divided on the basis of their birth weight in 3 classes: low /L/=35–45g, medium /M/=53–58g and high /H/=65–70g. Half of the litters were nursed by one (O) doe and the other half by two does (T). Kits were weaned at 3weeks of age. From the age of 4weeks half of the rabbits were fed ad libitum (AL), while the other half were reared on a restricted feeding regime (R) corresponding to 80–85% of the ad libitum feed intake level. Birth weight had a significant effect on the body weight up to the end of the experiment (18weeks of age). H kits attained higher body weight at all ages (3772g at 18weeks of age compared to 3565g and 3373g for L and M rabbits, respectively). Significant differences were found in feed intake between 3 and 15weeks of age, in feed conversion between 9 and 12weeks of age and in weight gain between 3 and 4 and 12 and 15weeks of age, in the majority of cases in favour of the H rabbits. Nursing by one or two does exerted the most pronounced effect on the body weight. T kits had significantly higher body weight than O kits up to 15weeks of age (3306 vs. 3108g). Differences in feed intake, feed conversion and body weight were only periodically demonstrable between the groups O and T. The feeding regime exerted a significant influence on the feed intake, weight gain and body weight of kits. Significant differences in the feed conversion were found, however, only between 15 and 18weeks of age. Although AL rabbits achieved better feed conversion at all ages except the period between 9 and 12weeks of age. It seems that the three factors (birth weight, number of nursing does and feeding regime), especially the feed restriction, could influence the production of does. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]