A review of the effects of housing system on production and welfare in growing rabbits.

The aim of this review was to evaluate the effect of different housing systems on productive traits, carcass, meat quality and muscle fibre properties in growing rabbits. Rabbit breeding for meat production is nowadays under the pressure of decreasing rabbit meat consumption and unsatisfactory animal welfare conditions. It is necessary to review which housing systems are the most suitable from the production point of view with respect to animal welfare. It is crucial to implement environmental enrichment of these systems in order to eliminate aggressive or stereotypical behaviour. There are several studies in scientific literature, which examined effects of group size, stocking density and floor types on productive traits, carcass traits, meat quality or welfare, but very few studies considered the potential impact of these factors on muscle fibre properties, which are the determining factor of carcass quality. Nowadays, more possibilities to enrich the housing system environment are available. Generally, gnawing sticks are used to eliminate the negative behaviour, while platforms have no effect on productive traits, although the exercise function is well received by rabbits. Additionally, mirrors may be used to decrease the effect of feeling isolated and thus improve welfare conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]