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Rabbit RRL

This review examines the impact of rearing systems and seasonal variations on rabbit behavior, productivity, and carcass quality. It highlights the importance of animal welfare and environmental conditions in influencing these factors, noting that different housing systems can lead to significant differences in behavior and meat quality. The findings suggest that free-range and ecological rearing systems may enhance both animal welfare and the quality of rabbit meat, which is increasingly demanded by consumers.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
30 views7 pages

Rabbit RRL

This review examines the impact of rearing systems and seasonal variations on rabbit behavior, productivity, and carcass quality. It highlights the importance of animal welfare and environmental conditions in influencing these factors, noting that different housing systems can lead to significant differences in behavior and meat quality. The findings suggest that free-range and ecological rearing systems may enhance both animal welfare and the quality of rabbit meat, which is increasingly demanded by consumers.

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Quel Perenia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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J Anim Behav Biometeorol (2018) 6:102-108 ISSN 2318-1265

REVIEW

Effect of rearing system and season on behaviour, productive performance and


carcass quality of rabbit: A review
Karim El-Sabrout

El-Sabrout K (Corresponding author) email: [email protected]


Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Agriculture (El-
Shatby), University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt.

Received: April 22, 2018 ▪ Revised: June 04, 2018 ▪ Accepted: June 04, 2018

Abstract Nowadays, researchers and even consumers need (Duncan 2002). The safe production taking animal welfare
more information on the effect of different rearing systems and environmental conditions into account is gaining
and seasons not only on the animal behaviour and production importance worldwide. The demerit welfare is usually
but also on carcass quality. Understanding more about how the associated with a reduction in productivity (Jones et al 2007).
rearing system and season can influence behaviour, According to the rabbit welfare aspects are keeping the
production and carcass traits of rabbit is extremely important. animals in larger groups on deep litter. The behavioural
This current review proposes best investigation to cover these measures are often the starting point for assessing an animal’s
points. In many countries like in Spain, Italy and Egypt, rabbit response to its environment (Dawkins 2003).
(Oryctolagus cuniculus) plays an important role in meat Simply, the animal behaviour is an animal reaction to
production. Rabbit rearing systems as a part of animal welfare the environment changes and it depends on both genetic
have been the focus of scientific research in order to improve characteristics and non-genetic factors (Manteuffel 2002).
well-being for high-quality products. Rabbits have specific Animal behaviour is affected by the environment. Therefore,
behavioural needs and are able to change their behaviour to knowing how the environment affects animals allows us to
adapt the changes happened in the surrounding environment. identify and to quantify welfare. Environmental enrichment
Among these changes, it was the season’s variables: high can foster and encourage natural behaviours and create a
ambient temperature, humidity and ventilation that can affect greater number of behavioural opportunities (Mellen and
the animal performance. MacPhee 2001). All animals possess a range of behavioural
expectations regarding their surroundings. Environmental
Keywords: behaviour, carcass quality, production, rabbit, conditions are extremely important to rabbit rearing and affect
rearing system, season its behaviour directly. According to Ferrante et al (2001), the
animal behaviour depends on the rearing environment. Few
Introduction are known about the behavioural activities of rabbit (El-
Sabrout 2018). The study of rabbit behaviour is necessary to
Rabbit production has an important role in bridging
understand more about the important requirements of
shortage of food in many countries (Khalil et al 2016). Rabbit
intensive rearing housing conditions. Chu et al (2004) found
meat has several advantages including high protein content
that rabbits differ from other livestock with specific behaviour
and low cholesterol content (Hanaa et al 2014). The quality
which assessed on the basis of the behaviour of the wild
attributes of food products including rabbit meat have been
animal.
attracting an increasing interest in recent years. The meat
Raising systems have remarkable effects on behaviour
products from ecological rearing are characterized by a higher
and the productive traits of poultry. Such systems coupled
nutritive quality, and better taste (Horsted et al 2010). There
with high standards of animal welfare can provide special
is always a relationship between meat quality and animal
animal products related to a greater quality and security of
welfare.
meat which is the increasing preference of consumers in many
Animal welfare is about life quality. It is clear that the
countries (Fanatico et al 2006). Access to free-range can
characteristics of the animal are concerned with the effects of
improve welfare and allow animal to show complete
all aspects of genotype and environment conditions (Duncan
sunbathing behaviour (Gonçalves et al 2017). In agreement,
2002). The concept of good welfare is provided when the
Ruis and Coenen (2004) concluded that an outdoor also
individual is able to adapt to or to cope with the constraints of
improves welfare.
housing and management conditions to which it is exposed to

doi.org/10.31893/2318-1265jabb.v6n4p102-108
J Anim Behav Biometeorol (2018) 6:102-108 103

Study of genetic and non-genetic factors affecting restriction is inherent to the system and rabbits are prevented
productive traits in rabbits is important to be studied. Season from expressing highly motivated behaviours. Non-cage
as one of non-genetic factors can influence the reproductive systems enable the expression of a more diverse array of
and production performance of rabbit (Kumar et al 2013). The ancestral behaviour patterns, with the greatest behavioral
maintenance of sexual desire behaviour of rabbit is controlled diversity occurring in free-range systems. The conventional
by a complicated system that includes hormones which production systems have the potential to influence animal
affected by season (El-Sabrout 2017). The behavioural welfare in both positive and negative ways. The cage raising
changes are the first animal response to attempt to regulate system represents an appropriate technology commonly
internal temperature as a function of environment, and this adopted exactly in tropical climates. Unfortunately, such
response can be used to predict welfare levels. The genetic system restricts the rabbits to protect themselves from the
variation found in domestic rabbit lines allows developing unfavourable environment and compels them to remain
new characteristics in response to changes in the environment exposed without any defense to the noxious effect of heat
(El-Sabrout and Aggag 2015). As rabbit behaviour is affected (Finzi et al 1996). The intensive rearing system for rabbits is
by season, season also can affect the weight gain. McNitt and based on group wire cages, which are located inside buildings
Lukefahr (1993) reported a significant impact of the season on (Hernandez and Gondret 2006). The traditional breeding cage
the growth of rabbits, with the lowest gain in summer. can produce stress in animals (Drescher 1992), which is
Moreover, Marai et al (2001) found that feed intake behaviour reflected on adaptive behaviour aspects (Wiepkema and
and daily weight gain of growing rabbits decreased with heat Koolhas 1993).
stress. In addition, Bhatt et al (2002) obtained the most Particularly, Drescher (1992) clarified that keeping
successful results for rabbit reproduction during the winter rabbits singly in cages is not compatible with the demand of
season. housing with respect to animal welfare, since the singly caged
Animal meat quality is generally concerned as a very rabbit has no social contact to non-specific necessary as
complex issue that can be looked at from several points of natural external stimulus and has no conditions for suitable
view. In terms of meat processing industry and consumers’ locomotion. This may be the reason in that caged rabbits show
interests, fattened chicks should be characterized by good nervous behaviour, altered forms of movement and low
dressing percentage, desired conformation, as much meat on relaxed resting behaviour, because of the narrowness of the
the carcass as possible, optimal distribution of fat tissues, cage and the wire floor. Conventional confined systems can
appropriate skin color and least damage possible due to lead to domestic bird stress (Jones and Mills 1999), resulting
fattening, loading and unloading. With respect to that, the in physiological and behavioural responses (Marin et al 2001)
proportions of basic carcass parts, the presence of certain and poor performance (Mendl 1999). According to Ferrante et
tissues in them, as well as the chemical composition of the al (2001), animal behavior depends on the rearing
muscle tissue, are regarded as vital parameters determining environment, whereas Jones et al (2007) reported that
animal meat quality (Holcman et al 2003; Ristić 2003). improvement in ambient conditions might result in benefits.
Among numerous non-genetic factors that may have a The consumers recently interest in product’s quality derived
considerable effect on some meat quality traits, a rearing from free-range and organic production systems.
system has been recognized over the past years by a large
number of authors as being particularly important Behaviour activities
(Hellmeister et al 2003; Ristić 2003).
The rearing system of rabbits is related to behavioural,
Therefore, the present review was undertaken to study
hygienic, environ-mental and welfare aspects. Verga et al
the effect of rearing system and season on the behaviour,
(2004) reported that animal behaviour is affected by type of
production and carcass traits of the rabbit.
cages. Useful information on behaviour of rabbit may be
obtained by observing its response during the new
Rearing systems
environmental conditions. Several studies revealed the effect
The interest in obtaining rabbit meat from less of group size and density on behaviour and productive
intensive rearing systems has increased in the last decade. performance of rabbits. Although the results often differ and
Rabbit welfare can be safeguarded by different management may be confused by other factors of variability. Rabbits raised
systems. The animal welfare is necessary to evaluate in larger groups rested less and were more active. They spent
alternative rearing systems for livestock in order to improve more time moving around and in aggressive behaviours.
well-being. The rearing systems can affect reproductive Aggressive behaviour is one of the main problems of housing
behaviour, body weight and carcass quality (Maertens and rabbits in large groups. Upon reaching sexual maturity, the
Van Oeckel 2001; Marai and Rashwan 2003; Pla 2008). The number of aggressive conflicts increases and causes more or
concern regarding conventional cages is that behavioural less serious injuries to different parts of the body.

doi.org/10.31893/2318-1265jabb.v6n4p102-108
J Anim Behav Biometeorol (2018) 6:102-108 104

The extensive rearing systems provide animals with Carcass quality


more space and freedom of movement. So, it permits them a
The recent interest in the rabbit rearing system affects
broad range of behaviour patterns and better satisfies the
due to improve well-being for high-quality products.
natural (Morisse et al 1999). Pinheiro and Mourao (2007)
Customers who prefer rabbit products have interested also
reported that rabbit pasture pen housing systems provide more
with the high-quality carcass derived from the higher
freedom behaviours than conventional cages. Lebas (2001)
standards of animal welfare. According to Dal Bosco et al
found that housing systems with floor pens or colony cages
(2002) the housing system affects some carcass parameters
seem to reduce stress and aggressive behaviour of animals, but
and sometimes the meat quality. However, with the increasing
it increases mortality and decrease growth rates, feed intake,
customer demand for high-quality animal products (Keskin et
feed efficiency, and sometimes meat quality (Combes et al
al 2012) mainly home-made products or meat from alternative
2003; McNitt et al 2003). Due to the numerous variables
rearing systems complying with the conditions of welfare
involved like group size and stocking density, the previous
become still more required. The housing system is one of the
studies on extensive housing systems have often been
factors, which moderately affect rabbit carcass and meat
inconclusive.
quality (Dalle Zotte 2002). As animal movement increases the
In addition, Jekkel et al (2010) revealed a reduction in
number of mitochondria in αW fibres also increases,
the growth performance of rabbits housed in conventional
converting their predominant glycolytic energy metabolism
systems compared with housing in parks. Maertens and Van
into oxidative energy metabolism and then, part of the αW
Oeckel (2001) reported that the reduction in feed intake in the
fibers turn into αR fibers, richer in myoglobin. In contrast,
outdoor rearing systems plays an effective role in lowering
reduced movements increase the muscle glycogen storage
weight gains. The open-air pens increase the energy
used for the anaerobic energy metabolism (Ouhayoun 1998;
maintenance requirements of rabbits and provide more space
Gregory 2003). The higher fat content might be related to the
for animal movement (Maertens and Van Oeckel 2001). The
productive performance of outdoor rabbits that showed
increased energy requirements combined with the decrease in
significantly higher live weights resulting in higher reference
feed intake might result in lower growth.
carcass (D’Agata et al 2007). It was probably due to the better
environmental and consequently healthy conditions induced
Productive performance
by this housing system that could have increased the animal
According to Dal Bosco et al (2001), the rearing system welfare (Cozzi et al 2000).
affects growth and body weight. The influence of rearing The chemical composition of rabbit meat was different
system on production traits has been studied in many than other livestock. The protein and fat contents show strong
researches. Some has suggested that free-range rearing results links with rearing systems Castelini et al (2008). Sirri et al
in lower body weight of rabbits as compared to indoor rearing. (2010) found that genotype had the priority affecting chemical
Canquil et al (2001) reported that cage-housed rabbits were composition and quality of meat in non-intensive rearing
higher body weight then pen housed. The rabbits raised in the systems. In agreement, Meluzzi et al (2009) observed that
cages had a significantly greater slaughter weight than in the rearing system is very important parameter that affects carcass
open-air. Consequently, the feed intake and the weight gain and meat quality.
were reduced (McNitt et al 2003). Mirabito (2005a and 2005b) The dressing percentage is one of the most important
compared three housing systems for reproducing does: characteristics of rabbit’s carcass (Combes et al 2010).
conventional individual cages, modified cages for two does, Although the dressing percentage in the caged rabbits was
and pens with net floors for four does. Reproductive similar to that of the open-air rabbits, the caged rabbits had
performance was similar among groups. The fast-growing higher slaughter weight. The open-air rabbits had a higher
hybrids attain higher body weight under free-range rearing reference carcass percentage, which is probably due to the
conditions as compared to slow and moderately fast growing decreased viscera weight, although this difference was not
hybrids (Fanatico et al 2005). significant. Also, the dissectible fat percent in the carcasses of
The mortality is an important parameter in rabbit the open-air was significantly lower than that observed in the
production. It requires consideration of overall environmental caged rabbits. Dal Bosco et al (2000) found a lower lipid
conditions. Mortality in indoor rearing systems is induced by percent in the carcasses of open-air rabbits than in caged
temperature, humidity, feed supply and stocking density rabbits. Reductions in the energy available for growth and fat
(Sorensen et al 2000; Heier et al 2002). The mortality of deposition likely contributed to this effect. Xiccato et al (1999)
rabbits of poor growth and lower body weight was higher in found that dressing percentage is affected by stocking density.
the pen-housed group. Sossidou et al (2011) reported the main Moreover, the heavier rabbits have a higher dressing out
cause of death under these production systems to be higher percentage (Milisits et al 2000). In open-air, the carcass of
exposure to diseases and parasites in the outdoor environment. rabbits had lower lightness color and the meat had a higher

doi.org/10.31893/2318-1265jabb.v6n4p102-108
J Anim Behav Biometeorol (2018) 6:102-108 105

redness color than those kept in cages. The increase in the As regards sexual behaviour, wild rabbits mate almost
redness of the open-air rabbit meat can be explained by the exclusively in the first hours after kindling and reproductive
fact that exercise increases the oxidative capacity of the activity usually increases with increasing daylight in spring.
muscle, which increases the proportion of oxidative myofibers Reproductive performance remains high all year round thanks
and the myoglobin content (Monin and Ouali 1991). In to a constant photoperiod of 14-16 hours of light, while the use
agreement, Pla (2008) observed also increases in meat of artificial insemination prevents the expression of pre-
redness. mating behaviour, a characteristic of wild rabbits still present
Smith and Teeter (1987) reported that the outside air in domestic rabbits. The results of El-Sabrout and Shebl
temperature exceeds the optimum range can affect carcass (2015) showed that the rabbits raised in the winter had
traits and decrease the dressing percentage. This finding is significant higher feeding and sexual desire than rabbits raised
important for animal raise in free-range rearing systems where in summer. Rabbits tend to mate in winter than in summer
the temperature cannot be controlled. The variation in rabbit season. Raising rabbits during winter (December-February) is
meat quality between alternative rearing systems was clear better than summer season (June-August) in terms of both
(Castellini et al 2008). Fattening rabbits were kept under behaviour and productive efficiency. Season plays a
markedly different conditions: cages of different size were significant role in relation to the reproduction of rabbit does
used with different stocking densities or group sizes. The (Tuma et al 2010).
profitability of rabbit production is therefore largely
determined by the possibility of increasing the proportion of Productive performance
prime parts in the carcass and by reducing fat. However, the
El-Sabrout and Shebl (2015) showed insignificant
standardization of quality rabbits industry is falling behind
effect of season on rabbit's litter size. In agreement Tawfeek
because of the knowledge gap of proper rearing conditions and
(1995) reported insignificant effect of season of kindling on
management.
litter size of New Zealand and Bauscat rabbits. Litter mortality
is a good indicator for mothering ability (Poornima et al 2002).
Seasons
El-Maghawry (1997) stated that mortality rate of young
Season plays a major role in the animal welfare by rabbits controlled by both genetic and non-genetic factors like
many factors including temperature, relative humidity, and season. In the present study, the mortality rate was lower in
lighting (Holik 2015). Studying factors that can affect the winter compared with summer season. Marai et al (1996)
animal behaviour is very important. The animal behaviour can indicated that rabbit mortality was lower in winter than in
impact its productive traits. Seasonal variation on litter traits summer season due to heat stress effect on rabbits. Litter size
due to kindling season is a reflection of differences in seasonal and weight are regarded as the best estimates of number and
climate conditions in geographical location of the rabbitry. weight of young produced by the doe. These productive traits
reflect the contribution of maternal behaviour, milk
Behaviour activities production, growth and survival (El-Maghraby et al 2007).
The breeding season had significant effect on the litter
Among the season components that may impose
body weight. A rabbit born during the winter season attained
influence on the animal are ambient temperature, humidity, air
a significantly higher body weight than other born during the
movement, and photoperiod. Optimal climatic conditions for
summer season (Ghosh et al 2008). In addition, season had
rabbits would be: air temperature 13o to 20°C (average 15°C),
significant effect on milk yield of doe. El-Sabrout and Shebl
relative humidity 55 to 65% (average 60%), wind velocity 5
(2015) found that litter weight at marketing age was
to 18 km/h, ventilation capacity of at least 0.17 m3 / minute (6
significantly higher in winter than in summer. The results of
cm) air flow per rabbit housed and a moderate level of
milk yield showed that it was higher in winter than summer.
sunshine. Generally, when analyzing seasonal effects,
Moreover, the results of litter size showed insignificant
temperature and light are considered in Europe, although
difference at all. The mortality rate was significantly lower in
temperature seems to be not directly involved (Lebas et al
winter than in summer. Generally, the peak of milk production
1986). In tropical climates, temperature seems to be the
is incidence at approximately 21 days after delivery in rabbits.
dominant factor, but variations in length of daylight cannot be
Marai et al (1996) found that summer season could decrease
excluded. In sub-tropical climate (such as in Egypt), the
dams’ milk production as a result of the general reduction of
ambient temperature, relative humidity, and diurnal light
metabolic activity. Milk yield of doe was decreased in summer
seemed to be involved (Habeeb et al 1993 and Marai et al
season as a result of feeding reduction due to high
1996), although feasibility of the use of certain light regime in
temperature. Kumar et al (2013) reported that summer season
commercial rabbit production, is not clear (Marai et al 2004).
could be attributed to stress factors affecting feed intake.

doi.org/10.31893/2318-1265jabb.v6n4p102-108
J Anim Behav Biometeorol (2018) 6:102-108 106

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