Effects of loading methods on rabbit welfare and meat quality

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Veterinary Medicine
• Food Science

Background:

• Rabbit farming involves transport, a potential stressor impacting animal welfare and product quality.
• Loading methods during transport may influence stress levels and subsequent outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of smooth versus rough loading methods on rabbit welfare, carcass traits, and meat quality.
• To determine if transport handling or loading method is the primary driver of stress.

Main Methods:

• 384 hybrid commercial rabbits were divided into smooth (S) and rough (R) loading groups.
• Live weight, slaughter data, meat quality, and blood parameters (hematology, biochemistry, corticosterone) were analyzed.
• Stress indicators were assessed post-transport and pre-slaughter.

Main Results:

• All rabbits exhibited increased stress indicators (neutrophilia, lymphocytopaenia, elevated AST, ALT, CK, corticosterone) post-transport, irrespective of loading method.
• Loading method did not significantly affect carcass traits or meat quality.
• Transport and handling itself, rather than loading technique, were the main influences on stress parameters.

Conclusions:

• Transport and handling are significant stressors for rabbits, independent of loading method.
• Current loading practices, whether smooth or rough, do not adversely impact rabbit carcass characteristics or meat quality.
• Managing transport conditions is key to mitigating rabbit stress.