Performance and welfare of rabbit does in various caging systems

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Animal Welfare
• Rabbit Production

Background:

• Conventional rabbit housing systems often present challenges to animal welfare.
• Wire-mesh flooring can contribute to foot problems like sore hocks.
• Optimizing cage design is crucial for improving rabbit production and welfare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the production and welfare of rabbit does and their kits across different cage types.
• To evaluate the impact of cage size, footrests, and platform materials on reproductive performance and health.
• To assess the usage of platforms by does and kits in various housing conditions.

Main Methods:

• Rabbit does were randomly assigned to four cage types: common wire-mesh (CN), common with plastic footrest (CF), enlarged with wire-mesh platform (ECWP), and extra enlarged with plastic-mesh platform (ECPP).
• Reproductive performance (kindling rate, litter size, kit mortality) and sore hock severity were evaluated over five consecutive kindlings.
• Location preference of does and platform usage by kits were recorded.

Main Results:

• Kit mortality and litter size were not significantly affected by cage type.
• Litter weight at 21 days was higher in enlarged cages (ECWP, ECPP) compared to the common cage with a footrest (CF).
• Sore hock incidence was significantly reduced in cages with plastic footrests (CF) and plastic-mesh platforms (ECPP, ECWP) compared to the common wire-mesh cage (CN).

Conclusions:

• Enlarged cages positively influence kit weaning weight.
• Plastic footrests and plastic-mesh platforms are effective in mitigating sore hocks in rabbits.
• Plastic-mesh platforms enhance usage by both does and kits, suggesting improved comfort and environmental enrichment.