Social, ethical, environmental, economic and technological aspects of rabbit meat production - A critical review

Rabbit (RM) has become a valuable source of nutrients since the 1970s, helping to transform the European food industry into the largest RM producer in the world. However, the RM industry is experiencing a critical period of ethical imbalance. This trend, described as feed conversion ratio, impacts the environmental and financial performance of RM farms, which could lead to an increase production of industrial waste. In addition, the loss of corporate ethical responsibility and sustainable development by RM-oriented companies has further exacerbated the situation. Our objective was to summarize current trends in the RM industry and markets, highlighting possible strengths and weaknesses. This review shows current approaches in sustainable techniques in RM production processes, ethical issue, environmental and processing responsibility of RM producers, as well as social responsibilities and ethical practices of slaughterhouses and RM producers, sustainable environmental practices of slaughterhouses, technological aspects and safety of RM and social drivers in RM market. The analysis of reviewed literature revealed the potential strategies for sustainable RM production.