Using Different Cage Enrichments to Improve Rabbits' Performance, Behavior, and Welfare

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Animal Welfare
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Environmental enrichment is crucial for animal welfare and productivity.
• Providing varied stimuli can positively influence animal behavior and physiology.
• Understanding the impact of specific enrichment tools is vital for optimizing rabbit farming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of different cage enrichment tools (rubber floor, plastic-colored balls, mirror) on rabbit physiology, productivity, carcass quality, behavior, and welfare.
• To compare the efficacy of plastic-colored balls and mirrors against rubber floors and a control group.

Main Methods:

• 84 weaned V-line rabbits were divided into four groups: control, rubber floor, plastic-colored balls, and mirror enrichment.
• Productive traits (body weight, feed intake), carcass characteristics, hematological and biochemical parameters, and behavioral activities were measured.
• Corticosterone levels and fear responses were assessed to evaluate welfare indicators.

Main Results:

• Plastic-colored balls and mirrors improved marketing body weight and feed conversion rate.
• Enrichment with balls and mirrors enhanced carcass weight and dressing percentage.
• Rabbits with balls and mirrors showed improved hematological profiles (higher RBCs, Hb, hematocrit; lower WBCs), better biochemical markers (higher total protein, globulin, glucose, AST, IgG), and reduced corticosterone levels and fear responses.

Conclusions:

• Plastic-colored balls and mirrors are effective environmental enrichment tools for rabbit farming.
• These enrichment methods promote better productivity, improved carcass quality, enhanced physiological health, and superior welfare in rabbits.
• Recommendations are made for the adoption of plastic-colored balls and mirrors in commercial rabbit farming practices.