Enhancing Rabbit Welfare in Intensive Production Systems: A Review

Area of Science:

• Animal Husbandry
• Veterinary Science
• Animal Welfare Science

Background:

• Intensive rabbit farming systems often compromise animal welfare due to restricted natural behaviors and stressors.
• Ethical and sustainable practices are increasingly important in modern animal husbandry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review key factors affecting the welfare of farmed rabbits in industrial settings.
• To emphasize the ethical and sustainable dimensions of modern rabbit farming.
• To explore contemporary welfare assessment methods and precision farming technologies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of housing systems (cages, enclosures, free-range).
• Exploration of environmental enrichment, nutrition, disease prevention, and biosecurity.
• Examination of welfare assessment tools and precision livestock farming technologies.

Main Results:

• Housing systems significantly impact rabbit health and behavior.
• Environmental enrichment, nutrition, disease prevention, and biosecurity are vital for rabbit well-being.
• Precision livestock farming offers potential for continuous monitoring and individualized care.

Conclusions:

• Integrating welfare-centered practices, staff training, and regulatory measures is critical.
• Enhancing rabbit welfare improves quality of life, productivity, and meets consumer demands for ethical production.
• Addressing economic and infrastructural constraints is necessary for widespread adoption of improved welfare standards.