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Dutra DR, Villegas-Cayllahua EA, Baptista GG, Ferreira LE, Castilha LD, Borba H. Characterization of Post-Mortem pH Evolution and Rigor Mortis Process in Botucatu Rabbit Carcasses of Different Categories. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2502. [PMID: 39272287 PMCID: PMC11393900 DOI: 10.3390/ani14172502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the characteristics of carcasses, monitor their pH evolution during the first 24 h post-mortem, and determine the time required for the establishment and resolution of rigor mortis in different categories of Botucatu rabbits. Live weight at slaughter, carcass weight, and yield were higher in 12-month-old animals compared to 3-month-old rabbits, regardless of sex. There was an effect of muscle type, age, and sex on the kinetics of muscle acidification, with the Biceps femoris showing a significantly higher pH than the Longissimus lumborum from 4 h post-mortem onward. The establishment of rigor mortis occurred at 5 h post-mortem in young rabbits and bucks and at 6 h post-mortem in does, along with pH stabilization, while the resolution of rigor occurred at 18 h post-mortem for all types of carcasses evaluated. In conclusion, Botucatu rabbit carcasses should be chilled continuously at 4 °C for a minimum of 18 h to ensure efficient rigor mortis progression and muscle-to-meat transformation throughout the carcass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Rodrigues Dutra
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Erick Alonso Villegas-Cayllahua
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Garcia Baptista
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Lucas Emannuel Ferreira
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil
| | | | - Hirasilva Borba
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil
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Ozella L, Sartore S, Macchi E, Manenti I, Mioletti S, Miniscalco B, Crosetto R, Ponzio P, Fiorilla E, Mugnai C. Behaviour and welfare assessment of autochthonous slow-growing rabbits: The role of housing systems. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0307456. [PMID: 39024371 PMCID: PMC11257336 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the farming system impact on animals is crucial for evaluating welfare. Rabbits exhibit distinct behaviours influenced by their surroundings. The conditions in which they are raised directly influence behaviour and stress responses, emphasizing the importance of providing an optimal environment for their overall well-being and growth. In this study, we assessed the behaviour and welfare of two Italian local rabbit populations, namely the grey rabbit of Carmagnola and the grey rabbit of Monferrato. These rabbits are not yet officially recognized as breeds, but they are commonly used in Italy for meat production and represent a distinctive phenotype and local heritage among farmers and consumers. We analysed the behavioural patterns, physiological responses, and blood parameters of the animals to assess the influence of both age and three distinct housing systems (traditional single cages, group farming, and a mixed system) on rabbits' welfare. In this study, 294 weaned males with 35 days old were divided into three housing systems with seven replicates each until reaching slaughtering age (100 days of age). A traditional single cage system, a group farming with 10 animals each replicate and a Mixed pilot system with 10 rabbits initially grouped, then transferred to single cages. The findings from the behavioural analysis and the evaluation of salivary and hair corticosterone levels demonstrate that both the housing system and the age of the rabbits exerted significant effects on their welfare. Rabbits in group housing displayed a wider range of behavioural patterns, including increased kinetic activities such as running, walking, and exploration. However, this housing system was associated with higher levels of both salivary and hair corticosterone, indicating a high acute and chronic stress condition. The single cage system was associated with higher levels of acute stress and a low frequency of kinetic activities and social interactions, with a predominant behaviour of turning on themselves. The age factor significantly influenced the occurrence of behaviours, with younger rabbits exhibiting higher levels of kinetic activities, while social behaviours such as attacks and dominance were more prevalent as the rabbits reached sexual maturity (around 80-85 days of age). Moreover, the attainment of sexual maturity coincided with an increase in salivary corticosterone levels. We found a significant association between attack behaviours, escape attempts, and elevated corticosterone levels, by demonstrating that these behaviours can be used as indicators of decreased animals' well-being. Our findings underscore the importance of considering both the housing environment and the temporal dimension in the study of behaviour and welfare. This enables a comprehensive assessment of appropriate rearing management techniques. By understanding the social dynamics and stress sources within housing systems, farmers can implement measures to enhance animal welfare and create a conducive environment for the health and behaviour of rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ozella
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Stefano Sartore
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Macchi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Isabella Manenti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Silvia Mioletti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Barbara Miniscalco
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Riccardo Crosetto
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Patrizia Ponzio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Edoardo Fiorilla
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Cecilia Mugnai
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
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Rooney NJ, Baker P, Blackwell E, Walker M, Mullan S, Saunders R, Held SD. Run access, hutch size and time-of-day affect welfare-relevant behaviour and faecal corticosterone in pair-housed pet rabbits. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2023.105919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
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Hedenqvist P, Trbakovic A, Mellgren T, Öhman-Mägi C, Hammarström Johansson P, Manell E, Ekman S, Ley C, Jensen-Waern M, Thor A. The effect of housing environment on bone healing in a critical radius defect in New Zealand White rabbits. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233530. [PMID: 32437406 PMCID: PMC7241799 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In animal studies on bone healing, the effect of housing space and physical activity are seldom taken into account. Bone formation was evaluated in New Zealand White rabbits (mean ± SEM BW: 3.9 ± 0.11 kg) with a critical bone defect after 12 weeks of rehabilitation in pair-housing in 3 m2 large floor pens (Floor, n = 10) or standard single housing in 0.43 m2 cages (Cage, n = 10). In the randomised full-factorial study, a bone replica of calcium phosphate cement (CPC, n = 10) or autologous bone (AB, n = 10) was implanted in the unilateral 20 mm radius defect. Post-mortem, the oxidative capacity was measured by citrate synthase (CS) activity in M. quadriceps and the defect filling volume and density evaluated by microcomputer tomography (μ-CT). Histology sections were evaluated by subjective scoring and histomorphometry. Fourteen rabbits remained until the end of the study. Group Floor (n = 7; 3 CPC + 4 AB) had a higher CS activity and a larger bone defect filling volume and lower density by μ-CT measurements than group Cage (n = 7; 3 CPC + 4 AB). Three out of four rabbits in AB-Floor presented fusion of the defect with reorganisation of trabecular bone, whereas three of four in AB-Cage showed areas of incomplete healing. Floor rabbits had a higher score of bony fusion between the radius and ulna than Cage rabbits. There were no differences between groups in histomorphometry. The study found that a larger housing space increased physical activity and promoted bone formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Hedenqvist
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Amela Trbakovic
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Plastic & Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn Mellgren
- Department of Engineering Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Petra Hammarström Johansson
- Department of Prosthodontics / Dental Materials Science, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Odontology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elin Manell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Stina Ekman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Ley
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marianne Jensen-Waern
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Andreas Thor
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Plastic & Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Vervaecke H, De Bonte L, Maertens L, Tuyttens F, Stevens J, Lips D. DEVELOPMENT OF HIERARCHY AND RANK EFFECTS IN WEANED GROWING RABBITS (ORYCTOLAGUS CUNICULUS). WORLD RABBIT SCIENCE 2010. [DOI: 10.4995/wrs.2010.8229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Handling effects on body weight and behaviour of group-housed male rabbits in a laboratory setting. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2008.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Verga M, Luzi F, Carenzi C. Effects of husbandry and management systems on physiology and behaviour of farmed and laboratory rabbits. Horm Behav 2007; 52:122-9. [PMID: 17482618 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2007.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2007] [Revised: 03/28/2007] [Accepted: 03/29/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The major issues regarding the welfare of both farmed and laboratory rabbits are reviewed, according to husbandry and management systems. The main stressors that can affect welfare and homeostatic responses in rabbits are also reviewed. An overview of the most widespread housing systems for both farmed and laboratory rabbits is presented. The main problems related to housing and management are identified, in particular those related to individual and group housing, space requirements and group size, as well as human-animal interaction. The effects of psychological and physical stressors on physiology and behaviour are illustrated through examples in various rearing conditions. Psychological stressors include social stress and fear, while physical stressors include environmental variables such as housing system and climatic factors, i.e. heat. Welfare indicators are identified that can be monitored to determine the effects of individual and environmental variables on the animals' possible coping strategies. Physiological indicators include the neuro-endocrine and psycho-neuro-immuno-endocrine measurements, while behavioural indicators include the behavioural repertoire and responses to behavioural tests. Some possible ways to enhance welfare are indicated, such as enrichment of the environment and improved handling procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Verga
- Istituto di Zootecnica, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G. Celoria, 10, I 20133 Milano, Italy.
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Muscettola M, Massai L, Lodi L, Briganti F, Fontani G, Lupo C. IFN-gamma production in rabbits: behavioral and endocrine correlates. Life Sci 2003; 72:1331-43. [PMID: 12527031 DOI: 10.1016/s0024-3205(02)02378-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Freely interacting male rabbits were studied to establish the effect of exogenous testosterone on interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and to evaluate if this effect is related to season, social rank, plasma corticosterone and glucocorticoid receptors (GcR) in PBMCs. Dominance behavior increases after testosterone propionate (TP) administration only in rank 1 animals, while submission behavior increases after TP only in rank 4 animals, indicating a reinforcing effect of TP on the behavior. Corticosterone and IFN-gamma production are higher and GcR binding capacity is lower in spring than in autumn, suggesting that seasonal fluctuations in the immune system may be related to the pattern of secretion of immunomodulatory hormones. In autumn, corticosterone decreases after TP treatment and increases after social interaction, while GcR binding capacity decreases after TP treatment and social interaction. IFN-gamma production decreases in spring and increases in autumn after TP treatment plus social interaction, indicating that the modulating action of testosterone is related to the current immune status. The relationship between dominance, testosterone and the immune system in spring is suggested by the finding that GcR binding capacity after TP treatment is directly related to social rank, as confirmed by the positive correlation with dominance behavior frequency. The dominance index is positively correlated with GcR binding capacity and negatively with IFN-gamma production before TP treatment, indicating that high receptor activity in immunocompetent cells and low immunoreactivity could be prerequisites for dominance behavior. The immunosuppressive effect of corticosterone and the mechanism of down-regulation on GcR are confirmed by the negative correlations with IFN-gamma production and GcR binding capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Muscettola
- Department of Physiology, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro, I-53100 Siena, Italy.
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Lupo C, Fontani G, Girolami L, Lodi L, Muscettola M. Immune and endocrine aspects of physical and social environmental variations in groups of male rabbits in seminatural conditions. ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2000. [DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2000.9522801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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10
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Kotrschal K, Hirschenhauser K, MÖSTL E. The relationship between social stress and dominance is seasonal in greylag geese. Anim Behav 1998; 55:171-6. [PMID: 9480683 DOI: 10.1006/anbe.1997.0597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Studies of captive animals have suggested that social stress affects subdominants, whereas recent data from the wild have revealed that stress mainly affects dominants. We used a non-invasive approach to investigate, for the first time in a social bird, the circannual stress-dominance relationships between low-ranking single males, intermediately positioned paired ganders without offspring and high-ranking paired males with offspring from a flock of semi-tame, free-ranging greylag geese, Anser anser. We collected 933 faecal samples from 43 individuals, 12 singletons, 18 paired males without offspring and 13 paired males with offspring over an entire year and analysed them for corticosterone metabolites by enzyme immunoassay. During the mating season (February-April), singletons had marginally higher corticosterone than paired males (P<0.1), whereas during the parental season (May-January), the paired males with offspring had significantly higher corticosterone than both paired males without offspring and singletons. All three male categories had significantly higher corticosterone during the mating season than during the rest of the year. These results suggest that social stress in ganders is caused mainly by competition between males and by constrained access to females during the mating season, but by parental commitment during the rest of the year. We suggest that dominance per se may not be a direct cause of stress. Rather, the amount of social stress may co-vary with the behavioural investment individuals need to make to optimize their fitness and with the relationship between such demands and the individuals' rank positions. This relationship seems to be seasonal in geese. Copyright 1998 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kotrschal
- Konrad-Lorenz-Forschungsstelle and Institute for Zoology, Ethology Department, The University of Vienna
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Fontani G, Maffei D. Hippocampal electrical activity during development and following the establishment of a dominance-subordination relationship in rabbits. ETHOL ECOL EVOL 1997. [DOI: 10.1080/08927014.1997.9522877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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12
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A guide to the literature on aggressive behavior. Aggress Behav 1996. [DOI: 10.1002/1098-2337(1996)22:6<469::aid-ab2480220602>3.0.co;2-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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