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Dobos P, Kulik LN, Pongrácz P. The amicable rabbit – interactions between pet rabbits and their caregivers based on a questionnaire survey. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2023.105869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
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2
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Trocino A, Menegon F, Zomeño C, Pasqualin D, Cunial G, Xiccato G, Pirrone F, Bertotto D, Bortoletti M, Dorigo F, Lavazza A, Di Martino G. A pilot study about on-farm assessment of health and welfare in rabbits kept in different housing systems. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:936643. [PMID: 36032293 PMCID: PMC9403509 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.936643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This pilot study tested an on-farm protocol based on resource, management, and animal-based measures to evaluate the on-farm health and welfare of rabbits kept in four different housing systems. In detail, the four housing systems were (1) standard breeding cages for reproducing does (3,300 cm2) with their litters associated with bicellular cages for growing rabbits (1,200 cm2); (2) dual-purpose cages for both reproducing does and growing rabbits (3,655 cm2); (3) enriched cages (4,739 cm2) for both reproducing does and growing rabbits equipped with a wire-mesh elevated platform (1,015 cm2); (4) parks (30,977 cm2) made up of four modules (7,744 cm2 each) joined by removing the wire net walls between them with growing rabbits kept in collective parks and reproducing does individually in the single modules. A total of 12 commercial farms (three farms/four housing systems) were visited during three seasons (summer, autumn, and winter) on two occasions each: (1) a pre-weaning visit for recordings on reproducing does and litters and (2) a pre-slaughtering visit for recordings on growing rabbits. At the pre-weaning visit, the prevalence of health concerns did not differ among does and litters kept in the different housing systems. At the pre-slaughtering visit, a higher prevalence of dermatomycosis was found in farms with dual-purpose cages and parks. Overall, taking into account the limitations due to the small sample size per housing system and the field conditions, the on-farm assessment tested in the present pilot study did not highlight major differences in the welfare and health of reproducing does and their kits as well as of growing rabbits in farms using different housing systems, which need to be confirmed on a large number of farms. The study also outlined the role of several management and environmental factors changing from one farm to another, which stresses the troubles of accounting for on-farm rabbit welfare and health exclusively to the housing system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Trocino
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animal and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Zomeño
- Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA)-Food Quality and Technology Program, Monells, Spain
| | - Dario Pasqualin
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, Padova, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cunial
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, Padova, Italy
| | - Gerolamo Xiccato
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animal and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Pirrone
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Daniela Bertotto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Martina Bortoletti
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Lavazza
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Guido Di Martino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Guido Di Martino
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da Silva KG, Borges TD, Costa LB, Dalmau A, Sotomaior CS. Rabbit Welfare Protocols under Brazilian Conditions: The Applicability of Welfare Protocols in Rabbit Farms for Different Purposes – First Results. J Vet Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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4
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Bu Z, Ge G, Jia Y, Du S. Effect of hay with or without concentrate or pellets on growth performance and meat quality of Ujimqin lambs on the Inner Mongolian Plateau. Anim Sci J 2021; 92:e13553. [PMID: 33938599 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate growth performance and meat quality of Ujimqin lambs fed native grass hay without or with concentrate (HC) or pellets. Ninety non-castrated 6-month-old male lambs of good health and similar body weight (26.83 ± 0.26 kg) were randomly divided into three groups (five lambs per cage). The average daily gain and intake of the pellets and HC groups were significantly greater (p < .05) than those in the hay group. The carcass weight, net meat mass, loin eye area, and backfat thickness were significantly greater (p < .05) in the HC groups. The intramuscular fat was significantly greater (p < .05) in the pellets and HC groups, while the shear force was significantly decreased (p < .05) in pellets and HC groups. The C16:0, C18:0, C18:1n9c, and C18:2n6 contents were significantly greater (p < .05) in the HC and pellet groups, while the C18:3n3 content was significantly greater (p < .05) in the hay group. Collectively, the present study suggested that feeding native grass hay with concentrate or pellets improved the growth in lambs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenkun Bu
- Key Laboratory of Forage Cultivation, Processing and High Efficient Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Hohhot, China.,Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education, Hohhot, China.,College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Gentu Ge
- Key Laboratory of Forage Cultivation, Processing and High Efficient Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Hohhot, China.,Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education, Hohhot, China.,College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yushan Jia
- Key Laboratory of Forage Cultivation, Processing and High Efficient Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Hohhot, China.,Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education, Hohhot, China.,College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Shuai Du
- National Engineering Laboratory of Biological Feed Safety and Pollution Prevention and Control, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Feed Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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5
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Stapleton N. Guide to behavioural issues in rabbits. IN PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/inpr.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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6
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Du S, You S, Bao J, Ge G, Jia Y, Cai Y. Growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Mongolian lambs fed native grass or hay with or without concentrate on the Inner Mongolian Plateau. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2019-0126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of native grass on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Mongolian lambs fed Inner Mongolia native grass in three forms: grass, hay, and hay with concentrate (HC). Sixty Mongolian noncastrated male lambs, in good health and with the same age (6 mo) and similar body weights (mean, 28.63 ± 0.19 kg), were randomly divided into three treatments. There were four replicates in each treatment, with five lambs in one pen as a replicate. Compared with the HC group, the intake of the grass group was higher (P < 0.05) and that of the hay group was lower (P < 0.05). The hay group had a gain of −58.67 g d−1, compared with 42.33 g d−1 for the HC group and 80.00 g d−1 for the grass group. The carcass weight, net meat mass, loin muscle area, and fat thickness (a measure of fat tissue thickness) were greater in the grass and HC groups than in the hay group (P < 0.05). Compared with the hay group, the protein and calcium contents, marbling score, and water loss rate were greater in the grass and HC groups (P < 0.05), whereas the fat, phosphorus, cholesterol contents, and b* score were lower for the latter groups (P < 0.05). These results suggest that feeding of native grass hay with concentrate could improve the growth performance and meat quality of Mongolian lambs and achieve results similar to those observed in grass-fed lambs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Du
- Key Laboratory of Forage Cultivation, Processing and High Efficient Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, People’s Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education, People’s Republic of China; College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010019, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sihan You
- Key Laboratory of Forage Cultivation, Processing and High Efficient Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, People’s Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education, People’s Republic of China; College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010019, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Bao
- Key Laboratory of Forage Cultivation, Processing and High Efficient Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, People’s Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education, People’s Republic of China; College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010019, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gentu Ge
- Key Laboratory of Forage Cultivation, Processing and High Efficient Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, People’s Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education, People’s Republic of China; College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010019, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yushan Jia
- Key Laboratory of Forage Cultivation, Processing and High Efficient Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, People’s Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education, People’s Republic of China; College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010019, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yimin Cai
- Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Science (JIRCAS), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8686, Japan
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Saxmose Nielsen S, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Depner K, Drewe JA, Garin-Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Roberts HC, Sihvonen LH, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde Calvo A, Viltrop A, Buijs S, Edwards S, Candiani D, Mosbach-Schulz O, Van der Stede Y, Winckler C. Health and welfare of rabbits farmed in different production systems. EFSA J 2020; 18:e05944. [PMID: 32626497 PMCID: PMC7008839 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.5944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The AGRI committee of the European Parliament requested EFSA to assess the welfare of rabbits farmed in different production systems, including organic production, and to update its 2005 scientific opinion about the health and welfare of rabbits kept for meat production. Considering reproducing does, kits and growing rabbits, this scientific opinion focusses on six different housing systems, namely conventional cages, structurally enriched cages, elevated pens, floor pens, outdoor/partially outdoor systems and organic systems. To compare the level of welfare in the different housing systems and rabbit categories, welfare impact scores for 20 welfare consequences identified from the literature were calculated, taking their occurrence, duration and severity into account. Based on the overall welfare impact score (sum of scores for the single welfare consequences), obtained via a 2‐step expert knowledge elicitation process, the welfare of reproducing does is likely (certainty 66–90%) to be lower in conventional cages compared to the five other housing systems. In addition, it is likely to extremely likely (certainty 66–99%) that the welfare of kits is lower in outdoor systems compared to the other systems and that the welfare is higher in elevated pens than in the other systems. Finally, it is likely to extremely likely (certainty 66–99%) that the welfare of growing rabbits is lower in conventional cages compared to the other systems and that the welfare is higher in elevated pens than in the other systems. Ranking of the welfare consequences allowed an analysis of the main welfare consequences within each system and rabbit category. It was concluded that for reproducing does, as well as growing rabbits, welfare consequences related to behavioural restrictions were more prominent in conventional cages, elevated pens and enriched cages, whereas those related to health problems were more important in floor pens, outdoor and organic systems. Housing in organic rabbit farming is diverse, which can result in different welfare consequences, but the overall welfare impact scores suggest that welfare in organic systems is generally good.
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Effects of time-based feed restriction on morbidity, mortality, performance and meat quality of growing rabbits housed in collective systems. Animal 2020; 14:626-635. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731119002283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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9
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Du S, You S, Bao J, Gegentu, Jia Y, Cai Y. Evaluation of the growth performance and meat quality of Mongolian lamb fed grass, hay or pellets of Inner Mongolian native grass. Small Rumin Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2019.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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10
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Effect of A New Housing System on Skin Lesions, Performance and Soiling of Fattening Rabbits: A German Case Study. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9090650. [PMID: 31487857 PMCID: PMC6770030 DOI: 10.3390/ani9090650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The present study evaluated a new housing system for fattening rabbits which, on the one hand, complied with new German legal requirements and on the other hand was expected to provide some benefits in terms of animal welfare compared to previously established cage systems in Germany. Fattening rabbits kept in the new housing system showed a lower incidence of injuries and higher daily weight gain than rabbits kept in conventional cages on the same farm, which may indicate increased welfare in this regard. However, an increased mortality rate and hygienic challenges posed by the new system may indicate impaired welfare and are not acceptable in this form. Finally, both the conventional and the new system were deficient in terms of animal welfare. Further research is necessary to find a housing system that complies with German legislation and keeps rabbits in good health and welfare simultaneously. Abstract The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate a new housing system for fattening rabbits. Data were collected on a farm with rabbits housed either under new conditions (NC) or established (conventional) conditions (CC). NC housing was characterized by large groups (Ø 58 rabbits, max. 12 rabbits/m2), slatted plastic floor (11 mm slats and 11 mm gaps), elevated platforms with partly solid floor, boxes and different enrichment materials. CC rabbits were kept in small groups (eight rabbits, 23 rabbits/m2) in cages with wire-mesh floor, an elevated platform, a box and one gnawing stick. Skin lesions and weight gain of 524 rabbits, cleanliness of their hind feet as well as their mortality and morbidity were investigated from weaning to slaughter in five batches. The evaluations showed higher daily weight gain (46.3 ± 6.0 g vs. 43.1 ± 5.5 g) and final weight (2878 ± 328 g vs. 2707 ± 299 g), as well as a lower cumulative lesion score at the middle of the fattening period in NC than in CC rabbits. Nevertheless, cleanliness of hind feet was assessed to be worse and mortality was higher in the NC housing. The NC system provided some benefits in terms of animal welfare compared to the conventional system, but hygienic challenges posed by this system make further adjustment necessary.
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11
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Henneb M, Harhoura K, Bekara MA, Zenia S, Aissi M. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in rabbit of local Algerian population. Vet World 2019; 12:855-859. [PMID: 31440005 PMCID: PMC6661489 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.855-859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The objective of this investigation was to determine the seroprevalence and identify the risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the rabbit of the local Algerian population from five districts of Northern Algeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS Blood samples of 350 rabbits were collected and analyzed for the presence of anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G antibodies using the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additional data concerning the farms and management practices were obtained through a questionnaire used in surveys and interviews. RESULTS The overall seroprevalence was 14.6% (51/350). The seroprevalence was significantly higher in outdoor rearing farms and was linked to the presence of animals from other species on the farm. A higher seroprevalence was found in older animals compared to younger ones. No difference in seroprevalence was noted with respect to the origin or gender of animals, type of cage, feed and water sources, presence of cats in the vicinity, hygiene status, or season. CONCLUSION This study has shown that T. gondii prevalence in rabbits of the local population is relevant and may have important implications for public health in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Henneb
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Sciences, University M’Hamed Bougara, Boumerdes, Algeria
| | - Khaled Harhoura
- High National Veterinary School, Oued Smar, Algiers, Algeria
| | | | - Safia Zenia
- High National Veterinary School, Oued Smar, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Miriem Aissi
- High National Veterinary School, Oued Smar, Algiers, Algeria
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12
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Belabbas R, García MDLL, Ainbaziz H, Benali N, Berbar A, Boumahdi Z, Argente MJ. Growth performances, carcass traits, meat quality, and blood metabolic parameters in rabbits of local Algerian population and synthetic line. Vet World 2019; 12:55-62. [PMID: 30936654 PMCID: PMC6431822 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.55-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The objective of this work was to study the growth performance, slaughter traits, meat quality, and metabolic profile in rabbits of local Algerian population and a synthetic line. Materials and Methods: In total, 120 weaned rabbits were used (60 per group). Growth traits were recorded from weaning (35 days) to slaughter (91 days). At slaughter, carcass traits, meat quality, and metabolic profiles were measured. Results: The synthetic line showed heavier total weight and faster daily weight gain than the local population (+15% and +19%, respectively), better feed conversion (3.92 vs. 4.81 g/g), and heavier weight of cold carcass, and perirenal fat (+15%). No differences were found between the two groups in dressing out percentage, muscular pH, weight of liver, or scapular fat. Wider intestinal villi were found in the synthetic line (+20%, p<0.0001) allowing better absorption surface in this line. The synthetic line also showed higher fat content (3.41% vs . 2.22%, p<0.0001) in the meat and lower protein content (22.02% vs . 18.98%, p=0.0002). Glucose level was 19% higher in the local population than in the synthetic line. Conclusion: The synthetic line is well adapted to the local conditions of Algeria. This line has shown better growth, daily gain, and feed conversion, due to its better intestinal absorption surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafik Belabbas
- Biotechnology Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, Blida
| | - María de la Luz García
- Departamento de Tecnología Agroalimentaria, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Hacina Ainbaziz
- Laboratory of Research Health and Animal Production, National Veterinary School, Algeria
| | - Nadia Benali
- Laboratory of Research Health and Animal Production, National Veterinary School, Algeria
| | - Ali Berbar
- Biotechnology Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, Blida
| | - Zoubeida Boumahdi
- Biotechnology Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, Blida
| | - María José Argente
- Departamento de Tecnología Agroalimentaria, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, Spain
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Cullere M, Dalle Zotte A. Rabbit meat production and consumption: State of knowledge and future perspectives. Meat Sci 2018; 143:137-146. [PMID: 29751220 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2018.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Since the 1970s, in some European countries rabbit meat production has progressively become a highly specialized industry, which has made Europe the second (after China) largest rabbit meat producer in the world. However, the industry is currently facing a critical period due to structural weaknesses, progressive and constant reductions in consumption, and raising criticism related to welfare conditions and other ethical issues. This trend is questioning the future of the rabbit meat industry, which could lead to the loss of knowledge and technical expertise acquired over decades of major investments and research efforts (a valuable cultural and professional heritage for future generations). In the present review, we provide an overview of the rabbit meat industry, market and value chain, we depict consumer's attitude towards rabbit meat, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, and factors driving their current purchase behavior. Finally, we will attempt to outline possible strategies to ensure a sustainable future for the production of rabbits for commercial meat purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cullere
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Antonella Dalle Zotte
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy.
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Boumans IJMM, de Boer IJM, Hofstede GJ, Bokkers EAM. How social factors and behavioural strategies affect feeding and social interaction patterns in pigs. Physiol Behav 2018; 194:23-40. [PMID: 29704530 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Animals living in groups compete for food resources and face food conflicts. These conflicts are affected by social factors (e.g. competition level) and behavioural strategies (e.g. avoidance). This study aimed to deepen our understanding of the complex interactions between social factors and behavioural strategies affecting feeding and social interaction patterns in animals. We focused on group-housed growing pigs, Sus scrofa, which typically face conflicts around the feeder, and of which patterns in various competitive environments (i.e. pig:feeder ratio) have been documented soundly. An agent-based model was developed to explore how interactions among social factors and behavioural strategies can affect various feeding and social interaction patterns differently under competitive situations. Model results show that pig and diet characteristics interact with group size and affect daily feeding patterns (e.g. feed intake and feeding time) and conflicts around the feeder. The level of competition can cause a turning point in feeding and social interaction patterns. Beyond a certain point of competition, meal-based (e.g. meal frequency) and social interaction patterns (e.g. displacements) are determined mainly by behavioural strategies. The average daily feeding time can be used to predict the group size at which this turning point occurs. Under the model's assumptions, social facilitation was relatively unimportant in the causation of behavioural patterns in pigs. To validate our model, simulated patterns were compared with empirical patterns in conventionally housed pigs. Similarities between empirical and model patterns support the model results. Our model can be used as a tool in further research for studying the effects of social factors and group dynamics on individual variation in feeding and social interaction patterns in pigs, as well as in other animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris J M M Boumans
- Animal Production Systems group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338, Wageningen, AH 6700, The Netherlands.
| | - Imke J M de Boer
- Animal Production Systems group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338, Wageningen, AH 6700, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Jan Hofstede
- Information Technology group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 8130, Wageningen, EW 6700, The Netherlands
| | - Eddie A M Bokkers
- Animal Production Systems group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338, Wageningen, AH 6700, The Netherlands
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15
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Dalle Zotte A, Szendrő K, Gerencsér Z, Szendrő Z, Cullere M, Odermatt M, Radnai I, Matics Z. Effect of genotype, housing system and hay supplementation on carcass traits and meat quality of growing rabbits. Meat Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2015.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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