Effects of semi-group housing and floor type on pododermatitis, spinal deformation and bone quality in rabbit does

Semi-group housing in breeding does has been shown to reduce production and breeding success in comparison to single-housed animals. One reason for this reduction could be stress and aggression when grouping does only 2 d after artificial insemination. The aim of this study was to test different time points of grouping on fertility of does, body weight of both kits and does, and mortality rates. Hence, does were separated and housed individually one day before giving birth to their kits. The does were then artificially inseminated on day 10 postpartum (dpp) and regrouped according to the treatment (time point) on 12 (TG12), 18 (TG18), or 22 (TG22) dpp, respectively. In total, five trials with three groups pertaining to the three treatments (eight does per treatment group) were conducted. Non-pregnant does were replaced with pregnant does before each new trial (57 different does needed). Data were analysed with (generalised) linear mixed effect models and survival analysis. There were no significant differences in fertility, body weight or mortality of does among the treatments. The average fertility rate (number of kindling events/number of artificial inseminations×100) was low (40.92%) and seasonal effects may have partially masked treatment effects, as most trials took place during winter. Likewise, the survival rate of kits was not influenced by the treatment (survival test: χ2=2.3, df = 2, P = 0.3). Body weight of the kits was also not affected by the time point of grouping (average weight: 447.70±46.42 g (TG12), 452.20±55.30 g (TG18) and 460.06±89.23 g (TG22); P = 0.33). In conclusion, grouping does at a later time point in the reproductive cycle did not show any significant improvement in the breeding or productive success in a Swiss semi-group housing system. An elongated separation from conspecifics did not enhance the welfare of semi-group housed rabbits.

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Evaluating the effect of semi-group housing of rabbit does on their offspring's fearfulness: can we use the open-field test?

Applied Animal Behaviour Science ◽

10.1016/j.applanim.2014.11.008 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 162 ◽

pp. 58-66 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Stephanie Buijs ◽

Frank André Maurice Tuyttens

Keyword(s):

Open Field ◽

Field Test ◽

Open Field Test ◽

Group Housing ◽

Semi Group

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Alternative and enriched housing systems for breeding does: a review

World Rabbit Science ◽

10.4995/wrs.2016.3801 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 1 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

ZS. Szendrő ◽

J.I. McNitt ◽

ZS. Matics ◽

A. Mikó ◽

ZS. Gerencsér

Keyword(s):

Current Knowledge ◽

Social Contact ◽

Well Being ◽

Housing System ◽

Group Housing ◽

Semi Group ◽

Alternative Housing ◽

Housing Systems ◽

Dutch Housing ◽

Positive Results

The main results and observations on group and individually housed rabbit does were reviewed by Szendrő and McNitt in 2012, but in recent years several new papers in this field have been published. This provides a new opportunity to summarise the current knowledge on alternative housing systems for breeding does. In Switzerland, rabbit does are generally housed in group systems. The recently legislated Belgian and Dutch housing systems will be converted step by step into group housing systems. Recent research demonstrated that with semi-group housing systems much better performance levels are possible than with the Swiss group housing system. However, solutions to eliminate aggression, stress and injuries which are common among rabbit does in group housing systems have yet to be found. Some authors are of the opinion that individual cages are too small and allow limited possibilities for movement and social contact. Positive results were seen when platforms were inserted into the cages and the possibility for movement increased. The does and their kits could jump up and down using the platforms. Using footrests, the incidence of sore hocks declined. Several environmental enrichments which increase the well-being of rabbit does can also be used. These enriched cages (equipped with platforms, footrests, gnawing sticks, etc.) are fully in line with animal welfare requirements. Increasing the size of cages and enriching them increases the production cost and the meat will be more expensive.

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