World Rabbit Science - Vol. 24 (1)-2016
Tabla de contenidos
- Alternative and enriched housing systems for breeding does: a review
- Comparison of productive and carcass traits and economic value of lines selected for different criteria, slaughtered at similar weights
- Use of high concentrations of carbon dioxide for stunning rabbits reared for meat production
- Patterns of body condition use and its impact on fertility
- Study of failures in a rabbit line selected for growth rate
- An LPS based method to stimulate the inflammatory response in growing rabbits
- Short communication: effect of saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation on some biomarkers of oxidative stress in weaned rabbits during the hot-dry season
- Technical note: concentration and composition of airborne aerobic bacteria inside an enclosed rabbit shed
- Effect of diet supplementation with live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on performance of rabbit does and their progenies
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Item type: Artículo , Access status: Abierto , Comparison of productive and carcass traits and economic value of lines selected for different criteria, slaughtered at similar weights(Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València, 2016-03-22) Szendrő, K.; Szendrő, ZS.; Gerencsér, ZS.; Radnai, I.; Horn, P.; Matics, ZS.; Hungarian Academy of Sciences[EN] The aim of the experiment was to compare 3 genetic groups, slaughtered at similar weights, to examine their productive and carcass traits and economic value. Three lines of the Pannon Breeding Programme, selected for different criteria, were examined in the experiment. Pannon Ka (PKa, maternal line) does were inseminated with semen of PKa, Pannon White (PWhite) or Pannon Large (PLarge, terminal line) bucks. The kits (PKa×PKa, PWhite×PKa, PLarge×PKa; n=60 in each genetic group) were weaned at 35 d of age and reared until 88, 83 and 79, respectively, when they reached similar body weights for slaughtering (2.8 kg). The weight gain of PLarge×PKa was the largest (51.0 g/d) and that of PKa×PKa was the smallest (47.2 g/d), while PWhite×PKa (41.8 g/d) was intermediate (P<0.001). Difference was found in feed conversion ratio between weaning and the age of slaughter PKa×PKa: 3.03 respect to PWhite×PKa: 2.75 and PLarge×PKa: 2.66; , P<0.05). Dressing out percentage and ratio of hind part to reference carcass of PWhite×PKa, PLarge×PKa and PKa×PKa were 62.4 and 37.7, 61.8 and 37.5, 61.3 and 36.8%, respectively (P<0.01). Results show that PLarge×PKa rabbits were able to exceed the average economic indicators compared to other groups. It may be concluded that the production performance of growing rabbits was affected by the adult weight, but the carcass traits were influenced by the computer tomography (CT)-based selection.Item type: Artículo , Access status: Abierto , Alternative and enriched housing systems for breeding does: a review(Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València, 2016-03-22) Szendrő, ZS.; McNitt, J.I.; Matics, ZS.; Mikó, A.; Gerencsér, ZS.[EN] 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.Item type: Artículo , Access status: Abierto , Technical note: concentration and composition of airborne aerobic bacteria inside an enclosed rabbit shed(Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València, 2016-03-22) Li, S.; Li, M.Y.; Mu, T.; Miao, Z.M.; National Natural Science Foundation of China[EN] Numerous studies have been conducted to analyse bacterial aerosols in animal houses, which is beneficial for the control of animal diseases. However, little information on aerosols in enclosed rabbit sheds was available. An FA-1 sampler was employed to collect air samples in an enclosed rabbit house in the Qingdao region of China. Concentration, composition, and aerodynamics of bacterial aerosols inside the enclosed rabbit shed were systematically analysed. The concentration of airborne bacteria inside the rabbit shed was 2.11-6.36×104 colony forming unit/m3 (CFU/m3). Seventeen species of bacteria belonging to eight genera were identified. Among these, there were 11 species belonging to 4 genera of gram-positive bacteria, and 6 species belonging to 4 genera of gram-negative bacteria. The dominant species of bacteria were, in descending order, Micrococcus luteus (49.4%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (25.5%), and Alcaligenes odorans (10.2%). A total of about 76.3% of airborne bacteria was distributed in stages C-F of the FA-1 sampler (that ranges from A to F), with aerodynamic radii <3.3 μm in diameter. These particulates could enter lower respiratory tracks and even alveoli, posing a potential threat to the health of both animals and breeders.Item type: Artículo , Access status: Abierto , Study of failures in a rabbit line selected for growth rate(Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València, 2016-03-22) Naturil Alfonso, Carmen; Lavara García, Raquel; Millán, P.; Rebollar, P.G.; Vicente Antón, José Salvador; Marco-Jiménez, Francisco; Departamento de Ciencia Animal; Instituto Universitario de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal; Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica y del Medio Natural; Generalitat Valenciana; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación[EN] Selection for growth rate is negatively related with reproductive fitness. The aim of this work was to analyse the causes of fertility failure in rabbit does selected for growth rate and characterised for reproductive deficiencies (line R). In the experiment, 82 does were divided into 2 groups: naturally mated (NM) and artificially inseminated (AI), to relate luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration with ovulation induction and pregnancy rate by laparoscopic determination. Additionally, in 38 of these females ovulation rate and metabolites determination (leptin, NEFA, BOHB and glucose) were analysed and perirenal fat thickness measurement and live body weight (LBW) determined. The results showed that all ovulated does (both NM and AI) presented higher concentrations of LH than non-ovulated females. In addition, non-ovulated females showed high levels of leptin and BOHB, as well as LBW. Females from line R have an inherit reduced fertility due to ovulation failure as a consequence of a reduction in LH release, which could be explained by a heavier body weight and higher leptin concentrations.Item type: Artículo , Access status: Abierto , Use of high concentrations of carbon dioxide for stunning rabbits reared for meat production(Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València, 2016-03-22) Dalmau, A.; Pallisera, J.; Pedernera, C.; Muñoz, I.; Carreras, R.; Casal, N.; Mainau, E.; Rodriguez, P.; Velarde, A.; Organización Interprofesional para Impulsar el Sector Cunícola[EN] An investigation was performed to determine whether high concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) at 70-98% in atmospheric air are a suitable alternative for stunning rabbits compared to conventional approaches such as electronarcosis. Aversion to the gas and efficacy in causing prolonged unconsciousness and death were studied in a total of 480 rabbits by means of behavioural parameters, physiological indicators (presence of rhythmic breathing and corneal reflex) and electroencephalography (EEG, brain function). The use of any of the 4 studied concentrations of the gas caused more nasal discomfort and vocalisations than the use of atmospheric air (P<0.001). EEG activity confirmed that loss of posture is a good indicator of the onset of unconsciousness in rabbits exposed to CO2, occurring earlier (P<0.05) at 90 and 98% than at 70 and 80%. Rabbits showed signs of aversion for 15 s before the onset of unconsciousness, which occurred around 30 s after the beginning of the exposure to the gas, similar to species such as swine in which high concentrations of CO2 are also used for stunning. CO2 at 80 to 98% is suggested as a reasonable concentration range to induce a long state of unconsciousness and death in rabbits, while 70% CO2 is not recommended because it requires too long duration of exposure (more than 360 s) to ensure effectiveness. Despite the advantages in terms of pre-stun handling and irreversibility, CO2 is not free of animal welfare concerns. In consequence, a debate is necessary to ascertain if CO2 can be considered a suitable alternative to stun rabbits, considering the advantages and drawbacks cited, quantified in the present study as 15 s of aversion (nasal discomfort and vocalisations) before losing posture.Item type: Artículo , Access status: Abierto , Short communication: effect of saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation on some biomarkers of oxidative stress in weaned rabbits during the hot-dry season(Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València, 2016-03-22) Shehu, B.M.; Ayanwale, B.A.; Ayo, J.O.; Uchendu, C.; Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Nigeria[EN] A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) supplementation on some biomarkers of oxidative stress in rabbits during the hot-dry season (temperaturehumidity index: 33.2±0.9oC). Sixty healthy weaned crossbred rabbits, aged between 5-6 wk with live weight of 612.7±60.8 g (mean±standard deviation) were used. The rabbits were divided into 5 treatment groups; SC0 receiving a control diet without supplementation of SC, and SC2, SC4, SC6 and SC8 receiving the control diet supplemented with SC at the rate of 2, 4, 6 and 8×109 colony forming units/kg, respectively. The activity of total superoxide dismutase and malonaldehyde in serum were not significantly affected, but serum catalase concentration rose (P<0.05) as the SC inclusion level increased. Although further studies are required, baker’s yeast containing SC could help ameliorate the adverse effects of heat stress in rabbits.Item type: Artículo , Access status: Abierto , Patterns of body condition use and its impact on fertility(Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València, 2016-03-22) Savietto, Davi; Marono, Stefania; Martínez, Inés; Martinez-Paredes, Eugenio; Ródenas Martínez, Luis; Cervera Fras, Mª Concepción; Pascual Amorós, Juan José; Departamento de Ciencia Animal; Instituto Universitario de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal; Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica y del Medio Natural; Ministerio de Economía y CompetitividadA total of 60 nulliparous crossbred rabbit females were, a posteriori, divided into 2 experimental groups according to their natural “decision” to conceive or not at day 11 post first parturition (L: solely-lactating or LP: lactating-pregnant). This design allowed us to study the evolution of body reserves around first parturition and its influence on the future reproductive success of rabbit females. Primiparous rabbit females that failed to conceive when inseminated at day 11 post-partum (L) seemed to have a higher perirenal fat thickness (PFT) 12 d pre-partum (+0.25 mm; P=0.079) than females that conceived (LP). In the subsequent days, L females showed a significantly higher mobilisation rate than LP females (on av.–0.12 and –0.07 mm of PFT per day, respectively; P=0.007), reaching a lower PFT at partum (5.17 mm vs. 5.62 mm, respectively; P = 0.002). However, due to a greater recovery rate observed in L females (+0.15 vs. +0.08 mm of PFT per day for L and LP females, respectively; P=0.007), PFT at 10 d post-partum was similar (on av. 5.86 mm). These different patterns showed that PFT level at 12 d pre-partum and PFT mobilisation rate onwards seems to drive the start of a new pregnancy. It also seems to modify the energy metabolism of rabbit females, allowing does to recover perirenal fat tissue without compromising the production of milk necessary for the current litter.Item type: Artículo , Access status: Abierto , Effect of diet supplementation with live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on performance of rabbit does and their progenies(Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València, 2016-03-22) Belhassen, T.; Simon, E.; Potel, A.; Auclair, E.; Bergaoui, R.[EN] A study was conducted to determine the effect of live yeast supplementation in the diet of rabbit does on their mortality and reproductive performance and the performance of their progeny. A total of 52 cross-bred rabbit does (New Zealand×Californian) were divided into 2 groups differing in diet offered during 2 reproductive cycles and containing (group S; n=26) or not (group C; n=26) 1 g of yeast (Actisaf Sc 47, S.I. LESAFFRE, France)/kg of feed. Natural mating was performed 11 d after kindling and kits were weaned at 28 d of age. Body weight of litters was measured at birth, 21 d and at 28 d of age (weaning). Mortality of kits and rabbit does was monitored daily, and fertility of rabbit does and viability rate of kits at birth were also determined. Weight and litter size at birth and at weaning, litter weight gain during lactation and length of gestation were similar between the 2 groups during the 2 cycles. The mortality of does during the experiment was higher in group C than in group S (27 vs. 4%; P<0.05). Fertility rate of rabbits does and viability rate of kits at birth were higher (P<0.05) in rabbits fed with the supplemented diet than those with the control diet during the second lactation. In the first cycle, kit mortality was lower in S group (15.5%) than the C group (24.7%) during the first 21 d (P<0.05). However, no difference was observed during the second lactation. In conclusion, our results suggest that the inclusion of yeast in the diet of rabbit does could trigger positive effects on the fertility and mortality of rabbit does, as well as on the viability rate of kits at birth.Item type: Artículo , Access status: Abierto , An LPS based method to stimulate the inflammatory response in growing rabbits(Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València, 2016-03-22) Knudsen, C.; Combes, S.; Mousavikhorshidi, H.; Oswald, I.; Gidenne, T. Noël; Groupe d'Experiméntation Cunicole; Comité Lapin Interprofessionnel pour la Promotion des Produits Français[EN] Reliable indicators are needed to study the relationship between the inflammatory response of the growing rabbit and breeding factors such as feeding practices. A lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation of the inflammatory response is a valid model of bacterial infection in laboratory animals, but no data on the growing rabbit has yet been obtained. The aim of our study was to determine an adequate dose of LPS to inject in growing rabbits in order to elicit a measurable inflammatory response in terms of plasmatic TNF-α and rise in rectal temperature. Three trials were carried out in this study: 2 development trials, the first (n=18) testing 3 doses of LPS (2, 10, 50 μg/kg) on the plasmatic TNF-α concentration at 90 and 180 min post injection, and the second trial (n=36) testing 4 doses of LPS (50, 75, 100 and 150 μg/kg) on the TNF-α concentration 90 min post injection and the rectal temperature. The third trial was designed as an application of the method in a large number of animals (n=32) to study the effect of feed restriction and dietary increase in digestible fibre to starch ratio on the LPS inflammatory challenge response of growing rabbits. In development trials 1 and 2, animals had measurable TNF-α responses for doses higher than 10 μg/kg at 90 min post injection, with an increase in the number of responsive animals along with the dose. High variability was observed in TNF-α concentrations in responsive animals (coefficient of variation from 44 to 94%). Animals demonstrated an increase in rectal temperature for all doses injected in the range of 50-150 μg/kg from 90 min post injection with a peak at 180 min (ΔTr =1.9±0.7°C). Our observations led us to choose a dose of 100 μg/kg of LPS for our following studies, as the responses in terms of temperature and TNF-α were the most satisfactory. The application of our LPS injection protocol to our nutritional study enabled us to validate our protocol (ΔTr =1.1±0.7°C at 180 min and 15/32 TNF-α responsive animals) even though we were not able to demonstrate any effect of the feeding level or diet on the inflammatory response to an LPS injection.