World Rabbit Science - Vol. 28 (4)-2020https://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/1589622024-03-29T05:36:40Z2024-03-29T05:36:40ZBeneficial effects of Enterococcus faecium EF9a administration in rabbit dietPogány Simonová, MonikaLauková, AndreaChrastinová, ĽubicaPlachá, IvetaSzabóová, RenátaKandričáková, AnnaŽitňan, RudolfChrenková, MáriaOndruška, ĽubomírBónai, AndrásMatics, ZsoltKovács, MelindaStrompfová, Violahttps://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/1601582023-11-21T11:52:21Z2021-01-28T10:53:37ZBeneficial effects of Enterococcus faecium EF9a administration in rabbit diet
Pogány Simonová, Monika; Lauková, Andrea; Chrastinová, Ľubica; Plachá, Iveta; Szabóová, Renáta; Kandričáková, Anna; Žitňan, Rudolf; Chrenková, Mária; Ondruška, Ľubomír; Bónai, András; Matics, Zsolt; Kovács, Melinda; Strompfová, Viola
[EN] Forty-eight rabbits aged five weeks (Hycole breed, both sexes) were divided into experimental (EG) and control (CG) groups, 24 animals in each, and fed a commercial diet with access to water ad libitum. Rabbits in EG had Enterococcus faecium EF9a probiotic strain added to their drinking water (1.0×109 colony forming units/mL 500 μL/d/animal) for 28 d (between 35 and 63 d). The experiment lasted for 42 d. The animals remained in good health condition throughout the experiment, and no morbidity and mortality was noted. There was a higher live weight at 63 d of age (+34 g; P<0.0001), final live weight at 77 d of age (+158 g; P=0.0483), and average daily weight gain between 63 and 77 d of age in the EG group rabbits than in CG group rabbits (+8 g/d; P<0.0001). No significant changes in caecal lactic acid and total volatile fatty acid concentrations, jejunal morphological parameters and phagocytic activity were noted during the treatment. The tested serum parameters were within the range of the reference values. EF9a strain sufficiently established itself in the rabbit’s gastrointestinal tract. At 63 d of age, a significant decrease in coliforms (P<0.05), coagulase-positive staphylococci (P<0.01), pseudomonads (P<0.01) and coagulasenegative staphylococci (CoNS, P<0.001) was noted in the faeces of the EG group rabbits compared to the CG rabbits. Antimicrobial effects of EF9a strain in the caecum against coliforms (P<0.001), CoNS (P=0.0002) and pseudomonads (P=0.0603) and in the appendix (coliforms, P<0.05) were detected.
2021-01-28T10:53:37ZComparison of exterior traits in selected giant and medium rabbit breedsZigo, FrantišekPyskatý, OndřejOndrašovičová, SilviaZigová, MartinaŠimek, VlastimilSupuka, Peterhttps://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/1600372023-11-21T11:52:21Z2021-01-27T10:54:23ZComparison of exterior traits in selected giant and medium rabbit breeds
Zigo, František; Pyskatý, Ondřej; Ondrašovičová, Silvia; Zigová, Martina; Šimek, Vlastimil; Supuka, Peter
[EN] Generally, in recent times across the breeding spectrum, rabbits of giant, medium, small and dwarf breeds have been reared. The largest representation among breeders at most breeding exhibitions held in central European countries is amongst giant and medium breeds. The aim of this work was to evaluate the qualities and exterior faults in selected giant and medium rabbit breeds in different colour varieties according to a current book of rabbit standards. Of 1779 rabbits from 11 exhibitions held in the territory of the Czech and Slovak Republics, 646 giant rabbits weighing 5.5 kg and over and 1133 medium rabbits between 3.25 to 5.5 kg of different breeds and colour varieties were selected. Giant (large) breeds population included 210 of Giant, 187 of Giant Papillon and 249 of Lop. In the medium weight category, 308 of Big Light Silver, 184 of Chinchilla Giganta and 641 of Vienna group breeds were selected. The qualities and exterior faults of typical breed traits were evaluated in six positions: weight, shape, type, coat, top colour or markings and undercolour. The results of the work show that the most common exterior faults in these categories were in the shape, type and coat positions. In the shape position, significant exterior faults were found, such as slightly protruding hips with slanting rump, worse legs position with bowed or splayed limbs and loose skin on the body. Especially observed in the type position in all selected breeds were narrow chest, body too lean or too long and a more delicate head with finer structure of ears. The coat was usually thick and less elastic with the lighter undercolour at the base of the skin and non-sharply defined intermediate colour. The data obtained are ground-breaking, representing a new approach to assist in the characterisation of giant and medium rabbit breeds included in a study and to select individuals with the best exterior properties with a view to improving the breed quality.
2021-01-27T10:54:23ZThe suitability of using broiler rabbit leathers in gloves and footwear manufacturingZapletal, PiotrBierowiec-Widórek, KajaCzerniejewska-Surma, BarbaraMaj, Dorotahttps://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/1600362023-11-21T11:52:21Z2021-01-27T10:51:04ZThe suitability of using broiler rabbit leathers in gloves and footwear manufacturing
Zapletal, Piotr; Bierowiec-Widórek, Kaja; Czerniejewska-Surma, Barbara; Maj, Dorota
[EN] The aim of the study was to learn about the structure of broiler rabbit skins, with the possibility of using them as dressing for gloves and shoe uppers. The histological structure, organoleptic and rheological properties of leathers such as tensile and puncture strength, energy state based on dynamic tests and topography map of their thickness were assessed. The study material included the skins of two groups of hybrid rabbits (F1), 24 pieces each, from breeds crossing: ♂ Belgian Giant Grey × ♀ Burgundy (BOS×BU), or ♂ Belgian Giant Grey × ♀ New Zealand White (BOS×BNZ). Histological, rheological, organoleptic and topography thickness studies of broiler rabbit leathers have proven that they can be intended for the production of not only gloves, but also shoe uppers. The leathers of BOS x BU hybrid proved to be a better raw material than BOS x BNZ for the production of both gloves and footwear.
2021-01-27T10:51:04ZRabbit meat in the east of Algeria: motivation and obstacles to consumptionSanah, IbtissemBecila, SamiraDjeghim, FairouzBoudjellal, Abdelghanihttps://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/1600342023-11-21T11:52:21Z2021-01-27T10:37:03ZRabbit meat in the east of Algeria: motivation and obstacles to consumption
Sanah, Ibtissem; Becila, Samira; Djeghim, Fairouz; Boudjellal, Abdelghani
[EN] In Algeria, rabbit meat consumption is insufficiently anchored in culinary traditions compared to other types of meat that are widely consumed, namely sheep and chicken. The purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of sociogeographic variables, both intrinsic and extrinsic quality cues, on consumption frequency, purchasing decision, motivations and the main deterrents to rabbit meat consumption. A survey is conducted with 360 consumers across 15 wilayas (districts) in Eastern Algeria. The results help us draw a conclusion that rabbit meat is consumed in all surveyed wilayas with a low frequency of consumption for the majority of respondents (79%). On the one hand, the causes of consumption are mainly: good taste (59%) and nutritional value (27%). On the other hand, the limiting factors are different: scarcity of rabbit meat on the market (42%), price (22%), eating habits (17%), lack of information on nutritional value (13%), bad taste (3%) and its resemblance to cat meat (3%). Regarding purchasing criteria, tenderness (58%) and freshness (14%) were chosen by most consumers. Although most consumers recognise the nutritional benefits of rabbit meat, it is poorly ranked in the choice of its consumers, placing it fourth after sheep, beef and poultry. Cross tabulation results show that gender, employment status and geographical areas are three variables that significantly affect the consumer’s perception and behaviour towards rabbit meat. This study is the first to analyse the Algerian consumer profile and sheds light on factors encouraging and hindering rabbit meat consumption.
2021-01-27T10:37:03ZTypology and sustainability assessment of rabbit farms in the urban and peri-urban areas of Southern Benin (West Africa)Medenou, Esteban HenocKoura, Bossima IvanDossa, Luc Hippolytehttps://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/1600302023-11-21T11:52:21Z2021-01-27T10:19:55ZTypology and sustainability assessment of rabbit farms in the urban and peri-urban areas of Southern Benin (West Africa)
Medenou, Esteban Henoc; Koura, Bossima Ivan; Dossa, Luc Hippolyte
[EN] Analysis of production systems allows scientists to identify their weaknesses, particularly concerning production practices which require improvements at economic, social, and environmental levels. The present study aimed to characterise rabbit farms in the urban and peri-urban areas of South Benin and assess their sustainability using the DIAMOND method, a multicriteria sustainability assessment tool. Ninety-eight farmers were surveyed and individually interviewed. Categorical principal component and twostep cluster analyses were performed on information collected for a typology of farms. Sustainability scores were generated using the scoring scale of the DIAMOND tool. Five types of rabbit farms were identified as follows: modern extensive polyculture, traditional extensive monoculture, modern extensive monoculture, semi-intensive polyculture, and traditional extensive polyculture. Overall, all the rabbit farms had good scores for the economic sustainability pillar but were socially limited. They were all similar in their economic and environmental performances. In particular, semi-intensive farms were the most socially sustainable, whereas traditional farms (either in polyculture or monoculture) showed the lowest social performances. Furthermore, there were significant differences between farms for criteria relating to consumers’ demands and resource use. Semi-intensive farms responded best to consumers’ demands, whereas the traditional polyculture farm type was the most resource use efficient. Overall, in the urban and peri-urban areas of South Benin, the most sustainable rabbit farms were semi-intensive. Irrespective of farm type, positive coefficients of correlations were recorded among the three pillars of sustainability, being significant between the social and economic pillars on one hand, and between the social and environmental pillars on the other hand. These results suggest that efforts to improve farm social performance would also positively affect their economic and environmental performances and improve overall farm sustainability.
2021-01-27T10:19:55ZSemen indices, growth response and sperm reserve of male rabbits fed zinc supplemented dietsAdeyemi, Adenike AbiodunIbrahim, Oyinofeoluwa WuraolaAjayi, Oluwabusayomi OmotoyosiAyeni, Samuel Tobihttps://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/1600282023-11-21T11:52:21Z2021-01-27T10:07:18ZSemen indices, growth response and sperm reserve of male rabbits fed zinc supplemented diets
Adeyemi, Adenike Abiodun; Ibrahim, Oyinofeoluwa Wuraola; Ajayi, Oluwabusayomi Omotoyosi; Ayeni, Samuel Tobi
[EN] This study was carried out to assess the effect of dietary levels of zinc on semen indices, growth parameters and testicular sperm reserve of heterogeneous stock of male rabbits. Twenty male rabbits aged 6 mo old were randomly allotted to four groups of five males each and fed diets containing 0, 50, 100 and 150 mg of zinc gluconate per kg diet, respectively, for eight weeks. Semen was collected from the males weekly using an artificial vagina and semen volume (mL), spermatozoa motility (%), sperm concentration (×108/mL) and live sperm cells (%) were assessed. Seminal plasma was separated from the semen by centrifugation, and its zinc concentration was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. The weights of the males were taken weekly, and the daily feed intake was recorded. At the end of the feeding trial, the rabbits were stunned and slaughtered; the testes and epididymis were carefully removed and homogenised to determine sperm reserves using standard procedure. The result showed that semen indices were not significantly influenced by the dietary levels of zinc gluconate. Seminal zinc concentration was significantly higher in males fed 100 and 150 mg of zinc per kg compared to those in the control group. A higher body weight gain (454±50.3 g), testes weight (6.23±0.25 g) and epididymis weight (1.63±0.59 g) was recorded in males fed diet supplemented with 50 mg of Zinc gluconate per kg. No significant effect of dietary zinc supplementation was recorded in testicular sperm reserve. Epididymal sperm reserve was significantly higher in males fed the diets including 100 and 150 mg of zinc gluconate per kg. In conclusion, dietary levels of zinc gluconate did not improve semen quality and growth indices but increased seminal zinc concentration, which could result in improved prostate health in the heterogeneous stock of male rabbits in the tropics.
2021-01-27T10:07:18ZPatterns of calcium channel (TRPV6) expression in rabbit gut epitheliumRanjan, RajeshDas, ParthaBatabyal, SubhashishMinj, Arpana Priyankahttps://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/1600272023-11-21T11:52:21Z2021-01-27T10:04:08ZPatterns of calcium channel (TRPV6) expression in rabbit gut epithelium
Ranjan, Rajesh; Das, Partha; Batabyal, Subhashish; Minj, Arpana Priyanka
[EN] The present study was undertaken to explore the immunohistochemical localisation of TRPV6 calcium channels in rabbit gut epithelium that are actively involved in calcium absorption. To undertake the research, twelve apparently healthy adult female rabbits with a body weight between 1.0 to 1.5 kg were procured, acclimatised and divided into two groups: control and test. Both groups were kept on same feed along with exogenous calcium supplementation in test group animals only. The serum calcium level revealed that normally a high value of serum calcium is maintained in the rabbit as compared to other mammals, thus indicating that the homeostatic mechanism might be poorly developed. Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the caecum was the site of maximum calcium absorption in rabbit, followed by the duodenum and jejunum. The expression pattern of TRPV6 protein/mRNA was weaker in test group animals than in the control group, indicating that the channel was functional in low calcium concentration in the gut.
2021-01-27T10:04:08ZShort communication: prevalence of Eimeria spp. infection in domestic rabbits of Polish farmsBalicka-Ramisz, AleksandraLaurans, ŁukaszPohorecki, KamilBatko, MirosławaRamisz, Annahttps://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/1600252023-11-21T11:52:21Z2021-01-27T10:01:09ZShort communication: prevalence of Eimeria spp. infection in domestic rabbits of Polish farms
Balicka-Ramisz, Aleksandra; Laurans, Łukasz; Pohorecki, Kamil; Batko, Mirosława; Ramisz, Anna
[EN] Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria spp. infection can be a serious problem and a significant cause of economic losses in rabbit farms. The aim of the study was to identify the coccidian species and evaluate the variability in prevalence and OPG (oocysts/gram of faeces) number of Eimeria infections in small meat rabbit farms in Poland. To this end, individual faecal samples were collected from animals from 14 different backyard farms and quali-quantitatively analysed by a flotation method (Willis-Schlaaf) and a McMaster technique to assess the presence and the number of Eimeria oocysts per gram of faeces, respectively. In addition, Eimeria oocysts were identified at species level following sporulation. Ten coccidian species were identified, including nine intestinal Eimeria species (E. exigua, E. perforans, E. media, E. magna, E. irresidua, E. coecicola, E. flavescens, E. piriformis, E. intestinalis) and one liver species (E. stiedai). The OPG number showed large fluctuations throughout the year. The highest Eimeria spp. OPG mean number (21100 OPG) was observed in mid-May. The result obtained revealed that the prevalence of rabbit coccidiosis in Poland backyard farms is high and may contribute to the development of effective control programmes.
2021-01-27T10:01:09Z