World Rabbit Science - Vol. 22 (3)-2014https://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/404362024-03-28T14:07:22Z2024-03-28T14:07:22ZAbstracts of the 24th Hungary conference on rabbit productionhttps://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/404662023-11-21T11:52:13Z2014-09-30T12:55:59ZAbstracts of the 24th Hungary conference on rabbit production
[EN] Some 100 guests took part in the 24th Hungarian Conference on Rabbit Production in Kaposvár, organised by the University of Kaposvár, the Hungarian Branch of the WRSA and the Rabbit Production Board. This is the largest and most popular event for rabbit breeders in Hungary. Seventeen papers were presented, both by senior and young scientists. Topics of the papers covered all fields of rabbit production (production, housing and welfare, reproduction, genetics, nutrition, meat quality and pathology). Full papers are available from the organiser (matics.zsolt@ke.hu) on request.
2014-09-30T12:55:59ZImpact of royal jelly to improve reproductive performance of male rabbits under hot summer conditionsEl-Hanoun, A. M.Elkomy, A. E.Fares, W. A.Shahien, E. H.https://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/404652023-11-21T11:52:13Z2014-09-30T12:53:43ZImpact of royal jelly to improve reproductive performance of male rabbits under hot summer conditions
El-Hanoun, A. M.; Elkomy, A. E.; Fares, W. A.; Shahien, E. H.
[EN] To alleviate the deleterious effect of heat stress during summer conditions on male rabbits’ reproduction, 40 V Line adult rabbit bucks (on av. 8 mo old) were divided into 4 experimental groups and exposed to temperatures ranging from 23 to 36°C. Bucks in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th group were supplemented with 0, 50, 100 or 150 mg of Chinese royal jelly (RJ)/kg twice per week, respectively, over a 20-wk period. Semen quality and blood biochemical constituents were evaluated. RJ at any dose exhibited a significant increase (P<0.05) in rabbits’ sperm concentration, total sperm output, sperm motility, live sperm and normal sperm compared to the untreated controls. Plasma total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose and high density lipids (HDL) concentrations were significantly (P<0.05) boosted in the RJ groups compared to the controls. In contrast, RJ treatment resulted in a significant (P<0.05) reduction in plasma total lipids, triglycerides, cholesterol and low density lipids (LDL) concentrations. Treatment with RJ significantly boosted (P<0.05) testosterone concentration in the RJ groups to reach 110, 120 and 128%, respectively, of the control group. Improved kidney and liver functions were observed in the RJ bucks groups where plasma creatinine, urea concentrations, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase enzyme activities were significantly (P<0.05) decreased by RJ treatments. Treating bucks subjected to heat stress by different RJ doses increased (P<0.05) total antioxidant capacity to 106, 111 and 115% of basal, but significantly reduced (P<0.05) malondialdehyde and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances compared to the untreated. It was concluded that Chinese royal jelly supplementation for heat-stressed male rabbits can counteract summer infertility and improve their physiological status.
2014-09-30T12:53:43ZPre-weaning growth performance of kits of a local Algerian rabbit population: influence of dam coat color, parity and kindling seasonAbdelli-Larbi, O.Mazouzi-Hadid, F.Berchiche, M.Bolet, G.Garreau, H.Lebas, F.https://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/404642023-11-21T11:52:14Z2014-09-30T12:51:43ZPre-weaning growth performance of kits of a local Algerian rabbit population: influence of dam coat color, parity and kindling season
Abdelli-Larbi, O.; Mazouzi-Hadid, F.; Berchiche, M.; Bolet, G.; Garreau, H.; Lebas, F.
[EN] This study evaluated the effect of dam coat colours, doe’s parity order, year and kindling season on litter size and growth of suckling kits of a local Algerian rabbit population. Rabbits were reared in the rabbitry of Tizi Ouzou (Algeria) in wire mesh cages placed in a building with natural lighting and ventilation and absence of temperature regulation. Weights and size of 572 litters (3795 kits) at birth, 7, 14, 21 and 28 d were analysed. The mother’s coat colours (2 levels only: albino or coloured coat), the doe’s parity (1, 2, 3, 4-5, 6-8, ≥9 kindlings), the kindling year (4 consecutive years) and the kindling season (3 seasons: Feb-May, June-Sept and Oct-Jan), were used as main fixed factors in a factorial analysis. The population was characterised by an average individual weight of 54 g at birth and 404 g at 30 d, growth rate of 10.24 g/d between birth and 24 d and of 19.02 g/d between 24 and 30 d. The coloured females were more prolific than the albino ones: 5.59 vs. 5.09 weaned/litter (P=0.016); but kits born from albino does had a larger individual weight at weaning: 391 vs. 362 g (P=0.006). The doe’s parity order had no significant influence on the litter weight, individual weight or litter size at kindling. However, it influenced litter weight and litter size from 7 d of age up to 28 d in favour of 2nd and 3rd parity (P<0.02). Litter size was not significantly affected by year of kindling at any considered age. On the contrary, year of birth greatly influenced litter and individual weights. For example, the difference in individual weights at 28 d between the best and the worst year represented 19% of the average weight at this age. The birth season influenced mainly (P<0.001) litter size from birth until weaning in favour of the spring season: 5.92 weaned/litter vs. 5.05 or 5.04 for the 2 other seasons. From day 7 until weaning, the litter weight was larger for the Feb-May season (P<0.02) and represented +0.87 grams per litter at 28 d. The litter weight was similar for the 2 other seasons (non significant differences) whatever the age in consideration. Season had no significant effect on individual weight of kits from birth until weaning.
2014-09-30T12:51:43ZPopulation structure in Tunisian indigenous rabbit ascertained using molecular informationBen Larbi, ManelSan-Cristobal, M.Chantry-Darmon, C.Bolet, G.https://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/404632023-11-21T11:52:14Z2014-09-30T12:49:39ZPopulation structure in Tunisian indigenous rabbit ascertained using molecular information
Ben Larbi, Manel; San-Cristobal, M.; Chantry-Darmon, C.; Bolet, G.
[EN] Understanding the genetic structure of domestic species provides a window into the process of domestication. This study attempts to offer an insight into the prevailing genetic status of Tunisian indigenous rabbit breeds using molecular markers. Thirty-six microsatellite loci were used to provide a comprehensive insight into the genetic status and relationship among 12 Tunisian indigenous rabbit populations. A total of 264 rabbits from villages of the Tozeur and Kebili regions were studied. Standard statistics parameters of genetic variability within and between populations were calculated. The observed heterozygosity, unbiased expected heterozygosity and the effective number of alleles were used to assess the genetic variation of each indigenous breed. Results show a high genetic diversity and observed heterozygosity ranged between 0.3 and 0.5, which implies that there is an abundant genetic variation stored in Tunisian indigenous rabbit breeds. Significant population differentiation was observed (Fst=0.11), which means that most of the genetic variation resides within breeds. The percentage of individuals correctly classified to their population was 85%. Breeds with more than one breeder origin were divided into subgroups, due to differences in gene frequencies between breeders, which in some cases creates a genetic differentiation even higher than that observed between distinct breeds. The current study is the first detailed analysis of the genetic diversity of Tunisian indigenous rabbit populations. The data generated here provides valuable information about the genetic structure of the 12 rabbit populations and this can be used to designate priorities for their conservation.
2014-09-30T12:49:39ZEvaluation of acute toxicity of genabilic acid (menbutone 10%) in rabbitsEl Okle, S. O.Tohamy, G. H.Lebda, A. M.https://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/404622023-11-21T11:52:13Z2014-09-30T12:47:47ZEvaluation of acute toxicity of genabilic acid (menbutone 10%) in rabbits
El Okle, S. O.; Tohamy, G. H.; Lebda, A. M.
[EN] A complete investigation of the acute toxicity of a choleretic compound, menbutone, was performed in rabbits, including lethal dose for 50% of rabbits determination, clinical signs observation and in vivo and post-mortem examinations. Haematological, biochemical and histopathological changes resulting from intramuscular injection of menbutone were also investigated at dose 400 mg/kg body weight. Acute toxicity of menbutone at dose of 400 mg/kg BW induced interstitial myocarditis and multifocal necrosis, whereas serum creatine phosphokinase, creatinine phosphokinase-MB isoenzyme and aspartate aminotransferase activities were significantly increased. Elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities and total bilirubin level associated with lowered albumin content was consistent with histopathological changes of hepatic tissues; hepatic necrosis and fatty infiltration were pronounced indicators of injuries. Renal tubular necrosis and interstitial nephritis were also observed in intoxicated rabbits. Menbutone also induced variations in some haematological parameters. We concluded that acute toxicity of menbutone in rabbits occurred at accidental high doses, as the lethal dose was about 50 fold over the recommended therapeutic dose for other animals. Cardiac muscle, liver and kidneys are the main target organs for menbutone toxicity. Menbutone is not recommended for use in rabbits suffering from any cardiacand hepatic disorders, especially in overdosing situations.
2014-09-30T12:47:47ZBiometric characterisation and taxonomic considerations of european rabbit Oryctolagus Cuniculus (Linnaeus 1758) in Sicily (Italy)Lo Valvo, M.La Scala, A.Scalisi, M.https://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/404612023-11-21T11:52:13Z2014-09-30T12:46:05ZBiometric characterisation and taxonomic considerations of european rabbit Oryctolagus Cuniculus (Linnaeus 1758) in Sicily (Italy)
Lo Valvo, M.; La Scala, A.; Scalisi, M.
[EN] In Sicilian Mediterranean ecosystems the European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus is a keystone species, very important for popular small game species and for ecological reasons. However, its spread across the island seems to have decreased and fragmented in recent times, but until now no accurate population management has been carried out due to the lack of ethological, ecological and taxonomic knowledge. A biometric analysis of European rabbit specimens from Sicily to widen current taxonomic knowledge was performed. In this paper, 7 body variables and 23 cranial variables of 166 and 120 individuals, respectively, were examined. Thereafter, the results were compared with biometric data from other European populations.The comparison showed that the body size and skull measurement in Sicilian specimens of European rabbit seem to be quite distinct from those given in the literature on rabbit in south-west Spain, whose populations were assigned to Oryctolagus cuniculus algirus subspecies, whereas it was particularly close to the average size of populations in northern Spain and southern France, assigned to Oryctolagus cuniculus cuniculus. Moreover, the Sicilian taxon was not correlated with Bergmann’s rule, showing characteristics that could be the result of its introduction, population management or insularity. Biomolecular analyses will be necessary to definitely clarify the taxonomy of European rabbit in Sicily.
2014-09-30T12:46:05ZEffect of inclusion of distillers dried grains and solubles from barley, wheat and corn in isonutritive diets on the performance and caecal environment of growing rabbitsAlagón, G.Arce, O. N.Martínez-Paredes, E.Ródenas, L.Cervera, C.Pascual, J. J.https://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/404602023-11-21T11:52:13Z2014-09-30T12:44:07ZEffect of inclusion of distillers dried grains and solubles from barley, wheat and corn in isonutritive diets on the performance and caecal environment of growing rabbits
Alagón, G.; Arce, O. N.; Martínez-Paredes, E.; Ródenas, L.; Cervera, C.; Pascual, J. J.
[EN] To evaluate how the dietary inclusion of distillers dried grains and solubles (DDGS) could affect the performance and caecal environment of growing rabbits, four experimental diets were formulated from a control diet without DDGS (C), including 20% of barley DDGS (Db20), 20% of wheat DDGS (Dw20) and 20 (Dc20) or 40% (Dc40) of corn DDGS. Animals had free access to medicated versions of the diets until 49 d, and then to unmedicated diets until 59 d of age. The performance trial was done using 475 three-way crossbred weaned rabbits of 28 d of age, individually housed in 5 batches. Caecal fermentation traits were determined in 20 animals per diet and at 42 d and at 59 d of age. No significant effect of the growing diet on mortality, morbidity or sanitary risk index was observed. In the whole period and respect to the control group, animals fed with Db20 showed higher dry matter (DM) and digestible energy (DE) intake (+6 and +12%, respectively; P<0.05), but similar daily weight gain (DWG) and increased feed conversion ratio (+9%; P<0.05). Similarly, and regardless of its inclusion level, the increase in DE intake of animals fed with corn DDGS (+9, respectively; P<0.05) did not increase DWG. In contrast, higher DM and DE intake of animals fed with Dw20 (+8; P<0.05) resulted in a higher DWG (+2.8 g/d; P<0.05) than those fed with C. Although inclusion of DDGS at 20% did not affected main caecal parameters controlled at 42 d, caecum of animals fed with the diet Dc40 was characterized by greater N-NH3 and valeric acid and lower total volatile fatty acids and acetic acid concentrations than the average of the other groups (on av. +5.2±1.7 mmol/L, +0.29±0.07 mol/100 mol, –17.17±4.41 μmol/L and –2.60±0.99 mol/100 mol, respectively; P<0.05). At 59 d of age, higher caecal DM, and propionic and valeric acid concentration and lower values of total volatile fatty acids and acetic/propionic rate were observed for DDGS inclusion at 20% compared to the control (+1.6±0.5%, +0.95±0.44 mol/100 mol, –9.3±4.3 μmol/L and –2.7±1.2, respectively; P<0.05). Linear inclusion of corn DDGS increased caecal DM, propionic acid proportion and total volatile fatty acids concentration and reduced acetate/propionic rate (+4.0±0.4%, +2.27±0.41 mol/100 mol, –21.27±3.9 μmol/L and –5.6±1.1, respectively for Dc40 compared to C; P<0.05). Rabbits given Dc40were also characterized for a greater caecum N-NH3 content than the other groups (on av. –8.7±1.7 mmol/L; P<0.05) at 59 d of age. The results of the present work reveal that inclusion of DDGS up to 20%, independently of the grain source (barley, wheat or corn), could be an interesting alternative in balanced diets for growing rabbits.
2014-09-30T12:44:07ZUrine features used to survey nitrogen excretion in rabbitsGasco, L.Rotolo, L.Masoero, G.Miniscalbo, B.Zoccarato, I.https://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/404592023-11-21T11:52:14Z2014-09-30T12:39:21ZUrine features used to survey nitrogen excretion in rabbits
Gasco, L.; Rotolo, L.; Masoero, G.; Miniscalbo, B.; Zoccarato, I.
[EN] The aim of this work was to estimate liquid and faecal nitrogen (N) excretion from rabbit herds using 2 clinical analyses of urine samples (urinary urea, UU and creatininury, CU) combined with the daily nitrogen intake (DNI) and metabolic weight of growing and lactating rabbit does. In the framework of 6 experiments, 81 growing rabbits, divided into 17 groups, weighing from 1.8 to 2.8 kg, and 18 multiparous lactating does, divided into 2 groups, were reared in metabolic cages. Five experimental groups of growing rabbits and one of lactating does received diets with lower crude protein content (from –8 to –19% less). The urine was collected (4-d and 1-d collection period for the growing rabbits and lactating does, respectively) and the daily weight (DUW: on av. 188±66 g/d), urinary urea (UU: 1012±463 mg/dL) and creatininury concentrations (CU: 46±25 mg/dL) were recorded. Lactating does showed higher DNI (+127%; P<0.001), which was excreted more in the faeces (DFN: +141%; P<0.001) than in the urine (DUN: +35%; P=0.36), compared to the growing rabbits on a daily per-capita basis. Consequently, the faecal-N to urine N ratio was higher for the does compared to growing rabbits (F/U: +93%; P<0.001). The percentage of retained N (PRN) for the lactating does and growing rabbits was not different (50.8 vs. 56.6%; P=0.31). Forward regression models were used to predict the daily nitrogen excretion. Successful r-square fit results were obtained (P<0.005) for the per-capita daily quantity of urinary N (DUN: R2=0.79) and faecal N (DFN: 0.93, mainly depending on DNI). The individual DNI was accurately fitted (R2=0.994; standard error=0.03), considering the 2 model estimates of the DUN and of the DFN, the metabolic weight and the type of animal. Relativising the N excreta as a percentage of the DNI, or as a ratio of the faecal –to urinary–N, led to less stable results of the regression models. The daily N intake, combined with the collection of urine samples and the measurement of urea and creatinine, led to a reliable estimate of the liquid N excretion.
2014-09-30T12:39:21ZHigh rabbit abundance proves detrimental to the population growth rate in European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) extensive breeding enclosuresRuiz-Aizpurua, L.Guerrero-Casado, J.Carpio, A. J.Tortosa, F. S.https://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/404582023-11-21T11:52:13Z2014-09-30T12:36:54ZHigh rabbit abundance proves detrimental to the population growth rate in European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) extensive breeding enclosures
Ruiz-Aizpurua, L.; Guerrero-Casado, J.; Carpio, A. J.; Tortosa, F. S.
[EN] The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) is a key prey species in Mediterranean ecosystems that has declined in its natural ranges as a result of diseases and loss of habitat. This situation has led to the production of wild rabbits in enclosures in which they can acclimate and breed. The efficiency of these enclosures as extensive breeding systems is defined by their population growth rate (PGR). The aim of this study is to analyse the effect of rabbit abundance on the PGR. This has been done by creating general linear models to explain autumn and spring PGR with the use of rabbit abundance estimates, enclosure size, aerial predation and previous PGR as possible explanatory variables. Rabbit abundance and enclosure size negatively affected the autumn PGR, while only rabbit abundance affected the spring PGR in the best-fit models. It is suggested that maintaining rabbit densities at fewer than 30 rabbits per hectare might help to optimise the efficiency inside enclosures.
2014-09-30T12:36:54ZEconomic weights in rabbit meat productionCartuche, L.Pascual, M.Gómez, E. A.Blasco, A.https://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/404382023-11-21T11:52:13Z2014-09-30T11:31:55ZEconomic weights in rabbit meat production
Cartuche, L.; Pascual, M.; Gómez, E. A.; Blasco, A.
[EN] A profit function was designed for an industrial commercial rabbitry with the most common management in industrial rabbit production. The incomes, costs, and profit function were calculated and economic weights of the traits were estimated. The variable costs (feeding, artificial insemination, health and replacement) represented 62% of the total costs, and the fixed costs (labour, utilities, amortisation and administration) represented 38% of the total costs. Major costs were feeding of fattening kits and labour cost, at 26% and 18% of the total cost, respectively. The economic weights were feed conversion rate during fattening (–20.2 €/[g feed/g liveweight]), number of kits born alive (15.7 €/kit), pregnancy rate (1.7 €/percentage unit), weaning survival (1.7 €/percentage unit), fattening survival (2.0 €/percentage unit), daily feed intake (–0.50 €/(g feed/d)), daily gain during fattening (1.33 €/(g weight/d)), and replacement rate (–0.29 €/percentage unit). When varying the prices of kg of fattening feed and kg of liveweight, only the economic weights of feed conversion rate during fattening in the first case and the number of kits born alive in the second case changed considerably. Changes in labour cost produced appreciable changes in the whole production cost. Although economic weights are robust to changes in prices, these weights should be recalculated after some generations of selection, because changes in the mean of the traits due to selection can also change economic weights.
2014-09-30T11:31:55Z