World Rabbit Science - Vol. 22 (4)-2014
https://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/45708
2024-03-28T15:18:48ZThe importance of subcutaneous abscess infection by Pasteurella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus as a cause of meat condemnation in slaughtered commercial rabbits
https://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/46453
The importance of subcutaneous abscess infection by Pasteurella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus as a cause of meat condemnation in slaughtered commercial rabbits
Ferreira, A.; Monteiro, J.M.; Vieira-Pinto, M.
[EN] Subcutaneous abscesses are lesions frequently reported in commercial rabbits. Both at farm and slaughterhouse level, these lesions are responsible for economic losses and a potential decrease in meat quality. The present study was devised to identify the main causes of meat condemnation in slaughtered commercial rabbits and assess the importance of abscess lesions in this domain. For these purposes, 281423 rabbits were evaluated during meat inspection at the slaughterhouse. The results achieved showed that subcutaneous abscesses were the major cause of condemnation, being responsible for the rejection of 1355 (0.48%) rabbit carcasses. The main affected area was the hind limbs (31.37%), followed by the cervical area (23.10%). Microbiological analyses of 27 abscess samples indicated Pasteurella spp. as the bacteria mostly isolated (59.3%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (25.9%). These results enable us to advise the industry on the significance of abscesses as an important cause of economic losses, due to meat condemnation during post mortem inspection, and highlight the importance of implementing monitoring plans as a way to control this pathological problem.
2015-01-27T12:23:25ZReproduction performances of a synthetic rabbit line and rabbits of of local populations in Algeria, in 2 breeding locations
https://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/46451
Reproduction performances of a synthetic rabbit line and rabbits of of local populations in Algeria, in 2 breeding locations
Zerrouki, Nacira; Lebas, Francois; Gacem, Malika; Meftah, Ibtissem; Bolet, Gérard
[EN] The aim of this study was to compare the production of a synthetic line (Syn) of rabbits to that of 2 local Algerian populations (W and Loc). The Syn line was obtained from the crossbreeding of a well adapted local population frequently used in Algerian familial farms (Loc) with a more productive French strain. The W population is maintained by a public cooperative and is used mainly in Kabylia region; it is called “white” because of its albino phenotype. Rabbits were placed under the same experimental conditions in 2 rabbitries of a state technical institute. In Baba Ali (Algiers), 50 does of each genotype were raised during 2 yr. In Lamtar (Sidi Bel Abbes), 30 does of the Syn line and 30 of Loc population were compared during 16 mo of production. Natural mating was used 10-11 d after parturition. Kits were weaned at 33-35 d. Litter size and litter weights were measured at birth and weaning. In both locations Syn dams were heavier than those of the other genotypes: (3616, 3464 and 3305 g for Syn, W and Loc in Baba Ali, and 3592 and 3173 for Syn and Loc in Lamtar; P<0.001). The observed litter sizes showed a superiority (P<0.001) of the Syn line compared to W and Loc does at birth time (8.76, 6.78 and 6.19 for Syn, W and Loc in Baba Ali, and 8.02 and 5.90 for Syn and Loc in Lamtar) and at weaning (6.85, 5.83 and 5.44 for Syn, W and Loc in Baba Ali, and 6.61 and 5.15 for Syn and Loc in Lamtar; P<0.001). Most probably as a consequence of the important difference in litter sizes, average individual weight at weaning was weaker for the synthetic line than for the Loc population: 543 vs. 563 g in Baba Ali and 561 vs. 621 g in Lamtar. For the W population in Baba Ali, the weaning weight was similar to that of the Loc population: 565 vs. 563 g. There were no genotype×season interactions which changed the genotypes ranking, and the Syn line performances were more regular from one season to the other than those of the 2 other genotypes. This means that the synthetic line is well adapted to local climatic conditions. Thus, this comparison confirms the interest of this more prolific and more regular synthetic line to develop rabbit production in Algeria.
2015-01-27T12:19:18ZPannon breeding program in rabbit at Kaposvár University
https://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/46450
Pannon breeding program in rabbit at Kaposvár University
Matics, ZS.; Nagy, I.; Gerencsér, ZS.; Radnai, I.; Gyovai, P.; Donkó, T.; Dalle Zotte, A.; Curik, I.; Szendrő, ZS.
[EN] In this study, the rabbit breeding programme conducted at the Kaposvár University is extensively discussed. Population history and recorded traits, creation of the different synthetic lines, evolution of their selection criteria, stimation of the genetic parameters and genetic trends are the main elements described. The programme (Pannon rabbit breeding programme) is operated with 1 maternal line and 2 paternal lines. At present the maternal line (Pannon Ka) is selected for number of kits born alive, while the 2 paternal lines are pre-selected for litter weight (Pannon White) and average daily gain (Pannon terminal line), respectively, then they are both selected for thigh muscle volume (based on computer tomography (CT) measurements). All these traits are evaluated by BLUP methodology. According to the genetic parameter estimations, the heritability of the reproductive traits (litter size and litter weight) was low (0.05-0.17 and 0.08-0.17). When the litter size component traits were extended with dominance effects, the magnitude of the dominance components varied between 0.05 and 0.08. Average daily gain and thigh muscle volume were moderately heritable (0.21-0.27 and 0.19-0.25), while heritability estimates of the carcass traits (dressing out percentage and hind part ratio) were high (0.47 and 0.59). Computer tomography based traits showed favourable high genetic correlations with the carcass traits (dressing out percentage: 0.45-0.47 and hind part ratio: 0.59). On the contrary, strong negative correlation was estimated between thigh muscle volume and litter weight (–0.37 and –0.70). The selection responses obtained for all analysed traits were within the range published by the relevant literature. The success of the CT-based selection for improving meat production was justified by different methods (crossing experiment, divergent selection, estimated genetic trends). In addition to the slow increase in the inbreeding level of the Pannon White breed, it also proves the effectiveness of the circular mating scheme used in all three rabbit breeds in the programme.
2015-01-27T12:13:18ZGenetic comparison of milk production and composition in three maternal rabbit lines
https://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/46448
Genetic comparison of milk production and composition in three maternal rabbit lines
El Nagar, Ayman Gamal Fawzy; Sánchez, Juan Pablo; Ragab, Mohamed Mohamed; Mínguez Balaguer, Carlos; Baselga Izquierdo, Manuel
[EN] The aim of this study was to compare 3 Spanish maternal rabbit lines (A, V and LP) in terms of milk production and composition. These lines were founded on different criteria but selected for litter size at weaning. A total of 194 mature does in their third or higher parity were used. The milk yield of does was recorded at 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16 and 17 d post-partum (dpp). The milk production traits studied were weekly milk yield (WMY; g/wk) and milk conversion ratio (MCR; grams of litter gain per grams of milk suckled during the first 21 dpp). The milk composition traits studied were fat (%), protein (%), ash (%), lactose (%) and total solids (%). The milk samples to be analysed were collected from each doe at 18 dpp. Data were analysed using single trait mixed and fixed models with and without covariates; the covariates were number born alive (NBA) and doe weight at kindling (DW). The overall mean of WMY, during the first 3 wk, was 1547±16 g/wk. Milk yields during the different lactation weeks were for line A 872±39, 1503±39 and 1865±39 g for first, second and third lactation weeks, respectively. In line V, the corresponding values were 919±35, 1633±35 and 2004±35 g, and in line LP, they were 1043±36, 1819±36 and 2254±36 g. Means of MCR were 0.41±0.01, 0.41±0.01 and 0.42±0.01 for A, V and LP lines, respectively. Overall means of fat, protein, ash, lactose and total solids (%) were 14.62±0.17, 11.10±0.07, 1.89±0.04, 2.67±0.12 and 30.27±0.24, respectively. The differences between lines for milk production traits were significant except for MCR, while the differences between lines for milk composition traits were not significant. NBA had significant effects on all milk yield traits but had no significant effects on milk composition traits. DW only had a significant effect on weekly milk yield. The parity order had no significant effect either for milk production traits or milk composition traits in multiparous does, except for ash %.
2015-01-27T12:06:54ZEvaluation of calcium superphosphate as an additive to reduce gas emissions from rabbit manure
https://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/46445
Evaluation of calcium superphosphate as an additive to reduce gas emissions from rabbit manure
Estellés Barber, Fernando; Cambra López, María; Jiménez Belenguer, Ana Isabel; Calvet Sanz, Salvador
[EN] Techniques to reduce the emission of air pollutants from livestock production are demanded. In this study, the effect of an additive (calcium superphosphate) on gas emissions from rabbit manure was investigated and compared with a control where no additive was used. Calcium superphosphate was applied at a rate of 100 g/m2 per week in a manure pit during 2 cycles of growing rabbits. Manure samples were collected weekly and then chemically and microbiologically analysed. Gas emissions (ammonia, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide) were determined in 2 open flux chambers. No differences were observed in gas emissions between the treated and control samples except for ammonia emissions, which were reduced by 33% when the additive was applied (P<0.05). No statistical differences were obtained in the microbial content between control and treatment, as results showed a high variability. Dry matter content and pH were the most influential parameters on the emission of gases from manure. According to these results, the application of calcium superphosphate may be considered as an effective technique to reduce ammonia emission from rabbit manure. The additive may also be potentially effective in other species, but additional research is necessary to investigate its performance.
2015-01-27T12:00:15ZCage-enrichment: rabbit does prefer straw or a compressed wooden block
https://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/46443
Cage-enrichment: rabbit does prefer straw or a compressed wooden block
Rommers, Jorine M.; Bracke, Marc B.M.; Reuvekamp, Berry; Gunnink, Henk; de Jong, Ingrid C.
[EN] The effect of different food related materials on the behaviour of commercial meat rabbit does was investigated to provide them enrichment. Five different treatments were tested. Control (pens without additional enrichment, C) was compared with pens containing a pinewood stick (Pine), straw in a plastic bin (Straw), a compressed wooden block (Ply) or a combination of straw and a pinewood stick (Straw+Pine). The experiment was conducted on a commercial rabbit farm using 80 cages with multiparous lactating hybrid (Hycole) rabbit does. Behavioural observations were conducted in the first 4 wk of 2 successive lactations of 6 wk each, twice a week from 15:00 to 18:30 h. Once every week the consumption of gnawing materials and soiling of the cages was scored. More does were significantly occupied with Straw and Ply than with Pine (24±20, 11±9 and 4±3% of does, respectively) for a longer duration (4±4, 2±2, 0.1±0.2% of observed time, respectively). In does of Straw+Pine group, the pinewood was barely touched and straw was preferred. It can be concluded that straw (loose material) and wooden block are used by the animals as enrichment material to gnaw or chew on. The materials remain attractive for the 2 lactations which were measured. The pinewood stick as provided in this study was rarely used and it may be questioned whether it is sufficient as enrichment material or if it should be provided in another way than hanging on the roof of the cage. This study provides a first step towards a positive list of enrichment materials that can be used in commercial rabbit farming in The Netherlands.
2015-01-27T11:55:19ZAbstracts of the 39th Symposium on Cuniculture, ASESCU Tudela, Spain, 29 th-30th May, 2014
https://riunet.upv.es:443/handle/10251/46441
Abstracts of the 39th Symposium on Cuniculture, ASESCU Tudela, Spain, 29 th-30th May, 2014
[EN] The 39th Congress of the Spanish Association of Cuniculture (ASESCU) was held in Tudela from 29th to 30th of May 2014. The main papers were related to analysing the current situation of rabbit sector in Navarra region, problems related to marketing and opening new markets for rabbit meat, production costs in rabbit farming, producer organisations, growth performance in crossbred rabbits as well as the partnership between the Spanish Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA) and the rabbit marketing board (INTERCUN) to support research projects. In addition, 2 round tables were held on the role of producer associations in the development of rabbit farming and the risks of medication dependency. Moreover, a total of 25 communications were presented both in working sessions with oral communications and posters (pathology, technical-economical management, nutrition, reproduction, management and welfare, and consumers’ behaviour). The meeting was attended by more than 190 participants, including researchers from Spain, Portugal, France, Ecuador, Brasil and Egypt. The abstracts of the contributions presented are reported below.
2015-01-27T11:49:06Z