Difference between revisions of "Rabbit housing"
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2. Materials and methods 2.1 Animals and housing The research was conducted at the experimental farm of the Department of Veterinary Sciences, Turin University (Italy), from March to July 2022. All animals were handled in accordance with the recommendations of the Turin University Bioethics Committee (Protocol no. 0245520). Atotal of 294 male weaned rabbits (35 days old) from two different grey rabbit populations, Carmagnola (GC, N =147) and Monferrato (GM, N =147), were randomly allocated to three breeding systems: | 2. Materials and methods 2.1 Animals and housing The research was conducted at the experimental farm of the Department of Veterinary Sciences, Turin University (Italy), from March to July 2022. All animals were handled in accordance with the recommendations of the Turin University Bioethics Committee (Protocol no. 0245520). Atotal of 294 male weaned rabbits (35 days old) from two different grey rabbit populations, Carmagnola (GC, N =147) and Monferrato (GM, N =147), were randomly allocated to three breeding systems: | ||
*<span style="color:blue">single cage size is : 19.68 inches x 9.8 inches x 11 inches </span> | |||
*<span style="color:red">this does NOT MEET MINIMUM REQUIRMENTS FOR THE US AWA </span> | |||
• Traditional single cage (Single): a total of 7 rabbits per breed were housed individually in cages measuring 500 x 250 x 300 mm, with a stocking density of 24 kg/m considered as an experimental unit (7 replicates). 2 2 . Each cage was considered as an experimental unit (7 replicates). | • Traditional single cage (Single): a total of 7 rabbits per breed were housed individually in cages measuring 500 x 250 x 300 mm, with a stocking density of 24 kg/m considered as an experimental unit (7 replicates). 2 2 . Each cage was considered as an experimental unit (7 replicates). | ||
• Groupfarming (Group): a total of 70 rabbits were housed in collective cages measuring 2 m and a density of 15 kg/m (7 replicates). 2msq and a density of 15 kg/m (7 replicates). | • Groupfarming (Group): a total of 70 rabbits were housed in collective cages measuring 2 m and a density of 15 kg/m (7 replicates). 2msq and a density of 15 kg/m (7 replicates). | ||
That translates to 10 rabbits per 36sqfoot area. | |||
• Mixed pilot system (Mixed): a total of 70 rabbits were initially raised in groups with 7 rabbits per collective cage (15 kg/m 2 (7 replicates). ). Once they reached sexual maturity (80 days old), they were transferred to single cages measuring 500 x 250 x 330 mm, with a stocking density of 24 kg/Mixed pilot system (Mixed): a total of 70 rabbits were initially raised in groups with 7 rabbits per collective cage (15 kg/m 2 (7 replicates). ). Once they reached sexual maturity (80 days old), they were transferred to single cages measuring 500 x 250 x 330 mm, with a stocking density of 24 kg/ | • Mixed pilot system (Mixed): a total of 70 rabbits were initially raised in groups with 7 rabbits per collective cage (15 kg/m 2 (7 replicates). ). Once they reached sexual maturity (80 days old), they were transferred to single cages measuring 500 x 250 x 330 mm, with a stocking density of 24 kg/Mixed pilot system (Mixed): a total of 70 rabbits were initially raised in groups with 7 rabbits per collective cage (15 kg/m 2 (7 replicates). ). Once they reached sexual maturity (80 days old), they were transferred to single cages measuring 500 x 250 x 330 mm, with a stocking density of 24 kg/ | ||
note rabbits begin to fight by 70 days old so they waited 10 days AFTER we know rabbits begin to be aggressive to move them to a new enclosure. | |||
• Once they reached sexual maturity (80 days old), they were transferred to single cages measuring 500 x 250 x 330 mm, with a stocking density of 24 kg/ m All the experimental groups were housed in the same artificially ventilated building with an airflow rate of 0.3 m/s. The environmental conditions, including temperature and relative humidity, were monitored, and controlled daily within the range of +15/+28˚C and 60% / 75%, respectively. The lighting schedule followed a 12-hour light/12-hour dark cycle (12L/ 12D). During the trial, from the time of weaning until commercial slaughtering age (100 days of age), the rabbits were provided with ad libitum access to feed and water. Daily health checks | |||
• Rabbits in Group exhibited a broader range of behaviours, with a higher percentage of kinetic activities like running, walking, and exploratory behaviours. This finding aligns with previous research by Dal Bosco et al. [26], L. Lambertini and Formigoni [27], Princz et al. [28]; Trocino et al. [29], who also reported increased movement in rabbits housed in group systems, and a negative correlation between movement and eating activity. These findings indicate that group housing offers a more stimulating and dynamic environment for rabbits, leading to a broader range of physical activities. This was associated with a reduction in stereotypical behaviours, decreased time spent on feeding and resting, and an increase in social activities, exploration, and <span style="color:red">aggressiveness</span>, in line with previous research [26, 28]. On the other hand, rabbits housed in Single exhibited higher frequencies of turning on itself, laying down, and drinking behaviours , while rabbits in Mixed displayed more crouching, self-grooming, and stereotypic activities such as smelling and biting bars. These observations suggest that the Mixed system may not provide an optimal environment for rabbits, given the increased occurrence of stereotypical behaviours. In the case of rabbits housed in Single, their behavioural repertoire is limited due to the spatial constraints of their environment.<span style="color:blue">my note, the cages they were in, were less than half the recommended sizes we suggest in the United States and they didn't give them the recommended enrichment which would of fixed any negative issue observed from boredom </span> Social activities are restricted, as rabbits have limited opportunities for performing behaviours such as smelling others and allo-grooming, especially when neighbouring rabbits are housed in adjacent cages [30]. Research indicates that anxiety symptoms are often linked to restrictive repetitive behaviours (RRBs), particularly when animals engage in repetitive behaviours consistently [26, 27]. This may explain why rabbits in Single-cages exhibit anxious repetitive behaviours, such as bar biting and sniffing, with the latter two classified as stereotyped behaviours [3]., | |||
it was mostly becuse they didn't give them any toys. | |||
• Rabbits housed in Group system exhibited higher levels of both salivary and hair CORT, indicating an increased stress response in this housing condition. This might be attributed to factors such as social dynamics, competition for resources, or other stressors associated with group housing. This finding is consistent with previous studies that have reported increased stress levels in group-housed animals [32] including rabbits [10, 33] due to factors such as social hierarchy and environmental challenges. | |||
This still holds true and had held true for multiple decades rabbits housed in a colony group settings are higher stressed over longerterm. | |||
• Conclusions Our research emphasizes the importance of observing both the behaviour and physiological stress markers of rabbits over time to understand their well-being in different housing systems. Wehavehighlighted that the type of housing significantly affects various behaviours in rabbits. For instance, group farming fosters social bonding but can also lead to increased levels of chronic and acute stress in rabbits. Conversely, rabbits in solitary cages may experience acute stress due to loneliness and confinement. These differences arise from both social and physiological changes in rabbits, which should be consider when selecting the appropriate housing system. However, it’s essential to acknowledge some limitations in our study, analyzing rabbit behaviour during night-time, considering their nocturnal nature, could offer a more complete picture of their behavioural patterns and stress responses. Furthermore, the timing of observations plays a crucial role in understanding how housing systems influence behaviour. Our statistical analyses provide deep insights into the complex relationship between behaviour and stress physiology in rabbits, uncovering underlying stressors and adaptive coping mechanisms across different farming conditions. The relationship we’ve identified between aggressive behaviours, escape tendencies, and cortisol levels present promising avenues for identifying key behavioural indicators. Armed with a deeper understanding of social dynamics and stress factors within farming systems, our findings equip farmers with targeted interventions to enhance animal welfare and create an environment conducive to optimal health and behaviour. | |||
My conclusion all your single housing issues would have been solved if you had them in properly sized cages like we use in the US and not a battery cage the size of one of my travel carriers and simply gave them some toys, a pine cone paper towel rolls, some cardboard, an untreated pine block. | |||
The SQ footage they kept these rabbis in was: | |||
1500sqcm = 1.6sqft | |||
recommended minimum space for a commercial-bred rabbit is 4sqft = 3716.12sqcm | |||
Latest revision as of 18:21, 29 December 2024
Domesticated rabbits descend from European wild rabbits. European wild rabbits live in groups depending upon resources available. The more resources that are available, the less tightly they group, and actually prefer quite a bit of distance from the other rabbits. A literature review concluded that wild rabbits are either dominant or subordinate and the subordinate animals live in a constant state of stress and fear when in a group setting. Dominant animals require submission from subordinate daily, and if not performed, leads to violent fighting.
Domesticated rabbits allowed to live in colonies showed much aggression to each other, and the reviewers came to the conclusion that rabbits are very aggressively territorial animals and for their safety, should be housed individually. The Social Nature of European Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
"However, anecdotal reports of aggression in rabbits, often without an obvious cause and resulting in serious injuries, during socialization attempts in the laboratory have prevented widespread social housing of the species." "The literature on the subject is relatively brief, considering the number of animals used in research facilities each year, and many of the published reports are subjective assessments rather than well-controlled studies that provide conclusive evidence regarding social housing benefits, risks, and methods for this species." "In such groupings, the dominant buck routinely patrols a territory, and as often as daily, requires a submissive act from all other rabbits, both male and female, sharing the same space.38 These submissive acts are manifested by the subordinate animals retreating or fleeing from the dominant buck's advances. Retreating is required to demonstrate submission, and any failure to retreat prompts an attack.38" All it takes is one missed social cue "In contrast, all adult animals demonstrated aggressive behavior toward one another, with no difference in frequency of aggressive behavior patterns between males and females in a large fenced-in area.36" *~Stephanie Hughes- quoting "The Social Nature of European Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)"
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5113872/
We've mentioned in here previously that rabbits live in warrens, but you do not have the space like a wild rabbit does to avoid someone else ,Colony setups recommend something like 50 sqft per doe of unbroken space, iirc People trying to bond their rabbits are trying to do a colony setup without the sufficient space to do so safely . Some rabbits aren't even interested in breeding until 1, Circling is territorial. Unlikely, but not impossible *~ Cave.Lepus Tomias Skyewillow
Or more .. if they like to keep approx 50feet apart naturally. It's more like 2500sqfeet per rabbit for them.to be most comfortable.. basically they want their own 3 bedroom house
Recent Rabbit Housing Studies[edit | edit source]
++new study++
July 18, 2024 Behaviour and welfare assessment of autochthonous slow-growing rabbits: The role of housing systems[edit | edit source]
Published: July 18, 2024 [1] [2] File:Doi.org 10.1371 journal.pone.0307456s.pdf
another in my opinion, piss poor "wellfare" that doesn't even meet the US AWA standard to start with.
2. Materials and methods 2.1 Animals and housing The research was conducted at the experimental farm of the Department of Veterinary Sciences, Turin University (Italy), from March to July 2022. All animals were handled in accordance with the recommendations of the Turin University Bioethics Committee (Protocol no. 0245520). Atotal of 294 male weaned rabbits (35 days old) from two different grey rabbit populations, Carmagnola (GC, N =147) and Monferrato (GM, N =147), were randomly allocated to three breeding systems:
- single cage size is : 19.68 inches x 9.8 inches x 11 inches
- this does NOT MEET MINIMUM REQUIRMENTS FOR THE US AWA
• Traditional single cage (Single): a total of 7 rabbits per breed were housed individually in cages measuring 500 x 250 x 300 mm, with a stocking density of 24 kg/m considered as an experimental unit (7 replicates). 2 2 . Each cage was considered as an experimental unit (7 replicates).
• Groupfarming (Group): a total of 70 rabbits were housed in collective cages measuring 2 m and a density of 15 kg/m (7 replicates). 2msq and a density of 15 kg/m (7 replicates).
That translates to 10 rabbits per 36sqfoot area.
• Mixed pilot system (Mixed): a total of 70 rabbits were initially raised in groups with 7 rabbits per collective cage (15 kg/m 2 (7 replicates). ). Once they reached sexual maturity (80 days old), they were transferred to single cages measuring 500 x 250 x 330 mm, with a stocking density of 24 kg/Mixed pilot system (Mixed): a total of 70 rabbits were initially raised in groups with 7 rabbits per collective cage (15 kg/m 2 (7 replicates). ). Once they reached sexual maturity (80 days old), they were transferred to single cages measuring 500 x 250 x 330 mm, with a stocking density of 24 kg/
note rabbits begin to fight by 70 days old so they waited 10 days AFTER we know rabbits begin to be aggressive to move them to a new enclosure.
• Once they reached sexual maturity (80 days old), they were transferred to single cages measuring 500 x 250 x 330 mm, with a stocking density of 24 kg/ m All the experimental groups were housed in the same artificially ventilated building with an airflow rate of 0.3 m/s. The environmental conditions, including temperature and relative humidity, were monitored, and controlled daily within the range of +15/+28˚C and 60% / 75%, respectively. The lighting schedule followed a 12-hour light/12-hour dark cycle (12L/ 12D). During the trial, from the time of weaning until commercial slaughtering age (100 days of age), the rabbits were provided with ad libitum access to feed and water. Daily health checks
• Rabbits in Group exhibited a broader range of behaviours, with a higher percentage of kinetic activities like running, walking, and exploratory behaviours. This finding aligns with previous research by Dal Bosco et al. [26], L. Lambertini and Formigoni [27], Princz et al. [28]; Trocino et al. [29], who also reported increased movement in rabbits housed in group systems, and a negative correlation between movement and eating activity. These findings indicate that group housing offers a more stimulating and dynamic environment for rabbits, leading to a broader range of physical activities. This was associated with a reduction in stereotypical behaviours, decreased time spent on feeding and resting, and an increase in social activities, exploration, and aggressiveness, in line with previous research [26, 28]. On the other hand, rabbits housed in Single exhibited higher frequencies of turning on itself, laying down, and drinking behaviours , while rabbits in Mixed displayed more crouching, self-grooming, and stereotypic activities such as smelling and biting bars. These observations suggest that the Mixed system may not provide an optimal environment for rabbits, given the increased occurrence of stereotypical behaviours. In the case of rabbits housed in Single, their behavioural repertoire is limited due to the spatial constraints of their environment.my note, the cages they were in, were less than half the recommended sizes we suggest in the United States and they didn't give them the recommended enrichment which would of fixed any negative issue observed from boredom Social activities are restricted, as rabbits have limited opportunities for performing behaviours such as smelling others and allo-grooming, especially when neighbouring rabbits are housed in adjacent cages [30]. Research indicates that anxiety symptoms are often linked to restrictive repetitive behaviours (RRBs), particularly when animals engage in repetitive behaviours consistently [26, 27]. This may explain why rabbits in Single-cages exhibit anxious repetitive behaviours, such as bar biting and sniffing, with the latter two classified as stereotyped behaviours [3].,
it was mostly becuse they didn't give them any toys.
• Rabbits housed in Group system exhibited higher levels of both salivary and hair CORT, indicating an increased stress response in this housing condition. This might be attributed to factors such as social dynamics, competition for resources, or other stressors associated with group housing. This finding is consistent with previous studies that have reported increased stress levels in group-housed animals [32] including rabbits [10, 33] due to factors such as social hierarchy and environmental challenges.
This still holds true and had held true for multiple decades rabbits housed in a colony group settings are higher stressed over longerterm.
• Conclusions Our research emphasizes the importance of observing both the behaviour and physiological stress markers of rabbits over time to understand their well-being in different housing systems. Wehavehighlighted that the type of housing significantly affects various behaviours in rabbits. For instance, group farming fosters social bonding but can also lead to increased levels of chronic and acute stress in rabbits. Conversely, rabbits in solitary cages may experience acute stress due to loneliness and confinement. These differences arise from both social and physiological changes in rabbits, which should be consider when selecting the appropriate housing system. However, it’s essential to acknowledge some limitations in our study, analyzing rabbit behaviour during night-time, considering their nocturnal nature, could offer a more complete picture of their behavioural patterns and stress responses. Furthermore, the timing of observations plays a crucial role in understanding how housing systems influence behaviour. Our statistical analyses provide deep insights into the complex relationship between behaviour and stress physiology in rabbits, uncovering underlying stressors and adaptive coping mechanisms across different farming conditions. The relationship we’ve identified between aggressive behaviours, escape tendencies, and cortisol levels present promising avenues for identifying key behavioural indicators. Armed with a deeper understanding of social dynamics and stress factors within farming systems, our findings equip farmers with targeted interventions to enhance animal welfare and create an environment conducive to optimal health and behaviour.
My conclusion all your single housing issues would have been solved if you had them in properly sized cages like we use in the US and not a battery cage the size of one of my travel carriers and simply gave them some toys, a pine cone paper towel rolls, some cardboard, an untreated pine block.
The SQ footage they kept these rabbis in was: 1500sqcm = 1.6sqft recommended minimum space for a commercial-bred rabbit is 4sqft = 3716.12sqcm
August 9th 2022 A pilot study about on-farm assessment of health and welfare in rabbits kept in different housing systems[edit | edit source]
[DOI:10.3389/fvets.2022.936643]
notes on European rabbit studies and conversion from metric to imperial.
conversion note is taken from cage sizes studied:
- standard breeding cages for reproducing does: 3,300 cm2/ 511.501 in2
- grow out area : 1,200 cm2/ 186.0004 in2
- dual-purpose cages for both reproducing does and growing rabbits: 3,655 cm2/ 566.52613 in2
- enriched cages: 4,739 cm2/ 734.54647 in2
MMC Standard sized rabbit cages :
- Singles New Zealand 3716.12 cm2/ 575.999752 in2
- Doe with litter Min sized 5574.18 cm2/ 863.999628 in2
- Doe with Litter Max Sized 5806.44 cm2/ 900 in2
Abstract and Figures This pilot study tested an on-farm protocol based on resource, management, and animal-based measures to evaluate the on-farm health and welfare of rabbits kept in four different housing systems. In detail, the four housing systems were
- (1) standard breeding cages for reproducing does (3,300 cm2) with their litters associated with bicellular cages for growing rabbits (1,200 cm2);
- (2) dual-purpose cages for both reproducing does and growing rabbits (3,655 cm2);
- (3) enriched cages (4,739 cm2) for both reproducing does and growing rabbits equipped with a wire-mesh elevated platform (1,015 cm2);
- (4) parks (30,977 cm2) made up of four modules (7,744 cm2 each) joined by removing the wire net walls between them with growing rabbits kept in collective parks and reproducing does individually in the single modules.
A total of 12 commercial farms (three farms/four housing systems) were visited during three seasons (summer, autumn, and winter) on two occasions each: (1) a pre-weaning visit for recordings on reproducing does and litters and (2) a pre-slaughtering visit for recordings on growing rabbits.
At the pre-weaning visit, the prevalence of health concerns did not differ among does and litters kept in the different housing systems. At the pre-slaughtering visit, a higher prevalence of dermatomycosis(Ringworm) was found in farms with dual-purpose cages and parks. Overall, taking into account the limitations due to the small sample size per housing system and the field conditions, the on-farm assessment tested in the present pilot study did not highlight major differences in the welfare and health of reproducing does and their kits as well as of growing rabbits in farms using different housing systems, which need to be confirmed on a large number of farms. The study also outlined the role of several management and environmental factors changing from one farm to another, which stresses the troubles of exclusively accounting for on-farm rabbit welfare and health to the housing system. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362629070_A_pilot_study_about_on-farm_assessment_of_health_and_welfare_in_rabbits_kept_in_different_housing_systems