Environmental Enrichment in Rabbit Husbandry: Comparative Impacts on Performance and Welfare

El-Sabrout, Karim; Sherasiya, Anjum; Ahmad, Sohail; Aggag, Sarah; Nannoni, Eleonora; Cavallini, Damiano; Buonaiuto, Giovanni

doi:10.3390/ani14162367

Animals

2024

DOI: 10.3390/ani14162367

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Environmental Enrichment in Rabbit Husbandry: Comparative Impacts on Performance and Welfare

Karim El-Sabrout,

Anjum Sherasiya,

Sohail Ahmad

et al.

Abstract: Rabbits are highly susceptible to environmental stress. Such stress, stemming from conventional housing conditions, can negatively impact well-being and productivity. Some of these negative consequences are increased susceptibility to diseases and infections and reduced growth rates and reproductive performance, as well as increased behavioral issues such as aggression. Environmental enrichment is the modification of the environment in which a domesticated animal lives in order to meet the species’ behavioral … Show more

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Cited by 6 publications

References 75 publications

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Investigating the Welfare of Zoo‐Housed Cryptoprocta ferox: Behavioral Observations and Hormonal Profiling

Marliani,

Calamandrei,

Buonaiuto

et al. 2024

Zoo Biology

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The global decline of species necessitates intensive conservation efforts, including ex‐situ breeding programs to safeguard endangered populations. However, managing welfare and reproduction in zoological gardens can present several challenges. This study aims to explore behaviors and endocrinological responses of two specimens of fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) under human care. One hundred and twenty hours of observation through focal animal sampling continuous recording and 67 fecal samples were collected. From fecal samples, cortisol (FCM), progesterone (FPM), and testosterone (FTM) metabolites' concentrations were analyzed using Radio Immuno Assay. According to our results, higher FTM (p < 0.05) and FPM levels at the beginning of the study, showing a potential alignment with the breeding season. When the male entered the female outdoor area, he recorded longer durations of seeking and marking behaviors (p ≤ 0.01), along with lower FCM levels (p < 0.05), suggesting an enriching effect. In the same period, the female's FCM level was higher (p ≤ 0.01), indicating potential stress. When both animals were in their respective outdoor areas, the FCM level of the female remained significantly higher (p < 0.05), and the male showed a peak in pacing duration (p < 0.01), implying a potential stress or frustration status. In her indoor area, the female exhibited significantly shorter durations of locomotion, marking, and seeking (p < 0.01) and did not show any abnormal behavior, likely due to the reduced complexity of the environment. However, we cannot exclude that her complete visual and olfactory separation from the male and visitors may also have contributed to a decrease in her overall stress levels. The findings highlight the interplay between hormonal fluctuations and behavioral responses in the two zoo‐housed fossa, providing essential insights for fostering their well‐being and facilitating conservation efforts.

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Investigating the Welfare of Zoo‐Housed Cryptoprocta ferox: Behavioral Observations and Hormonal Profiling

Marliani,

Calamandrei,

Buonaiuto

et al. 2024

Zoo Biology

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Dynamics of the Thermal Environment in Climate-Controlled Poultry Houses for Broiler Chickens

Ferreira,

Campos,

Ferraz

et al. 2024

AgriEngineering

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The implementation of poultry houses with enhanced control over environmental variables represents a solution to the growing demands for production and animal welfare. This study assessed the internal environment of dark-house poultry houses for broilers on a weekly basis throughout a production cycle. Data were collected over six weeks, from March to April 2016 involving 40,000 Cobb500TM broilers. A Hobo® datalogger continuously monitored the temperature (°C), relative humidity (%), dew point temperature (°C), and black globe temperature (°C) at 15 min intervals. The indices analyzed included the temperature and humidity index (THI), the black globe and humidity index (BGHI), and enthalpy (H). In the first week, both the THI and BGHI indicated favorable conditions for the birds, with the THI ranging from 72.4 to 80 and the BGHI from 77 to 81.6. Between the second and fifth weeks, the THI conditions varied between thermal comfort and discomfort, from 56.6 to 72. In the sixth week, all indices indicated discomfort, reflecting increased metabolism and population density. The dark-house system demonstrated a feed efficiency of 51%, an accumulated mortality rate of 1.97%, and a total production of 99,873 kg of meat. The study highlights the importance of continuously monitoring and adjusting environmental conditions to optimize production and enhance bird welfare.

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Nutritional Value of Oregano-Based Products and Its Effect on Rabbit Performance and Health

Abd El-Aziz,

Elfadadny,

Abo Ghanima

et al. 2024

Animals

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Antimicrobials long been used to enhance the performance and immunity of rabbits, typically by adding them to feed or drinking water to prevent illness. However, increasing consumer concerns about antibiotic-resistant microorganisms have led to a shift toward natural, eco-friendly, non-antibiotic feed supplements that can improve rabbit health and productivity. Recently, aromatic herbs and their extracts have gained considerable attention as natural antioxidants with growth-promoting and health-boosting properties. Essential oils and secondary metabolites play a central role in these effects, with Origanum vulgare (oregano) emerging as a standout option. Compared to synthetic alternatives, oregano is a natural, residue-free feed supplement with fewer harmful side effects. Its key bioactive components, thymol and carvacrol, have been shown to deliver significant benefits when incorporated into rabbit diets, particularly in improving production performance, immunity, and antioxidant capacity. Supplementing rabbit diets and drinking water with oregano essential oil (OEO) has been found to enhance growth performance, feed efficiency, and meat quality, while also lowering cholesterol levels and boosting antioxidant activity. Despite these promising results, research on the use of oregano in rabbit farming remains limited. This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the potential effect of oregano supplements, on growth parameters, carcass and meat quality, hemato-biochemical parameters, antioxidant capacity, immunity response, gut health, and gene expression in rabbits.

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Environmental Enrichment in Rabbit Husbandry: Comparative Impacts on Performance and Welfare

Cited by 6 publications

References 75 publications

Investigating the Welfare of Zoo‐Housed Cryptoprocta ferox: Behavioral Observations and Hormonal Profiling

Investigating the Welfare of Zoo‐Housed Cryptoprocta ferox: Behavioral Observations and Hormonal Profiling

Dynamics of the Thermal Environment in Climate-Controlled Poultry Houses for Broiler Chickens

Nutritional Value of Oregano-Based Products and Its Effect on Rabbit Performance and Health

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