The Effects of Temperature and Humidity Index on Growth Performance, Colon Microbiota, and Serum Metabolome of Ira Rabbits

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of different THI values on growth performance, intestinal microbes, and serum metabolism in meat rabbits. The results showed that there were significant differences in THI in different location regions of the rabbit house. The high-THI group (HG) could significantly reduce average daily gain and average daily feed intake in Ira rabbits (p < 0.05). The low-THI group (LG) significantly increased the relative abundance of Blautia (p < 0.05). The HG significantly increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group and reduced bacterial community interaction (p < 0.05). The cytokine–cytokine receptor interactions, nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway, and toll-like receptor signaling pathway in each rabbit’s gut were activated when the THI was 26.14 (p < 0.05). Metabolic pathways such as the phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis and phenylalanine metabolisms were activated when the THI was 27.25 (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the TRPV3 and NGF genes that were associated with heat sensitivity were significantly upregulated (p < 0.05). In addition, five metabolites were found to be able to predict THI levels in the environment with an accuracy of 91.7%. In summary, a THI of 26.14 is more suitable for the growth of meat rabbits than a THI of 27.25, providing a reference for the efficient feeding of meat rabbits.

Seasonal Variations in Production Performance, Health Status, and Gut Microbiota of Meat Rabbit Reared in Semi-Confined Conditions

“…For example, compared to the winter season, the rabbits raised in the summer season had significantly lower and higher alpha and beta diversity, respectively. This may be explained by the relative high ambient temperature and humidity exposure in summer, which significantly reduced feed intake and further resulted in a shift in gut microbial diversity [ 34 , 35 ]. Changes in gut microbiota at different taxonomic levels between summer and winter were also observed.…”

Research on Multi-Parameter Prediction of Rabbit Housing Environment Based on Transformer

“…Parameters such as temperature, humidity, light, carbon dioxide, and ammonia concentrations, along with dust levels, are critical in rabbit housing. Research indicates that low humidity can incur respiratory diseases in rabbits, while high humidity could expedite the spread of infectious diseases (Li et al, 2023). Lower temperatures may reduce food intake, impair reproductive capabilities, and increase susceptibility to diseases such as rabbit fever, whereas high temperatures may induce heatstroke in rabbits, leading to infections that could affect reproduction or even cause death.…”