Influence de l'effectif et de la densité par cage sur les performances productives, la qualité bouchère et le comportament chez le lapin

To study the effect of the type of cage and stocking density on the performance and behaviour, 180 rabbits were bred from 35 to 80 d of age in 60 individual cages and 40 collective cages (3 rabbits/cage) at two densities (12 or 16 rabbits/m2). The rabbits kept in collective cages showed lower feed intake, final live weight (-3%), and transport losses. Besides, meat lightness and coking losses were higher as well as the diameter and fracture resistance of the tibia. The rearing at high density determined scarce effects, limited to a higher dressing percentage (58.7 vs 57.8%) and meat red index (a*). The rabbits were submitted twice to an open-field test at 44 and 65 d. In the second test rabbits kept in collective cages used less time for exploration and showed a higher frequency of urination than rabbits raised in single cages. Major differences were observed with age: from 44 to 65 days, rabbits showed an increased frequency of behavior indicating adaptation to the cage condition.