Feeding, Nutrition and Rearing Systems of the Rabbit

During the last years, several issues have contributed to a progressive decline in rabbit meat consumption in the European Union, including consumers’ concerns for animal welfare, the unsuitable presentation of the end product, an increased popularity of rabbits as pet animals, high production costs (aggravated by the ongoing geopolitical crises), and criticism about the environmental sustainability of rabbit farms [1]. Therefore, the rabbit sector is looking for sustainable solutions to limit the use of antimicrobials, improve the health and welfare of animals, and reduce the environmental impact of farms. Progress in genetics, breeding management, and feeding techniques have enhanced health conditions and feed efficiency in rabbit production; however, further improvements are required to guarantee the economic sustainability of rabbit farms [2,3]. This Special Issue of Animals collects research papers and literature reviews on genetic, feeding, and nutritional strategies for improving health, feed efficiency, and meat quality in growing rabbits. Innovative techniques for the determination of nutrients use efficiency have also been investigated. The future of the rabbit sector depends on its capability to address the ongoing global challenges and offer safe, highly nutritional, and environmentally and ethically sustainable products at affordable prices. Each of the research topics published in this Special Issue has significantly contributed to increasing the state of knowledge on rabbit genetics, feeding, and nutrition, opening innovative routes that should be explored to enhance sustainability in rabbit production.