Abstract
Objective: The main objective of this study was to study the effect of stocking density in two genetic groups of rabbits (purebred Californian (CAL × CAL) and Californian × Rex (CAL × RX) crossbred rabbits) on growth performance, some blood hematological, biochemical and immunological parameters and carcass traits. Materials and methods: A total of 120 weaned rabbits were randomly assigned to a completely randomized design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments (two genetic groups; 60 of each CAL × CAL and CAL × RX and three stocking densities; 8, 12 and 20 rabbits/m 2 ; the number of rabbits under each stocking density was 24, 36 and 60; respectively) and 6 replicates. Results: The effects of genetic group × stocking density interactions were significant ( P <0.05) on most of growth performance traits, blood biochemical parameters and phagocytic activity, whereas the effects were non-significant on majority of blood hematological parameters and carcass traits. CAL × CAL rabbits stocked at 20 rabbits/m 2 had the lowest final body weights and total average daily gains, but had the highest feed to gain ratio. CAL × CAL rabbits stocked at 20 rabbits/m 2 had the lowest total protein and the highest glucose, corticosterone, liver function tests, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Conclusion: CAL × CAL rabbits stocked at 20 rabbits/m 2 recorded higher liver and kidney function tests, glucose, TAC, corticosterone levels and lower phagocytic activity which refers to the response of this genetic group to the stress of this higher stocking density and subsequently lower growth performance was observed in these rabbits. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e273
Highlights
MATERIALS AND METHODSThe rabbits are characterized on the rest of the livestock in converting fibrous low quality vegetables to a high quality meat for the human consumption, and this is the primary goal of raising livestock, and without doubt it is possible for rabbits to occupy an important position as a meat animal among livestock in many countries, especially in developing countries where there is an imbalance between human population density and high quality grains and plant protein sources (McNitt et al, 2013).Differences among genetic groups for carcass traits have been reported in previous scientific papers (Metzger et al, 2006) as well as blood parameters (Abdel-Azeem et al, 2010)
CAL × CAL rabbits stocked at 20 rabbits/m2 had the lowest total protein and the highest glucose, corticosterone, liver function tests, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)
CAL × CAL rabbits stocked at 20 rabbits/m2 recorded higher liver and kidney function tests, glucose, TAC, corticosterone levels and lower phagocytic activity which refers to the response of this genetic group to the stress of this higher stocking density and subsequently lower growth performance was observed in these rabbits
Summary
Differences among genetic groups for carcass traits have been reported in previous scientific papers (Metzger et al, 2006) as well as blood parameters (Abdel-Azeem et al, 2010). These differences not exist for carcass traits (Maj et al, 2009) and blood parameters (AlDobaib et al, 2007; Abdel-Hamid and Farahat, 2015). The stocking density or the cages floor space available for each rabbit is one of the most important factors affecting well being and thereby has a great impact on production due to its influence on freedom of movement and comfort (Szendrő et al, 2009) and the profitability from the rabbit operation (Vanhonacker et al, 2009). Many researchers have investigated the effect of stocking density on blood parameters (Onbasılar and Onbasılar, 2007; Kalaba, 2012) and carcass merits (Villalobos et al, 2008; Lazzaroni et al, 2009; Paci et al, 2013; Xiccato et al, 2013; Volek et al, 2014).
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