The objective of this study was to test a new combination of deep litter and wire net floor. The experiment was conducted at the Kaposvár University using Pannon white rabbits (n = 193). The following experimental groups were formed: C = 20 cages (2 rabbits/cage, n = 40); P16 = 3 pens (14 rabbits/pen, 16 rabbits/m2, n = 42); P11 = 3 pens (9 rabbits/pen, 11 rabbits/m2, n = 27); PW = 3 pens with wire net elevated platform (14 rabbits/pen, 11 rabbits/m2, n = 42); PD = 3 pens with elevated platform deep litter on it (14 rabbits/pen, 11 rabbits/m2, n = 42). Rearing the rabbits in pens (P16, P12, PW, PD) decreased the body weight and weight gain, the ratio of the medium and hind part of the carcass (hind legs) and the fat depots compared to the caged rabbits. For dressing out percentage and for fore part of the carcass the effect of housing was significant only at the level of P<0.1. No significant differences were observed for feed consumption, feed conversion ratio and mortality. 11.1, 58.7 and 30.2% of the rabbits could be located at the platform of deep litter floor (1/3 basic area), at the area under the platform (1/3 basic area) and at areas near to the feeder or drinker (1/3 basic area). Using platforms of wire net floors most of the rabbits (43%) were located on the platforms. 31.5 and 25.5% of the rabbits stayed under the platform and at uncovered areas, respectively. Combination of wire net and deep litter floor hardly influence the production while the higher possibility for locomotory behaviour is favourably treated by the consumer. The rabbits can freely choose their location and replacing of the litter can also be easily performed in case of a removable platform.
Examination of growing rabbits housed in pens without or with platform
DALLE ZOTTE, ANTONELLA
2009
Abstract
The objective of this study was to test a new combination of deep litter and wire net floor. The experiment was conducted at the Kaposvár University using Pannon white rabbits (n = 193). The following experimental groups were formed: C = 20 cages (2 rabbits/cage, n = 40); P16 = 3 pens (14 rabbits/pen, 16 rabbits/m2, n = 42); P11 = 3 pens (9 rabbits/pen, 11 rabbits/m2, n = 27); PW = 3 pens with wire net elevated platform (14 rabbits/pen, 11 rabbits/m2, n = 42); PD = 3 pens with elevated platform deep litter on it (14 rabbits/pen, 11 rabbits/m2, n = 42). Rearing the rabbits in pens (P16, P12, PW, PD) decreased the body weight and weight gain, the ratio of the medium and hind part of the carcass (hind legs) and the fat depots compared to the caged rabbits. For dressing out percentage and for fore part of the carcass the effect of housing was significant only at the level of P<0.1. No significant differences were observed for feed consumption, feed conversion ratio and mortality. 11.1, 58.7 and 30.2% of the rabbits could be located at the platform of deep litter floor (1/3 basic area), at the area under the platform (1/3 basic area) and at areas near to the feeder or drinker (1/3 basic area). Using platforms of wire net floors most of the rabbits (43%) were located on the platforms. 31.5 and 25.5% of the rabbits stayed under the platform and at uncovered areas, respectively. Combination of wire net and deep litter floor hardly influence the production while the higher possibility for locomotory behaviour is favourably treated by the consumer. The rabbits can freely choose their location and replacing of the litter can also be easily performed in case of a removable platform.
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