Performance and sustainability of two alternative rabbit breeding systems

[EN] The aim of this study was to evaluate 2 alternative breeding systems that differ from the current system in terms of reproduction rhythm, age of females at first insemination and the age of kits at weaning and at slaughter. We measured the performance of 332 females and their offspring over 4 consecutive cycles, as well as the sustainability of the systems. We compared an intensive (group I: reproduction rhythm [RR]=35 d; first insemination [AI1]=20.6 wk of age; weaning age [WA]=32 d; slaughter age [WS]=63 d) an extensive (group E: RR=49 d; AI1=16.6 wk; WA=30 d; WS=70 d) and a semi-intensive system (group S: RR=42 d; AI1=19.6 wk; WA=35 d; WS=70 d) considered as the control system. Sustainability was evaluated using a multicriteria assessment method that takes 14 economic, environmental and social criteria into account, for which 3 to 5 indicators were expressed as the relative score [–1; –0.5; 0; +0.5; +1] for alternative systems compared to the control system. The productivity measured at 28 d (3.5, 4.2 and 4.6 kg/AI, for groups I, S and E, respectively), at 63 d post-partum (30, 38 and 42 kg/female for 4 cycles, respectively), and the total body energy measured 3 d after the 1st and at the 4th insemination (45.4, 46.8 and 49.5 MJ, respectively), were significantly increased when the reproductive rhythm decreased (P<0.001). Before and after weaning, kit mortality decreased when the reproduction rhythm decreased (11.4, 7.3, and 1.9% and 18.3, 15.3 and 10.6% for groups I, S and E, respectively, P<0.05). Carcass quality (weight and dressing percentage) was lower in I than in the S and E groups (P<0.001). On this basis, the yearly productivity per doe at weaning could be estimated at 79, 83, and 78 kg for groups I, S and E, respectively. Consequently, the productivity per reproductive cycle increases with the extensification of the breeding system. Nevertheless, compared with the current French system (S), simultaneous changes in several breeding practices could lead to new coherent and functional systems capable of improving various aspects of sustainability.This work was supported by the CAS DAR (Cunipalm n° 9023) and by the French Interprofessional Rabbit Association (CLIPP).Theau.clément, M.; Guardia, S.; Davoust, C.; Galliot, P.; Souchet, C.; Bignon, L.; Fortun-Lamothe, L. (2016). Performance and sustainability of two alternative rabbit breeding systems. World Rabbit Science. 24(4):253-265. https://doi.org/10.4995/wrs.2016.5154SWORD253265244Basset-Mens, C., van der Werf, H. M. G., Robin, P., Morvan, T., Hassouna, M., Paillat, J.-M., & Vertès, F. (2007). Methods and data for the environmental inventory of contrasting pig production systems. Journal of Cleaner Production, 15(15), 1395-1405. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2006.03.009Bivolarski B.L., Vachkova E., Ribarski S.S. 2011. Effect of weaning age upon the slaughter and physiochemical traits of rabbit meat. Veterinarski Archiv., 8: 499-511.Coudurier B., Peyraud J.L., Blesbois E., Jeuland F., Urruty N., Huyghe C., Guyomard H. 2015. Methodology for the conception and evaluation of multiperforming production systems: application to a dairy farm and broiler chicken production. INRA Prod. Anim., 28: 51-76.Fortun-Lamothe, L., Prunier, A., Bolet, G., & Lebas, F. (1999). Physiological mechanisms involved in the effects of concurrent pregnancy and lactation on foetal growth and mortality in the rabbit. Livestock Production Science, 60(2-3), 229-241. doi:10.1016/s0301-6226(99)00096-2Fortun-Lamothe L., Litt J., Coutelet G., Gidenne T. 2012. A participatory approach to define objectives, criteria and indicators for evaluating the sustainability of rabbit rearing units. 10th World Rabbit Congress, 3-6 september 2012, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, 821-825.Lairez J., Feschet P., Aubin, J., Bosckstaller, C., Bouvarel, I. 2015. Guide pour l'évaluation multicritère. Quae Ed., 232 pp.Maertens L., Perez, J.M., Villamide M., Cervera C., Gidenne T., Xiccato G. 2002. Nutritive value of raw materials for rabbits: EGRAN tables 2002. World Rabbit Sci. 10, 157-166.Theau-Clément M., Roustan A., 1992. A study on relationships between receptivity and lactation in the doe, and their influence on reproductive performances. 5th Congress of World Rabbit Science Association, July 25-30, 1992, Corvallis, U.S.A., Vol A: 412-421.Theau-Clément M., Boiti C., Mercier P., Falières J. 2000. Description of the ovarian status and fertilising ability of primiparous rabbit does at different lactation stage, In Proc.: 7th World Rabbit Congress Valencia Spain, Vol A: 259-266.Xiccato G., Trocino A., 2013. Energy and protein metabolism and requirements. In Nutrition of the rabbit (De Blas C., Wiseman J., eds), CABI; UK, 83-118.Zita L., Tůmová E., Skřivanová V., Ledvinka Z. 2007. The effect of weaning age on performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler rabbits. Czech J. Anim. Sci., 25. 341-347

Effect of light intensities on reproductive performance, nursing behaviour and preference of rabbit does

[EN] The aim of the experiment was to compare the reproductive performance and nursing behaviour of rabbit does reared under 2 different light intensities and observe the preference of does among cages with different light intensities. Female rabbits were randomly housed in 2 identical rooms, under the same housing conditions in wire-net cages. The 2 rooms only differed in the light intensity; group L: 150-200 lux (n=54 does, 230 inseminations), group D: 10-20 lux (n=54 does, 232 inseminations). Reproduction data from the first 5 consecutive reproductive cycles were evaluated. Nursing behaviour of the does (n = 24) was observed at the 2nd or 4th lactation. The preference of does (n=8) among 4 cages with different light intensities (10, 35, 75 or 155 lux)  as examined. There were 6-7% difference between the 2 groups in the number of kits born in total and those born alive (born total: 11.25 vs. 10.59 kits, P<0.1; liveborn: 10.75 vs. 10.00 kits, P<0.05; in groups L and D, respectively). Suckling mortality was nearly 2% higher in group D (L: 8.1, D: 10.0%; P<0.1), and in consequence the litter size of this group at 35 d of age was lower than that of the L rabbits (L: 8.75, D: 8.45 kits; P<0.05). The light intensity did not affect litter and individual weights at 35 d of age. The average numbers of daily nursing events (L: 1.23/d, D: 1.32/d), the length (L: 208±49, D: 213±43 s) and the daily distribution of nursing events were not affected by high light intensity. During the light period of the day, the darkest cage (10 lux) was the most preferred by the does (44.0, 18.6, 17.9 and 19.5% in 10, 35, 75 and 155 lux cages, respectively; P<0.001). The lower light intensity had no unambiguously unfavourable effect on the reproductive performance and nursing behaviour of the does. Based on the preference test, a lower light intensity may be advantageous from the point of view of animal welfare.This study was supported by the János Bolyai Research Scholarship of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (BO/00326/11/4) and by the GOP-1.3.1. project.Matics, Z.; Szendrő, Z.; Radnai, I.; Kasza, R.; Gerencsér, Z. (2016). Effect of light intensities on reproductive performance, nursing behaviour and preference of rabbit does. World Rabbit Science. 24(2):139-144. https://doi.org/10.4995/wrs.2016.4112SWORD139144242Besenfelder U., Theau-Clément M., Sabbioni E., Castellini C., & Renieri T. (2010). Effects of different light intensities on quality of spermatozoa in rabbits. World Rabbit Science, 12(4). doi:10.4995/wrs.2004.570EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). 2005. Scientific Report. The impact of the current housing and husbandry systems on the health and welfare of farmed domestic rabbits. European Food Safety Authority Journal, 267: 1-31.Gerencsér Zs., Matics Zs., Nagy I., Biró-Németh E., Radnai I., Szendrő Zs. 2010. The effect of the increased lighting prior to insemination on the rabbit does' production. (In Hung.) Magy. Állatorv. Lapja, 132: 647-650.Hoy St., Seitz K., Selzer D., Schüddemage M. 2000. Nursing behaviour of domesticated and wild rabbit does under different keeping conditions. In Proc.: 7th World Rabbit Congress, July 4-7, 2000, Valencia, Spain, 537-543.Matics Zs., Gerencsér Zs., Mikó A., Radnai I., Odermatt M., Nagy I., Szendrő Zs. 2012. Effect of different lighting schedules (16L:8D or 12L:6D) on nursing behaviour of rabbit does. In Proc.: 10th World Rabbit Congress, September 3-6, 2012, Sharm El- Sheikh, Egypt, 1063-1067.Mirabito L., Galliot P., Souchet C. 1994. Effet de l'utilisation de la PMSG et de la modification de la photopériode sur les performances de reproduction de la lapine. In Proc.: 6èmes Journées Recherche Cunicole, La Rochelle, France, December 6-7, I: 169-178.Schlolaut W. 1998. Das groβe Buch vom Kaninchen. DLG Verlag, Frankfurt am Main.Theau-Clément M., Poujardieu B., Bellereaud J. 1990. Influence des traitements lumineux, modes de reproduction et états physiologiques sur la productivité de lapines multipares. In Proc.: 5émes Journées Recherche Cunicole, Paris, France, I, Comm. 7.Theau-Clément M., Malpaux B., Lamothe E., Milcent N., Juin H., Bodin L. 2008. Influence of photoperiod on the sexual behaviour of non-lactating rabbit does: preliminary results. In Proc.: 9th World Rabbit Congress, Verona, Italy, June 10-13, 2008, 465-469.Tůma J., Tůmová E., Valášek V. 2010. The effect of season and parity order on fertility of rabbit does and kit growth. Czech J. Anim. Sci., 55: 330-336.Xiccato G. 1996. Nutrition of lactating does. In Proc.: 6th World Rabbit Congress, July 9-12, 1996, Toulouse, France, 1, 29-47

Influence of different eCG doses on sexual receptivity and productivity of rabbit does

[EN] The aim of this study was to examine sexual receptivity and productivity of does injected 48 h before insemination with 8 or 25 IU of eCG (groups 8 and 25, respectively) in comparison with a control group (no injection, group 0). One hundred twenty four does were inseminated during 11 consecutive cycles (reproduction rythm: 35 d; inseminations: 4 d post partum and weaning: 28 d post partum). In comparison with the control group, eCG signifi cantly improves the receptivity of does (60.3 vs 80.5 and 79.8%; P<0.001), kindling rate (70.4 vs 80.9 and 79.4%; P=0.030) and the number of weaned rabbits/insemination (5.9 vs 7.1 and 7.1; P=0.008) for group 0, 8 and 25 respectively, during the whole experiment. eCG effi ciency is not obviously demonstrated for primiparous and non-lactating does. Authors conclude that only an 8 IU dose is able to improve 62% the productivity (measured as weaned rabbits per insemination) of multiparous and lactating does inseminated 4 d post partum.Theau-Clément, M.; Lebas, F.; Boiti, C.; G. Brecchia, G.; Mercier, P. (2010). Influence of different eCG doses on sexual receptivity and productivity of rabbit does. World Rabbit Science. 16(2). doi:10.4995/wrs.2008.62816

Milk production of pseudopregnant multiparous does

The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the milk production of pseudopregnant does. In this experiment, data of multiparous, inseminated, pregnant (IP, n=15) does and two groups of presumably pseudopregnant multiparous does: inseminated, non-pregnant (INP, n=17) and induced to ovulation by GnRH (1.5 microgram per animal) at the day of insemination (11 d after parturition) (non-inseminated, ovulating: NIO, n=15) were analysed. The progesterone level was measured at the 12th d after treatment to determine if females were pseudopregnant. All IP and NIO does were pregnant and pseudopregnant, respectively. Within the INP group, 10 and 7 does were diagnosed as positive (INPO) or negative (INPNO) for pseudopregnancy. Two of the INPNO does perished during lactation. The average milk production of groups IP, INP and NIO was 212, 92 and 72 g/d, respectively (P160 g in the various groups were: IP=0, 0, 0, 0 and 100%, NIO=20, 13, 27, 40 and 0%, INP=15, 15, 15, 55 and 0%, respectively. The daily milk yield of the 5 INPNO does was 2, 6, 27, 84 and 139 g, respectively. These results demonstrated that multiparous empty does, pseudopregnant or non-pseudopregnant, can produce milk, but in lower quantities than multiparous does after kindling.Szendrö, Z.; Matics, Z.; Brecchia, G.; Theau-Clément, M.; Nagy, Z.; Princz, Z.; Biró-Németh, E.... (2010). Milk production of pseudopregnant multiparous does. World Rabbit Science. 18(2). doi:10.4995/WRS.2010.18.1018

Effects of parity order and reproductive management on the efficiency of rabbit productive systems.

The aim of this work was to study the effect of parity order and reproductive management systems on rabbit production performance. A total of 73 rabbit does (I group) were submitted to a 35-day intensive rhythm [artificial insemination (AI) on day 4 post-partum (pp) and weaning at 25 days of lactation], and 108 rabbit does (SI group) were submitted to a 42-day semi-intensive rhythm (AI on day 11 pp and weaning at 35 days of lactation) during 9 months. Primiparous does had the lowest live body weight at parturition (P < 0.0001) and at 21 days of lactation (P < 0.0001). They also had lower milk production (P < 0.0001) than does with later parities. I group animals needed a higher number of AI than SI group to become pregnant (1.70 ± 0.03 vs. 1.39 ± 0.03; P < 0.0001: especially after the third). Prolificacy was not affected by the management system. Parturition interval (PI) was longer than expected in both groups [56.0 ± 1.4 and 50.9 ± 1.38 days in I and SI groups, respectively (P < 0.05)]. Mean productivity, estimated as number of weaned rabbits per female and year, was 12 kits higher in rabbit does of the SI group (P < 0.05). From the third parturition onward, an increase in live body weight of kits at different ages was observed. At 21 (P < 0.05) and 25 days of age (P < 0.01), kits from the I group rabbit does weighed more than those from the SI group; however, the latter showed a higher weight at 35 (P < 0.05) and 60 days of age (P < 0.05). Rabbit does with two or three parturitions had higher litter size at 21 and 25 days of age (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Kit mortality between 21 and 25 days of age and between 35 and 60 days of age was not affected by treatments but was higher in the I group between 25 and 35 days (18.2 vs. 5.03% in the I and SI groups, respectively; P < 0.0001) and as age of does increased (P < 0.05). In light of these results, we could conclude that long term doe reproductive performance is negatively affected and litter viability decreased when using intensive compared to a semi-intensive reproductive management

Preparation of the rabbit doe to insemination: a review

[EN] This review analyses the main factors of success of insemination as well as the methods suitable for oestrus induction in order to improve reproductive efficiency of rabbit does in term of fecundity (combining fertility and prolificacy). Parity, lactation status, pseudopregnancy as well as sexual receptivity at the time of insemination highly influence reproductive performance. Pseudopregnancy (ovulation non-induced by GnRH or mating) strongly depresses fertility, but its cause is still unknown. The routine use of eCG (or PMSG) on lactating does consistently increases the proportion of receptive does at the time of AI and, therefore, their long-term productivity, without any important side-effect. Applied just before insemination, different alternative methods have been studied: animal manipulation (a change of cage, does gathering), buck effect, short dam litter separation, feeding programmes and light stimulations. Some of these methods improve the fecundity, but they sometimes also decrease kits growth (dam-litter separation, lighting programmes...). Consequently, for an optimal application in farms, it is important to consider long-term effects, such as global productivity and persistency of the effects. However, a better knowledge of the underlying physiological mechanisms would allow a better control of reproduction in rabbit farms.Theau-Clément, M. (2007). Preparation of the rabbit doe to insemination: a review. World Rabbit Science. 15(2). doi:10.4995/wrs.2007.60415

Facteurs de réussite de l'insémination chez la lapine et méthodes d'induction de l'oestrus

National audienceThis review analyses the main factors of success of artificial insemination and the methods suitable for oestrus induction in order to improve reproductive efficiency of rabbit does in terms of fecundity (combing fertility and prolificacy). Parity, lactation status, pseudopregancy as well as sexual receptivity at the time of insemination highly influence reproductive performance. Pseudopregnancy at the time of AI strongly depresses fertility, but the cause of these ovulations is still unknown. The routine use of eCG on lactating does, consistently increases the proportion of receptive does at the time of AI and, therefore, long-term productivity, without any important immune risk. Different alternative methods applied just before insemination were studied: animal manipulation (a change of cage, doe gathering), «buck» effect, short dam-litter separation, feeding programmes and light stimulations. Some of these methods improve fecundity, but they sometimes also decrease the kits growth (dam-litter separation, lighting programmes...). Consequently, for an optimal application on farms, it is important to consider long-term effects, such as global productivity (combining fertility, prolificacy and litter weight) and durability of the effects. However, a better knowledge of the underlying physiological mechanisms would allow a better control of reproduction on rabbit farms.Cette synthèse bibliographique fait le point sur les connaissances des facteurs de réussite de l’insémination et des méthodes susceptibles d’induire la réceptivité des lapines au moment de l’insémination afin d’améliorer leur fécondité. La parité, l’état d’allaitement et de pseudogestation ainsi que la réceptivité sexuelle au moment de l’insémination, influencent les performances de reproduction. La pseudogestation au moment de l’IA déprime fortement les performances de reproduction, cependant la cause des ovulations non maîtrisées est aujourd’hui inconnue. L’utilisation routinière de eCG sur des lapines allaitantes, permet d’augmenter de façon durable la proportion de lapines réceptives au moment de l’IA et en conséquence leur productivité, sans risque immunitaire important. Appliquées juste avant l’IA, des méthodes alternatives à l’utilisation d’hormones ont été étudiées : une manipulation des animaux (changement de cage, regroupement des femelles), la proximité des mâles, une séparation mère-jeunes, des programmes alimentaires et des stimulations lumineuses. Si certaines de ces méthodes améliorent la fécondité, elles sont susceptibles parfois de freiner la croissance des lapereaux (programmes lumineux, séparation ponctuelle de la mère et ses produits…). En conséquence, pour une application raisonnée dans les élevages, il est important de considérer des critères de productivité globale (combinant la fertilité, la taille de portée et le poids des lapereaux) sur le long terme et d’étudier la durabilité des effets. Cependant, une meilleure connaissance des mécanismes physiologiques sous-jacents permettrait un meilleur contrôle de la reproduction dans les élevages cunicoles

"BIOSTIMULATION METHODS" FOR BREEDING RABBIT DOES: SYNTHESIS OF THE FIRST RESULTS

[EN] In this short synthesis the authors triad to drive sorne conclusions from 4 studies on breeding rabbit does biostimulation, conducted within the lnternational Rabbit Reproduction Group (IRRG). The aim of these biostimulations was the improvement of does' fertility after artificial insemination (Al). Ali experiments were conducted according a 42 days reproduction rhythm. The trial of flushing, i.e. momentary improvement of the energy balance of does 4 days before Al, failed to improve fertility. The main reason was the low palatability of the experimental diet : the daily energy intake was lower than with control diet. Transfer of does to another caga, 2 days befare Al, can improve fertility of adults does, but in opposition with literatura, was inefficient in nulliparous does. However this technique is difficult to manage in larga commercial rabbitries. Efficiency of biostimulation through separation of mother from her litter for a short period depends of the timing and duration of the stimulus. A 36 to 48 hours separatlon just befare Al may improve fertility by 7 to 30 points ; but kits' weaning weight is reduced by 5% to 10%. Finally, further experiments are needed to know the practica! interest of a long term utilisation of such biostimulations, and to know the physiological mechanism.[FR] Dans ce bref artícle de synthiJse, les auteurs tentent de tirar les enseígnements de 4 études portant sur la "bíostimulatíon" de la reproduction chez la lapine, études conduites dans le cadre du Groupe lntemational sur la Reproduction (IRRG). Les différentes biostímulatlons étudiées avaient toutes pour objectif de favoriser la fertílité de tapines inséminées artificiellement dans le cadre d'une conduite en bandas selon un rythme a 42 jours. L'essai de f/ushing par distributlon d'un aliment plus concentré n'a pas donné les résultats espérés en raison d'une sous-consommation relativa de /'aliment expérimental initialement destiné a stimuler l'ingestion énergétique des femelles. Un simple changement de caga des tapines pendant les 2 jours précédant /'/A permet d'améliorer significativement la fertílité (+14 points), sauf pour les femelles nullipares. Toutefois, cette technique est difficile a app/iquer dans des élevages commerciaux. Enfin, la biostimulation de la reproduction par séparation de la mere et de sa portée donne des résu/tats dépendants de la durée et du moment de la séparation par rapport a l'IA. Une séparation de 36 a 48 heures juste avant l'IA permet d'accroitre la fertílité des tapines de 7 a 30 points, mais elle réduit d'environ 5% a 10% le poids des lapereaux au sevrage. De nouvelles expérimentations sont nécessaires pour validar /'efficacité de ces biostimulations a long terma et é/ucider le mécanisme de leur action.Theau- Clément, M.; Boiti, C. (1998). "BIOSTIMULATION METHODS" FOR BREEDING RABBIT DOES: SYNTHESIS OF THE FIRST RESULTS. World Rabbit Science. 06(1). doi:10.4995/wrs.1998.344SWORD06