In order to test the effect of organic vs. conventional diets on fertility traits, we conducted
an on-farm study with female rabbits. Eight groups of seven to eight female rabbits
kept in systems with litter were fed ad libitum with either organic or conventional pellets.
Offspring was weaned with approx. 28 days. In the first series analysed, the
conception rate was higher in the conventional groups. Diet type had no significant
influence on that trait. Nevertheless, a significant influence of diet on litter size was
found: organically fed female rabbits produced more offspring per litter. The organic
groups also showed higher rates of weaned animals, despite of a slightly higher mortality
of offspring in these groups, but differences for both traits were not significant
compared to conventional animals. Inconsistency of findings in the first series of this
study concerning the effect of different diets on fertility traits were also found in literature.
Data from the currently running second series will show whether the slightly
positive effect of organic diet will become more evident
