Health, performance and soiling of breeding does and their kits kept in two different housing systems on a German rabbit farm

<p>The aim of the present study was to compare a new housing (NC) for rabbit does and their kits that complies with German welfare regulations established wire mesh cages (CC) on commercial farm. Rabbit were single-housed from five days antepartum until weaning at 31 d postpartum either in large pens (80×80 cm an open top) slatted plastic flooring (11 mm slats 11 gaps), nestbox, elevated platform (15% perforated) different manipulable materials or (70×50×30 cm) (12×70 holes 3 diameter), nestbox one gnawing stick (CC). Skin lesions, weight development, fertility, morbidity, cleanliness kit performance 272 total six batches investigated. While there no difference kits, showed impaired less gain body weaning, lower more injuries higher incidence mastitis diarrhoea end rearing period NC compared CC housing. Additionally, soiling hind feet than Overall, poor hygienic conditions may have affected animals’ health make improvement system necessary, especially regard floor design.</p>