Housing Systems and Slaughter Age: Key Factors in Productivity, Health and Some Meat Quality Parameters of an Autochthonous Grigio di Carmagnola Rabbit Breed

Stefano Sartore¹Maria Teresa Capucchio¹Edoardo Fiorilla¹Valentina Tafuro^1*Daniele Pattono¹Dorotea Ippolito²Barbara Miniscalco¹Patrizia PONZIO¹Margherita Profiti¹Riccardo Crosetto¹Federica Raspa¹Chiara Bianchi¹Cecilia Mugnai¹

• ¹Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, GRUGLIASCO, Italy
• ²Instituto Superiore di Sanita Dipartimento di Sicurezza Alimentare Nutrizione e Sanita Pubblica Veterinaria, Rome, Italy

Housing systems play a crucial role in farmed rabbits' welfare, growth performance, and meat quality, particularly in local slow-growing breeds that require specific management strategies. This study evaluates the impact of three different housing systems, single cage (S), group colony (G), and a mixed pilot system (M) on the growth, haematological parameters, animal and intestinal health, carcass traits, and meat quality of Grigio di Carmagnola rabbits at different commercial slaughter ages. 300 weaned rabbits were homogenous divided into 3 housing systems; cage (S), group (G) and Mixed pilot system (M); unfortunately, due to increased aggressions and consequent high mortality rate in the G rabbit were excluded by the trial at 100 days of age, before reaching the two commercials ages of 120 and 150 days. Results showed no significant differences in growth performance between S and M groups, though slaughter age significantly influenced weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and carcass composition. Lymphocyte counts increased with age, reflecting immune system maturation, while among intestinal health parameters, higher villi were observed in the jejunum of M group, whereas the muscularis layers of the gastrointestinal tract decreased due age. Meat fat content increased with age but was not influenced by housing system. The M pilot system allowed early socialization, while reducing aggression post-puberty, suggesting a potential balance between welfare and productivity. These findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate housing strategies considering the specific physiological and grow rhythm of autochthonous rabbit breeds. Ensuring the productivity of these breeds is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, promoting sustainable farming, and supporting local production systems. Further research should explore alternative housing designs and enrichment strategies to enhance sustainable and ethical rabbit farming practices.