15 August 2024 | Karim El-Sabrout, Anjum Sherasiya, Sohail Ahmad, Sarah Aggag, Eleonora Nannoni, Damiano Cavallini, Giovanni Buonaiuto
The review examines the impact of environmental enrichment on rabbit welfare and performance in intensive farming systems. Environmental stress, often induced by conventional housing conditions, can lead to behavioral changes, increased susceptibility to diseases, reduced growth rates, and reproductive issues. The study highlights the importance of environmental enrichment strategies, such as providing toys, mirrors, hiding places, and tunnels, to mitigate these negative impacts. These strategies facilitate rabbits' adaptation to their farming environment, reducing stress and enhancing their welfare. The review also discusses the potential future developments in precision rabbit farming, including the use of sensors, artificial intelligence, and digital imaging systems to monitor and optimize animal behavior, health, and production. The integration of these technologies can help farmers make informed decisions, improve animal welfare, and enhance farm productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Overall, the review emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to rabbit farming that prioritizes animal welfare and sustainability.The review examines the impact of environmental enrichment on rabbit welfare and performance in intensive farming systems. Environmental stress, often induced by conventional housing conditions, can lead to behavioral changes, increased susceptibility to diseases, reduced growth rates, and reproductive issues. The study highlights the importance of environmental enrichment strategies, such as providing toys, mirrors, hiding places, and tunnels, to mitigate these negative impacts. These strategies facilitate rabbits' adaptation to their farming environment, reducing stress and enhancing their welfare. The review also discusses the potential future developments in precision rabbit farming, including the use of sensors, artificial intelligence, and digital imaging systems to monitor and optimize animal behavior, health, and production. The integration of these technologies can help farmers make informed decisions, improve animal welfare, and enhance farm productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Overall, the review emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to rabbit farming that prioritizes animal welfare and sustainability.