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Gabriella Jekkel presents Poster 61 during the poster sessions in the Aula.
Session theme 6: Free topics
133
Poster 61
EFFECT OF SUBSTITUTION OF WIRE NET FLOOR WITH STRAW
LITTER AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF THE REARING PERIOD ON THE
PRODUCTION AND SLAUGHTER TRAITS OF GROWING RABBITS
G. Jekkel, G. Milisits
Kaposvár University, Faculty of Animal Science, Kaposvár, Guba Sándor, Hungary
The aim of this study was to analyse the production and slaughter traits of growing rabbits (n=240
in two replicates) reared in pens (50x170 cm) on wire net floor for the whole fattening period and
that of rabbits placed to straw litter at various ages. Based on the type of floor four experimental
groups were created: 1. rabbits were reared on wire net floor from 5 to 11 weeks of age (n=60); 2.
wire net floor was changed to straw litter at 7 weeks of age (n=60); 3. wire net floor was changed to
straw litter at 9 weeks of age (n=60); 4. rabbits were reared on straw litter from 5 to 11 weeks of
age (n=60). In each group three different stocking densities (8, 12 and 16 rabbits/m 2 ) were used.
It was established that the feed consumption of rabbits on the wire net floor was 8.0-10.7% higher
than that of rabbits on the straw litter, but the differences were statistically not significant (p=0.086-
0.156). The weight gain of the rabbits during the whole experimental period was as lower, as longer
they were reared on straw litter (39.2, 38.5, 37.3 and 36.9 g/day). The feed conversion ratio
increased with increasing the time of rearing on straw litter (3.13, 3.14, 3.20 and 3.24 kg/kg). In the
slaughter traits no significant differences were observed – except the ratio of liver to the chilled
carcass – between the animals reared in different conditions.
In the case of stocking density no unequivocal tendencies were observed in its effect on the
production and slaughter traits of the rabbits.
Based on the results it was concluded that rearing on straw litter decreases the feed consumption
and the weight gain of the rabbits, increases the feed conversion ratio, but it has no significant effect
on the slaughter traits.
Contact information: Gabriella Jekkel or email jekkel@citromail.hu
Complete address: Kaposvár University, Faculty of Animal Science H-7400 Kaposvár, Guba Sándor
u. 40. Hungary
Species: Rabbit