Effects of Climatic Conditions, Housing System and Breed on Performance of Mature Rabbit Bucks Raised in Middle Egypt
Year: 2008
Type: article
Abstract: Forty-four New Zealand White (NZW) and Baladi black (BB) rabbit bucks of 8 months old were used in this study during two climate conditions.Twelve NZW and 10 BB rabbits were used in hot climatic conditions (May-October 2003) and 12 NZW and 10 BB rabbits were used in mild climatic conditions (November-April 2004), respectively.In each period, bucks in each breed were divided into two equal groups according to the housing system.The first group was raised in semi-closed rabbitry and the second was housed in an open rabbitry under shed.The estimated temperature-humidity index values indicated that exposure of rabbits to very severe heat stress under semi-closed building while those raised under shed were exposed to moderate heat stress during the hot period and absence of heat stress in the mildclimate period.Thermoregulatory and hematological response, plasma testosterone concentrations, sexual behavior, semen characteristics and fertilizing ability were (P<0.001,0.01 or 0.05) adversely affected by semi-closed housing system and hot climate period.During mild climate period, NZW bucks raised in semi-closed system showed the best thermoregulatory and hematological responses, and values of testosterone concentration and consequently best semen quality, fertilizing ability and litter size at birth, followed by those housed in open system than BB rabbit bucks.Hot climatic condition period adversely affected performance of NZW bucks raised in the semi-closed system than that of BB rabbits, however, housing NZW bucks in the open system during hot period alleviated heat stress and improved their performance.These results showed the superiority of the open system during hot climate period, since physical properties of building materials and environmental conditions under shed are markedly reflected on the bucks performance as indicated by both physiological reactions and biological responses which are the most and accurate indicators for rabbits welfare.
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4240642880