Production of growing rabbits in large pens with and without multilevel platforms

The experiment was conducted at the Kaposvár University using the maternal line (Pannon Ka) of the Pannon Breeding Program. A total of 174 rabbits of both sexes, weaned at 5 weeks of age were studied. They were randomly divided into three groups: 2 pens without platform, 2 pens with two-level wire-mesh elevated platforms, 2 pens with two-level plasticmesh elevated platforms. The size of each pen was 1.0 x 1.83 m (29 rabbits/pen, 16 rabbits/m2 calculated for bottom level or 9.14 rabbits/m2 calculated with the surface of platforms). Body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, morbidity and mortality were not significantly different among the groups. It can be concluded that the enriched pens, the greater possibilities for movement (using platform), the lower stocking density did not influence the production of growing rabbits.

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