Comparison of the behaviour of growing rabbits reared on wire net or combined floor at different stocking densities

Abstract

The frequency of some behaviours of growing rabbits was studied in pens keeping the animals either on wire net or combined (half of the floor wire net, half of the floor straw litter) floor at different stocking densities. The combined floor could be favourable by increasing the frequency of the social behaviour and decreasing the frequency of the stereotypes, but it decreases the comfort behaviours and the resting time. The decrease of stocking density from 16 to 12 or 8 rabbits/m² significantly increased the stereotypes.

Keywords

• Growing rabbits, Behaviour, Floor type, Stocking density.