Comparison between the behavior, productive performance and stress level of different weaning ages of young rabbits

Abstract EN

Thirty six, New-Zealand, white growing rabbits of both sexes were divided into three equal groups (12 animals / group) according to the weaning age (21, 28 and 35 day).

The mean duration of the behavioral patterns and productive parameters were measured weekly.

Concerning the behavior of growing rabbit, the mean duration of food consumption (min.) and drinking (min.) increased significantly (P ≤ 0.01) in 28 day weaning than 21 and 35 day.

The mean duration of resting (min.) increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) while, the mean duration of locomotory behavior (min.) decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.01) in later weaned groups (35 day) than early weaning (21 day).

Concerning the productive performance of growing rabbits, the highest body weight (g) and daily weight gain (g) were obtained in later weaning age group (35 day).

The lowest daily weight gain (g) was noted in the third week of growing.

The highest mortality rate (%) was observed in rabbits weaned at 21 days of age.

Cortisol hormone levels (ng/ml) increased significantly (P ≤ 0.01) in early (21, 28 day) than later (35 day) weaned rabbits at weaning and at slaughtering.

Our results suggest that later weaning of young rabbits at 35 day improves the growth rate, behaviors and allows young rabbits to live with minimal stress levels during the growing period.