Professional Documents
Culture Documents
LA CUNICULTURA DE LAS
0
AMÉRICAS
1
FACULTAD DE MEDICINA VETERINARIA Y ZOOTECNIA,
UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA DEL ESTADO DE MÉXICO
TÍTULO DE LA OBRA:
INVESTIGACIÓN EN LA CUNICULTURA DE LAS AMÉRICAS
RABBITRY RESEARCH IN THE AMERICAS
© 1ª. Edición, 2015
COMPILADORA Y EDITORA:
Yazmín Elizabeth Felipe Pérez
MVZ., Dra. en C., Departamento de Reproducción Animal,
Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción,
Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia,
Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México
PROPIEDAD DE:
© Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, UAEM
Instituto Literario 100. Colonia Centro.
Toluca Estado de México. México. C.P. 5000
ISBN: 978-607-422-594-5
Hecho en México
DIRECTORIO
DIRECTORY
UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA DEL ESTADO DE MÉXICO
DIRECTORIO
DIRECTORIO
NOTA
La redacción del trabajo escrito, sus contenidos y la interpretación de los resultados,
es total y completa responsabilidad de los autores.
NOTE
The grammar of the manuscrips, their content and interpretation of the results,
is total and complete responsibility of the authors.
CONTENIDO
CONTENT
Página Capítulo
Page
Chapter
ALIMENTOS Y ALIMENTACIÓN
FEED EVALUATION AND FEEDING
116 EFFECT OF DIETARY OIL FISH AND VITAMIN E ON THE FATTY ACID
COMPOSITION AND MEAT QUALITY
LAMANNA ML, COSSU ME, GAMBETTI P, GRIGOLI MC AND IGLESIAS MF
GENÉTICA
GENETICS
PATOLOGÍA E HIGIENE
PATHOLOGY & HYGIENE
REPRODUCCIÓN
REPRODUCTION
El presente texto tiene como objetivo compartir el conocimiento y las experiencias generadas
durante los últimos años, tanto entre los socios de la Rama-Americana de la Asociación Científica
Mundial de Cunicultura, como entre los investigadores que trabajan en América y en todo el
mundo en los diversos aspectos científicos de la producción cunícola.
Los lectores objeto del presente son todos los interesados en los avances científicos, la aplicación
del conocimiento generado en los diferentes países para mejorar la producción cunícola, por lo
que está dirigido a académicos, investigadores y productores involucrados en la cría, producción
e industrialización de la carne de conejo y sus derivados.
Los temas abordados en el presente texto, incluyen las distintas áreas del conocimiento aplicado
a la cunicultura desde diferentes disciplinas, cuya importancia radica en la optimización de los
recursos, tomando en cuenta el bienestar de los conejos tanto a nivel productivo a pequeña o a
grande escala, así como aquellos conejos que hoy en día se adquieren como mascotas.
Dado que actualmente el inglés es considerado como el idioma universal entre la sociedad
científica, los textos recopilados se presentan en inglés con su resumen en español, y en algunos
casos se encuentran totalmente traducidos al español. Además de encontrar los trabajos
desarrollados, también se incluyeron algunos avances de investigación en forma de resúmenes en
las diferentes áreas que son abordadas en este libro.
PRESENTATION
The aim of this text is to share the knowledge and experiences generated in recent years, both
among members of the American Branch of the World Rabbit Science Association, and among
researchers that work in America and around the world in the various scientific aspects of rabbit
production.
Object readers of the present, are all those interested in scientific developments, the application
of knowledge generated in different countries to improve rabbit production, therefore it is directed
to academics, researchers and producers involved in the breeding, production and
industrialization of rabbit meat and its derivatives.
The topics discussed herein include the various areas of knowledge applied to rabbits from
different disciplines, which importance lies in the optimization of resources, taking into account
the welfare of rabbits, including the small scale production, as well as large farms and those
rabbits that today are acquired as pets.
Since English is now considered as the universal language among the scientific community, the
collected texts are presented in English with the abstracts in Spanish, and in some cases are fully
translated to Spanish. Besides finding the full developed text, some research advances are
included as abstracts in the different areas addressed in this book.
Agradecimientos
Al MVZ. y M. en A. José Mendoza Becerril, por todo el esfuerzo realizado durante toda su
trayectoria profesional dedicada por completo a la cunicultura en México.
Acknowledgments
To DMV and MrS José Mendoza Becerril, for all his efforts throughout his professional career
devoted entirely to rabbit production and development in Mexico.
To all the members of the American Branch of the World Rabbit Science Association; especially
to Doctors Steven Lukefahr and Luiz Carlos Machado, for all their valuable contributions which
could be gathered into a single text, combining all their scientific experiences, also to give us the
opportunity to share it with the readers interested in the Rabbit Production in the Americas.
ALIMENTOS Y ALIMENTACIÓN
FEED EVALUATION AND FEEDING
INVESTIGACIÓN EN LA CUNICULTURA DE LAS AMÉRICAS
RABBITRY RESEARCH IN THE AMERICAS
INFLUENCE OF SUBSTITUTION OF ARTICHOKE LEAVES FOR
CLOVER HAY ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND
DIGESTIBILITY IN RABBITS
FAWZIA A. HASSAN
Animal Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, 12618 Cairo, Egypt
*Corresponding author: fawzia_amer@yahoo.com
Abstract
Seventy five New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits, 5 weeks of age with 700±1.4 g average live
body weight (LBW) were allotted at random to five experimental groups (of 15 rabbits each). The
aim of the study was to investigate the effects of partial or complete substitution (0, 25, 50, 75 or
100%) of artichoke leaves (AL) for clover hay on growth performance and nutrients digestibility
in rabbits. Results indicated that rabbit fed 50% artichoke leaves recorded the highest (P<0.05)
final body weight (2.148 kg) followed by rabbit fed 75% (2.046 kg). Average daily feed intake
increased significantly (P<0.05) with the increase of the level of artichoke leaves inclusion
throughout the experimental periods. Group fed 50% AL recorded the best FCR throughout the
whole period (W5-W12). In addition to the highest nutrients digestibility values were recorded
for diets contained 50% AL followed by diet contained 75% AL, while the lowest values were
obtained for diet contained 100%AL in comparison to the basal diet. Data also showed that 50%
and 75% AL recorded the highest (P<0.05) value of Digestible crude protein and Digestible
Energy, while rabbit fed diets contained 100% recorded the lowest (P<0.05) DCP.50% AL
recorded the highest total VFA concentration, cellulolytic bacterial count (8.08 log cfu/ml) and
Fibrolytic activity. It could be concluded that substitution of AL in the diet of NZW rabbits at
50% of clover hay had the best growth performance and digestibility of all nutrients.
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INVESTIGACIÓN EN LA CUNICULTURA DE LAS AMÉRICAS
RABBITRY RESEARCH IN THE AMERICAS
FAWZIA A. HASSAN
Animal Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, 12618 Cairo, Egypt
*Autor correspondiente: fawzia_amer@yahoo.com
Resumen
Setenta y cinco conejos Nueva Zelanda blancos (NZB) de cinco semanas de edad y con peso vivo
promedio (ALW) de 700±1.4 g, se distribuyeron al azar en cinco grupos experimentales con
quince conejos cada uno. El objetivo de este trabajo fue investigar los efectos de la sustitución
parcial o completa de la sustitución (0, 25, 50, 75 o 100%) de hojas de alcachofa (AL) por heno
de trébol sobre el crecimiento y digestibilidad de nutrientes en conejos. Los resultados indican
que el grupo alimentado con el 50% de hojas de alcachofa alcanzaron el mayor peso corporal final
(2.148 kg) (P<0.05), seguido del grupo con el 75% (2.046 kg). El consumo diario de alimento
incrementó significativamente (P<0.05) de acuerdo con el incremento en la inclusión de las hojas
de alcachofa a lo largo del experimento. El grupo alimentado con el 50% AL presentó el mejor
FCR en todo el periodo (W5-W12). Además, en este grupo se tuvieron los valores más altos con
respecto a la digestibilidad, seguidos por la dieta con el 75% AL, mientras que los valores menores
se obtuvieron con la dieta que contenía 100% AL en comparación con la dieta base. Los resultados
muestran que las dietas con el 50% y 75% AL presentaron el valor mayor en proteína digerible
cruda y de energía digerible (P<0.05), mientras que los conejos alimentados con las dietas al
100% mostraron los valores menores de DCP (P<0.05). Con la dieta del 50% AL se obtuvo la
mayor concentración en el VFA, conteo bacteriano celulolítico (8.08 log cfu/ml) y actividad
fibrolítica. Se puede concluir que la dieta con substitución de AL y 50% de heno de trébol
contribuye con un mejor crecimiento y digestibilidad de nutrientes en conejos Nueva Zelanda.
Waste vegetable materials could be formed the basis of diets for the small scale
production of meat rabbits. Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaves could be used as roughage
feedstuffs for rabbits and contributed in lowering the feeding cost and hence increasing
the economic efficiency. FAO (2005) reported that Egypt is the second world leader in
production of artichoke. Artichoke by-product is available in plenty during January to
April in Egypt. FAOSTAT (2012) reported that the area harvested with artichoke in Egypt
was around 9,476,0 Ha, the yield was 213,65,44 (Kg/Ha). While, the production quantity
was 202,458,0 tonnes. Gul et al. (2001) indicated the possibility of using green forage of
artichokes in the diet including cereals and other sources of fiber for feeding of rabbits,
pigs and poultry as part of a balanced diet.
Radwan et al. (2007) reported that artichoke leaves meal contained on air dry basis (as
fed), 7.7% moisture, and 9.5% CP, 1.5% EE, 28.0% CF, 6.9% ash, 46.4% NFE, 46.3%
NDF, 32.2% ADF, 21.6% cellulose, 14.1% heimicellulose, 10.6% ADL and 2484 Kcal
ME/Kg. Bonomi (2001) reported that the substitution of artichoke leaf meal at 5 and 10%
of total feed in rabbits diet increased the body weight by 4 and 7%, respectively, after 60
days. The author did not notice any adverse effects on animal health. Several studies have
been suggested that use of the artichoke by-products (Cynara scolymus), as agricultural
wastes in livestock feeding may provide alternative substrates for alfalfa hay (Sallam et
al., 2008; Meneses et al., 2007; Ghanem 2006 and Sallam, 2005).
De Blas (2013) reported that fibre is the main chemical constituent of rabbit diets, Cell
wall constituents are not well digested in rabbits, but this effect is compensated by its
stimulus of gut motility, which leads to an increasing rate of passage of digesta, and
allows achieving an elevated dry matter intake. Moreover, the use of diets with high
soluble fibre concentrations (141 g/kg) and low starch concentrations (130 g/kg)
enhanced the digestive efficiency, growth performance, and caecal fermentation of
growing rabbits (Trocino, 2013).
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INVESTIGACIÓN EN LA CUNICULTURA DE LAS AMÉRICAS
RABBITRY RESEARCH IN THE AMERICAS
Total dietary fibre is the major fraction of commercial diets for rabbits. Its importance is
related to the influence on the rate of passage of digesta and the function as substrate for
microbiota, which in turn affects and regulates rabbit growth performance and digestive
health (Gidenne et al., 2010).
The main objective of the present experiment was to investigate the effect of different
replacement levels (25, 50, 75 and 100%) of dried Jerusalem artichoke leaves for clover
hay in growing rabbits diets on the growth performance and digestibility coefficients.
The experimental work was carried out at Borg El-Arab Experimental Station,
Alexanderia. Animal Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Cairo,
Egypt. The first group of rabbits was fed on diet contained a corn, clover hay, soy bean
meal and wheat as a basal diet. The other four groups were fed on the diets contained
artichoke leaves at 25, 50, 75 and 100% substitution of clover hay. All the experimental
diets were formulated to be iso-nitrogenous, iso-caloric and adequate in all nutrients
requirements for growing rabbits, as recommended by Lebas (2004) as shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Feed ingredients and chemical composition of experimental diets (%DM basis).
Seventy five weaned New Zealand white rabbits, six weeks old with an average live
body weight 728.2 g were allotted randomly to five groups (fifteen rabbits each).
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INVESTIGACIÓN EN LA CUNICULTURA DE LAS AMÉRICAS
RABBITRY RESEARCH IN THE AMERICAS
Experimental diets (as pellets) and fresh water (through stainless steel nipples) were
offered for all rabbits ad libitum consumption throughout the experimental period
(8weeks), from 5 to 12 weeks old.
Feed intake and weight gain were recorded weekly, while feed conversion was
calculated as a ratio of gram of feed per gram of gain. The composition and chemical
analysis of the experimental diets are shown in Table 1.
Digestibility trial
A digestibility trial was performed on twenty five male New Zealand White rabbits (5
rabbit for each treatment), 7 month of age with an average live body weight ranged from
3520 to3750g determine the digestibility’s coefficients and the nutritive values of the
experimental diets according to European reference method for rabbit digestibility trials
(Perez et al., 1995) of the five experimental diets. Rabbits were housed in individual
metabolism cages that allowed separation of feces and urine. Feces produced daily were
collected in polyethylene bags and stored at - 20ºC. Feces were collected every 24 hours
for five consecutive days (collection period). Total digestible nutrients (TDN) were
calculated as follows: % digestible crude protein + % digestible crude fiber + % digestible
nitrogène free extract (NFE) + 2.25 % digestible ether extract (EE). Digestible energy
(DE, Kcal/Kg diet) was calculated as follow: TDN × 44.3 according to Schneider and
Flatt (1975).
Cecum fermentation
After slaughter, gastrointestinal tracts were individually removed from five animals from
each group, the cecum was weighted and the pH of the caecal content was measured using
pH-meter, pH-meter, HANNA Instruments (Italy), Woon Socket, R102895 pHep®
Pocket-sized. Then the caecal content was collected and divided into two samples, one of
them was for the cecal appendix fluid and stored at -20°C until estimation of cecum
microflora ( cellulytic bacteria) by Standard method according to British Standards
Institution (1991) and determined the fibrolytic activity according to Chao and Li (2008).
The other sample was filtered through four folds of gauze, and used for dertermination
of NH3-N concentration by applying Conway method (1958).The total volatile fatty acids
(VFA) were determined by steam distillation according to Eadie et al. (1967) using Micro
Kjeldahl's distillation unit, fraction values of VFA were determined using KNAUER
HPLC pump 64.UV.Detector, column Rezex organic acid.
Chemical analysis
The following chemical analyses were carried out on feedstuffs, diets, and feces
according to A.O.A.C. (2000) and EGRAN (2001), while fiber fractionations, neutral
detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) were
determined according to the sequential method of Van Soest et al. (1991). Tannins were
determined using vanillin hydrochloric acid method as described by Burn (1971)
Statistical Analysis
The results of experimentation were statistically analyzed using GLM (general linear
models) procedure of SAS (2000) by one-way ANOVA, The significant differences
among treatment means were compared Using Duncan’s multiple range of test (Duncan,
1955).
Results in Table 2 indicated that both clover hay (CH) and artichoke leaves (AL) are equal
in DM while CH was higher in CP and CF content. The chemical composition of AL is
similar to that reported by Ghanem (2006) who found that the chemical analysis of artichoke
by-products was 90.93, 92.52, 11.43, 1.70, 23.95, 55.44 and 7.48 for DM, OM, CP, EE,
CF, NFE, ash, respectively. Also Sallam et al., (2008) who reported that chemical
composition (g/kg DM) of artichoke by-product was 150.1, 524.1 and 411.7 for CP, NDF
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INVESTIGACIÓN EN LA CUNICULTURA DE LAS AMÉRICAS
RABBITRY RESEARCH IN THE AMERICAS
and ADF, respectively. On the other hand, (Abdo et al. 2007) found that artichoke leaves
meal contained 9.5% CP, 28.0% CF, 46.3% NDF, 32.2% ADF and 10.6% ADL.
Concerning to fiber fractionation content, Clover hay had lower NDF, ADF and ADL
content than artichoke leaves, values of AL are comparable to those values reported by
Ghanem (2006) who found that AL hay contained 52.49%, 41.27 and 6.89% for NDF, ADF
and ADL, respectively. Artichoke leaves contained high content of tannins 2.58 g/100g DM
for AL. These results are nearly in agreement with those obtained by Schutz et al., (2004) who
reported that the total phenolic content was approximately 12 g/kg on a dry matter basis in
artichoke pomace. The presence of tannins found to decrease the nutritional value of feedstuffs
for non-ruminant animals by reducing retention of protein, digestibility of dry matter and
metabolic rate of gross energy as well as inhibition of digestive enzyme activity (Li and Zahang,
1998).
Items AD
DM OM CP CF EE NFE Ash NDF ADF
(% ) L
90.3
CH 87.17 13.40 26.03 4.03 43.71 12.83 43..20 30.06 5.54
5
90.3 92.
AL 11.52 23.99 1.75 55.46 7.28 50.39 40.17 7.01
0 32
CH: Clover hay AL: Artichoke Leaves
Growth performance
The effect of feeding treatments on growth traits is illustrated in Table 2. Data showed
that rabbit fed 50% artichoke leaves recorded the highest (P<0.05) final body weight
(2148.89g) followed by rabbit fed 75% (2046.33g). the rabbits group fed 50%AL
recorded the highest (P<0.05) body weight gain at the second periods (W9-W12) and at
the whole period (W5-W12) ,while the lowest was with rabbits group fed the basal diet.
in this connection El-Sayaad et al. (1995) who incorporated artichoke bracts at 0, 10 or
20% in rabbit diets, and found that rabbits fed 10% artichoke bracts recorded the highest
final body weight (2355.0 g) and daily gain (25.75 g) at 16 weeks age average, while no
significant differences were noticed between rabbits fed 10% and 20% artichoke bracts.
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INVESTIGACIÓN EN LA CUNICULTURA DE LAS AMÉRICAS
RABBITRY RESEARCH IN THE AMERICAS
Rabbits fed 0% artichoke bracts recorded the lowest (P<0.05) final body weight (2238.3
g) and average daily gain (23.63g).
Also, Bonomi, (1989) used dehydrated artichoke leaf meal in rabbit rations at levels of
5% and 10%, in substitution of dehydrated lucerne meal and found an improvement in
weight gain 4% and 7%, resp. and the feed utilization 3% and 5%, resp. These findings
disagreed with, Zeweil (1992) found that the body weight or body weight gain was
significantly (P<0.05) depressed when the rabbits received diets contained high level of
artichoke by-products (36%) compared to the other tested levels (0, 12, 24%). Average
daily feed intake increased significantly (P<0.05) with the increase of the level of AL
inclusion throughout the experimental periods. These resulta are in agreement with that
obtained by Bonomi, (1989). Data showed that the inclusion of AL at 50, 75 and 100%
levels recorded higher (P<0.05) FCR than the basal diet at the second period the rabbits
group fed 50% AL recorded the best FCR throughout the whole period (W5-W12).
Generally, These findings were in agreement with El-Sayaad et al. (1995) found that
rabbits fed 20% artichoke bracts had the best feed conversion (2.76 g feed/ g gain), while
the rabbits fed 10% artichoke bracts showed the worst feed conversion (3.74 g feed/ g
gain).
Accordingly, it was observed that the AL inclusion had a positive effect with all the tested
levels on growth performance of experimental rabbit.
The results obtained on nutrients digestibility of the experimental diets are presented in
Table 4. Data revealed that the highest nutrients digestibility values were recorded for
diets contained 50% AL followed by diet contained 75% AL, while the lowest values
were obtained for diet contained 100%AL in comparison to the basal diet. This could be
attributed to polyphenolic compounds in artichoke leaves. These results are confirmed by
Huisman and Tolman (1992) who reported that polyphenolic compounds considered as
an anti-nutritional factors that have a depressive effect on protein digestion.
Table 4. Digestion coefficients and nutritive value of rabbit diets.
Digestibility coefficients
DM 66.99 b 68.00 ab 70.08 a 69.99 a 67.54 ab 1.31 0.047
OM 68.09 b 70.08 ab 72.17 a 70.46 ab 67.98 b 1.36 0.017
CP 65.95 c 67.91 b 71.03 a 70.32 a 65.50 c 1.04 0.0002
CF 45.49 c 47.09 bc 50.20 ab 51.74 a 45.51 c 2.37 0.028
EE 74.71 a 76.49 a 72.85 ab 71.95 ab 68.34 b 2.45 0.021
NFE 74.28 bc 75.46 ab 77.31 a 76.29 ab 72.43 c 1.13 0.003
Nutritive Values
DCP 11.46 c 11.79 b 12.33 a 12.24 a 10.44 d 0.17 0.0001
TDN 65.55 b 66.69 ab 68.19 a 67.03 ab 63.87 c 0.85 0.0011
DE(kcal/kg DM)
2909 cd 2960 bc 3026 a 2975 ab 2868 d 30.98 0.0009
a,b,c,… Means values with the same letter within the same row did not differ significantly (P>0.05).
*RMSE=Root Mean Square Error (n=15 rabbits per treatment).
Data also showed that digestibility of DM, CP and CF were significantly (P<0.05)
increased with replacing clover hay AL at 50% and 75% levels compared to the basal
diet. On the other hand, DM, OM, CF, EE and NFE digestibilities not significantly
affected (P<0.05) when AL was replaced by AL at 25 and 100%. Zeweil (1992) who
stated that the rabbits receiving diets contained 0, 12 or 24% artichoke by-product
recorded similar values of digestibility OM, CP, EE and NFE %, being 75.19, 78.11 and
76.07; 86.93, 87.64 and 87.07; 82.55, 81.53 and 80.20 and 75.51, 78.99 and 76.17%,
respectively. However the values decreased significantly (P<0.05) in the group received
36% artichoke by-products being 69.99, 83.75, 44.39, 74.90, 69.54 and 56.87% in the
same order.
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INVESTIGACIÓN EN LA CUNICULTURA DE LAS AMÉRICAS
RABBITRY RESEARCH IN THE AMERICAS
Digestibility of crude fiber increased with increasing level of artichoke by-products in the
diet. In this connection, Bonanno et al. (1994) incorporated dried artichoke bracts in New
Zealand White rabbit diets at 15 or 30% for 56 days and found a decrease in nutrients
digestibility with 30% dried artichoke bracts, while 15% dried artichoke bracts did not
significantly affect nutrients digestibility. El-Sayaad et al. (1995) reported that feeding
growing rabbits on 10% or 20% artichoke bracts resulted in insignificant differences in
OM, CP, CF and NFE digestibilities, but there were significant differences (P<0.05) for
EE digestibility among all treatments.
Concerning to the nutritive values, rabbit fed diets contained 50% and 75% AL recorded
the highest (P<0.05) value of DCP, TDN and DE, while rabbit fed diets contained 100%
recorded the lowest (P<0.05) DCP. These results due to the high proportion of lignin in
AL, forming lignifications, and decrease the total protein digestibility (Perez, 1989).
These results are in good agreement with those obtained by Zeweil (1992) who found that
rabbits fed 12% artichoke by-product diet recorded the best TDN (65.71%) followed by
the control group (63.64%) then rabbits fed 24% artichoke by-product (62.21%) and
group fed 36% artichoke by-product (56.87%).
It is clearly to notice that improvement of digestibility of all nutrients for the three
inclusion levels of AL (25, 50 and 75%) may be due to a better digestion as a result from
a combination of fiber sources. Consequently, the improving in the digestibility of
nutrients and nutritive value may be reflected on better growth performance.
Cecum fermentation
Data in Table (5) indicated that the caecum weight, empty caecum (%) were not affected
by inclusion levels of artichoke leaves. The NH3-N concentration dropped with the
increasing of the inclusion level of AL. While, 50% AL recorded the highest total VFA
concentration increased. This increase in total VFA may be related to higher fiber
digestibility and higher cellulolytic count for these experimental diets compared to the
control diet. In this connection, Trocino et al. (2011) stated that the increase of dietary
soluble fibre decreased pH (5.88–5.70), total VFA concentration tended to increase
(73.8–82.8 mmol/L). In addition 50% and 75% AL group were the highest (P<0.05)
Acetic and propionic (%) concentration while the experimental groups did not
significantly different in butyric acid (%). Results of caecum microbial counts (Fibrolytic
activity and cellulolytic bacterial counts) revealed that 50%AL group recorded the highest
(P<0.05) cellulolytic bacterial count (8.08 log cfu/ml) and Fibrolytic activity.
While, Tao and Li (2006) reported that the fibroltic activity of the caecum in 2-3 month
rabbits ascended when the dietary NDF increased and it was consistent with NDF
digestion.
It could be concluded that incorporating (AL) as fiber sources in rabbit diets stimulating
the maturation of cecal flora especially cellulolytic bacteria which secretes enzymes
capable of hydrolyzing the cellulose as the main components of dietary fiber. These
results are confirmed by those of Gidenne et al. (1998), Gidenne and LeBas, (2002) and
(Trocino et al., 2013).
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INVESTIGACIÓN EN LA CUNICULTURA DE LAS AMÉRICAS
RABBITRY RESEARCH IN THE AMERICAS
Basal
Items 25%AL 50%AL 75%AL 100%AL RMSE*
diet Pr<F
Cecum weight (%) 9.39 8.06 9.06 8.03 7.97 2.33 0.90
TotalVFA 0.005
5.46b 5.15b 6.08a 5.26b 5.01b 0.26
(mleq/100ml)
Artichoke leaves could be used successively in formulating diets for weaning rabbits up
to 25.5 and 34% of diets without adversely affecting on performance and nutrients
digestibility. From nutritional points of view, artichoke leaves may become a new feed
ingredient for rabbits.
Acknowledgements
Author thanks the technical staff of each experimental site for valuable help.
References
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INVESTIGACIÓN EN LA CUNICULTURA DE LAS AMÉRICAS
RABBITRY RESEARCH IN THE AMERICAS
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In: The Nutrition of the Rabbit, (Eds. De Blas, C. and Wiseman, J.). CAB
International Publishing, Wallingford, U.K., p. 69-84
Gul, M.A.; Alcicek, A. and Tumer, S. 2001. Research on silage possibility and feeding
value of artichoke stalks with leaves. Anadolu., 11: 20-32 [Abstract].
http://faostat3.fao.org/faostat-gateway/go/to/download/Q/QC/E
Huisman, J.H. and Tolman, G.H. (1992). Anti-nutritional factors in the plant proteins of
diets for non-ruminants. In: Garn worthy, P.C. ; Haresign, W. and Cole, D.J.A. (Eds),
Recent advances in animal nutrition. Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., Oxford, U.K. P. 3-31.
Lebas, F. (2004). Reflections on rabbit nutrition with a special emphasis on feed
ingredients utilization. Proceedings - 8th World Rabbit Congress – September 7-
10, 2004 – Puebla, Mexico., 686-736.
Li, Y. and Zhang, Y. 1998. The effects of sorghum tannin on utilisation of nutrients.
Chinese Animal Magazine, 34 (4): 24–25.
Meneses, M., Megias, M.D., Madrid, J., Martinez-Teruel, A., Hernandez, F. and Oliva,
J., 2007. Evaluation of the phytosanitary, fermentative and nutritive
characteristics of the silage made from crude artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) by-
product feeding for ruminants. Small Ruminant Research, 70:292-296.
Perez, de Ayala, P. (1989). Utilization de distintos de fibra por los Conejos en cebo. Ph.
D. Thesis, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, 115 PP.
Perez, J.M.; Lebas, F.; Gidenne, T.; Maertens, L.; Xiccato, G.; Parigi-Bini, R.; Dalle
Zotte, A.; Cossu, M.E.; Carazzolo, A.; Villamide, M.J.; Carabaño, R.; Fraga, M.J.;
Ramos, M.A.; Cervera, C., Blas, E.; Fernandez, J.; Falcao E Cunha, L. and
Bengala Freire, J. 1995. European reference method for IN VIVO determination
of diet digestibility in rabbits. World Rabbit Science, 3(1), 41-43.
Radwan, L.N.; Abdo, M. Z. and Hassan, R.A. 2007. Effect of feeding Artichoke leaves
meal on production and reproductive performance of Mandarah hens.
International J. of Poultry Science, 6(11): 826-834.
Sallam, S.M., Buenob, I.C.S.; Godoyb, P.B.; Nozellab, E.F.; Vittib, D.M. and Abdalla,
A.L. 2008. Nutritive value assessment of the artichoke (cynara scolymus) by-
product as an alternative feed resource for ruminants. Tropical and Subtropical
Agroecosystems, 8: 181 – 189.
Sallam, S.M.A. 2005. Nutritive value assessment of the alternative feed resources by gas
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SAS, 2002. SAS User's guide: Statistics. SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC, USA.
Schneider, B. H. and Flatt, W.P. (1975). The Evaluation of Feed Through Digestibility
Experiments. University of Georgia Experiments .University of Georgia Press
Athens, Georgia, USA.423 pp.
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Egypt. Poult. Sci., 12:1-16.
NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF Salvinia auriculata
FODDER, GROWN IN AQUAPONICS FOR RABBIT FEED,
PRELIMINARY RESULTS
Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterize nutritionally fodder Salvinia auriculata grown
in aquaponics systems as alternative forage for rabbit feeding. The control diet was
Medicago sativa, and both fodders were fed as hay (85 and 89% dry matter, respectively).
Voluntary feed intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM) were evaluated. For
the study 24 specimens of Oryctolagus cuniculus Californian breed were used (48 to 53
days old, 1079 ± 73 g, 50% males and 50 % females) which were obtained from females
in the Centro Nacional de Cunicultura (CNC, México) animal nucleus and reproduced in
controlled conditions. Study was carried out in the CNC premises. The animals were
individually kept in galvanized cages (60 x 90 x 40 cm), with basket for forage feeders
and automatic water dispensers. The experiment lasted 11 days, 7 for forage adaptation
and the last 4 for sampling. Every day at 9 am fodder (S. auriculata and M. sativa, 60 and
90 g, respectively) was offered, 24 h later refusals and feces were collected. Data were
analyzed using Student’s T-test. Preliminary results indicate that S. auriculata hay has a
lower DM intake compared to M. sativa, 24.94 ± 2.8 and 48.72 ± 2.9 g day-1 , respectively
(mean ± SE). DM digestibility was lower for S. auriculata than M. sativa, however, the
possibility of using this fodder cannot be ruled out completely, because DM digestibility
values of 45.35 and 70.33 % for S. auriculata and M. sativa respectively were observed.
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Resumen
Aquatic fern Salvinia auriculata, has been listed as an invasive plant due to its
adaptability and fast reproduction León, 2013) and has potential as fodder (Banerjee y
Matai, 1990). Plants from the genus Salvinia have been used as fish feed (Ray y Das,
1992) and according to Henry-Silva and Monteiro (2002), can be alternative fodder for
ruminant. However to date, according to the literature, this plant has not been evaluated
for rabbit consumption. Aquaponics has been proposed as a sustainable alternative to
control the accumulation of waste produced by fish farming, and can be defined as the
integration of production plants hydroponically a recirculating aquaculture system
(Parker, 2002; Van Gorder, 2000). Californian breed rabbits have unique features such as
the production of high quality meat and high commercial value skin, therefore, are
considered dual purpose breed. It is characterized as white with black markings on
muzzle, ears, paws and tail and reaches in adulthood a weight of 4.1 kg for males and 4.3
kg for females (Martinez, 2004). The aim of this paper is to present the preliminary results
of a study of S. auriculata grown in aquaponics as an alternative fodder for rabbits.
Material
For the study 24 specimens of Oryctolagus cuniculus California breed were used (48 to
53 days old, 1079 ± 73 g, 50% males and 50 % females) which were obtained from
females in the Centro Nacional de Cunicultura (CNC, México) animal nucleus and
reproduced in controlled conditions. Study was conducted in the CNC premises. All the
animals were randomly placed and kept individually in galvanized cages (60 x 90 x 40
cm), with basket for forage feeders and automatic water dispensers. Salvinia auriculata
plants were obtained from the Experimental Aquaponic Unit of the Agronomy
Department at the Life Sciences Division (DICIVA), Campus Irapuato-Salamanca of the
Universidad de Guanajuato, which were dried for 48 h in plastic mesh boxes (1 x 1 m)
that were built for hay production. The control diet was Medicago sativa (acquired from
a commercial store) and both fodders were fed as hay (85 and 89% dry matter,
respectively).
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Methodology
Preliminary results of voluntary feed intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM),
are presented because to date has not yet completed the full study of the nutritional
characterization. Upon entering the production shed, individuals were weighed (scale
TECNOCOR Mod PPN-30). The experiment Lasted 11 days, 7 for forage adaptation and
the last 4 for sampling. Every day at 9:00 a.m. fodder (S. auriculata and M. sativa, 60 and
90 g, respectively) was offered and 24 h later, refusals and feces were collected. The
evaluated variables were consumption and apparent digestibility of DM. Data were
analyzed using Student's T-test.
Preliminary results indicate that S. auriculata hay has a lower DM intake compared to M.
sativa, 24.94 ± 2.8 and 48.72 ± 2.9 g day-1, respectively (mean ± SE). DM digestibility
was lower for S. auriculata than M. sativa, 45.35 and 70.33 %, respectively. According
to Leterme et al. (2009), Salvinia is a good source of minerals and essential amino acids,
however, its use in pig feeding is limited due to their fiber content, resulting in low
digestible energy and protein content, so that, due to fiber requirements in rabbits, could
be an alternative fodder.
Conclusion
The possibility of using this fodder for rabbits cannot be ruled out completely, because
DM digestibility values of S. auriculata observed in the present study.
References
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EVALUATION OF KOMBUCHA TEA NUTRITIONAL
SUPPLEMENT AND Saccharomyces cerevisiae SC47 ON
PRODUCTION PARAMETERS IN NEW ZEALAND RABBITS
DURING THE FATTENING STAGE
Abstract
This is the first report of the effects of Kombucha tea (KT) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae
(Sc47) probiotics in rabbit production. The objective of the present study is to evaluate
the effect of KT supplement, which is only used for humans, as well Sc47 yeast strain,
during the fattening phase in New Zealand rabbits. In a first experiment, 30 four-week
age weaned rabbits were used. They were distributed randomly into three treatments: KT
A, Sc47 B and Control C with 10 repetitions each. In the other research, 30 five-weeks
age rabbits with the same distribution characteristics than the first experiment were used,
regardless sex in both research. KT was provided in drinking distilled water during the
treatments at doses of two ml/Kg. In the treatment B, Sc47 was added at doses of two ml
with a yeast concentration of 0.014g containing 77,000 CFU per ml, diluted in drinking
water. For the group C, food and water were only supplied. For both experiments, a
commercial diet free of additives was used. The results in total food intake, weight
gaining, nutritional conversion and carcass yield, were not statistically significant
(P>0.05). However, the analysis of the production parameters at the time when the
animals of group A reached the 2kg weight, there were statistically significant differences
in the above-mentioned parameters (P<0.05); because the animals reached the goal of the
two kg four days earlier than the control group. Furthermore, the KT doses used in
treatment A, did not represent a health risk to the experimented rabbits.
Key words: probiotic, rabbit, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kombucha tea, production
parameters.
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Resumen
Currently seeking alternatives to promote animal growth through a more secure way, not
only for the animal, but also to preserve human health, this phenomenon has led to the
investigation of various products among which the acidifying food, symbiotic, prebiotic
and probiotic. The latter are a live microbial feed supplement that makes a profit in the
animal by improving its intestinal microbiota balance. Some known mechanisms are:
probiotic act on cells of the innate immunity and adapted immunity; stimulating
macrophages, NK cells, T lymphocytes, increasing release of cytokines as γ- interferon,
interleukins 1 and 12, resulting in an increase of specific IgA antibodies (13). When
probiotics are added to food, they increase digestibility, the synthesis of B vitamins (15,
18) and the production of organic acids, such as lactic acid, which decrease the pH,
regulate the growth of E. coli and Salmonella spp and stimulate the intestinal peristaltic
movements (14). Kombucha Tea (KT) is made with black tea (Camellia sinensis)
containing caffeine and polyphenol (22, 24) and is fermented by the Kombucha culture,
which is used as an alternative therapy. Hartman et al. (2000) have found that it is
composed of a symbiosis between bacteria Acetobacter xylinum, Acetobacter Bacterium
xylinoides or gluconicum and various yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe,
Saccharomycodes ludwigii, kombuchaensis Zygosaccharomyces, Saccharomyces
cerevisiae, predominantly Brettanomyces yeasts (7). It has also been attributed an
antimicrobial activity (Sreeramulu et al., 2000). Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a probiotic
yeast colonizing mucosal surfaces and is considered non-pathogenic for
immunocompetent patients; in immunocompromised patients can cause infection. (1, 4).
The strain of S. cerevisiae Sc47, has not been studied as much as others, is a selected
strain of the baking industry, has been used commercially for feeding pigs (1) and other
farm animals (6, 13) . In the field, trials have been shown effective for control growth of
E. coli and Isospora suis in pigs (13). The benefits of supplementation feed yeast relate
to an anti-adhesive effect of pathogens, stimulating non-specific immunity and the
inhibition of the action of microbial toxins (13). The objective of the present study is to
evaluate the effect of KT supplement, as well Sc47 yeast strain, during the fattening phase
in New Zealand rabbits.
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In this experiment, 30 four-week age weaned rabbits were used. They were distributed
randomly into three treatments: KT A, Sc47 B and Control C with 10 repetitions each.
KT was provided in drinking distilled water during the treatments at doses of two ml/Kg.
In the treatment B, Sc47 was added at doses of two ml with a yeast concentration of
0.014g containing 77,000 CFU per ml, diluted in drinking water. For the group C, food
and water were only supplied. For the experiment, a commercial diet free of additives
was used.
To assess the weight gains during the fattening stage weighing animals was performed
every seven days until the animals reached 75 days of life, to refine feed intake the amount
of food offered and refused was weighed daily the three groups. At the end of the
experiment, three groups were weighed and sacrificed according to NOM-033-ZOO-1995
(5) and later to get headless and gutted carcasses and thus obtain the yield carcass by the
formula (12): Hot carcass yield = live weight headless carcass weight X-100 Body weight
Feed conversion was obtained according to the formula: feed intake / weight gain (19).
For the analysis of the results of weekly weight gain, average daily gain, weight and hot
carcass yield, feed intake and feed conversion; parametric statistics were used by analysis
of variance with a significance level of 0.95%. The differences between means were
compared with Tukey's test.
Results
The results in total food intake, weight gaining, nutritional conversion and carcass yield,
were in this order: group A, follow by group B and C, but there were not statistically
significant (P>0.05) (Table 1). However, the analysis of the production parameters at the
time when the animals of group A reached the 2kg weight, demonstrated that, group A
had got the goal of two Kg, four days before B group and five days before C group (Figure
1). In spite of these differences, there were not statistically significant differences in the
above-mentioned parameters (P<0.05).
Discussion and conclusions
Differences between the groups are possibly due to higher feed intake and content of
Kombucha Tea yeast involved to improve the utilization of the diet (3, 7, 10).
Furthermore, the content of KT (sugars, vitamins and amino acids) contribute to get daily
higher gains in live weight than B and C groups. However, these weight gains were among
the highest compared to the gains reported by other authors (Table 1). Regarding food
intake, no significant differences (P> 0.05) were observed until the 5th week, where
treatment with KT consumed more food than treatment B and C (P= 0.0005), the
mechanism of this modification feed intake associated with long-term supply of KT is not
well defined. According to the results, it is concluded that nutritional supplementation
with KT and Sc47 can improve food consumption and shortening the period of fattening
to get the market weight in rabbits, so it is recommended to continue such studies.
Furthermore, the KT and Sc47 doses used in treatment A, did not represent a health risk
to the experimented rabbits.
References
1. Auclair E. 1997: Mechanisms of action of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Biosaf Sc47
in monogastric species. Microbiology Applied to animal nutrition. México, D.F.
2. Bennett, B. (1987): Cria Moderna Del Conejo. 2 imp. Edit. Continental S. A. de
C. V. México D.F. pp: 235-250.
3. Cuarón, IJA., Martínez A. M., Zapata L., Pradal RP., Velásquez MO., y Sierra J.
1998. Uso de levadura en la producción de cerdos. Seminario de Microbiología
aplicada a la nutrición animal. México, D. F.
4. De Blas, C. (1984): Alimentación Del Conejo. 1era. ed. Edit. Mundi Prensa.
Madrid, España
5. Diario Oficial de la Federación, 1997: Norma Oficial Mexicana, NOM-033.ZOO-
1995, sacrificio humanitario de los animales domésticos y silvestres.
6. Fuller R, 1989: Probiotics in man an animals. J Appl Bacteriol. 66:365-78.
7. Hartmann, A. M., Burleson, L. E., Holmes, A. K., Geist, C. R.
8. Isolauri, E., Sütas, Y., Kankaanpää, P., Arvilommi, H., Salminen, S. (2001):
Probiotics: effects on immunity. Am. J. Clin. Nutr., Vol. 73. pp. 444S–50S.
9. Kermauner, A., Strucklec, M. (1999): Effect of some probiotics on intestinal
viscosity in rabbits. A. A. Kap. Vol. 3. Nº 2. pp. 165-173.
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EFFECTS OF FEED RATIONING, FASTING AND A HERBAL
SUPPLEMENT ON MORTALITY AND PERFORMANCE
OF FATTENING RABBITS IN ERE CONDITIONS
1.- EN VIVO NSA, Talhouët, P.E. 234, 56006 Vannes Cedex, Francia.
2.- MALTA CLEYTON, Poniente 134, N ° 786, Colonia Industrial Vallejo, México DF CP
02300.
*Corresponding author: jduperray@evialis.net
Abstract
Rabbit breeders use a range of strategies in their attempt to minimise the digestive
problems caused by ERE (Epizootic Rabbit Enteropathy). Feed rationing is one practice
that effectively reduces health problems of a digestive nature. The aim of this article is to
provide an overview of two studies conducted in ERE conditions. Restricted feeding was
compared to ad libitum feeding. Some animals on a restricted intake were also subjected
to a fast, and some of the ad libitum fed animals received Vegeplus, a plant-based
supplement, added to their feed. Rabbits were fattened up in ERE conditions to the age
of 67 days. They were weighed individually at 53 and 67 days and the consumption of
each cage was determined at these same ages. Mortality was monitored daily. Some of
the animals were necropsied at different points of the fattening, the diagnosis was death
from digestive disorders, with most animals being diagnosed with ERE. These studies in
ERE conditions have shown the health benefits of feed restriction for fattening rabbits.
Imposing a fast on animals already on restricted intake provides no additional health
benefits, rather it severely penalises the growth performance of the rabbits. Although this
technique is often practised by breeders who feed their animals ad libitum, it has less of
a place in restricted intake techniques where the most effective way of imposing a fast
has yet to be determined. Adding the natural plant extract Vegeplus to feed reduces
mortality and improves production. When a health risk is present, the digestive security
it provides reduces the need of feed restriction.
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Resumen
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Introduction
Rabbit breeders use a range of strategies in their attempt to minimise the digestive
problems caused by ERE (Epizootic Rabbit Enteropathy). Feed rationing is one practice
that effectively reduces health problems of a digestive nature. Gidenne et al. (2008) have
in fact shown that a 25% reduction in dietary intake leads to a significant fall in mortality
of 46% (from 19.9% to 10.7%). In another article, he demonstrated that once intake is
restricted by 20%, the benefits of rationing on mortality rates and health risks become
significants (Gidenne et al., 2003). In an attempt to reduce the reliance on medical
methods, research is now being conducted into different breeding techniques and natural
products that could help improve the digestive health of young fattening rabbits. The aim
of this article is to provide an overview of two studies conducted in ERE conditions at the
In Vivo NSA Research Center (Vannes, FRANCE). Restricted feeding was compared to
free feeding (ad libitum). Some animals on a restricted intake were also subjected to a
fast in order to determine whether this strategy, which is sometimes found in the field, is
yet better still for the health compared to traditional feed restriction. Finally, some of the
ad libitum fed animals had Vegeplus, a plant-based supplement, added to their feed.
Animals
For the first trial, 336 rabbits were allotted into groups upon weaning based on their
weight at 31 days and litter. For the second trial, 384 young rabbits were allotted in the
same manner. The animals were weaned at 32 days and housed in cages containing 8
rabbits each in a fattening unit at the In Vivo NSA Research Centre in Saint Nolff, which
meets Good Laboratory Practice standards. For the first trial, a ninth rabbit was introduced
into each cage at 33 days of age and inoculated with 500 µl TEC4, then removed at 47
days old.
For the second trial, all animals were inoculated with 50 µl TEC4. TEC4 is an inoculum
manufactured by INRA and used to reproduce ERE in test conditions via the oral
inoculation of rabbits. The rabbits were fattened up to the age of 67 days. They were
weighed individually at 53 and 67 days and the consumption of each cage was determined
at these same ages. Mortality was monitored daily.
Treatment
Both trials involved a comparison of four groups. The AL group of rabbits was fed ad
libitum. The R group was rationed at 75% of theoretical intake. The R+Fast group
received the same ration as the R group, but a 48-hour fast was imposed after the second
death in this group. These three groups were fed on the same commercial fattening diet.
The AL+Vegeplus group was fed ad libitum. The feed given to this group was a diet
similar to that given to the other three groups but with the addition of Vegeplus, a natural
plant-based product.
Statistical analysis
The mortality data were compared using a Chi-squared test. The growth data were
compared using analysis of variance for a linear model. For each endpoint, the trial effect,
the treatment effect and their interaction were studied.
Results
Health status
The mortality results are given in Table 1. The incidence of animal deaths observed in
each of the groups differed to a statistically significant degree (P=0.00062). The mortality
rate in the AL group was 12.5%. Feed restriction reduced mortality by 63%, since only
4.7% of the animals in the R group died. The 48-hour fast was imposed during the first
two weeks of fattening. The rationed animals that had undergone the fast presented a
mortality rate of 9.7%, this figure lying between that of the rationed animals and that of
the animals that were fed ad libitum on the same feed. Imposing a fast on already rationed
animals does not therefore seem to achieve any health improvements compared to
traditional feed restriction.
The results show that with free feeding, adding Vegeplus to the feed produces a very
significant improvement in the health status of the animals. In fact, mortality was 79%
lower in the AL+Vegeplus group than in the AL group, with only 2.6% of the Vegeplus
animals having died in ERE conditions.
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Some of the animals were necropsied at different points of the fattening, all groups
combined. The diagnosis was death from digestive disorders, with most animals being
diagnosed with ERE.
Graph 1 shows the change in mortality throughout the fattening period. Mortality peaked
at 40 days i.e. approximately one week post-inoculation.
The body weight and ADG (Average Daily Gain) results are given in Table 2. The body
weight and ADG figures are from the surviving animals and provide good morbidity
indicators.
Free feeding resulted in a significantly higher body weight at the end of the fattening
period than restricted feeding (P<0.0001). The average weight of the animals at 67 days
was 2,835 g in the AL group compared to 2,205 g in the R group i.e. 180 g higher (Graph
2). This meant an average growth of 5.1 g/day i.e. 13.1% higher between days 31-67
(P<0.0001) (Graph 3). Imposing a fast between days 32 and 53 caused a significant fall
in body weight of 137 g on average at 53 days, compared to the rationed group
(P<0.0001), with the resulting impact of an average loss of 104 g in body weight at 67
days (P<0.001). The animals in the R+Fast group therefore never recovered from the
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growth retardation caused by the fasting. Throughout the fattening period, this growth
retardation meant a fall in ADG of 2.3 g/day (P<0.0001) i.e. 5.9% between days 32 and
67 compared with the R group. Finally, adding Vegeplus to the feed of fattening rabbits
in ERE conditions produced animals whose growth and weight at slaughter are
comparable to those of the AL group (2,378 g vs. 2,385 g at 67 days).
The significant crossover observed in weight at 53 days is due to the fact that for trial 1,
the AL group weighed 25 g more than the AL+Vegeplus group, whereas it weighed 23 g
less for trial 2.
Graph 3: Change in ADG during the fattening period, by group
The intake and FCR figures are taken from the zootechnical study of the living animals.
Intake and FCR, accounting for dead animals, is discussed in another chapter.
The intake of the R group was 16% lower than the AL group (P<0.0001) over the whole
of the fattening period (Table 3), resulting in a significant improvement in FCR of 0.11
points over this same period (P<0.0001). The ERE-induced morbidity resulted in a fall in
intake by the freely-fed animals compared to what would be expected in their healthy
counterparts. Therefore, the rabbits in group R consumed only 16% less than the animals
in group AL and not 25% less. The 25% intake restriction we applied was, in fact,
calculated based on the theoretical intake of animals fed ad libitum in good health
conditions.
Imposing the fast meant an average reduction of 8.9 g/day (9.6%) in feed intake between
days 32 and 53 compared to the rationed group (P<0.0001). This fall in post-weaning
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32-53 days 53-67 days 32-67 days 32-53 days 53-67 days 32-67 days
Table 4 gives the economic analysis for the four trial groups. The results have been
extrapolated in order to estimate performance figures for 1,000 weaned rabbits. Revenue
has been calculated based on slaughter weight at 67 days and a price of €1.85 kg/body
weight (source: RENACEB/RENALAP 2012, published by ITAVI).Feed expenditure
has been calculated based on the total feed consumed (including by the rabbits that died
during the fattening period). The cost of the feed was taken from the 2012 figures
published by ITAVI in its RENACEB/RENALAP report i.e. €277/tonne. The economic
analysis provides an overview of the zootechnical results and the mortality results,
looking at the animals as a whole, including those that died during fattening.
The AL group had the lowest slaughter number, and the AL+Vegeplus group had the
highest (875 animals slaughtered vs. 974). Total slaughtered weight, extrapolated to 1,000
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weaned rabbits, ranged from 1,882 kg for the R+Fast group to 2,302 kg in the
AL+Vegeplus group. Of the various feeding methods used, the R+Fast group had the
lowest feed intake. The animals in this group consumed 11% less than the R group, 21%
less than the AL group and 31% less than the AL+Vegeplus group. The feed conversion
ratio represents the ratio between the total weight gain between weaning and slaughter,
and total intake, including the feed consumed by the animals that died during the fattening
period. The feed restriction method resulted in the lowest FCR (3.13), whilst the AL group
had the least efficient FCR (3.41). Our economic simulation shows that breeders wishing
to maximise their revenue should use the AL+Vegeplus method. This is because it allows
the most rabbits to be slaughtered at a good weight. Revenue was 12% higher for the
AL+Vegeplus group than for the AL group, with the R group generating a revenue similar
to that of the AL group. The R+Fast group generated the lowest revenue, 9% less than the
AL group. Thanks to its lower feed cost and lower mortality rate, the R group gave an
Income Over Feed Cost (IOFC) that was 7% higher than the AL group. Fasting the
rationed animals reduced the IOFC, not only compared to traditional rationing but also
compared to free feeding (-3%). Finally, despite the additional cost, adding Vegeplus to
the feed of animals fed ad libitum resulted in an increase in IOFC with a 6% financial
gain compared to free feeding, due to the lower mortality rate in the AL+Vegeplus group.
Discussion
These results confirm the benefits of restricting feed to 75% of theoretical intake in order
to minimise the health problems of ERE in test conditions. This initial observation, along
with the necropsy diagnoses, lead us to conclude that the method for reproducing ERE in
test conditions as used at the In Vivo NSA Research Station (St Nolff, FRANCE) is valid.
The feed restriction method achieved a 49% drop in mortality during the fattening period
in these conditions.
However, imposing a fast on the animals on top of the feed restriction did not produce
any improvement in the animals' health if imposed following the second death. This
strategy is sometimes used in practice to restore digestive balance. Nevertheless, we
found that fasting does
not carry any additional benefits compared to feed restriction alone. Not only were no
health benefits observed, but this practice has a clear negative impact on the growth of
the animals, reducing weight at 67 days by 104 g compared to the animals on restricted
feeding but no fast. It may initially appear that a 48-hour fast is too long. Shortening it to
24 hours may limit the negative effects on growth. The fasting technique may also be
more effective with freely fed animals. However, since fewer and fewer breeders are
using this technique, it was not included in our study. It would nevertheless be interesting
to compare this practice in free feeding and restricted feeding conditions in order to
determine the conditions in which it may be most effective. In fact, if this technique is
being used in practice by breeders who feed their animals ad libitum during the fattening
period, could it still pose benefits for breeders who practice restricted feeding?
The immune system needs nutrients such as certain amino acids in order to function and
ensure the synthesis of the proteins involved in immune defence. If the body cannot obtain
the necessary amino acids from its food intake, they are produced from muscular
catabolism (Le Floc'h et al., 2004). Stopping the feed of rabbits when they become ill can
therefore weaken the animal and slow down the immune defence mechanism.
Finally, adding Vegeplus to freely-provided feed guarantees the fattening process from a
health standpoint by significantly limiting mortality in ERE conditions compared to a
Control feed. The mortality rate of the animals fed ad libitum but including a Vegeplus
supplement was numerically less than that of the animals on restricted feed. Therefore, in
ERE conditions, Vegeplus provides health protection equivalent to a restricted diet, whilst
at the same time allowing free feeding which provides better growth. Vegeplus is a natural
product made from plant extracts and is therefore consistent with current attempts to
reduce the use of antibiotics in the rabbit husbandry sector.
Conclusion
These two studies in ERE conditions have shown the health benefits of feed restriction
for fattening rabbits. Imposing a fast on animals already on restricted intake provides no
additional health benefits, rather it severely penalises the growth performance of the
rabbits. Although this technique is often practised by breeders who feed their animals ad
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libitum, it has less of a place in restricted intake techniques where the most effective way
of imposing a fast has yet to be determined. Adding the natural plant extract Vegeplus to
feed improves production even when a health risk is present since the digestive security
it provides means the need for feed restriction is lessened.
References
Gidenne T., Feigier A., Jehl N., Arveux P., Boisot P., Briens C., Corrent E., Fortune H.,
Montessuy S., Verdelhan S. 2003. Un rationnement quantitatif post-sevrage permet de
réduire la fréquence des diarrhées, sans dégradation importante des performances de
croissance : résultats d’une étude multi-site. 10èmes Journées de la Recherche Cunicole,
Paris, 29-32.
Gidenne T., Murr S., Travel A., Corrent E., Foubert C., Bebin K., Mevel L., Rebours G.,
Renouf B. 2008. Effet du niveau de rationnement et du mode de ditribution de l’aliment
sur les performances et les troubles digestifs post-sevrage du lapereau, Journée Nationale
du Lapin de Chair, 33-40
Le Floc’h N., Melchior D., Obled C. 2004. Modifications of protein and amino acid
metabolism during inflammation and immune system activation, Livestock Production
Science, 87, 37-45.
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NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY STUDIES IN RABBITS INTAKE
DIETS WITH THE ADDITION OF PROBIOTIC SUBTILPROBIO
® (BACILLUS SUBTILIS AND ENDOSPORES)
1.- ICA, Institute of Animal Science. CC. km 47 ½ San José de las Lajas. Cuba
2.- LABEX, Laboratories Biological Pharmaceutical. Santiago de Cuba. Cuba
3.- UM, University of Matanzas " Camilo Cienfuegos. Matanzas, Cuba
*Corresponding author: dihgio297@gmail.com
Abstract
The use of probiotics in rabbits can improve feed efficiency by improving gut integrity,
nutrient absorption and digestive behavior. In order to determine the digestibility of
nutrients in rabbits intake diets with a probiotic mixture of Bacillus subtilis endospore
(Subtilprobio®), 20 male rabbits of New Zealand white breed with 90 days of age and
an average weight of 2.2 Kg housed in individual metabolism cages were used. They
were distributed according to a completely randomized design in two experimental
groups: Control and experimental without probiotic, with ten repetitions each. The
probiotic was mixed in the diet at a rate of 1 l per ton of feed. During the 15 days that
lasted the experiment, the last five days intake and fecal excretion were measured.
Digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), neutral
detergent fiber (NDF) and Ash (C) were measured. Differences for intake, excretion g
of DM and OM digestibility were not observed. Rabbits who consumed the probiotic
significantly improved (P<0.05) and (P< 0.01) digestibility of DM and NDF values
of 72.79 % vs 77.98 % and 54.26 % vs 64.11 %, respectively. Similarly, the greater
digestibility (P<0.001) of CP was observed in animals fed the probiotic with values
79.14 % vs 87.38 %, respectively. It was concluded that the use of Subtilprobio ® in
rabbit diets improved indicators of digestibility for DM, NDF, and CP.
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1.- ICA, 1Instituto de Ciencia Animal. CC. km 47 ½ San José de las Lajas. Cuba
2.- Laboratorios Biológicos Farmacéuticos LABEX. Santiago de Cuba. Cuba
3.- UM, Universidad de Matanzas “Camilo Cienfuegos”. Matanzas, Cuba
*Corresponding author: dihgio297@gmail.com
Resumen
Worldwide probiotic preparations are used with satisfactory results to improve the
production and health of animals´ behavior (Swientek, 2003). This result is an overall
enhanced health as a result of improved nutrition, increasing the rate of growth and
production (Berg, 1998).
In rabbits, microbial cultures are used to reduce the incidence and death from diarrhea
and to increase production efficiency. The studies were directed toward the control of
intestinal pH using outside microflora rabbit bacteria (Cheeke et al.1989).
The use of Bacillus subtilis not only improves health but promotes intestinal digestion
processes by matching nutrient and productivity of rabbits.
That is why the objective of this study was to determine the digestibility of nutrients
in rabbits that consumed diets with probiotics based on mixture of Bacillus subtilis and
endospores, Subtilprobio®.
The diets were prepared at the National Center for Laboratory Animal Breeding
CENPALAB). The chemical composition of the diets and feces was determined by the
method described by the AOAC (1993) for dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM),
crude protein (CP) and ash (C). Fractions of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid
detergent fiber (ADF), lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose were determined by
Goering and Van Soest (1993). Dietary analysis determined containing: DM (88.02
%), CP (22.50%), ash (7.78 %), OM (92.21 %) and NDF (43.94 %) which were
performed at the Laboratory of analytical services of the Institute of Animal Science.
Experimental Procedure
Twenty white Semigiant New Zealand commercial hybrid male rabbits of 4.5 months
of age and 2.4 kg average weight were used. The animals were allocated in individual
metabolism cages. They were distributed in a completely randomized design in two
groups: A control group and the second was added Subtilprobio ® at a dose of
1l/1000kg of food. Each group had ten repetitions and 12h periods of light and
darkness. Feeding was restricted to 120g per animal, shaped pellet during the 14 days
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of the experiment. During the last four days the feces were weighed and dry matter
was determined at 105 oC. Feces were stored at -20 ° until analysis.
The analysis of variance was carried out according to the SPSS system for Windows
version 1.0 and INFOSTAT (2001 ) indistinctly, where necessary Duncan (1955).
Table 1 shows the results of intake, fecal excretion of DM and CP digestibility, NDF,
OM and A were observed in rabbit.
A higher digestibility (P < 0.05) for DMN was observed in rabbits fed the diet with the
probiotic . This improvement in DM digestibility is due to a significant increase
(P<0.01) that had the NDF digestibility. This may be determined by a stimulation of
cecal microbiological activity (Kimura et al. 1997), which favors higher digestion of
cell wall constituents and other nutrients. In rabbits the digestion of cell wall
components is limited by a poor retention of food in the cecum and the same
characteristics of fermentible substrate. Stimulation with microbial content in these
processes are favoured, increasing the digestibility and the final products of the
fermentation.
Table 1. Effects of Subtilprobio® adding intake and fecal excretion
(g dm / animal / day, and the digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, OM and C (%) in rabbits.
*(P<0,05)**(P<0,01)***(P<0,001)
No differences for consumption, fecal excretion, OMD and ashD in rabbits that
consumed diets with or without probiotic were observed. The trend was to increase
consumption and decrease the fecal excretion of DM, which showed the highest degree
of utilization of nutrients, mainly starch, as a feature of this probiotic in producing
enzymes like amilasa (Asgher et al 2006).
We conclude that the use of diets with Bacillus subtilis and endospores in the diet of
rabbit, improved the indicators of digestibility for DM, NDF and the CP without
causing changes in the digestibility of A, OM and intake and excretion g of DM.
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References
A., Tan, H.M. 2007: Evaluation of the performance and intestinal gut microflora of
broiler fed on corn-soy diets supplemented with Bacillus subtilisPB6, CloSTAT. J.
Appl. Poult. Res. 16:296.
Rubio,S.R: 2012: Estudio del efecto del probiótico Bacillus subtilis y sus endosporas
en el comportamiento productivo y reproductivo de conejos de la raza Nueva Zelanda.
Cheeke PR, Hollister AG, Robinson KL. Improving feed efficiency and reducing
mortality in rabbits: A case study for use in all species. In: Lyons TP, editor
Biotechnology in Feed Industry. Nicholasville Kentuky USA: Alltech Technical
Publications, 1989: 253-259.AOAC. 1995. Official Methods of Analysis. Ass. Off.
Agric. Chem. 16th ed. Washington, D. C.
Goerin & Van Soest, J.P. 1993. Cell Wall matrix interactions and degradation- Session
synopsis. In Forage Cell Wall Structure an Digestibility Amarican Siciet of
Agronomy.377-395
LAGUNAS BS, PÉREZ SL, OSORIO MJ, FAJARDO MR*, DE LA CRUZ BA,
DÍAZ GONZÁLEZ BA,
Abstract
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LAGUNAS BS, PÉREZ SL, OSORIO MJ, FAJARDO MR*, DE LA CRUZ BA,
DÍAZ GONZÁLEZ BA,
Resumen
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Introduction
The use of probiotics has targeted the human and animal health. In human, it has
highlighted its use in diarrhea control of nonspecific origin, even in treating of some
antibiotic-resistant agents (Kirchelle et al., 1996). Beneficial effects of probiotic are very
specific, and not all species are efficacious. Strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG,
Saccharomyces cerevisiae, S. boulardii, Lactobacillus casei Shirota and Bifidobacterium
animalis (Bb12) are the most studied in animal and human health. In animal production,
the importance of probiotics lies in the properties to improve the efficiency of feed
conversion and growth promoters (Rosmini, 2004).
Studies in pigs supplemented with Sc47, showed a gradual decrease in total fecal coliform
counts, these changes were apparently not associated to the activation of the systemic
immunity (Pérez–Sotelo et al., 2011). In previous studies in our laboratory, TK and Sc47
suministrated in water in a rabbit model, both probiotics demonstrated faster growth of
the animals associated with a decrease in the total number of fecal coliforms and a slight
decrease in feed intake (De la Cruz et al., 2008). Based on these studies, the present study
aimed to
determine the effect of KT and Sc47 on coliform population dynamics identified in the
digestive tract of the rabbit.
This work was carried out under an observational descriptive design in 30 New Zealand
rabbits, divided into in three treatments groups of ten animals each, during 75 days of
experiment, using a commercial food additive free. Group A was supplemented with TK.
Group B with Sc47 and group C served as control. The used doses in both experimental
groups A and B were in the water under the recommendations of commercial labs. Stool
samples from anal sphincter were taken and seed on selective media for coliforms. The
fecal samples were performed on experimental days 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75; aseptically
plastic gloves, anal stimulation by obtaining 2 g per rabbit, the individual stool samples
were pooled for each treatment. Coliforms isolation was undertaken on nutrient agar,
brilliant green agar, Mc Conkey agar and Salmonella-Shigella agar. Cultures were
incubated at 35° C for 24 hrs. Isolated suspicious colonies were identified based on
routine microbiological protocols. The used biochemical tests were: Simmon's citrate,
Catalase, Methyl Red Voges Proskauer and Urea, TSI and SIM (Murray, 1995). Statistical
analysis was conducted using tests of least squares trend lines.
Results
In the group A, six bacterial genera were isolated: Yersinia sp., Vibrio cholerae,
Flavobacterium sp., Serratia marcescens, Serratia liquefaciens y Citrobacter
intermedius. Among these, Yersinia sp, Flavobacterium sp and Vibrio cholerae, showed
a downward trend while Serratia marcescens, Serratia liquefaciens and Citrobacter
intermedius showed an upward trend. In the group B, six bacterial genera were isolated:
Vibrio cholerae type, Serratia marcescens, Erwinia herbicola, Proteus vulgaris, Serratia
liquefaciens and Citrobacter intermedius. Which Vibrio cholerae, Erwinia herbicola and
Serratia marcescens presented downtrend while, Proteus vulgaris, Serratia liquefaciens
and Citrobacter intermedius showed an upward trend. In the group C, six bacterial genera
were isolated: Citrobacter intermedius, E. coli, Alcaligenes faecalis, Yersinia sp.,
Serratia marcescens and Salmonella arizonae. Which Citrobacter intermedius, E. coli
and Alcaligenes faecalis, showed a downward trend, while Yersinia sp. and Salmonella
arizonae showed an upward trend, and Serratia marcescens remained unchanged.
Discussion
In the normal rabbit´s gut biome, coliform Gram- trends to be downward. These changes
could be explained by some known mechanisms like: cellulose consumption in the feed
increases the number of Gram+ cellulolytic bacteria which suppress the Gram- bacteria
(Hernández and Cobos, 2001). Furthermore, the gastric pH tends to be acidified with age.
Thus, food and bacterial colonies can regulate other bacterial growths; these mechanisms
are known as bio-regulation or competitive bacteria exclusion (Ron, 2003; Carrizo, 2003).
In group A, a downward trend was observed in the number of colonies Gram-, more
evident than that of group C, this may be due to the composition of TK containing some
metabolites; one usnic acid, which has antimicrobial properties on Gram- bacteria
(Bargellini, 1946). Another metabolite is glucuronic acid, which induces IFNɣ, which
regulate the bacterial infections by activation of macrophages (Vega et al., 2005). In
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group B, a decrease of Gram- bacteria was observed; when Sc47 is constantly providing,
some mannan-dependent bacterial colonies can be removed by cytoadhesion and form
clusters that are expelled with the feces, thereby regulating ecosystem biome (Pérez-
Sotelo, 2011). Another possible mechanism of action could exercise the KT and Sc47
probiotics on bacterial colonies is that they can produce antimicrobial molecules and
inducing competitive exclusion among species (Fernández, 2005). It has been observed
an antimicrobial effect in vitro of KT on some bacterial genera: Plesiomona spp, Serratia
spp, Salmonella spp, Yersinia spp, Acinetobacter spp, Pseudomonas spp, Actinobacillus
spp, Moraxella sp and Alcaligenes spp (De la Cruz et al., 2012). In evaluating the
supernatant in liquid media Sc47 no inhibitory effect of bacterial growth was observed
by assuming the absence of these metabolites, suggesting that other mechanisms were
involved in microbiota modulation. Another possible mechanism of intestinal bacterial
modulation is the innate immune response through to α-defensins produced by
stimulation of the Panneth cells in response to certain microbial probiotics products (Mc.
Dermott, 2007). These results showed a bacterial intestinal modulation induced by
probiotic consumption in both KT and Sc47.
References
Bargellini G., del Pianio E. G., Martini-Bettólo B. 1946. SuU'attivitá antibatterica di duc
acidi lichcnici: acido usnico ed acido vulpinico. «Attt delia Accademia Nazionale dei
Lincei», vol. I, fase. 12, págs. 1252-1205.
De la Cruz B. A., Pérez S. L. S., Díaz G. B. A. E., Fajardo M. R. C. 2008. Efecto del
suplemento de los probióticos Té Kombucha y Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sc47 sobre
parámetros productivos en conejos Nueva Zelanda durante la etapa de engorda, Tesis de
Licenciatura en Medicina Veterinaria Y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de
México.
De la Cruz B. A., Pérez S. L. S., Díaz G. B. A. E., Fajardo M. R. C. 2012. Efecto de
Saccharomyces cerevisiae y Te Kombucha sobre poblaciones de coliformes en conejos,
Tesis de Maestría en Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad
Autónoma del Estado de México.
Kirchelle A., Fruhwein N., Toburen D. 1996. Treatment of persist diarrhea with S.
boulardii in returning travelers. Results of prospective study. Fortschr Medicine 114(11):
136-140.
Pérez S. L., Vaughan G., Fajardo R., Gonzalez Y., Monroy H., Vazquez J. C. 2011.
Modulator effects of dietary supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae on coliform
counts, adaptive general immunologic response and growth-performance in pigs. Indian
J. Anim. Nutr. 28 (2): 191–197.
Ron R. D. 2003. Rabbit gastrointestinal physiology. Rev. Vet. Clin. Exot. Anim. 6: 129–
156.
Rosmini M. R., Sequeira G. J., Guerrero Legarreta I., Martí L. E., Dalla Santina N., Frizzo
L., Bonazza J. C. 2004. Producción de prebióticos para animales de abasto: Importancia
del uso de la microbiota intestinal indigena., Rev. Mex. de Ing. Quim. 3(2): 181-191.
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Vega M., Valderrama S., Moya G., Ferrero J., Castiñeira M., Quintana M. 2005.
Establecimiento de un material de referencia para interferón gamma humano
recombinante. Centro de ingeniería genética y biotecnología. Rev. Cubana Farm. 39(2).
GROWTH PROMOTERS USED FOR WEIGHT GAIN
IN RABBITS MEANT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
Abstract
Food increasing demand has originated the use of growth promoters in animal meat
production. In animals meant for feeding, these not only contribute to the increase in total
weight gain but to food conversion as well. Nandrolone laurate and clenbuterol
clorhydrate, which have been illegally used in animal meat production have sanitary and
safety restrictions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of these substances in
the productive parameters of rabbits meant for human consumption, in which total weight
gain and food conversion were measured. Fifteen hybrid, male and female rabbits were
used, divided into two groups (n = 5 each): group 1 (0.20μg/kg NL intramuscularly
administered every 20 days); group 2 (16 μg/kg/d CBL orally administered in drinking
water); and a control group which received 1 mL intramuscularly given saline solution as
placebo every 15 days. Rabbits were observed for 30 days in which food and water was
given ad libitum. Results were analyzed using variance analysis (P<0.05). Total weight
gain and food conversion according to the treatments were: group 1, 1.535 kg and 9.94;
group 2 1.335 kg and 10.72 and for control group 1.188 kg and 13.40 respectively.
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The use of nandrolone laurate and clenbuterol clorhydrate as promoters showed a slight
effect on daily and total weight gain, with counterindication for rabbit production,
affecting not only rentability but food safety as well.
Key words: Nandrolone laurate, clenbuterol clorhydrate, weight gain, food conversion,
food safety
PROMOTORES DE CRECIMIENTO UTILIZADOS PARA GANANCIA
DE PESO EN CONJEJOS DESTINADOS AL CONSUMO HUMANO
Resumen
La creciente demanda de carne de conejo requiere de una alta producción de carne para
consumo humano. El uso de promotores de crecimiento contribuye a la ganancia de peso
y disminuye costos de producción. Algunos promotores como el laurato de nandrolona y
el clenbuterol muestran restricciones sanitarias y de inocuidad para su administración. El
objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los parámetros ganancia de peso total (GPT) y
conversión alimenticia (CA) en conejos, administrando laurato de nandrolona y
clenbuterol como promotores de crecimiento. Se formaron tres grupos experimentales de
3 conejos. Los grupos fueron T1 con clenbuterol 16 mg/kg vía oral por día, T2 con laurato
de nadrolona inyectado 1 mg/kg cada 20 días y T3 control, el experimento duro 30 días.
El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante la prueba ANOVA con una significancia de P
< 0.05 comparando las unidades experimentales sometidas a tratamiento. Los resultados
obtenidos por tratamiento fueron: T1: GPT 1.53, CA 9.94 kg, T2: GPT 1.335, CA 10.72kg
y T3: GPT 1.188, CA 13.40 kg respectivamente. La comparación entre los promotores de
crecimiento mostró una ganancia de peso y conversión alimenticia significativa en el T1
y T2, obteniendo un mejor índice de beneficio- costo para la producción.
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Animal protein consumption is necessary for healthy human feeding, therefore the
interest on increasing meat production from traditional species (hen, beef, pork and sheep)
as well as other not so common species such as rabbit, duck or ostrich. Regarding rabbits,
they have numerous advantages due to their easy handling and high reproductive
efficiency, as well as their elevated productivity rate when compared to other species.
Moreover, rabbit meat is high in protein and low in sodium, fat and cholesterol which
makes it an excellent choice for human diet due to its high nutritional content (Santos et
al., 2010). Food additives allow the improvement of production and reproductive
efficiency in farms. Nevertheless, they do not improve productivity when there is
defficiency on productive handling and feeding and genetics of species meant for meat
production (Chávez et al., 2012). Recently, anabolic and promoter use in animal
production have had serious consequences in public health (Bandala et al., 2007).
Moreover, when sanitary regulations as well as good production practices are not
followed, health, animal welfare and food safety may be compromised. The lack of
technical and economical information for producers, make them susceptible of mistakes
in sanitary handling and poor production practices that may have legal implications (Ley
Federal de Sanidad animal, 2012; Directive 64/433/EEC). The use of food additives and
growth promoters are classified as risky in several countries (Directive 64/433/EEC).
Clenbuterol has been employed as growth promoter, but its use is banned in Mexico
(NOM-065-ZOO-2003). Nandrolone laurate is used to improve beef meat quality. It
should be retired in a rigorous period of time (NOM-004-ZOO-1994). The last improves
weight gain and as well as clenbuterol may diminish production costs in production units
(Morales et al., 2010). Nandrolone is an steroidal androgenic anabolizer which promotes
growth, with no collateral effects, that stimulates weight gain, bone formation and
improvement of body condition. It stimulates the formation of muscle, by retaining
nitrogen and promotes calcium and phosphate retention and at the same time, stimulates
and maintains sodium and potassium levels without water retention and fat in tissues
(Veloz, 2005). Clenbuterol is an adrenergic β-agonist which was first used as drug in
animals due to its bronchodilating and tocolytic action. Afterwards, it was discoved that
when used at ten times more than therapeutical dosis, it showed an anabolizing action,
favouring protein synthesis and diminishing fat, which gave their name as energy share
out agents. This effect was proven in different species such as bovines, ovines and pigs
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(Olaya, 2012). Due to its effect as growth promoter, its illegal use has increased because
it speeds up production with lower resource use (Chávez et al., 2012). The objective of
this study was to evaluate the effect of NL and CBL on total weight gain (TWG) and food
conversion (FC) in rabbits used for human consumption by following meat production
regulations.
Fifteen hybrid, thirty days old, male and female rabbits with an average live weight of
0.600 Kg were used. Each rabbit was individually penned and identified. Commercial
food containing 17% crude protein, 15% crude fiber, 2% crude fat, 12% moisture, 8%
ashes and 46% nitrogen free extract as well as drinking water was given ad libitum for
thirty days. Three experimental groups were formed divided into two treatment groups
(n=5 each): T1 (0.20μg/kg NL intramuscularly (IM) administered every 20 days); T2 (16
μg/kg/d CBL orally administered in drinking water); and a control group (CG) which
received 1 mL IM saline solution as placebo every 15 days. Rabbits were weighed evey
week to measure weight gain and the relationship between treatents and humanitarily
sacrificed following NOM-033-ZOO-1995 protocol. To determine total weight gain
(TWG), rabbits were weekly weighed using a digital toploading balance. Food
consumption was undertaken by weighing the daily food amount divided by the number
of rabbits per group, as a follow up to growth promoter administration. Food conversion
(FC) was calculated based on daily consumption and the weekly increase using the
formula: Food consumed/Weight gain. Results were analyzed using analysis of variance
(P<0.05) in a random block experimental design using Megastat for Microsoft Office
Excell 2007.
TWG and FC according to the treatments were: T1 1.335 kg and 10.72; T2 1.535 kg and
9.94 and for CG 1.188 kg and 13.40 respectively, demonstrating that in rabbits there is
not an adequate weight gain when using CBL and NL. Carcass at slaughter did not show
weight or volume increase. Nevertheless, there was less fat deposition in animals when
CBL was used, when compared to T2 and CG. There are no reports of the use of these
promoters in rabbits, which are widely used in bovines with significant anabolic effect,
but representing a food safety and health problem nowadays because the dosis used are
unknown. There was no growth promotion effect shen using CBL and NL in rabbits in
the evaluated parameters, which could be associated to the rabbit’s physiology and maybe
due to hepatic and other systemic alterations. It would be important to evaluate functional
parameters and correlate them to dilucidate what is happening in species where these
anabolic are commonly used (Chávez et al., 2012).
Conclusion
It is concluded that the use of nandrolone laurate and clenbuterol clorhydrate did not
show effect on total weight gain and food conversion. The use of these additives as growth
promoters is unnecessary for intensive rabbit production because it represents an
important risk in food safety
References
Bandala A.C., Valladares C.B., Villeda M.C.U., Toral P.Y., Velázquez O.V., Pedraza
S.F. Zamora E.J.L., Castro M.J. 2007. Alteraciones histológicas y niveles de de
clorhidrato de clenbuterol inducidos experimentalmente en perros. XVI congreso
nacional de patología veterinaria. Mazatlán Sinaloa pp434-48
Chávez A.L., Díaz O.J., Pérez C.B., Alarcon R.M. 2012. Tendencia de 2005 a 2010 de
los niveles de Clenbuterol en muestras de bovinos en Guerrero.Rev. Cienc. Pec.,
3(4):449-458.
Morales A., Sánchez V., García F., Coronado R., Latouche O., Rivero L., Leal L.,
López P., Rodríguez C. 2010. Hipersensibilidad Tipo I asociada a la administración de
nandrolona, boldenona y dexametasona en un equino pura sangre de carrera. Arch. Ven.
De Farmacol y Ter., 29 (2): 25-27.
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Santos L.E.M., Jiménez S.P., Sánchez O.I., Castro R.J., Zúñiga E.A. 2010. Aplicación
de Sales de Ácidos Orgánicos en la Conservación de Carne de Conejo. XII Congreso
Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos. Guanajuato, Gto.
Veloz I.R.L. 2005. Evaluación del Efecto del Laurato de Nandrolona (Laurabolin) en el
Crecimiento y Engorde de Cuyes Machos (Cavia Porcellus). Proyecto de Investigación.
Escuela Politécnica del Ejército Facultad De Ciencias Agropecuarias IASA “Grad
Carlomagno Andrade Paredes” Sangolquí - Ecuador
EFFECT OF DIETARY PROTEIN CONTENT ON SECOND
REPRODUCTION CYCLE OF LOCAL RABBIT DOES
AND THEIR LITTERS
Abstract
The influence of diet protein content on reproductive performance and milk production
was studied in forty six local rabbit does with effect on their litters during the second
lactation. Does were divided into three groups offered one of three diets formulated to
give the same digestible energy (DE) content (2600 kkal) and different digestible protein
(DP) content (15, 17 and 19 % DP for diet T, A and B respectively). Diets were supplied
ad libitum between parturition and weaning.
The use of high protein diets don’t show effect in does weight at partum and between
partum and weaning, consecutively does’ weight gain during second lactation.
Does given B diet showed significantly higher protein intake a day at lactation (58.08g
for group B vs 52.94g for group A vs 44.34g for group T) (p<0.01), but no difference was
detected in the digestible energy intake a day and the feed intake a day between partum
and weaning (294.5g for group T vs 311.1g for group A vs 305.8g for group B). The litters
size and weight at partum and at weaning were not affected by the diets but the effect of
litter size in milk production during 21 days post partum (three weeks of second lactation)
was cleared in the three diets (p<0.0001). There was no significant difference on milk
production between the three diets.
Key words: Rabbit doe, local population, diet, digestible protein, reproductive
performance
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SAIDJ D*1, AINBAZIZ H1, DAHMANI Y1, ILES I1, BENALI N1,
CHIRANE M1, MOULA N2
1
Research Laboratory “Animal Health and production”, High National Veterinary School, El-
Harrach PB 161, 16200, Algiers, Algeria
2
Départment of Animals Productions, Faculty of veterinary Medicine, University of Liège,
Boulevard de Colonster, 20 bâtiment B43, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
*Corresponding author: dyhiasdj1@yahoo.fr
Resumen
1.- Research Laboratory “Animal Health and production”, High National Veterinary School, El-
Harrach PB 161, 16200, Algiers, Algeria
2.- Départment of Animals Productions, Faculty of veterinary Medicine, University of Liège,
Boulevard de Colonster, 20, bâtiment B43, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
*Corresponding author: dyhiasdj1@yahoo.fr
Abstract
Sixty one (61) nulliparous local rabbit does were used to study the effect of different
energy content in diet and his interaction with parity on their performances and their litters
at the first and second lactation. Does were received one of the three experimental diets
with the same protein content (15% CP) and different digestible energy content (2300,
2450 and 2600 kcal/kg) for T, A and B diets respectively. Weight of rabbit does and their
litters were controlled at parturition and each week post partum. Weaning was done at 28
days of age. Diets were supplied ad libitum between parturition and weaning. Rabbit does
were submitted to mating at 10 days post partum for second parturition.
The use of high energy diets didn’t show effects in does live weight between parturitions
and weaning, does live weight gain at lactation and their milk yield, but diet with higher
energy content decrease significantly (p<0.0001) feed intake at lactation and daily feed
intake. There was no significant differences between diets for size and litter weight from
birth to weaning, against by, interaction between diet and parity was significant (p<0.05).
Mortality at partum and at birth to weaning didn’t differed significantly (p<0.05). There
was significant difference between parities on the main parameters of reproduction
(p<0.05).
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1.- Research Laboratory “Animal Health and production”, High National Veterinary School, El-
Harrach PB 161, 16200, Algiers, Algeria
2.- Départment of Animals Productions, Faculty of veterinary Medicine, University of Liège,
Boulevard de Colonster, 20, bâtiment B43, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
*Corresponding author: dyhiasdj1@yahoo.fr
Resumen
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EFFECT OF GENETIC LINE ON CARCASS FEATURES
IN NEW ZEALAND vs. CALIFORNIA RABBITS
1.-Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Bioterio del Hospital Veterinario para pequeñas
especies, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México- UAEMex. México.
2.-Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Departamento Ciencias Pecuarias, UNAM.
México.
3.-Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Departamento Ciencias Pecuarias, Unidad de
Aislamiento y Bioterio. UNAM. México.
4.-Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. UNAM., México.
*Corresponding author: pedrosanchezaparicio0@gmail.com
Abstract
Probably the rabbit is the domestic mammal has the highest production potential for the
supplying of meat, being this lean and with a high percentage of polyunsaturated oils. The
composition of meat varies according to age of the animal and the feed system. However,
it has not evaluated the effect of breed on the morphometry and carcass yield in adult
rabbits. For that reason, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of breed on
morphometry, carcass yield and meat-fat-bone ratio in New Zealand vs. California
rabbits. The experiment was performed in the meat workshop of Center Teaching Faculty
of Cuautitlán, UNAM. 30 rabbits of New Zealand breed and 30 of the California breed
were used, the rabbits were sacrificed upon reaching 77 days. For the experiment was
taken slaughter weight, hot carcass weight and cold carcass weight of the rabbits of the
two respective breeds: 15-18 h post-slaughter and refrigerated at 2±2 °C. The rabbits were
desensitized, disjointed cervically and then sacrificed by exsanguination according to
NOM-033-ZOO-1995. After slaughters the rabbits were deboned manually, weighing
meat bone and fat and carcasses were evaluated separately, and the values were recorded.
Findings from the experiment indicate that the rabbits of the New Zealand line have better
carcass weight hot and cold when compared with the California breed. The commercial
performance in this genetic line also happens to be greater, with an interesting feature that
in the thoracic region is the site where most meat is deposited.
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1.-Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Bioterio del Hospital Veterinario para pequeñas
especies, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México- UAEMex. México.
2.-Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Departamento Ciencias Pecuarias, UNAM.
México.
3.-Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Departamento Ciencias Pecuarias, Unidad de
Aislamiento y Bioterio. UNAM. México.
4.-Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. UNAM., México.
*Corresponding author: pedrosanchezaparicio0@gmail.com
Resumen
Probably the rabbit is the domestic mammal with higher potential for self-sufficiency in
meat, this being lean and with a high percentage of polyunsaturated oils (Shimada, 2003).
The composition of meat varies with the age of the animal and the feeding system
(Sandford, 1988). Despite these favorable characteristics, the popularity of the species is
very low especially in developing countries that have a high percentage of rural
population. In Latin America there are some commercial farms producing moderate
volumes of meat and skins. n the United States breeding stock produced to be designed
as companion pet while in backyard waste are utilized as fertilizer for planting fields
(Shimada, 2003).
Due to the characteristics of its production, raising rabbits could be the answer to the
problems of hunger, malnutrition and rural poverty in developing countriesbecause it is
possible to obtain more than 50 kg of meat in a year with only one pup rabbit. Habits in
consumption of rabbit meat are still rising in countries where it is not traditionally
consumed, due, among other factors, the demand for meat with improved nutritional
characteristics, this may represent potentially the opportunity to increase consumption
this type of meat as a healthy food (Ramírez, 2004).
In Mexico it is common to market entire rabbit carcass moreover rabbit meat is not
marketed in pieces so it has not arisen interest in assessing the various parts of the carcass
(Flores-Peinado, 2009). The carcass assessment can be obtained by the chemical
composition, for classification. The classification of the carcass determines the productive
efficiency of rabbits during the growth phase and its correlation with environmental
factors to determine their influence on the performance of the various parts of the carcass
(Barrón y Zamora 2004). The objective was to assess the effect of race on the
morphometry, carcass yield and meat-fat-bone in rabbits slaughtered at 77 days of age
(New Zeland vs California).
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The present study was performed in rabbits in the Meat Workshop module located in the
Agricultural Education Centre School of Advanced Studies Cuautitlán (FES-C, field 4)
in the State of Mexico.
The cunicultura module had 40 breeding does, 20 of the New Zealand line and 20 of the
California line. All females were gestated and pups to their growth rate was performed 8
days after the birth. at 30 days of age, a total of 80 rabbits were separated from their
mothers. the rabbits were brought to feedlots area, where given food type fattening.
Throughout the experiment, animals were kept in cages ladder style California.
With the aim to differentiate immediately between 2 genetic lines, 2 colors of boxes and
paper labels were used. The rabbits of both strains were fed with the same food and similar
amounts. During fattening, death of 20 animals was reported, 10 New Zealand genetic
line and 5 of the California line, causes of deaths were parasitic, otitis and cannibalism. 5
more animals were excluded from the study for to have the same number of animals in
the study. At the end of 77 days of age, the slaughter of 60 animals was performed (30
New Zealand, 30 California).
Procedure
During the experimental phase control birth dates, birth, end the growth stage was
performed sacrifice, trying to bring a synchrony during the execution of the experiment
to the fattening and slaughter dates fall in the same season exist and prevent the least
amount of factors that could affect the results of the project.
The animals under study were brought to the slaughter room. Initially, the live weight of
pre-slaughter animal was assess in a digital scale (Tor Rey tipo PCL, México, capacity of
20 kg). Subsequently the animals were scored into the left ear with the help of a permanent
marker and numbering was consecutive from 1 to 60, the numbers 1 to 30 correspond to
the race of New Zealand and 31 to 60 correspond to California breed.
Slaughter
The rabbits were desensitized by the method of the dismantling of cervical vertebrae and
subsequently killed by a process of exsanguination in accordance with the provisions of
the Official Mexican Norm (NOM-033-ZOO-1995) which refers to the domestic animals
Slaughter.
The 4 limbs were removed, skinning and gutting was done, leaving only carcass attached
to the kidneys and liver. The hot carcass weight was obtained at that time and using the
same digital scale. Moments later a plastic plate was placed at each of the carcass at the
level of the tibia and fibula allowing the identification of breed, kept order in the slaughter
line.
Relationship Fat-Meat-Bone
The separation of the head, liver and kidney was performed, then its weight was obtained
individually. The carcass was cut in 3 fractions the first region included the neck, forelegs
and rib 1 to 8, the second fraction only included the trunk, and the third fraction hindlimbs
and pelvic region.
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Results
The results indicate that the weight of the slaughtering G1 and G2 showed no statistically
significant differences. In this sense, after performing the slaughter process, it was
identified that the hot carcass weight was statistically higher in New Zealand line rabbits
(G1) on the California line rabbits (G2). The same trend was observed when the weight
of cold carcass was obtained. During the cooling process of the channels which arises
immediately after the slaughter process, the study has shown that California line rabbits
lose more weight, same to be related to the loss of water by oreo. It is appreciated that the
rabbits of the New Zealand line have a higher carcass yield (P 0.0226) compared with the
California Online rabbits.
Discussion
For weight of hot carcass it was observed that rabbits of New Zealand breed was higher
than in the California breed, Dalle describe (2002) that one of the principles factors
affecting carcass weight and quality of the caraṇe rabbit is the adult weight which is very
important in the growth rate, earlier maturity and body composition of rabbit. This
explains the higher carcass weight from the New Zealand because this breed has the
highest adult weight. And which states that the carcass weight (CW) was different
between genotypes, results that are similar to the effect of genotype observed by Ouyed
and Brun (2008) they reported CW similar between pure New Zealand rabbits and
genotypes ZL-F1 and NZ-CH CL CN 1235.2G 1242.7 And 1207.6g respectively. Larzul
et al (2005) found that the genetic group was important to determine the CW in rabbits.
For the weight of the cold channel effect observed differences between genotype, New
Zeland again between genotypes were higher than those of the genotype California. The
difference in cooling rate between genotypes losses probably due to differences in the
proportion of type I and type II fibers between breeds of rabbits, the increase in the
percentage of fibers II has been associated with changes in characteristics oganoleptics
flesh as best conservcion time, lighter meat color, less water retecion less tenderness,
among others (Arnal and Lopez 2001).
Greater efficiency in the New Zeland line (P 0.0226) compared to californa was observed.
Suarez (2009) observed difference due to genotype and age, results that are similar to
those observed by Evans et al (1997) who found differences in carcass yield between
genetic groups of two lines of rabbits. Some authors propose a classification in which the
carcass with a yield of 55% are considered of good quality, which derive more than 60%,
are of excellent quality (Ortiz 2001), so that under these criteria carcasses analyzed in this
study would be within the high range selection as similar yields were obtained.
As for the morphometric cracteristicas was observed that the New Zealand breed has a
greater depth of chest this because in their phenotypic selection reflected by the external
formation earliness of development, developing a good production of meat body shape,
short neck , chest deep and long, well developed back, muscular, glossy hair and a full
sexual development. In short, present an adequate standard morphological (Roca, 2008).
References
Shimada, M. A. 2003. Nutrición Animal. México. Primera Edición. Editorial Trillas. 267
p.
Flores, Peinado. Salvador. 2009. Tesis de Maestria: Efecto del periodo de ayuno y método
de aturdimiento sobre el bienestar y características físico-químicas de la carne de
conejo. México. FES-C.
Dalle, Z. A. 2002. Perception of rabbit meat quality and major factors influencing the
rabbit carcass and meat quality. Livest. Prod. Sci. 75: 11-32.
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Ouyed A., and Brun J.M..2008. Comparison of growth performances and carcass qualities
of crossbred rabbits from four sire lines in quebec. Proceedings of 9ª World Rabbit
Congreso. June 10-13 Verona, Itly.
Larzul, C. Y. Rochambeau, H. de 2005. Selecction for residual feed consumption in the
rabit. Livestocck Productio Science, 95: 67-72
Ortiz-Hernández, S. A., y Rubio-Lozano, M.S. 2001 Effect of reed and sex on rabit
carcass yield and meat quality. World Rabbit Science, 9 (2), 51-56.
Abstract
Rabbits allow through changes in diet, get changes in the lipid profile of meat. Different
strategies are used to achieve an improvement in the content of omega 3 fatty acids and
the omega-6/3 ratio (use of flax, chia, fish oil) modifying its physical, chemical and
sensory quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate sensory and physical quality of
rabbit loin using different periods of supplying a diet with fish oil to modify the lipid
profile. Thirty (30) rabbits (NZxC,45 days age) were bred for 30 days
(10animals/treatment). Two diets were used, commercial feed and the same diet with
addition of fish oil (1.8%). Treatments were: control (C) commercial feed; initial fish
(IF), fish oil dietprovided from 45 to 60 days of age + C diet from 60 to 75 days age, and
final fish treatment (FF) conversely to previous. After slaughtering (24h) loin muscle
were used to determinate pH (Testo230), color (CIELAB system, MinoltaCR300) and
fatty acid composition. Loins were cooked in a double contact grill (71ºC±1ºC in the
centre of the sample). Samples were analyzed by an analytical panel of 8 trained
assessors. The following descriptors were evaluated: overall color; intensity and typicity
of odor/flavor; fat taste and juiciness, using an unstructured linear scale of 10cm.
Statistical analysis was performed using the Proc Mixed of SAS (2004) for unvariete
ANOVA. Differences between treatments were analyzed by Tukey test (p<0.05). No
differences were found for productive parameter, slaughter weight and carcass yield (%),
nor pH and color parameters (p>0.05). Sensory results were similar for color, odor, off-
odor and characteristic odor, but smell-taste variables like characteristic flavor and off-
flavor were influenced by diets.
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Control diet had higher ‘rabbit flavor’, followed by IF but they were not different on off-
flavor parameter (p>0.05). FF had more off-flavor and less characteristic flavor.
Treatments with fish oil (IF and FF) had a lower ratio n6/n3 with higher content of EPA
and DHA than control. The early assignation of fish diet improved the n6/n3 ratio without
negative effects on the sensory and physical meat quality, neither the productive
parameters.
Resumen
Los conejos permiten, a través de cambios en la dieta, mostrar cambios en el perfil lipídico
de la carne. Diferentes estrategias pueden ser utilizada a fin de lograr una mejora en el
contenido de ácidos grasos omega 3 y en la relación omega-6/3 (uso de lino, chía, aceite
de pescado) modificando sus propiedades físicas, químicas y de calidad sensorial. El
objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la calidad sensorial y física de lomos de conejo
utilizando diferentes períodos de suministro de una dieta con aceite de pescado usada para
modificar el perfil lípico. Treinta (30) conejos (NZxC, 45 días de edad) fueron criados
durante 30 días (10animals / tratamiento). Se utilizaron dos dietas, alimentación
comercial y la misma dieta con adición de aceite de pescado (1,8%). Los tratamientos
fueron: control (C) alimento comercial; Pescado inicial (SI), dieta con aceite de pescado
provista de 45 a 60 días de edad + dieta C de 60 a 75 días de vida, y el tratamiento Pescado
final (FF) con tiempos de suministro contrario al anterior. Después del sacrificio (24h) se
extrajeron los lomos para determinar el pH (Testo230), color (sistema CIELAB,
MinoltaCR300) y la composición de ácidos grasos(GC Shimatzu 14B). Los lomos se
cocinaron en una parrilla de doble contacto (71°C ±1°C en el centro de la muestra). Las
muestras fueron analizadas por un panel analítico de 8 asesores entrenados. Se evaluaron
los siguientes descriptores: color general; intensidad y tipicidad de olor/sabor; sabor a
grasa y jugosidad, usando una escala lineal no estructurada de 10 cm. El análisis
estadístico se realizó utilizando el Proc Mixed de SAS (2004) para ANOVA univariada.
Las diferencias entre los tratamientos fueron analizadas por test de Tukey (p <0,05). No
se encontraron diferencias para los parámetros productivos, peso a faena y rendimiento
de la canal (%), ni para el pH y los parámetros de color (p> 0,05). Los resultados
sensoriales fueron similares para el color, olor, off olor y olor característico, pero las
variables olfativas-gustativas como el sabor característico y el sabor fueron influenciados
por las dietas.
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La dieta control mostró mayor ‘sabor a conejo', seguido por IF pero no fueron diferentes
en el parámetro de sin sabor (p> 0,05). La dieta FF mostró más sin sabor y menor sabor
característico. Los tratamientos con aceite de pescado (IF y FF) tuvieron una menor
relación n6/n3 con mayor contenido de EPA y DHA respecto al tratamiento control. En
conclusión, la asignación temprana de la dieta de pescado mejora la relación n6/n3 sin
efectos negativos sobre la calidad física y sensorial de la carne, ni sobre los parámetros
productivos.
It is widely recognized the beneficial effects of omega-3 family fatty acids in human
health. In animal nutrition, different sources of omega-3 are used to achieve a favorable
change in the meat lipid profile (flaxseed, chia seed, oil fish, fish and algae meals). The
lipid composition of rabbit meat greattly affects its organoleptic propieties by modifying
flavour and juiciness (Ouhayoun et al., 1987, Cambero et al., 1991, Parigi Bini et al.,
1992).
Also, diet supplementation with sources of omega 3 fatty acids represent an increase in
the cost such affect the sustainability of production. One alternative could be the
supplying of an enriched omega 3 diet for short periods of time. Barro et al. (2006) found
that the minimum feeding time required to achieve substantial fatty acid (FA)
modification in thigh and loin meat was one and two weeks before slaughtering
respectively. In pigs, only twenty days were required to increase significantly the amounts
of omega 3 FA into animal’s products (Romans et al., 1995; Kouba et al., 2003). These
studies showed that short term diet manipulation can be a practical reality for meat
industry.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensory and physical quality of rabbit loin using
different periods of supplementation of a diet with fish oil, intended to modify the lipid
profile.
Thirty rabbits (New Zeeland x Californian, 40 days aged) were placed in individual cages
at the experimental Unit of the Animal Production Department of the Faculty of
Agronomy, UBA. Two different diets were used, Control (C; commercial diet) and Fish
(F; commercial diet + 1.8% of oil fish) randomly distributed in three treatments: Control
(C) commercial diet from 40 to 75 days of age; Initial Fish (IF): fish oil diet provided
from 45 to 60 days of age + C diet from 60 to 75 days of age, and Final Fish (FF),
conversely to previous.
At 75 days of age rabbits were weight and slaughtered and the carcasses carcass yield
was estimated. After 24 hours of refrigeration (chamber, 4±1ºC) carcasses were
transferred for analyses to the Meat Quality Laboratory of FAUBA. The pH value (Testo
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230) and color parameters (L* (lightness), a* (redness), b* (yellowness) and C* as (a*2
+ b*2), Minolta Chroma Meter-CR300) were determined on right loin. The fatty acid
composition was analyzed by gas chromatography (Shimatzu 14B, flame ionization
detector, fused-silica capillary column Restek SP 2560).
Left loins were cooked in a double contact grill (71ºC±1ºC in the centre of the sample).
Samples were analyzed by an analytical panel of 8 trained assessors using an unstructured
linear scale of 10cm. The following descriptors were evaluated: overall color; intensity
and typicity of odor/flavor; fat taste and juiciness.
Statistical analysis was performed using the Proc Mixed of SAS (2004) for univariate
ANOVA. Differences between treatments were analyzed by Tukey test (p<0.05).
Table 1 presents the effect of treatments on carcasses yield (%) and meat quality
parameters. Not differences were found on carcasses yield for the different treatments
(p<0.05), and the values were similar to those shown by Gigaud and Combes (2008). Also
meat quality parameters, pH and color, were similar for C, IF and FF. These results would
suggest similar physical quality of meat for the two diets and showed no differences due
to the treatments.
Table1: Effect of treatments on rabbit carcass yield (%) and meat quality parameters of loin
Treatments Prob. DSM R2
C IF FF
Color
Moreover, fish oil treatments showed lower trombogenic index respect control diet (0.75
vs 0.88 respectively), due to the higher omega 3FA concentration. Similar results were
found for Dal Bosco et al. (2004) using flaxseed in rabbit’s diets.
Treatments including fish oil achieved higher PUFA and omega 3 FA and lower n-6/n-3
ratio than the control treatment. The highest concentration of omega 3 family fatty acids
was not due to changes in the level of linolenic acid (18:3 n-3), but was due to increases
in the content of EPA and DHA, supplied already performed by fish oil . No differences
were found according to the feed time of the diet with fish oil. Gigaud and Combes
(2008), obtained similar results when the omega 3 enriched diets were fed only in the
finish period; in this case, the only fifteen days supplementation was enough to increase
omega 3 FA concentration in rabbits meat, regardless of the time of supply.
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Table 2. Level of fatty acids (% of total fatty acids) in muscle tissue of right loin.
C IF FF
SFA: Saturated Fatty Acid. MUFA: Monounsaturated Fatty Acid, PUFA: Polyunsaturated fatty acid.
Means with different letters differ significantly at p<0.05.
In the sensory analysis, were not found any differences (p <0.05) on color, odor, rabbit
typical odor, rabbit typical flavor, juiciness and fat taste parameters (table 3) but Control
diet flavor intensity was higher than in fish oil diets (p < 0.05). The fish oil addition in
diets resulted in more off flavor only in the FF treatment while IF treatment was similar
to the Control diet.
Table 3. Sensory analysis of rabbit meat, with oil fish diets
Treatments Prob. DSM R2
C IF FF
The strategy of supplementation with fish oil diets at the beginning of the fattening period
resulted in meat with a higher content of omega 3 FA and less omega 6/3 ratio (30% less)
respect to the control, without negative effects on sensory evaluation. Conversely, the
supplementation at the end of the fattening period, also allowed to improve the lipid
profile but with greater presence of off flavor, significantly compromising its sensory
quality.
Conclusions
The results obtained suggest that 15 days supplementation was enough to achieve an
improvement in the meat fatty acids profile, reducing the omega 6/3 ratio, without
affecting the physical quality of meat or productive performance. As the time of supply
of the enriched diet could modify the sensory quality of the meat, seem advisable to offer
the diet in the first phase of the fattening period.
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Acknowledgments
We would like to thank the staff from ‘Three balance’ producer group for his
unconditional cooperation. This project received financial support from UBACyT 2011-
14 00958.
References
Cambero, Maria I., et al. "Lipid and fatty acid composition of rabbit meat: Part 2.—
Phospholipids." Meat science 29.2 (1991): 167-176.
Dal Bosco, A., Castellini, C, Bianchi, L., Mugnai, C. Efect of dietary α-linolenic acid and
vitamin E on the fatty acid composition, storage stability and sensory traits of rabbit meat.
Meat Science 6, (2004), 407-413.
Gigaud, V. and Combes, S. The effect of decresing omega 6/omega 3 ratio in feed on fatty
acid content of rabbit meat to meet human dietary recommendations. 9th World Rabbit
Congress, June 2008, Verona, Italy.
Kouba, M., et al. "Effect of a high-linolenic acid diet on lipogenic enzyme activities, fatty
acid composition, and meat quality in the growing pig." Journal of Animal Science 81.8
(2003): 1967-1979.
Ouhayoun, J., Kopp, J. Bonnet, M., Demarne, Y. and Delmas, D. Sciences des Aliments,
7 (1987), p. 521
Parigi-Bini, R., et al. "Energy and protein utilization and partition in rabbit does
concurrently pregnant and lactating." Animal Production 55.01 (1992): 153-162.
Romans, John R., et al. "Effects of ground flaxseed in swine diets on pig performance
and on physical and sensory characteristics and omega-3 fatty acid content of pork: I.
Dietary level of flaxseed." Journal of Animal Science 73.7 (1995): 1982-1986.
CARCASS INDEX OF NEW ZEALAND WHITE, CALIFORNIA,
CHINCHILLA AND BLACK AZTEC AT CENTRO NACIONAL DE
CUNICULTURA, MEXICO
Abstract
Rabbit carcass index from animals at the Centro Nacional de Cunicultura (CNC, México)
was evaluated comparatively. According to CNC managers, no new breeder animals have
been introduced in the last 20 years, due this mainly as a result of sanitary barriers that
have occurred during these years. Therefore, it is important to conduct performance
evaluations of animals and carcass index evaluations. The evaluated breeds were New
Zealand white, California, Chinchilla and Black Aztec; the evaluations were conducted
in the CNC, Mexico’s premises. 240 just weaned rabbits (35 d) were used, 60 rabbits per
breed, 50 % females and 50 % males, which were individually tattooed for identification,
all were kept in American traditional type cages (6 specimens per cage ).Carcass weight
and yield, and quartering hot carcass weight (forelimbs, hind limbs, loin and head) were
evaluated. The live weight values for California, New Zealand, Chinchilla and Black
Azteca were 1.801 ± 0.023, 1.800 ±0.023, 1.776 ± 0.025 y 1.598 ± 0.024 g (mean ± SE)
, respectively. The carcass yield values were for New Zealand 55.40 ± 0.27 %, Chinchilla
55.21 ± 0.27 %, Black Aztec 55.04 ± 0.24 % and 53.47 ± 0.24 % for California. For the
quartered, the values by breed were, New Zealand, California, Chinchilla and Black Aztec
respectively forelimbs: 315.09 ± 5.04, 287.45 ± 6.43, 284.40 ± 6.38 and 284.43 ± 5.39,
hind limbs: 359.09 ± 6.14, 326.66 ± 6.03, 314.61 ± 6.92 and 320.66 ± 5.67. On the loin:
265.00 ± 5.71, 252.80 ± 5.74, 239.61 ± 6.12 g and 235.56 ± 4.64 g head weight: 140.72
± 1.96, 142.89 ± 2.04, 129.13 ± 2.17 and 129.05 ± 1.93 g. It is necessary further research
on the Black Aztec breed which showed a good carcass index. California breed scored
the lowest carcass index data.
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Resumen
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Introduction
At the Centro Nacional de Cunicultura (CNC) posts weaning growth and carcass yield
for hybrid animals have been previously comparatively evaluated in animals obtained
from the CNC. According to the directors of the CNC, no new breeder animals have been
introduced for 20 years, as a result of sanitary barriers that have arisen in recent years for
importing animals; this suggests the need for new assessments to determine if it has
emerged in improving of the CNC animals. The breeds that are counted are New Zealand
White (NZ), Californian (Ca), Chinchilla (Ch), Azteca Black (AN), English Spot and
Rex, being the subject of this work the first four breeds. Because of its composition,
consumption of rabbit meat plays an important role in the control of cardiovascular and
chronic diseases because compared with other species contains less cholesterol and high
levels of protein with essential amino (Dalle, 2011; Martínez, 2004), due to the increasing
demand for food that will improve the life quality, containing low amount of cholesterol
and high in protein, rabbit is an excellent choice, because if this, it is necessary to evaluate
breeds to identify which gives us more meat in the shortest possible time with maximum
weight gains and carcass yield (Flores, 2013).
Material
This experiment was conducted at the CNC premises located on the Irapuato-Salamanca
road Km 4, Colonia Rafael Galván in the city of Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico. A total
of 240 just weaned rabbits 5 weeks old, 60 rabbits per breed (50% female and 50% male)
were used. All of them were kept in traditional American type galvanized cages (60 x 90
cm).
Methodology
All rabbits were individually tattooed for identification, and kept 6 specimens per cage.
Daily (9:00 am), 1 Kg of commercial rabbit feed was supplied per cage (88% Dry Matter,
Crude Protein 16%, Crude Fat 2% Crude Fiber 15% and 13% ash), removing the
following morning the remnant and providing again one kg of fresh feed. Water was
provided ad libitium. All animals were humanely slaughtered, being desensitized using
electric shock. Final weight (70 days fattening), carcass yield, hot carcass weight, liver
weight and cutting (forelimbs, hind limbs, loin and head) were evaluated.
Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, after review of homogeneity of variances
and the difference between means with a Tukey test.
Results y Discussion
For weight at 70 days, the Ca breed obtained a value of 1.801 ± 0.023 kg which is higher
than reported by Zuñiga (2009), followed by the NZ race with 1,800 ± 0.023 kg, the Ch
breed with 1.776 ± 0.025 kg and AN with 1.598 ± 0.024 kg was the breed with the lower
weight. NZ breed showed a lower value than reported in 2009, however, for Ca and AN
breeds an improvement in the 70 d weight has been shown. The final weight value is
lower in all breeds compared with the Egypt V-line rabbit used by Elmaghraby (2011),
however the final weight reported by this author was at 77 d of age while in this study
CNC breeds slaughter weight is at 70 d of age. The highest carcass yield was the NZ
breed with a value of 55.40 ± 0.27%, followed by the Ch breed with 55.21 ± Ch 0.27%,
AN 55.04 ± 0.24% being the lowest value Ca with 53.47 ± 0.24%. As for the carcass
weight, the heavier breed was NZ ith 1025.27 ± 17.99 g, followed by Ca with 946.22 ±
17.97 g, for Ch 921.63 ± 20.07g and AN with 917.26 ± 15.31 g. The Ca despite having
obtained the second highest value for weight at 70 d showed a lower carcass yield having
an approximate 53%yield when the other breeds regardless of weight at 70 d obtained
yields close to 55%. In carcass cuts the forelimbs obtained weights of 315.09 ± 5.04g,
287.45 ± 6.43g, 284.43 ± 5.39 g and 284.40 ± 6.38 g; hind limbs values of 359.09 ± 6.14g,
326.66 ± 6.03g, 320.66 ± 5.67 g and 314.61 ± 6.92 g for NZ, Ca, AN and Ch, respectively.
For loin weights were 265.00 ± 5.71 g for NZ, 252.80 ± 5.74 g for Ca, Ch with 239.61 ±
6.12 g and for AN 235.56 ± 4.64 g. Weight of the head showed the highest weight for Ca
with 142.89 ± 2.04 g, followed by NZ with 140.72 ± 1.96 g, Ch with 129.13 ± 2.17 g and
AN with 129.05 ± 1.93 g. In a study conducted by Flores (2013), in which hybrids rabbits
were used mentioned data are higher than those obtained in this work, showing the carcass
yields 57.22%, hid limbs weight of 373.66 ± 10.69 g. Standing out the NZ breed with the
highest carcass yield percentage and carcass cuts weight. AN breed despite a lower weight
at 70 d showed a carcass yield higher than 55% similar to the NZ and Ch breeds behavior.
Ca breed showed a lower behavior than NZ in carcass cuts, but higher than Ch and AN
breeds despite having a lower carcass yield.
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Conclusion
Further research is needed in AN breed which showed good performance in the carcass
yield despite a lower weight. It is possible that Ca breed requires a diet change and
research the effect of it, due to the differences found between carcass yield and weight at
70 d, probably a higher viscera volume is formed.
References
Dalle, Z.A., Szendrő, Z. 2011. The role of rabbit meat as functional food. Meat Science
319-331
Elmaghraby, M.M.A. 2011. Effect of restricted Access to drinking wáter on growth, feed
efficiency and carcass characteristics of fattening rabbits. Asian Journal of Animal
Sciences 5 (2): 136-144
Flores, P.S.C. 2013. Efecto del género en el rendimiento y calidad instrumental de la
carne de conejo. UNAM.
Martínez, C.M.A. 2004. Cunicultura Segunda edición. México, D.F. Editorial UNAM-
FMVZ. Pp: 3-24
Zúñiga, M.A.M. 2009. Estimación de algunos efectos genéticos en el conejo doméstico
presentes al realizar un cruzamiento dialélico completo de cuatro razas. Tesis de
Licenciatura. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Pp: 2-12.
PRODUCCIÓN DE CANAL DE LAS RAZAS NUEVA ZELANDA,
CALIFORNIA, CHINCHILLA Y AZTECA NEGRO DEL CENTRO
NACIONAL DE CUNICULTURA
Introducción
Material
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hembras y 50% machos). Se utilizaron jaulas galvanizadas tipo tradicional americano (60
x 90 cm).
Metodología
Resultados y Discusión
Para el peso a los 70 días, la raza Ca obtuvo un valor de 1.801 ± 0.023 kg el cual es
superior a lo reportado por Zuñiga (2009), seguido por la raza NZ con 1.800 ±0.023 kg,
la raza Ch obtuvo 1.776 ± 0.025 y la AN 1.598 ± 0.024 kg fue la raza con menor peso.
La raza NZ mostró un valor inferior al existente en 2009, sin embargo, para las razas Ca
y AN se observa una mejora en el peso a los 70 d. El valor de peso final es inferior en
todas las razas comparadas, con la Linea V egypt utilizadas por Elmaghraby (2011), el
peso final no se puede considerar superior a las razas NZ y Ca ya que el peso es
considerado a los 77 d de edad mientras que en las razas del CNCG el peso al sacrificio
es a los 70 d. El rendimiento a la canal más alto fue de la raza NZ con un valor de 55.40
± 0.27 %, seguido de la raza Ch con 55.21 ± 0.27, AN 55.04 ± 0.24 siendo la del valor
más bajo Ca con 53.47 ± 0.24 %. En cuanto a la canal, la raza de mayor peso fue NZ con
1025.27 ± 17.99 g, seguido de Ca con 946.22 ± 17.97 g, para Ch 921.63 ± 20.07 y la AN
917.26 ± 15.31 g. La Ca a pesar de haber obtenido el valor más alto para peso a los 70 d
muestra un rendimiento a la canal inferior teniendo un rendimiento aproximado al 53%
cuando las otras razas independientemente del peso a los 70 d obtuvieron rendimientos
cercanos al 55%. En el despiece los miembros anteriores obtuvieron un peso de 315.09 ±
5.04, 287.45 ± 6.43, 284.43 ± 5.39 y 284.40± 6.38 g y los valores de miembros posteriores
359.09 ± 6.14, 326.66 ± 6.03, 320.66 ± 5.67 y 314.61 ±6.92 g para NZ, Ca, AN y Ch,
respectivamente. Para la parte de lomo los pesos fueron 265.00 ± 5.71 g para NZ, 252.80
± 5.74 g para Ca, para Ch 239.61 ± 6.12 g y para AN 235.56 ± 4.64 g. Para el peso de la
cabeza el Ca presentó mayor peso con 142.89 ± 2.04 g, seguido de NZ con 140.72 ± 1.96
g, para Ch 129.13 ± 2.17 g y AN 129.05 ± 1.93 g. En un trabajo realizado por Flores
(2013), en donde se utilizaron conejos híbridos menciona datos que son superiores a los
obtenidos en este trabajo, mostrando rendimientos a la canal de 57.22% un peso para
piernas de 373.66 ± 10.69 g. Destaca la raza NZ debido a que presenta el % más alto para
rendimiento a la canal y pesos para troceado. La raza AN, a pesar de obtener un menor
peso a los 70 d mostró un rendimiento a la canal superior al 55% teniendo un
comportamiento similar al de la raza NZ y Ch. La raza Ca mostró en la parte de troceado
un comportamiento inferior a la raza NZ pero superior a las razas Ch y AN a pesar de
tener un rendimiento a la canal menor.
Conclusión
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Bibliografía
Dalle, Z.A., Szendrő, Z. 2011. The role of rabbit meat as functional food. Meat Science
319-331
Elmaghraby, M.M.A. 2011. Effect of restricted Access to drinking wáter on growth, feed
efficiency and carcass characteristics of fattening rabbits. Asian Journal of Animal
Sciences 5 (2): 136-144
Flores, P.S.C. 2013. Efecto del género en el rendimiento y calidad instrumental de la
carne de conejo. UNAM.
Martínez, C.M.A. 2004. Cunicultura Segunda edición. México, D.F. Editorial UNAM-
FMVZ. Pp: 3-24
Abstract
As consumers are becoming conscious of their diets and the impact on their health, there
has been a shift to eating white meat by its lower fat content. Meat from rabbits fed
commercial diets show a greater n6/n3 ratio than those of health recommendations
(n6/n3<5); a tool to improve the lipid quality is to add fish oil, rich in n-3FA, these
changes can affect consumer acceptability as nutrition influence the sensory quality of
meat. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of adding fish oil and two
types of antioxidants in fattening rabbit diets on sensory quality of loin and thigh meat.
Eighty NZxC rabbits were fed ad libitum(35-70d) with 4 diets: ‘C’, commercial diet; ‘F’,
fish diet with addition of 1.8% of oil fish; ‘V’, vitamin diet (F+200ppm vit.E as an
industrial antioxidant) and ‘A’, algae diet (9% dry algae as a natural antioxidant). After
24hs of slaughter (2,5kg live weight; chilling chamber, 2±0.5ºC), loin and thigh portions
were removed and cooked in a double contact grill (71ºC±1ºC) after deboning. Samples
were analyzed by an analytical panel of 8 trained assessors for overall color; intensity and
typicity of odor/flavor; fat taste and juiciness, using an unstructured linear scale of 10cm,
without anchorage (lower limit: 0; upper limit: 10). Statistical analysis of data was
performed using the Proc Mixed (SAS, 2004). Differences among treatments were
analyzed by Tukey test (p<0.05).For both the loin and the thigh, only smell-taste variables
as the characteristic odor, off odor and off flavor were influenced by diets; Control diet
had higher ‘rabbit odor’ and less off odor / flavor compared to diets with added fish oil
(p<0.05).
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For both cuts of meat, between experimental diets, the presence of algae determined
quantitatively higher values of off odor/flavor but no differences in characteristic odor
while diets F and V were similar. In conclusion the fish oil and antioxidants addition in
fattening rabbit diets, provides meat with same color, flavor, juiciness and untuosity
respect a commercial diet, but more presence of off odor/flavor, being stronger in thigh
than loin and especially for algae’s diet.
Resumen
Dado que los consumidores están tomando conciencia del impacto de sus dietas sobre la
salud, se ha producido un cambio hacia el consumo de carnes blancas por su menor
contenido de grasa. La carne de conejos alimentados con dietas comerciales muestran una
proporción n6/n3 mayor que la recomendada para la salud humana (n6 / n3 <5); una
herramienta para mejorar la calidad de los lípidos es agregar aceite de pescado, rico en
ácidos grasos n-3; estos cambios pueden afectar la aceptabilidad del consumidor debido
a que la nutrición influye en la calidad sensorial de la carne. El objetivo de este estudio
fue comparar el efecto de la adición de aceite de pescado y dos tipos de antioxidantes en
la dieta de conejos de engorde sobre la calidad sensorial de lomos y muslos. Ochenta
(NZxC) conejos fueron alimentados ad libitum de 35 a 70 días de edad, con 4 dietas (20
animales / tratamiento): ‘C’, dieta comercial; ‘F’, dieta pescado con adición de 1,8% de
aceite de pescado; ‘V’, dieta vitamina (F + 200 ppm vit E como antioxidante industrial)
y ‘A’, dieta 'algas' (9% de algas Macrocystis, secas como antioxidante natural). Después
de 24 horas de la faena (2,5kg de peso vivo; cámara refrigerada 2±0.5ºC), se extrajeron
los lomos y los muslos derechos (deshuesados) y se cocinaron en una plancha de doble
contacto (71ºC±1ºC). Las muestras fueron analizadas por un panel entrenado de 8
evaluadores, para el color global; intensidad y tipicidad de olor / sabor; gusto a grasa y
jugosidad, utilizando una escala lineal no estructurada de 10 cm, sin anclaje (límite
inferior: 0; límite máximo: 10). El análisis estadístico de los datos se realizó utilizando el
Proc Mixed (SAS, 2004). Las diferencias entre tratamientos fueron analizadas por el test
de Tukey (p <0,05). Tanto para lomo como para muslo, sólo las variables olfativas como
el olor característico y los olores/flavores anómalos fueron influenciados por la dieta; la
dieta Control mostró mayor 'olor a conejo' y menor off olor/flavor en comparación con
las dietas con adición de aceite de pescado (p <0,05).
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Para ambos cortes de carne, entre las dietas experimentales, la presencia de algas
determinó los valores más altos de off olor/flavor, pero sin diferencias en el olor
característico, mientras que las dietas F y V resultaron similares. En conclusión, la adición
de aceite de pescado y antioxidantes en las dietas de conejo en engorde, proveen carnes
con el mismo color, sabor, jugosidad y untuosidad respecto de la dieta comercial, pero
con mayor presencia de off olor/flavor, siendo más apreciable en el muslo que en lomo y
especialmente para la dieta con algas.
Today's consumers are more concerned with the qualitative characteristics of food,
causing a growing demand for more selective food and an increasing need of its
differentiation. As consumers are becoming conscious of their diets and the impact on
their health, there has been a shift to eating white meat by its lower fat content. Meat from
rabbits fed commercial diets show a greater n6/n3 ratio than those of health
recommendations (n6/n3<5; British Nutrition Foundation 1992); a tool to improve the
lipid quality is to add fish oil, rich in n-3 fatty acids (n-3FA). These dietary changes can
affect consumer acceptability as nutrition influence the physico-chemical and sensory
quality of meat.
By the high proportion of PUFA, the enriched rabbit meat will be more susceptible to
lipid oxidation. From the sensory point of view, color stability, taste and smell, by the
presence of volatile compounds, will be the most affected parameters. In order to limit
the presence of oxidized compounds, several studies were performed with the addition of
antioxidants in diets (‘natural’ as fresh fodder and ‘artificial’ as vitamin E), achieving extend
shelf life and the retardation of oxidation (Corino et al., 1999; Dal Bosco, et al., 2004; Álvarez et
al., 2006; Hernández et al., 2007, Cossu et al., 2008). The addition of natural antioxidants would
have better consumer acceptance regarding artificial sources.
The objective of this study was to compare the effect of adding fish oil and two types of
antioxidants (natural and artificial) in fattening rabbit diets on sensory quality of loin and
thigh meat.
The experimental work was performed in the rabbit Unit of the Animal Production
Department of Faculty of Agrony, UBA. Eighty New Zeeland x Californian rabbits were
fed ad libitum (35 to 70 days of age) with 4 diets (20 animals/treatment): one control diet
with vegetable oil and 3 experimental diets containing fish oil and with/without presence
of antioxidants. Treatments were randomized and named as ‘C’, commercial diet; ‘F’,
fish diet with addition of 1.8% of oil fish with 35% of HPUFA (replacing commercial
diet corn oil); ‘V’, vitamin diet (‘F’+200 ppm tocopherol, as an industrial antioxidant)
and ‘A’, algae diet (‘F’ + 10% of dry Macrocystis algae as a natural antioxidant (partially
replacing the alfalfa meal). All diets were isoproteic (20 %) and isoenergetic (4050 Mcal
/Kg)
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Animals were slaughtered at commercial weight (2,5 kg live weight). After 24 hours of
slaughter (chilling chamber, 2±0.5◦C), loin and thigh portions were removed. The meat
was cooked in a double contact grill to reach 71ºC ± 1ºC in the centre of the sample (cold
point, monitored by thermocouples) after deboning.
Statistical analysis of data was performed using the Proc Mixed of SAS (2004)].
Differences among treatments were analyzed by Tukey test (p < 0.05).
The influence of diets on rabbit meat sensory parameters is shown in Table 1. Although
each cut own intrinsic characteristics, sensory parameters measured on loin and thigh
showed a similar response in both diets. Evaluating fresh meat, the color, the odor
intensity and juiciness were not altered and, as more important fact, the fishy taste and fat
taste was not transmitted. Comparing loin and thigh, the thigh was evaluated with more
color, typical flavor and juiciness respect rabbit loin but they showed no differences for
the intensity of smell and taste to fat.
Table 1. Influence of fish oil diets, with or without adding antioxidants, on rabbit loin and thigh
sensory parameters
For both the loin and the thigh, only smell-taste variables as the characteristic odor, off
odor and off flavor were influenced by diets; Control treatment had higher ‘rabbit odor’
and less off odor / flavor compared to diets with added fish oil with or without
antioxidants (p<0,05).
For both cuts of meat, between experimental diets, the presence of algae determined
quantitatively higher values of off odor / flavor but no differences in characteristic odour
regarding diets F and V. From the sensory characteristics point of view, analyzed in fresh
meat, the addition of an antioxidant in the form of vit. E, seem not to be necessary because
both diets, F (fish oil addition) as diet V ( fish oil addition + vitamin E) show the same
results. Evidently the normal amount of vitamin E present in the vitamin-mineral nucleus
of the diet would be sufficient to control oxidative processes when meat is consumed
before 3 days post slaughter.
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The presence of algae as an antioxidant, it would not be necessary either if the meat is
eaten fresh and, as a negative factor, transmitted odor/flavor not typical.
Conclusions
In conclusion the fish oil and antioxidants addition in fattening rabbit diets, supplied in
order to increase the content of omega 3 fatty acids, provides meat with same color,
flavor, juiciness and untuosity respect a commercial diet, but more presence of off
odor/flavor (but still acceptable for consumption), being stronger in thigh than loin and
especially for algae’s diet.
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank the staff from ‘Three balance’ producer group for his
unconditional cooperation. This project received financial support from UBACyT 2011-
14 00958.
References
Álvarez L., Cañeque, V., De La Fuente, J., Álvarez, S., Pérez, C., Lauzurica, S. and Silva,
M.T., (2006). Effect of vitamin E supplementation on evolution of meat fatty acid
composition during storage in high oxygen packs. 52 rd ICOMST
Corino C., Oriani G., Pastorelli G., Pantaleo L. and Pizzuti G. and Salvatori G. (1999).
Effects of dietary vitamin E on the colour stability of rabbit meat. Simposio Intern. della
Soc. per il Progresso della Zootecnia. Milano, 29 sett-10H.
Cossu, M.E., Lamanna, M.L., Picallo, A., Cumini, M.L.,Cervini, L., Coste, B. y Lazzari,
G., (2008) Vida útil de hamburguesas de carne de conejo proveniente de distintos sistemas
productivos. 33º AAPA, Mendoza. Argentina
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EFFECT OF DIETARY OIL FISH AND VITAMIN E ON THE FATTY
ACID COMPOSITION AND MEAT QUALITY
Abstract
The current search for food of high nutritional value is growing; consumers are aware to
new products that help to improve the healthy lifestyle. Nowadays diets are unbalanced
in fatty acid omega 6 and 3. One way of approaching the recommended ratio (n6/n3<5)
is include omega 3 fatty acid on animal feed. Particularly, the most bioactive compounds
for human system are EPA and DHA but the elongation capacity of linolenic fatty acid
on over 20 carbons polyunsaturated FA is limited. The aim of this work was to increase
EPA and DHA in rabbit meat with a low n6/n3 ratio, according with health
recommendations. Eighty (80) growing rabbits (New Zeeland x Californian) were fed ad
libitum from 35 to 70 days old, with four diets (20 animals/treatment), commercial diet
(C) and three diets whit addition of 1.8% of oil fish: diet ‘fish’ (F), diet ‘vitamin’ (V:
F+200 ppm vit. E) and diet ‘algae’ (A: 10.0%dry Macrocystis algae). The final weight
and carcass yield were determined at slaughter time (2.5 kg live weight). After of 24 hours
of slaughter, the measurements of pH (Testo 230), color (CIELAB system, Minolta-
CR300), lipid oxidation (TBARS) and fatty acids profile (by GC) were determined on the
right loins. Statistical analysis was performed using the Proc Mixed of SAS (2004) for
univariate ANOVA; differences between treatments were analyzed by Tukey test
(p<0.05). The slaughter weight was heavier for the control and fish treatments (P<0.05)
but not differences were found in carcasses yields (mean 59.3%). The carcass traits, pH
and color did not differ significantly according to diets, as well as TBARS values.
The use of fish oil determined a lower n6/n3 ratio (4.5 for F, V and A) respect the control
diet (15.1), in accordance to the limits recommended for human consumption.
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Furthermore, higher content of EPA (mean 1.09%) and DHA were found on F, V and A
(3.38, 3.37 and 4.54 %FAtot, respectively). In conclusion, the use of fish oil addition in
fattening diets of rabbits, provides high content of n-3 in meat, particularly of EPA and
DHA FA content and lipid oxidation in fresh meat is not observed.
Resumen
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El uso de aceite de pescado determinó una menor relación n6/n3 (4,5 para F, V y A)
respecto a la dieta control (15.1), de acuerdo con los valores recomendados para el
consumo humano. Por otra parte, se encontró un mayor contenido de EPA (media 1,09%)
y DHA en F, V y A (3,38, 3,37 y 4,54% AGtot, respectivamente). En conclusión, la
adición de aceite de pescado en las dietas de engorde de conejos, proporcionó un alto
contenido de n-3 en la carne, en particular de ácidos grasos EPA y DHA, sin aparición
de oxidación lipídica en carne fresca.
Meats with functional properties take more importance in today's market, comprising
consumers demanding healthy products or with nutritional characteristics that provide
some kind of health benefit.
At present, many studies have shown that consumption of unsaturated fatty acids may
play a role in protecting against obesity, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and
diabetes. Besides PUFA content, it’s also important the ratio between the omega 6/3’s
family fatty acids; recommendations lean toward of 5:1 ratio (Simopoulus, 2009). In the
omega-3 family of fatty acids, the most bioactive compounds the high PUFA fatty acids
(EPA y DHA) and their supply is of great importance due to the low capacity of 18:3
elongation to EPA and DHA in the human body (17:1) (Dalle zotte and Szendro 2011,
Barceló-Coblijn and Murphy 2009).
Different strategies have been applied to manipulate the meat lipid profile, such as the
use of flax or chia seeds in diets (Bernardini et al. 1999, Dal Bosco et al., 2004, Peiretti
and Meineri, 2008) in order to obtain meats reach in omega 3 fatty acids and an omega
6/3 ratio closer to the nutritional recommendations for humans. Another strategy for
manipulating the meat lipid profile aimed at increasing long-chain fatty acids (EPA and
DHA) by use of fish oil or algae, where already been performed (Navarrete et al., 2007).
The aim of this study was to evaluate the productive results, carcass and meat quality of
animals fed fattening diets rich in omega 3 long-chain fatty acids, and the effect of the
addition of artificial ( tocopherol) and natural (algae) antioxidants, on the oxidative
stability of the loins.
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The experimental work was performed in the rabbit Unit of the Animal Production
Department of Faculty of Agronomy, UBA.
Eighty New Zeeland x Californian rabbits, individually housed, were fed ad libitum (35
to 70 days of age) with 4 diets (20 animals/treatment): one control diet with vegetable oil
and 3 experimental diets containing fish oil and with/without presence of antioxidants.
Treatments were randomized and named as ‘C’, commercial diet; ‘F’, fish diet with
addition of 1.8% of oil fish with 35% of HPUFA (replacing commercial diet corn oil);
‘V’, vitamin diet (‘F’+200 ppm tocopherol, as an industrial antioxidant) and ‘A’, algae
diet (‘F’ + 10% of dry Macrocystis algae as a natural antioxidant (partially replacing the
alfalfa meal). All diets were isoproteic (20%) and isoenergetic (4050Mcal/Kg).
Individual live weights of each rabbit were evaluated weekly in order to control the
normal growth, health status of the animals and the occurrence of enteric disturbances.
The slaughter was performed at a commercial weight without fasting (2,5 kg live weight)
following the scientific recommendations (Blasco and Ouhayoun, 1996). The chilled
carcasses (24h post slaughter, 4-5°C) were transferred to the Meat Laboratory of the
Faculty of Agronomy for its qualitative analysis.
Productive performance, carcass and meat quality traits data were analyzed by univariete
ANOVA (GLM, SAS 2004). Differences between treatments were analyzed by Tukey
test (p < 0.05).
Results and discussion
Table 1 showed the effect of diets on rabbit slaughter weight and loin characteristics.
The addition of fish oil in the ‘P’ diet did not affect final weight of the animals, while
treatment ‘V’ (P diet with added vitamin E) showed lower growth rates, differing
significantly from the control treatment (p> 0.05 ). The same grow ratio of ‘P’ indicated
that there were not negative effects in the preference of diets with oil fish for animal
intake.
The growth performance of rabbits fed diet A was seen strongly committed, being the
group with the lowest final weight and higher morbidity (60%), probably due to the size
of the ground dried algae that affect the digestive system causing enteric problems.
The carcass yield was not significantly different for the treatment and was similar to that
found by other authors (Dal Bosco et al., 2004).
Respect to the meat quality, the pH value, the chroma and the level of oxidation of loins
were not significantly different, with similar physical and chemical characteristics for the
four treatments. In fresh meat, the effect of added antioxidants was not evident.
Table 1. Effect of diet on final live weight and loin meat quality of rabbits
In table 2, the effect of fish oil added diets, with o without antioxidants, on fatty acid
profile of rabbit loin, was shown. Both the content of saturated fatty acids as the
thrombogenic index (IT, According to Ulbricht and Sothgate 1991) of the experimental
diets were significantly different (p <0.05) from the control. The IT, associated with
cardiovascular disease risk factor, was favorably reduced in the case of P, V and A diets;
similar results were obtained with the use of chia seeds (Peiretti and Meineri, 2008).
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Table 2. Effect of fish oil added diets on fatty acid profile of rabbit loin (% of total acids)
Diet Root P-
C P V A MSE value
*
Saturated FA % 33.9 a 33.5 a 34.3 a 35.6 b 1.015 **
MUFA % 23.1 23.3 24.1 23.0 1.348 ns
PUFA % 40.4 40.5 38. 8 39.8 1.448 ns
EPA (C20:5) % 0.32 a 1.13 b 0.99 b 1.16 b 0.84 **
DHA (C22:6) % 0.20 a 3.38 b 3.36 b 4.54 c 0.89 **
Omega 3 % 2.48 a 6.64 b 6.37 b 7.36 c 0.720 **
Omega 6 % 36.8 a 32.8 b 30.7 c 31.1 c 1.335 **
omega 6/3 ratio 15.1 a 4.86 b 4.63 b 4.04 b 0.970 **
IT 0.85 a 0.65 b 0.69 b 0.67 b 0.825 **
Means with different letters on the same line differ significantly, *=P<0.05,**=P<0.0001
The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was not significantly different
between treatments; Gigaud and Combes (2008) and Peiretti and Meineri (2008) using
vegetable sources to modify the lipid profile of the meat, obtained an increase in the
content of PUFA due to experimental diets, although in both cases, the quantity of PUFA
in control diets was lower than that obtained in this work for diet C.
The largest significant differences were evident in the content of omega 3 and omega 6
in the enriched with fish oil treatments. These changes in the concentration of omega-3
were mainly due to the increase in the content of EPA and DHA (3:1 for EPA and 16:1
in the case of DHA for P, V and A vs C). In particular, the loins from treatment A showed
the highest content of DHA (4.54%) compared to the other treatments with the addition
of fish oil; this response could be due to the additional contribution of HPUFA by algae
(Dantagnan et al., 2009).
Regarding the omega-6/3, it was significantly lower (p <000.1) in the case of diets were
included fish oil respect C diet, reaching the nutritional recommended values for human
(Barceló-Cobijn and Murhy 2009).
Conclussion
The addition of fish oil in the diet allows obtaining nutraceutical meat by the highest
content of omega-3 and the omega 6/3 ratio value according to medical recommendations,
without affecting the parameters of growth and carcass yield. For fresh consumption, the
addition of antioxidants would not be necessary. The sensory evaluation of the obtained
products, in order to ensure the absence of off flavors that condition consumer acceptance,
should be done.
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank the staff from ‘Three balance’ producer group for his
unconditional cooperation. This project received financial support from UBACyT 2011-
14 00958.
References
Barceló-Coblijn G, Murphy EJ. Alpha-linolenic acid and its conversion to longer chain
n-3 fatty acids: benefits for human health and a role in maintaining tissue n-3 fatty acid
Prog Lipid Res. 2009 Nov;48(6):355-74. doi: 10.1016/j.plipres.2009.07.002. Epub 2009
Jul 18.
Bernardini, M., Dal Bosco, A., Castellini, C. Effect of dietary n3/n-6 ratio on faty acid
composition of liver, maet and perirenal fat in rabbits. Animal Science 68, (1999), 647-
654.
Dal Bosco, A., Castellini, C, Bianchi, L., Mugnai, C. Efect of dietary α-linolenic acid and
vitamin E on the fatty acid composition, storage stability and sensory traits of rabbit meat.
Meat Science 6, (2004), 407-413.
Blasco, A., and J. Ouhayoun. "Harmonization of criteria and terminology in rabbit meat
research. Revised proposal." World Rabbit Sciences 4.2 (1996): 93-100.
Dalle Zotte, A. and Szendrö Z. The role of rabbit meas as functional food. Meat Science
88 (2011), 319-331.
Gigaud, V. and Combes, S. The effect of decresing omega 6/omega 3 ratio in feed on
fatty acid content of rabbit meat to meet human dietary recommendations. 9th World
Rabbit Congress, June 2008, Verona, Italy.
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RABBITRY RESEARCH IN THE AMERICAS
Navarrete, C., Martínez, E., Ródenas, L., Moya, V. J., Pascual, J. J., Blas, E., & Cervera,
C. (2007). Empleo de destilados de palma y de aceites de pescado en piensos de conejo.
In Proc. II Congreso Ibérico de Cunicultura, 2007 May, Vila-Real, Portugal, 173 (Vol.
181).
Peiretti, P.G and Meineri, G. Effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and
the fat and meat fatty profile of rabbit fed diets with chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seed
supplements. Meat Science 80 (2008) 1116-1121.
Ulbricht, T. L. V., and D. A. T. Southgate. "Coronary heart disease: seven dietary factors."
The Lancet 338.8773 (1991): 985-992.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE SAFETY OF MEAT RABBIT WITH THE
DETECTION OF AFLATOXIN B1 IN BALANCED FOOD FOR
RABBITS
Abstract
The aim of this project was to detect the B1 Aflatoxin, in balanced food for rabbits,
distributed by different commercial brands, using as method of investigation the
chromatography in fine layer, by means of the use of acetonitrilo to obtain the substratum
of the food. Once prepared one preceded the plate, it was immersed in a mixture of 98 ml
of Tetrachloride of Carbon (CHCl3) + 2 ml of Methanol (Ac2O). It was done by the
ascending method, this allows that the thinner ascend for the plate almost vertically for
the action of capillarity. The plate was revealed by a lamp of ultraviolet light to a wave
of excitation of 254 nm.
Observing the plate, the results obtained in the first 6 points, the B1 aflatoxin appeared
since they were exposed to different concentrations of B1 aflatoxin, in order that they
were serving us as witnesses and in the last three points that correspond to our samples
there was not the B1 aflatoxin.
Therefore, our results were negative to B1 aflatoxin for three different commercial brands
of balanced food for rabbit that were analyzed.
Key words: Aflatoxin, balanced food, rabbit, chromatography in fine layer, ultraviolet
light.
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Resumen
El objetivo de este proyecto fue detectar la aflatoxina B1, en alimento balanceado para
conejos, distribuidos por las diferentes marcas comerciales, utilizando como método de
investigación de la cromatografía en capa fina, mediante el uso de acetonitrilo para
obtener el sustrato de la comida. Una vez preparada se precedió a la placa, se sumergió
en una mezcla de 98 ml de tetracloruro de carbono (CHCl3) + 2 ml de metanol (Ac2O).
Fue hecho por el método ascendente, esto permite que el ascenso a la capa más delgada
para la placa sea casi verticalmente por la acción de capilaridad. La placa se reveló por
una lámpara de luz ultravioleta a una onda de excitación de 254 nm.
Por lo tanto, nuestros resultados fueron negativos a la aflatoxina B1 para tres diferentes
marcas comerciales de alimento balanceado para conejos que fueron analizadas.
It is mentioned in some studies that rabbit meat is a meat lower levels of mycotoxins
because the food is balanced primarily forage and lipids, starches are substrates for
fungal growth, and the possibility of its presence is low and sometimes null. But there are
few studies to investigate the safety, and order to verify the absence of contamination by
mycotoxins in this species, this study aimed to conduct a study to determine the state of
Aflatoxin B1 contamination in feed in using different proprietary chromatography
method thin layer for detection (DIRECTIVE 2002/32/EC).
Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced by some of the Aspergillus species that
grow in food products, and which in turn consumption can affect the metabolism of
almost all living things. the Aflatoxins are considered as the most potent carcinogen
produced in nature and are also considered mutagenic agents, teratogenic and hepatotoxic
for many living species including both humans and animals, so we need to be protected
maximum consumption or contact with these mycotoxins (Mariscal 1997 Q. Jaime
Cornejo, 2004).
Aflatoxins have been associated with various diseases, such as aflatoxicosis in livestock,
domestic animals and humans. the Aflatoxins have received more attention than any
other mycotoxicosis due to its potent carcinogenic effect, which was found in susceptible
laboratory animals and their acute toxicological effects in humans human (primary liver
cancer) (Avila. 2000).
There are four major aflatoxins: B1, B2, G1, G2. Aflatoxin B1 is the most potent agent
among all carcinogenic aflatoxins; most available toxicological data related to Aflatoxin
B1 (Alberto G., 2009).
The objective of this study was to determine by thin layer chromatography the presence
of aflatoxin B1 contaminating the feed for rabbits, in different brands of commercial
meals distributed in the region.
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Justification
In rabbits mentioned that rabbit meat is the healthiest because it has not klenbuterol and
mycotoxin-free food is still the most reliable in meat products for this reason this research
was designed to determine the level of contamination by aflatoxin B1 in commercial
rabbit feed.
for rabbits
In our gathering we obtained different trademarks; NUTREL,
PABSA and PURINA. Following the collection of the samples was carried out to prepare
to do the technique of thin layer chromatography.
Sample Preparation
The samples were ground until they were fully powder 50 g was weighed. of each
sample and ground, they added 200 ml acetonitrile as a solvent, perfectly mixed, and the
mixtures were filtered to obtain the extracts. This procedure was repeated exactly in
triplicate and the three samples of each food.
Preparation of plates
On each plate we proceeded to make a line on the bottom line and divide by 9 points, as
shown in the picture. The nine points were identified
Figure 4. Marc to 9 points
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At points 1, 2 and 3 are placed with a micro syringe extract Nutrel sample of Purina +
Pabsa and 20 ng of aflatoxin B1 respectively.
In paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 were placed with a micro syringe 30 ng, 20 ng and 10 ng
aflatoxin B1 respectively.
In paragraphs 7, 8 and 9 are placed with a micro syringe extract Nutrel sample of Purina
Pabsa and respectively.
The development was carried out in a dark room watching aflatoxin B1, which
is in our interest, which is observed in a blue color.
Results
Looking at the plate have resulted in the first 6 points, ran aflatoxin B1, as these points
were exposed to concentrations of aflatoxin B1 and the last three points correspond to our
samples, ran no aflatoxin. Therefore, our result is negative for the different Aflatoxin B1
trademarks of balanced rabbit food analyzed thin layer chromatography.
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Chile 10 30 30 10 10 30 _ ?
Colombia _ _ 20 50 50 50 _
MEXICO _ _ _ 200 _ 200 _ ?
NORMA _ _ 100 25-45 _ Maduros _ ?
OFICIAL Except kg. destinados
MEXICANA o 100 a
NOM-188- pollos Mayor reproducto
SSAI-2002 de 45 res
engord kg. 200 100
a Reprod De
uct engorda en
ores etapa de
100 finalizació
n 300
Discussion
The above table shows that there are no studies of aflatoxin B1 in food for rabbits, for
that reason this study was conducted, and rabbit meat is an alternative for human
consumption.
Conclusion
According to the rules, regulations and consulted research made reference to the
concentration of aflatoxin B1 in balanced feed for rabbit, it is concluded that Nutrel, Pabsa
and Purina brands, which were analyzed by the method of thin layer chromatography are
free of aflatoxin B1.
References
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MEAT QUALITY OF RABBITS FED FEATHER MEAL
TLC: http://goo.gl/IBFODO
Abstract
The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of an alternative protein source (feather
meal instead of meat meal) and the inclusion levels (170 and 140 g CP) on meat quality
traits in rabbits. The trial was conducted in the Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry
Sciences, National University of La Plata, Argentina. Forty New Zealand x Californian
rabbits, weaned at 28 days of age, were used. Animals were randomly distributed into
individual cages. The experimental design was a 2x2 factorial: two sources of animal
protein (MM = meat meal as the control diet and FM = hydrolyzed feather meal) and two
levels of crude protein (17% and 14% as ‘control’ and alternative lower protein
requirement in the finishing period). All diets had equal energy content (DE=
2,500kcal/kg). Food was supplied ad-libitum. At 75 days of age, the rabbits were
slaughtered, following the standard procedures of rabbit slaughter and carcass dissection
by Blasco and Ouhayoun (1996); the weight of the hot carcass (30 'post-mortem) was
determined. On the longissumus muscle of refrigerated carcasses (24h post-slaughter,
4±1° C), the pH value (pH-meter Hanna, Ingold 406 M3) and Colour (L*, a*, b*; CR-
300 Minolta Chromameter) were measured; the Chroma was calculated as
C=(a*)2+(b*)2. Left Longissimus muscle weight (%cold carcass), cooking losses (water
bath, 50’ at 70°C), hardness (Warner-Bratzler on Instron 1114), were determined.
Collected data were analyzed by ANOVA using the GLM procedure of SAS (2004) for a
factorial model (sources and levels of protein and their interaction). Mean differences
between treatments were compared using the Tukey test (P<0.05).
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The protein level of diet significantly influenced slaughter weight, % hot carcass,
parameters a*, b* and C*, and cooking losses. The protein source of diet had less
influence, and only affected the meat/bone ratio. In conclusion, the protein level was
significant in the development of the rabbits while the inclusion of hydrolyzed feather
meal did not affect the meat performance traits. Therefore the inclusion of feather meal
in rabbit finishing diets is conditioned by the cost and availability of this by-product.
Resumen
El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de una fuente alternativa de proteína
(harina de plumas en lugar de harina de carne) y los niveles de inclusión (170 y 140 g CP)
sobre la calidad de la carne de conejos. El ensayo se realizó en la Facultad de Ciencias
Agrarias y Forestales de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina. Cuarenta
conejos Nueva Zelanda x California, destetados a los 28 días de edad, se utilizaron. Los
animales se distribuyeron al azar en jaulas individuales. El diseño experimental fue un
factorial 2x2: dos fuentes de proteína animal (MM = harina de carne como la dieta de
control y FM = harina de plumas hidrolizadas) y dos niveles de proteína cruda (17% y
14% como "control" y requerimiento de proteína inferior alternativa en el período de
finalización). Todas las dietas tuvieron contenido de energía equivalente (DE = 2,500kcal
/ kg). La comida fue suministrada ad-libitum. A los 75 días de edad, los conejos fueron
sacrificados, siguiendo los procedimientos estándar de sacrificio de conejo y la disección
de la canal por Blasco y Ouhayoun (1996); se determinó el peso de la canal caliente (30
'post-mortem). En el músculo longissumus de las canales de refrigeración (24 horas post-
sacrificio, 4 ± 1 ° C), el valor pH (pH-metro Hanna, Ingold 406 M3) y de color (L *, a *,
b *; CR-300 de Minolta Chromameter ) se midieron; el Chroma se calculó como C =
(a *) 2 + (b *) 2. Peso Izquierda músculo Longissimus (% de la canal fría), pérdidas por
cocción (baño de agua, 50 'a 70 ° C), dureza (Warner-Bratzler en Instron 1114), se
determinaron. Los datos recogidos fueron analizados por ANOVA utilizando el
procedimiento GLM de SAS (2004) para un modelo factorial (fuentes y niveles de
proteínas y su interacción).
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INTELLIGENT CAGE FOR GROWING OR ADULT
MALE PET RABBITS
Abstract
Nowadays animal welfare is becoming a major concern for society. Pet rabbit breeding
is expanding in Brazil and no type of enclosed environment that provides comfort and
welfare for these animals is available. If loose, rabbits can dig holes, chew on furniture,
eat plants and urinate/defecate in inappropriate places. This paper describes the
development of an enclosed environment (intelligent cage) for growing or adult male
rabbits and presents results from a study of their behavior. The cage was built with
dimensions 0,90 x 0.78 m (0.70 m2). For environmental enrichment, a PVC pipe, a
platform, a wood swing, a hanging plate, some dangling chains and a place for treats were
added. The cage was set 1.20m above the ground, with a bottom easily sliding out tray o
allow cleaning and scrubbing when needed. A camera with infrared light was used to
monitor the animals for 24 hours for 50 minutes periods during seven days so that all 24
hours were registered. A Fuzzy Lop male was observed every 30 seconds, with a total of
2400 records. To observe the animal's preference in the cage, eight separate locations
were named and eighteen different types of behavior were considered. For statistical
analysis, each six-hour shift (00:00-06:00, 06:00-12:00, 12:00-18:00 and 18:00-24:00)
was considered as treatment and each week day consisted of a replicate. A high frequency
of playful and exploratory behavior was observed in addition to interaction with
environmental enrichment. The most frequent behavior was to lie down (41.47%) and the
most popular places in the cage were: the sides of the cage (61.70%) and treat region
(12.58%). Considering the shifts, a higher incidence of licking/scratching behavior was
observed in the morning (06:00-12:00).
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The animals moved around, more frequently, during the morning (00:00-06:00) and
evening (18:00-24:00) and gnawed the cage bars more frequently in the morning (00:00-
06:00), probably due to the expected human presence. Studies with intelligent cages
should be improved to provide greater comfort and convenience for the animals.
Resumen
Hoy en día el bienestar animal se está convirtiendo en una gran preocupación para la
sociedad. La cunicultura de mascotas se está expandiendo en Brasil y ningún tipo de
ambiente cerrado que proporciona comodidad y el bienestar de estos animales está
disponible. Si está suelto, los conejos pueden cavar hoyos, masticar muebles, comer
plantas y orinar / defecar en lugares inapropiados. En este trabajo se describe el desarrollo
de un ambiente cerrado (jaula inteligente) para conejos machos en crecimiento o adultos
y se presentan los resultados de un estudio de comportamiento. La jaula estaba construida
con dimensiones 0,90 x 0,78 m (0,70 m2). Para el enriquecimiento del medio ambiente,
se añadieron un tubo de PVC, una plataforma, un columpio de madera, una placa
colgante, algunas cadenas colgantes y un lugar para los premios. La jaula se colocó a
1,20m por encima del suelo, con una parte inferior fácilmente deslizable fuera de la
bandeja y permitir la limpieza y lavado cuando sea necesario. Una cámara con luz
infrarroja se utilizó para controlar los animales durante 24 horas por periodos de 50
minutos durante los siete días, se registraron todas las 24 horas. Un macho Lop Fuzzy
se observó cada 30 segundos, con un total de 2.400 registros. Para observar la preferencia
del animal en la jaula, ocho lugares separados fueron nombrados y se consideraron
dieciocho tipos diferentes de comportamiento. Para el análisis estadístico, cada turno de
seis horas (00: 00-06: 00, 06: 00-12: 00, 12: 00-18: 00 y 18: 00-24: 00) fue considerado
como el tratamiento y cada día de la semana consistió en una réplica. Se observó una alta
frecuencia de comportamiento lúdico y exploratorio, además de la interacción con el
enriquecimiento ambiental. El comportamiento más frecuente fue a acostarse (41,47%) y
los lugares más populares de la jaula fueron: los lados de la jaula (61.70%) y la región de
los premios (12,58%).
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Research evaluating the behavior and welfare of rabbits are very important to ensure the
improvement of life in environments different from the natural habitat. In Brazil, these
studies are recent. Barros et al. (2012), realized that environmental enrichment improved
play behavior and reduces the incidence of fights. Heker (2013) found that young rabbits
with tactile stimulation perform more activities, are more cooperative and docile , show
less fear and deal easier with new situations. Rabbits respond well to external stimuli as
well as the introduction of environmental enrichment.
In Brazil the use of rabbits as pets has grown, with shortages of specific materials and
equipment. If kept loose the rabbits dig holes, chew furniture, can eat poisonous plants
and urinate / defecate in inappropriate locations. Moreover, there are no cages suitable
for rabbits in the Brazilian market that provides space and activities, this contributes to
laziness, therefore the development of new technologies in this area, becomes essential
(Machado, 2012).
Objective
This paper aimed to develop and evaluate a cage for growing or adult male rabbits which
associates comfort and welfare as well as identifies the behavior of the animal in these
conditions.
The intelligent cage was built with internal dimensions of 90 cm x 78 cm x 50 cm. For
environmental enrichment, a steel chain, an enameled plate and wooden swing, a raised
platform, a basket to offer hay, a place for treats and a PVC pipe of 150 mm diameter for
hiding were added. The cage was placed on a steel base with 120 cm of height with a tray
lined with sawdust to collect excreta. Observations of behavior were made in a restricted
room at IFMG -. Campus Bambuí, Brazil, from June to July 2013 The room temperature
recorded was 26.9 ° C (maximum) and 11.7 ° C (minimum). To ensure the brightness of
the room, the windows were opened during the day. To monitor the behavior of the rabbit
an infrared camera (with night vision) was installed. A year old Fuzzy Lop male was the
subject of the research. Daily, three periods of 50 minutes each were evaluated for eight
days, totaling 24 periods. The views were made every 30 seconds, resulting in 100 views
per period giving a total of 2400 views. The regions of the cage considered were: feeder
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/ drinker, inside the pipe, side of the cage, treat area, on the platform, beneath the platform
and toy area. The behaviors considered were: walking, playing with the chain, playing
with the swing, running, drinking, gnawing the cage, the pipe, binky (happiness leap),
standing, stretching, sniffing, having treats, cecotrophy, digging the cage, eating, lying,
licking/scratching and siting.
The day was divided in four periods, from 00:00-06:00, 06:00-12:00, 12:00-18:00 e
18:00-24:00. The data was evaluated descriptively and comparisons were made between
the four shifts considered, using the resources of the computer program MINI TAB, with
comparisons made by the nonparametric Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney tests.
The most frequent behaviors were lying and siting, which shows that mosto f the time,
the rabbit remained at rest, this result was also observed by Gunn e Morton (1995) that
found 56% of inactivity. It was found that the animal stayed on top of the platform hen
he licked himself. A behavior that suggests stress or anxiety, gnawing on the cage/pipe,
was observed only at 0,80% of the time, which may suggest that there is satisfaction of
the animal in relation to the environment, this value, was considerably lower than the one
observed by Schepers et al. (2009), which was of 17%.
Attention is drawn to the high frequency of "binky", behavior which suggests sufficient
space for the act. Exploratory behaviors such as sniffing the environment and standing
were observed in 2.84% which suggests high curiosity of the animal in relation to the
environment. It was noticed that there was a great variety of behaviors in the intelligent
cage.
Table 01 - Fuzzy Lop rabbit behavior in smart cage
Regarding the shifts, significant differences (P <0.05) were observed in some behaviors.
The animal has lower frequency of licking / scratching behavior in the 18:00-00:00
period, he walked more in the morning (06:00 to 12:00) and evening (18:00-00:00) and
bit more the cage / pipe in the period 06:00 to 12:00, this might have occurred due to
anxiety, waiting for human presence to open the windows, the rabbit presented
restlessness after his presence.
The area most frequented by the animal was the side of the cage (61.70%), but one must
draw attention to the time the animal spent on the platform (13.53%) licking himself. The
region of toys was visited 2.11% and the animal remained in the pipe only in 0.90% of
views. Significant difference was observed between shifts in relation to the toy region, in
the afternoon (12:00 to 18:00) the rabbit did not use this area, probably because it is a
time to rest, which results in less activities. It was noticed that the rabbit explored every
area of the intelligent cage, but showed preference for the sides of the cage.
Conclusions
The way in which the cage was built contributed to the rabbit’s interaction with the
structure as well as environmental enrichment, a great variation in exploratory behavior
and entertainment was observed. Furthermore, the rabbit visited every area of the cage,
showing preferences for the sides.
Other studies need to be done to better understand the behavior of these animals in
environmental friendly conditions.
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References
Gunn, D., Mortan, D. B. 1995. Inventory of the behaviour of New Zealand White rabbits
in labboratory cages, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 45, 277-292.
Schepers, F.; Koene, P.; BeerdA, B. 2009. Welfare assessment in pet rabbits. Animal
Welfare, 18, 477-485.
USE OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS FOR NEST BEEDING
USE OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS
OF PREGNANT FOR NEST BEEDING
DOES
OF PREGNANT DOES
OLIVEIRA MC1, MESQUITA SA1, SILVA TR1, LIMA SCO1*, MACHADO LA1,
OLIVEIRA HC1, OLIVEIRA JC2, OLIVEIRA ES1
1. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Rio Verde, Rio Verde, GO, 75.901-910.
Brazil.
2. Federal Center of Technological Education of Minas Gerais, Divinópolis, MG, 35503-822.
Brazil.
*
Scientific Initiation Fellow from CNPq.
*Corresponding author: mcorv@ig.com.br
Abstract
This study was carried out to evaluate the pregnant doe nest characteristics with different
bedding material and its effect on the litter size and weight at the birth and the weaning
and on the nest material use by the doe. Thirty does were used in a randomized block
design with three treatments and ten replicates each. The treatments consisted of the nest
bedding with wood shavings (280 g), Tifton hay (220 g) and chopped newspaper (200 g).
The nest state was evaluated in relation to the material mixture level with the fur, to the
fur presence and to the preservation of the original material put in the nest, beyond the
litter size and weight at the birth and weaning. There was not effect (P>0.05) of the
bedding material type on the litter size and weight at the birth and weaning and on the
mixture level with the fur, the fur amount in the nest and on the preservation of the original
material put in the nest. It was concluded that the Tifton hay and chopped newspaper may
be used as bedding nest to pregnant does replacing the wood shaving without impairing
the litter performance.
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OLIVEIRA MC1, MESQUITA SA1, SILVA TR1, LIMA SCO1*, MACHADO LA1,
OLIVEIRA HC1, OLIVEIRA JC2, OLIVEIRA ES1
1. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Rio Verde, Rio Verde, GO, 75.901-910.
Brazil.
2. Federal Center of Technological Education of Minas Gerais, Divinópolis, MG, 35503-822.
Brazil.
*
Scientific Initiation Fellow from CNPq.
*Corresponding author: mcorv@ig.com.br
Resumen
Este estudio se llevó a cabo para evaluar las características de los nidos de las conejas
gestantes con diferente material de cama y su efecto sobre el tamaño de la camada y el
peso al nacimiento y destete y el uso del material de los nidos por la coneja. Treinta
conejas fueron utilizadas en un diseño de bloques al azar con tres tratamientos y diez
repeticiones cada una. Los tratamientos consistieron en construcción de la cama del nido
con virutas de madera (280 g), heno Tifton (220 g) y periódico picado (200 g). El estado
del nido se evaluó en relación con el nivel de mezcla de material con el pelo, la presencia
de pelo la preservación del material original puesto en el nido, además del tamaño de la
camada y el peso al nacimiento y destete. No hubo efecto (P> 0,05) del tipo de material
de cama sobre el tamaño de la camada y el peso al nacimiento y el destete en el nivel de
mezcla con pelo, la cantidad de pelo en el nido y en la preservación del material original
puesto en el nido. Se concluyó que el heno Tifton y el periódico picado se pueden usar
como material de cama para el nido para conejas gestantes, sustituyendo la viruta de
madera sin perjudicar los parámetros de la camada.
Rabbits have the habit of nest building and the doe use to visit the nest, after the birth, to
nurse the kits (Baumann et al., 2005). The nest is also a favorable environment to newborn
development, since they still not have thermoregulation ability. Thus, the nest material
should provide comfort to the doe and kits, minimize ammonia production and must not
be a powder (Lanteigne & Reebs, 2006), as the powder can irritate nostrils and eyes of
the doe and kits.
Wood shavings is the most used material for nest bedding in Brazil, but due its scarcity
in some regions, it is necessary the study of other materials that can be used with no
negative effects on the kits performance. In addition, it is possible that there is a doe
preference for some materials, since they will use the nest for several days.
Thus, this study was carried out to evaluate the characteristics of nest for pregnant does,
lined with different materials and its effect on the kit size and weight at birth and weaning,
and on the nest material use by the doe.
Thirty rabbit does were housed in cages that contained beside the nest, a feeder and a
drinker, both made from ceramic. The animals were five months old and primiparous.
The experiment was carried out in randomized blocks design, with three treatments and
ten replicates each one. Treatments consisted of the nest bedding based on wood shavings
(280g), Tifton hay (220g) and chopped newspaper (200g).
Nests were made from wood and the measures were 34 x 40 x 30 cm in height, length and
width, respectively. They were placed in the cages three days before the expecting birth
and were taken out at 20 days after the birth (Figure 1).
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Since the nest placement in the cages, its status was determined by one observer twice a
day (8:30 and 16:30 h, to evaluate the nest as close as possible to the birth moment). The
evaluation of the nest status consisted of qualitative analysis, as follow (Blumetto et al.,
2010):
- mixture of the material and rabbit fur (1 – with no mixture, 2 = a little bit of mixture and
3 – almost all the material mixed with the fur);
- presence of fur (1 – there was no fur in the nest, 2 – more than 50% of the nest still had
visible material, 3 – more than 50% of the nest had material covered by the fur and 4 –
only fur were seen on the material);
- preservation of the original material placed in the nest (1 – less than 30% was kept, 2 –
between 30 and 60% was kept and 3 – more than 60% was kept).
These evaluations were finished when the birth occurred, since the nest building ceases
after the birth (Hudson et al., 2000). Kit size and weight were recorded after the birth, and
they were weighed again at 35 days of age, in order to obtain the weaning weight. The
average initial body weight was 53.93 ± 1.28g.
Data were submitted to analysis of variance, and kit size and weight means at the birth
and at the weaning were compared by t test, and the nest evaluation means were compared
by the Kruskal-Wallis test, both at 5% of probability. The newborn number was used as
a co-variable to the statistical analysis of the birth and weaning weight.
Results and discussion
There was no effect (P>0.05) of the bedding material type on the kit size and weight at
the birth and at the weaning (Table 1), what indicates that all the materials provided
appropriate conditions to the nest for the kit rearing since the birth up to the 35th day of
age, when they were weaned.
There was no effect (P>0.05) of material type on the mixture level with the fur, on the fur
amount in the nest, and on the preservation of the material placed in in the nest (Table 2),
however, the smaller fur amount was noted in the nest lined with chopped newspaper,
possibly due the its softness, providing a higher comfort level to the doe.
Table 1: Size and weight, at the birth and at the weaning, of kits reared in nest lined with different
material types
1
CV = coefficient of variation.
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At the day of birth, nest lined with Tifton hay showed a smaller original material amount.
These results may indicate that the Tifton hay has been, probably, the less comfortable to
the rabbit doe, and this material was ingested or thrown out of the nest in a higher amount
than the wood shavings and chopped newspaper.
These results are similar to Blumetto et al. (2010). These authors evaluated the straw and
wood shaving use in the nests, and did not noted differences on the kit size and weight at
the birth and at the weaning, and on the material and fur mixture level, fur presence in the
nest and preservation of the original material placed in the nest.
Conclusion
Tifton hay and chopped newspaper may be used as nest bedding for pregnant rabbit does
replacing the wood shavings without impairing to the kit performance since the birth up
to the weaning age.
References
Baumann P., Oester H., Stauffacher M. 2005. Effects of temporary nest box removal on
maternal behavior and pup survival in caged rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Appl.
Anim. Behav. Sci., 91, 167-178.
Blumetto O., Olivas I., Torres A.G., Villagrá A. 2010. Use of straw and wood shavings
as nest material in primiparous does. World Rabbit Sci., 18, 237-242.
Lanteigne M., Reebs S.G. 2006. Preference for bedding material in Syrian hamster. Lab.
Anim., 40, 410-418.
Partridge G.G., Foley S., Corrigall W. 1981. Reproductive performance in purebred and
crossbred commercial rabbits. Anim. Prod., 32, 325−331.
INTELLIGENT CAGE WITH NESTING CHAMBERS FOR DOES
Abstract
In Brazil, mini rabbit breeding is expanding. It is important to investigate their welfare in
cages. The cages available in the market are small, without attraction, which leads the
animals to laziness. If loose they can make holes in the ground. Moreover, in Brazil, there
are no nests that simulate the natural conditions. This work describes the development of
an enriched environment (intelligent cage) for rabbits, identifies behaviors and verifies
the possibility of a nesting chamber. The cage was built using materials easily found in
the market, with dimensions 1.20 x 0.80m (0.96 m2). For environmental enrichment, a
PVC pipe, a platform, a wood swing, a hanging plate, some dangling chains and a place
for treats were added. Before the doe's due date, a nesting chamber was included. An
infrared light camera was used to monitor the animals for 24 hours during seven days, for
50 minutes periods, so that all 24 hours were registered. A Mini Lion head female was
observed every 30 seconds, with a total of 2400 records. To observe the animal's
preference in the cage, eight separate locations were named and sixteen different types of
behavior were considered. For statistical analysis, each six-hour shift (00:00-06:00,
06:00-12:00, 12:00-18:00 and 18:00-24:00) was considered as a treatment and each week
day consisted of a replicate. The use of the nesting chamber was monitored for four
consecutive births. A high frequency of exploratory behavior was observed in addition to
interaction with environmental enrichment. The animal remained lying almost half of the
time and presented higher incidence of licking/scratching at the 06:00-12:00 period.
The animal remained in the sitting position more frequently in the morning (06:00-12:00)
and evening (18:00-24:00). Regarding the use of the nesting chamber, in the first parity,
although the doe prepared the nest, the parturition occurred in the cage, a normal behavior
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in young does (first labor). In the second, third and fourth parities, the doe prepared the
nest and gave birth inside it. New experiments involving intelligent cages should be
performed to improve welfare technology for these animals.
Resumen
En Brasil, la cría de conejos miniatura se está expandiendo. Es importante investigar su
bienestar en jaulas. Las jaulas disponibles en el mercado son pequeñas, sin atracción, lo
que lleva a los animales a la pereza. Si los sueltas que pueden hacer agujeros en el suelo.
Por otra parte, en Brasil, no hay nidos que simulen las condiciones naturales. Este trabajo
describe el desarrollo de un ambiente enriquecido (jaula inteligente) para los conejos,
identifica comportamientos y verifica la posibilidad de una cámara de anidación. La jaula
fue construida con materiales fáciles de encontrar en el mercado, con dimensiones de 1,20
x 0,80 m (0,96 m2). Para el enriquecimiento del medio ambiente, se añadieron un tubo
de PVC, una plataforma, un columpio de madera, una placa colgante, algunas cadenas
colgantes y un lugar para los premios. Antes de la fecha de parto de la coneja, se incluyó
una cámara de anidación. Una cámara de luz infrarroja se utilizó para monitorear a los
animales durante 24 horas durante siete días, por periodos de 50 minutos, por lo que se
registraron las 24 horas. Una hembra Mini cabeza de León se observó cada 30 segundos,
con un total de 2,400 registros. Para observar la preferencia del animal en la jaula, ocho
lugares separados fueron nombrados y se consideraron dieciséis tipos diferentes de
comportamiento. Para el análisis estadístico, cada turno de seis horas (00: 00-06: 00, 06:
00-12: 00, 12: 00-18: 00 y 18: 00-24: 00) fue considerada como un tratamiento y cada
semana día consistió en una réplica. El uso de la cámara de anidación se controló durante
cuatro nacimientos consecutivos. Se observó una alta frecuencia de la conducta
exploratoria, además de la interacción con el enriquecimiento ambiental. El animal
permaneció acostado casi la mitad del tiempo y presentó mayor incidencia del
comportamiento de lamido/arañando en el periodo de las 00: 00-12:00. El animal se
mantuvo en posición sentada con mayor frecuencia por la mañana (06: 00-12: 00) y por
la tarde (18: 00-24: 00).
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In Brasil, few are the studies in lodging, behavior and rabbit welfare, and there is a lapse
of equipments and utensils specific for pet rabbits. The presence of this animal as pets
grew a lot recently and if the rabbits are loose around the house, many are the
inconveniences related to wellbeing. For example, the existing cages are small and
without attractions for the rabbits which leads to laziness, reduction in life’s quality and
duration. The lack of nesting chambers, which would be placed below the cages’ floor,
would be a situation more similar to the natural scenery.
Good results were verified by Barros et al. (2012) and Heker (2013) when different
techniques to improve welfare and comfort for rabbits were adopted.
Objective
In this paper, the development of a different cage for reproductive does, that provides
comfort, entertainment and welfare that includes a nesting chamber and the identification
of behavior of the does in this condition was done.
The behavior observations were made at a restricted room from IFMG - Campus Bambuí
– Brazil, from June to July of 2013, and the windows were opened during the day. The
environmental temperature was of 27,0º C (maximum) e 11,6º C (minimum). To monitor
the behavior filming equipment with night vision was installed.
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A female Mini Lion Head rabbit, with 14 months of age was evaluated daily for three
periods of 50 minutes, during eight days, in a total of 24 periods. The visualizations were
made at every 30 seconds, resulting in 100 visualizations in each period which led to 2400
in total. Various regions in the cage were considered such as: feeder/ drinking area, inside
the pipe, cage sides, treat area, on the platform, in the nesting chamber, under the platform
and toys. The behaviors considered were: walking, playing with the chain, playing with
the swing, running, drinking water, biting the cage/tube; binky (happiness leap), standing,
stretching, sniffing, eating treats, pulling out fur, making the nest, cecotrophy, digging
the cage, eating, lying, licking/scratching and sitting. The day was divides in four shifts
as follows: 00:00-06:00, 06:00-12:00, 12:00-18:00 and 18:00-24:00. To verify the use of
the nest by the doe, the four first parities were considered, being the last three observed
after the period of the research. To the data descriptive evaluations were made as well as
non parametric comparisons using Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney’s tests.
The most frequent behavior were lying and sitting, which shows thar during mosto f the
period the doe remained resting, this result was also found by Gunn and Morton (1995)
Who identified 56% of inactivity. Behaviors such as “binky”, biting the cage/tube,
running or digging the cage were not observed. Exploratory behaviors such as sniffing
and standing were observed in 3,07% of the time, which suggests high curiosity of the
animal in relation to the environment. One can see that 0,62% of the time the doe played
with the items added for environmental enrichment. A variety of behaviors was noted
(Table 1) in the intelligent cage.
Table 01 – Behavior of the Mini Lion Head doe in the intelligent cage.
Playing with plate 0,21 Digging the cage 0,00 Licking 12,65
The doe remained seated for the longest time (P< 0,05) during the periods of 00:00-06:00h
and 18:00-24:00h and licked herself with more frequency during the period of 06:00-
12:00h.
Regarding the usage of the nesting chamber, the pregnant doe used it 3,10% of the time
to prepare the nest. It was observed that during the first labor, it happened out side of the
nest, a normal behavior at first labor (Ferreira et al., 2012). During the second, third and
fourth labor, the doe prepared the nest and gave birth in it. At 18 days the babies started
to leave the nest and showed preference for PVC tube.
The does preference for the platform was verified, since she remained there 45,57% of
the time, which shows the importance of a second plan (Hoy, 2008). The doe remained
15,10%, below the platform, 12,87% in the eating/drinking area 11,39% at the sides of
the cage, 7,45% in the toy reagion, 3,85% in the treat region and 0,66% inside the PVC
tube. The doe explored all the regions of the intelligent cage, maintaining the preference
for the elevated platform.
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Conclusion
The way in which the Cage was built, helped the doe to get interested with the structure
as well as the environmental enrichment, being observed great variation of exploratory
behaviors. The doe visited all the places in the cage, showing higher preference for the
platform in the second plane (second floor). The nesting chamber was well prepared and
used by the doe. Other studies must be developed for better comprehension of the
behavior of the animals in these conditions.
References
Ferreira W. M., Machado L. C., Jaruche Y. G., Carvalho G. G., Oliveira C. E. A., Souza
J. D. S., Caríssimo A. P. G. 2012. Manual Prático de Cunicultura,75p.
Gunn, D., Mortan, D. B. 1995. Inventory of the behaviour of New Zealand White rabbits
in labboratory cages. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 45: 277-292.
Hoy, St. 2008. Guidelines for minimum standards on rabbit housing in Germany. In:
Proc. 9th World Rabbit Congress, Verona, Ilaty, 1183-1188.
INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT,
COMPOSITION OF THE SOCIAL GROUP AND AGE ON
MAINTENANCE AND COMFORT BEHAVIORS IN GROWING
RABBITS
Abstract
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Resumen
El objetivo fue investigar si un enriquecimiento ambiental y la composición del grupo
social afectarían la frecuencia de las conductas de mantenimiento y confort en conejos en
crecimiento. El experimento se inició en el destete con cinco semanas y terminó a las 11
semanas de edad, con la participación de 144 conejos del grupo genético Botucatu, 72
machos y 72 hembras. Los animales fueron asignados a un diseño completamente al azar,
en un arreglo factorial 2 x 3 (con o sin enriquecimiento jaula y tres composiciones de
grupos sociales – machos, hembras o grupos mixtos) con medidas repetidas (semanas) y
cuatro repeticiones. La densidad de población era de seis conejos por jaula (0,48 m2).
Dos palos de eucalipto fueron colgados en el techo de la jaula en jaulas enriquecidas. Seis
cámaras se utilizaron para la grabación de imágenes durante 24 h, una vez a la semana,
en la semana 7, 10 y 11. Las actividades de comportamiento fueron "alimentación"
(comer o beber), de "reposo" (sentado, acostado o durmiendo) y "acicalamiento" (lamer,
arañar o mordisquear del cuerpo). Las jaulas fueron escaneadas una vez cada 20 minutos
para registro de estos comportamientos. El número de apariciones por día fueron
resumidos en forma de jaula. El efecto de interacción de un grupo social por edad fue
encontrado en la alimentación: en la semana 7, los grupos de hembras mostraron una
mayor frecuencia de la conducta alimentaria que los grupos masculinos y mixtos; esta
diferencia desapareció en las semanas 10 y 11. Un efecto de interacción por edad debido
al enriquecimiento fue encontrado en el aseo: en las semanas 10 y 11 los conejos en jaulas
enriquecidas mostraron una menor frecuencia de arreglarse, pero esta diferencia estuvo
ausente en la semana 7.
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Abstract
The level of adaptation of growing rabbits to housing and management conditions may
be evaluated through their behavioral response to reactivity tests, in which their reaction
to and fear of a new environment are assessed. This study aimed to evaluate the anxiety
of rabbits that had (or not) access to an enriched environment. A total of 32 male rabbits
from the Botucatu genetic group were involved from weaning at 35 days up to 79 days of
age. The animals were assigned to a completely randomized design with two treatments
(with or without access to environmental enrichment) and allocated to eight wire cages,
four animals per cage. Two eucalyptus sticks (15 x 3 x 3 cm) hanging from the cage
ceiling were used as enrichments. Anxiety-related (freezing) and locomotion behaviors
were evaluated using the elevated plus-maze, in which the animals were allowed to
explore two elevated open and two elevated closed arms. Two observations of 5 min each,
at 49 and 79 days of age, were carried out. At the beginning of the test, each animal was
placed in the center of the apparatus. The latency time to enter the open and closed arms,
the number of entries and the time spent in open and closed arms, the frequency of head
dipping and of standing up were registered. Growth performance of animals was recorded
from 35 to 77 days of age. On day 49, the latency to the first open arm entry was shorter
in animals from enriched cages. On day 79, the animals from non-enriched cages stayed
longer in the open arms and showed higher frequency of head dipping than the animals
in enriched cages. The animals in enriched cages, on the other hand, stayed longer in the
closed arms.
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Feed conversion was poorer in enriched than in non-enriched cages (2.91±0.06 vs.
2.64±0.06, P=0.03), other performance traits (final weight, average daily gain and feed
consumption) did not differ between groups. The environmental enrichment had a
positive effect on the behavior of young rabbits by reducing their anxiety.
Resumen
El nivel de adaptación de la crianza de conejos a las condiciones de vivienda y de gestión
se puede evaluar a través de su respuesta conductual a pruebas de reactividad, en el que
su reacción ante y el miedo a un nuevo entorno se evalúan. Este estudio tuvo como
objetivo evaluar la ansiedad de conejos que tenían (o no) el acceso a un ambiente
enriquecido. Un total de 32 conejos machos del grupo genético Botucatu estuvieron
involucrados desde el destete a los 35 días hasta 79 días de edad. Los animales fueron
asignados a un diseño completamente al azar con dos tratamientos (con o sin acceso al
enriquecimiento ambiental) y asignado a ocho jaulas de alambre, cuatro animales por
jaula. Dos palos de eucalipto (15 x 3 x 3 cm) que cuelgan del techo jaula fueron utilizados
como enriquecimientos. Comportamientos relacionados con la ansiedad (congelación) y
locomoción se evaluaron utilizando el laberinto elevado, en el que se permitió a los
animales explorar dos laberintos elevados abiertos y dos elevados cerrados. Dos
observaciones de 5 min cada uno, en 49 y 79 días de edad, se llevaron a cabo. Al comienzo
de la prueba, cada animal fue colocado en el centro del aparato. El tiempo de latencia para
introducir los brazos abiertos y cerrados, el número de entradas y el tiempo pasado con
los brazos abiertos y cerrados, la frecuencia de mojar la cabeza y de pie se registraron. El
crecimiento de los animales se registró 35 a 77 días de edad. El día 49, la latencia a la
primera entrada con brazos abiertos fue menor en los animales de las jaulas enriquecidas.
En el día 79, los animales de las jaulas no enriquecidas permanecieron más tiempo con
los brazos abiertos y mostraron una mayor frecuencia de inmersión cabeza que los
animales en jaulas acondicionadas. Los animales en jaulas acondicionadas, por otro lado,
se quedaron más tiempo con los brazos cerrados.
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OLIVEIRA MC, SILVA TR, LIMA SCO*, SILVA JA, MESQUITA SA,
MACHADO LA, OLIVEIRA JC, OLIVEIRA ES
1. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Rio Verde, Rio Verde, GO, 75.901-910.
Brazil.
2. Federal Center of Technological Education of Minas Gerais, Divinópolis, MG, 35503-822.
Brazil.
*
Scientific Initiation Fellow from CNPq.
*Corresponding author: mcorv@ig.com.br
Abstract
Wood shavings is the most used material for nest bedding, however, it had become scarce
in some regions, resulting in a need for studies about alternative materials for nest
bedding. Since the rabbits born in an immature state and with a low thermoregulatory
ability, the comfort and the body temperature maintenance are related to the quality of
the material placed in the nest, and it will interfere on the kit survival during the lactation
period. Due the lack of information about the different materials use as bedding nest, this
study was carried out to evaluate the performance of kits reared in nests lined with
different materials, since the birth until the weaning. Thirty rabbit does were used in a
randomized block design, with three treatments and ten replicates each. The treatments
consisted of the nest lining with wood shaving (280 g), Tifton hay (220 g) and chopped
newspaper (200 g). Body weight, daily weight gain and survival rate were weekly
evaluated from the birth to the weaning. There was no effect (P>0.05) of the material type
used as nest bedding on the body weight, daily weight gain and survival rate. It suggest
that both, Tifton hay and chopped newspaper, may be used for replacing the wood
shavings for bedding nest, by offering similar comfort to the kits, from birth up to their
weaning.
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The survival rate was not affected (P>0.05) by the treatments, but it was observed that
the mortality occurred until the third week of life in the nests lined with wood shavings
and Tifton hay, and until the second week of life in the nests lined with chopped
newspaper, possibly because the chopped newspaper provided a more comfortable and
warmer environment for the kits. It was concluded that the Tifton hay and the chopped
newspaper may be used replacing the wood shaving with no negative effect on the litter
performance.
OLIVEIRA MC1, SILVA TR1, LIMA SCO1*, SILVA JA1, MESQUITA SA1,
MACHADO LA1, OLIVEIRA JC2, OLIVEIRA ES1
1. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Rio Verde, Rio Verde, GO, 75.901-910.
Brazil.
2. Federal Center of Technological Education of Minas Gerais, Divinópolis, MG, 35503-822.
Brazil.
*
Scientific Initiation Fellow from CNPq.
*Corresponding author: mcorv@ig.com.br
Resumen
La viruta de madera es el material más utilizado como material de cama para los nidos,
sin embargo, en algunas regiones se escasea, resultando en la necesidad de estudiar
materiales alternativos para la cama de los nidos. Dado que los conejos nacen en un estado
inmaduro y con una baja habilidad para la termorregulación, la comodidad y el
mantenimiento de la temperatura están relacionados con la calidad del material colocado
en el nido, y tendrá influencia sobre la sobrevivencia de los gazapos durante el periodo
de lactancia. Debido a la falta de información acerca de los diferentes materiales
utilizados para la cama de los nidos, este estudio fue realizado para evaluar el desempeño
de los gazapos criados en nidos con camas de diferentes materiales, desde el nacimiento
hasta el destete. Se utilizaron treinta conejas en un diseño de bloques al azar, con tres
tratamientos y diez repeticiones cada uno. Los tratamientos consistieron en proporcionar
el material de cama para nidos con viruta (280 g), heno Tifton (220 g) y periódico picado
(200 g). El peso corporal, ganancia diaria de peso y tasa de sobrevivencia fueron
evaluadas semanalmente desde el nacimiento al destete. No hubo efecto (P> 0,05) del
tipo de material utilizado como cama para el nido sobre el peso corporal, ganancia diaria
de peso y el índice de supervivencia. Se sugiere que ambos, heno Tifton y periódico
picado, se pueden utilizar para sustituir las virutas de madera para cama del nido,
ofreciendo comodidad similar a los gazapos, desde su nacimiento hasta su destete.
La tasa de supervivencia no se vio afectado (P> 0,05) por los tratamientos, pero se observó
que la mortalidad se produjo hasta la tercera semana de vida en los nidos alineados con
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virutas de madera y heno Tifton, y hasta la segunda semana de vida en los nidos forrados
con periódico picado, posiblemente porque el periódico picado proporciona un entorno
más cómodo y cálido para los gazapos. Se concluyó que el heno Tifton y el periódico
picado se pueden utilizar en sustitución de la viruta de madera sin ningún efecto negativo
en el rendimiento de la camada.
Abstract
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This study proved that rabbit production is most influenced by weather factors as heat
rather than frosting environments. Also, relative humidity resulted not influential due to
averaged values and the absence of epidermal diseases. This results are according to local
weather conditions in this region (Lat. 34º54’31,09’’S Long. 57º55’56,37’’W).
Resumen
La producción de conejos está muy influenciada por las condiciones climáticas (Cabrero
Sáenz et al., 1982). Los parámetros de producción, tales como la producción de leche y
la eficiencia reproductiva son a menudo afectadas. (Baltazar, 2012; Cordiviola et al,
2014). El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el efecto de los factores climáticos
sobre la producción de carne de conejo. En este estudio, se analizaron parámetros como
el peso y la edad en días al sacrificio, incluidas las medidas de temperatura, la temperatura
promedio, máxima y mínima, y humedad relativa. Los datos se analizaron mediante un
análisis estadístico (ANOVA) y la temperatura por regresión simple. Además, se hicieron
comparaciones del coeficiente de correlación de las temperaturas. Por otra parte, se
separaron los meses por la temperatura media, de acuerdo a la temperatura de confort
para el conejo en hipertérmica (> 20 ° C), isotérmica (18 ° C-20 ° C) y con hipotermia
(<20 ° C) y se analizaron mediante ANOVA. Esta separación por mes fue determinada
de acuerdo a Cervera et al, 1998. Los datos se registraron en la granja experimental de
cría de conejos de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales de la Universidad
Nacional de La Plata, registrando 920 conejos recién nacidos y sacrificados en un año,
crías de la cruza entre California y Nueva Zelanda. Los datos del clima fueron
proporcionados por la estación climática situada en el campo experimental "Julio
Hirschhorn" de Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales de la Universidad Nacional de
La Plata, ubicado a 10 kilómetros de distancia de la granja experimental. Los resultados
indicaron que la temperatura media fue más influyente que la temperatura mínima y
máxima; la humedad relativa no era influyente.
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OLIVEIRA MC1, LIMA SCO1*, SILVA TR1, SILVA JA1, MESQUITA SA1,
OLIVEIRA HC1, OLIVEIRA JC2, OLIVEIRA ES1
1. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Rio Verde, Rio Verde, GO, 75.901-910.
Brazil. E-mail:
2. Federal Center of Technological Education of Minas Gerais, Divinópolis, MG, 35503-822.
Brazil.
*
Scientific Initiation Fellow from CNPq.
*Corresponding author: mcorv@ig.com.br
Abstract
This research was carried out to evaluate the effect of different bedding nest materials for
pregnant does on the nest building pattern. Thirty does were used in a randomized block
design with three treatments and 10 replicates each. Treatments consisted of the nest lined
with wood shavings (280 g), Tifton hay (220 g) or chopped newspaper (200 g). The nests
were put inside the cage three days before the birth and were taken out at 20 days after
the birth. The evaluation of the nest status consisted of qualitative analysis, being the
mixture level of the material with the fur, the presence of fur in the nest and the
preservation of the original material put inside initially. These observations finished at
the birth day. Data were submitted to the Spearman correlation, on which was applied the
t test at 5% of probability. Correlations between fur presence, mixture level of fur and
material, and amount of material present in the nest at the birth were not significant
(P>0.05). Since there was no correlation among the used materials and the fur amount,
mixture and material amount in the nest, it is possible to infer that there was no difference
for the rabbit doe in relation to the comfort obtained with the used materials.
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There was not a significant correlation (P>0.05) between material type and total born
number, what was already expected, however there was a correlation between fur
presence in the nest and mixture level (P<0.001) and between mixture level and amount
of material in the nest at the birth (P<0.05) ), what means the higher the fur amount in the
nest, the more mixture level with the material placed previously and, in the nests where
the rabbit does took the higher material amount out, the doe also placed a higher fur
amount, possibly to maintain the comfort in the nest. It was concluded that Tifton hay and
chopped newspaper may be used as nest bedding for pregnant does replacing the wood
shavings with no negative effect on the nest building pattern.
OLIVEIRA MC1, LIMA SCO1*, SILVA TR1, SILVA JA1, MESQUITA SA1,
OLIVEIRA HC1, OLIVEIRA JC2, OLIVEIRA ES1
1. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Rio Verde, Rio Verde, GO, 75.901-910.
Brazil. E-mail:
2. Federal Center of Technological Education of Minas Gerais, Divinópolis, MG, 35503-822.
Brazil.
*
Scientific Initiation Fellow from CNPq.
*Autor correspondiente: mcorv@ig.com.br
Resumen
Esta investigación se llevó a cabo para evaluar el efecto de diferentes materiales de para
cama de nidos para hembras gestantes sobre el patrón de la construcción del nido. Treinta
conejas fueron utilizadas en un diseño de bloques al azar con tres tratamientos y 10
repeticiones cada uno. Los tratamientos consistieron en el nido forrado con virutas de
madera (280 g), heno Tifton (220 g) o periódico picado (200 g). Los nidos fueron puestos
dentro de la jaula tres días antes del nacimiento y se sacaron a los 20 días después del
nacimiento. La evaluación del estado de nido consistió en el análisis cualitativo, siendo
el nivel de mezcla del material con pelo, la presencia de pelo en el nido y la preservación
del material original puesto dentro inicialmente. Estas observaciones terminaron en el día
del nacimiento. Los datos fueron sometidos a la correlación de Spearman, en la que se
aplicó la prueba t con el 5% de probabilidad. Las correlaciones entre la presencia de pelo,
nivel de mezcla de pelo y material, y la cantidad de material presente en el nido en el
nacimiento no fueron significativas (P> 0,05). Puesto que no había correlación entre los
materiales utilizados y la cantidad de pelo, mezcla y la cantidad de material en el nido, es
posible inferir que no había ninguna diferencia para la coneja en relación con el confort
obtenido con los materiales utilizados.
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No hubo correlación significativa (P> 0,05) entre el tipo de material y número total de
nacidos, lo que ya se esperaba, sin embargo, hubo correlación entre la presencia de pelo
en el nido y el nivel de la mezcla (P <0,001) y entre el nivel de mezcla y la cantidad de
material en el nido al nacimiento (P <0,05), lo que significa que cuanto mayor sea la
cantidad de pelo en el nido, mayor fue la mezcla con el material colocado previamente y,
en los nidos donde la coneja sacó una mayor cantidad de material, la coneja también
colocó una mayor cantidad de pelo, posiblemente para mantener la comodidad en el nido.
Se concluyó que el heno Tifton y el periódico picado se pueden usar como cama para el
nido de las conejas gestantes, en sustitución de las virutas de madera sin ningún efecto
negativo en el patrón de la construcción del nido.
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PERFORMANCE OF NEW ZEALAND WHITE, CALIFORNIAN,
CHINCHILLA AND BLACK AZTEC RABBITS AT THE CENTRO
NACIONAL DE CUNICULTURA, MEXICO
Abstract
At the Centro Nacional de Cunicultura (CNC, México) post weaning growth was
evaluated comparatively. According to CNC managers, no new breeder animals have
been introduced in the last 20 years, mainly as a result of sanitary barriers. Therefore, it
is important to conduct performance evaluations of their animals. The evaluated breeds
were New Zealand White, Californian, Chinchilla and Black Aztec; the evaluations were
conducted at CNC, Mexico’s premises. A total of 240 just weaned rabbits (35 d) were
used, 60 rabbits per breed, 50 % females and 50 % males, which were individually
tattooed for identification, all were kept in cages (90 x 60 cm, 6 specimens per cage).
Daily (9:00 am), a kilogram of commercial rabbit feed was supplied. All animals were
weighed weekly and slaughtered at 70 days of age. Weaning weight, weight at 70 d, feed
efficiency, feed intake and specific growth rate (SGR) were evaluated. The values of
weaning weight in Black Aztec, New Zealand White, Californian and Chinchilla breeds
the means ± SE were 0.831, 0.815, 0.749 and 0.697 ± 0.002, respectively. For weight at
70 days 1.598 ± 0.024, 1.800 ± 0.023, 1.801 ± 0.023 and 1.776 ± 0.025 kg, respectively.
The means for feed efficiency were 0.271 ± 0.006, 0.289 ± 0.006, 0.315 ± 0.007 and 0.315
± 0.007 kg gain / kg feed, respectively. For the variable SGR 2.00 ± 0.05, 2.32 ± 0.05,
2.45 ± 0.04 and 2.53 ± 0.05 % animal per day following the breeds order mentioned
above. Chinchilla breed can still be considered a dual purpose breed. We cannot rule out
the Black Aztec breed for meat production, and further research on productive behavior
is needed.
Keywords: Initial weight, final weight, feed efficiency.
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Resumen
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Introduction
At the Centro Nacional de Cunicultura (CNC) post weaning growth and carcass yield for
hybrid animals have been previously comparatively evaluated in animals obtained from
the CNC (Puón, 2013; Zúñiga, 2009), currently, it has been decided to produce only pure
breeds. According to the directors of the CNC, no new breeder animals have been
introduced for 20 years, as a result of sanitary barriers that have arisen in recent years for
importing animals (Ruiz, 1993); this suggests the need for new assessments to determine
if it has emerged in improving of the CNC animals. The breeds that are counted are New
Zealand White (NZ), Californian (Ca), Chinchilla (Ch), Azteca Black (AN), English Spot
and Rex, being the subject of this work the first four breeds.
Materials
This experiment was conducted at the CNC premises located on the Irapuato-Salamanca
road Km 4, Colonia Rafael Galván in the city of Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico. A total
of 240 just weaned rabbits 5 weeks old, 60 rabbits per breed (50% female and 50% male)
were used. All of them were kept in galvanized cages (60 x 90 cm).
Methodology
All rabbits were individually tattooed for identification, and kept 6 specimens per cage.
Daily (9:00 am), 1 kg of commercial rabbit feed was supplied per cage (88% Dry Matter,
Crude Protein 16%, Crude Fat 2% Crude Fiber 15% and 13% ash), removing the
following morning the remnant and providing again one kg of fresh feed. Water was
provided ad libitium. Initial weight, gain weight, total feed intake (TFI), feed efficiency
(FE= net weight gain / consumed feed) and specific growth rate (SGR (% animal day-1)
= [(LnPh2-LnPh1) / t] * 100 (where: Ph2 and Ph1 are final weight and initial weight of
each rabbit, Ln is the natural logarithm and t is the number of days in the experimental
period) were all evaluated. All animals were weighed weekly and slaughtered at 70 days
of age. Final weight, hot carcass weight (considering a hot carcass weight as the carcass
weighed immediately after the skinned and eviscerated processes), cold carcass weight
(considering cold carcass as the carcass after the washing and cutting processes 1 hour
post-slaughter) were evaluated.
Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, after review of homogeneity of variances
and the difference between means with a Tukey test. Data are shown as means ± SE.
Results y Discussion
Weaning weight in NZ breed showed a weight of 0.815 ± 0.002 and 0.831 ± 0.002 kg AN
showing a similar behavior between these two breeds, Ca and Ch breeds showed a weight
of 0.749 ± 0.002 and 0.697 ± 0.002 kg, respectively, these weights are higher than those
reported by Ponce 2002 for Ca, Ch & NZ breeds with a weaning weight of 0.536, 0.559
and 0.570 kg, respectively. Compared to a study conducted by Zuñiga (2009), in the same
CNC, the Ca and AN breeds have increased weaning weights, the NZ breed held a similar
behavior and Ch breed showed that there is no improvement. For weight at 70 days, the
Ca breed obtained a value of 1.801 ± 0.023 kg which is higher than Zuñiga (2009), NZ
breed followed with 1,800 ± 0.023 kg, Ch breed obtained 1.776 ± 0.025 kg and 1.598 ±
0.024 kg by the AN breed with the lower weight value. NZ breed showed a lower value
than the existing in 2009, however, for Ca and AN breeds an improvement in is observed
at 70d weight. The initial weight and final weight values are lower in all breeds compared
with the Egypt V-line rabbit used by Elmaghraby (2011), however, we should consider
the genetic improvement developed in this line. CTA was higher in the NZ bred with
3497.27 ± 81.5953 g followed by Ca breed with 3235.55 ± 101.031, Ch 3146.88 ± 63,281
g and AN with 3095.93 ± 68,792 g. FE for Ca and Ch breeds shown to be more efficient
with 0.315 ± 0.007 kg both races, the NZ and AN breeds showed an efficiency of 0.289±
0.006 kg and 0.271 ±0.006 kg respectively. The SGR was higher in Ch breed with 2.53 ±
0.05% followed by the NZ breed with 2.32 ± 0.05% for Ca breed the value was 2.45 ±
0.04% and for AN was 2.00 ± 0.05% animal day-1.
Conclusion
For productive indicators FE and SGR Ch race scored the highest values so we could see
that this breed can still be considered dual purpose (skin and meat). AN breed could not
be dismissed as meat producer, and further research on productive behavior is needed.
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Bibliography
Elmaghraby, M.M.A. 2011. Effect of restricted Access to drinking wáter on growth, feed
efficiency and carcass characteristics of fattening rabbits. Asian Journal of Animal
Sciences 5 (2): 136-144
Ponce de León R., Guzmán G., Pubillones O., García J., Mora M. 2002. Comportamiento
de razas de conejos importadas. Evaluación del crecimiento posdestete. Revista cubana
de Ciencia Agrícola, Vol. 36, núm. 4, 2002, pp.323-329.
Puón Peláez X.D. 2012: Comparación de la calidad de la carne de conejos híbridos de las
razas Nueva Zelanda variedad Blanco, Chinchilla y California. Tesis de licenciatura.
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México: 3-4.
Introducción
Material
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Metodología
Resultados y Discusión
Para el peso a los 70 días, la raza Ca obtuvo un valor de 1.801 ± 0.023 kg el cual es
superior a lo reportado por Zuñiga (2009), seguido por la raza NZ con 1.800 ±0.023 kg,
la raza Ch obtuvo 1.776 ± 0.025 y la AN 1.598 ± 0.024 kg fue la raza con menor peso.
La raza NZ mostró un valor inferior al existente en 2009, sin embargo, para las razas Ca
y AN se observa una mejora en el peso a los 70 d. El valor de peso final es inferior en
todas las razas comparadas, con la Linea V egypt utilizadas por Elmaghraby (2011), el
peso final no se puede considerar superior a las razas NZ y Ca ya que el peso es
considerado a los 77 d de edad mientras que en las razas del CNCG el peso al sacrificio
es a los 70 d. El rendimiento a la canal más alto fue de la raza NZ con un valor de 55.40
± 0.27 %, seguido de la raza Ch con 55.21 ± 0.27, AN 55.04 ± 0.24 siendo la del valor
más bajo Ca con 53.47 ± 0.24 %. En cuanto a la canal, la raza de mayor peso fue NZ con
1025.27 ± 17.99 g, seguido de Ca con 946.22 ± 17.97 g, para Ch 921.63 ± 20.07 y la AN
917.26 ± 15.31 g. La Ca a pesar de haber obtenido el valor más alto para peso a los 70 d
muestra un rendimiento a la canal inferior teniendo un rendimiento aproximado al 53%
cuando las otras razas independientemente del peso a los 70 d obtuvieron rendimientos
cercanos al 55%. En el despiece los miembros anteriores obtuvieron un peso de 315.09 ±
5.04, 287.45 ± 6.43, 284.43 ± 5.39 y 284.40± 6.38 g y los valores de miembros posteriores
359.09 ± 6.14, 326.66 ± 6.03, 320.66 ± 5.67 y 314.61 ±6.92 g para NZ, Ca, AN y Ch,
respectivamente. Para la parte de lomo los pesos fueron 265.00 ± 5.71 g para NZ, 252.80
± 5.74 g para Ca, para Ch 239.61 ± 6.12 g y para AN 235.56 ± 4.64 g. Para el peso de la
cabeza el Ca presentó mayor peso con 142.89 ± 2.04 g, seguido de NZ con 140.72 ± 1.96
g, para Ch 129.13 ± 2.17 g y AN 129.05 ± 1.93 g. En un trabajo realizado por Flores
(2013), en donde se utilizaron conejos híbridos menciona datos que son superiores a los
obtenidos en este trabajo, mostrando rendimientos a la canal de 57.22% un peso para
piernas de 373.66 ± 10.69 g. Destaca la raza NZ debido a que presenta el % más alto para
rendimiento a la canal y pesos para troceado. La raza AN, a pesar de obtener un menor
peso a los 70 d mostró un rendimiento a la canal superior al 55% teniendo un
comportamiento similar al de la raza NZ y Ch. La raza Ca mostró en la parte de troceado
un comportamiento inferior a la raza NZ pero superior a las razas Ch y AN a pesar de
tener un rendimiento a la canal menor.
Conclusión
Bibliografía
Dalle, Z.A., Szendrő, Z. 2011. The role of rabbit meat as functional food. Meat Science
319-331
Elmaghraby, M.M.A. 2011. Effect of restricted Access to drinking wáter on growth, feed
efficiency and carcass characteristics of fattening rabbits. Asian Journal of Animal
Sciences 5 (2): 136-144
Flores, P.S.C. 2013. Efecto del género en el rendimiento y calidad instrumental de la
carne de conejo. UNAM.
Martínez, C.M.A. 2004. Cunicultura Segunda edición. México, D.F. Editorial UNAM-
FMVZ. Pp: 3-24
Zúñiga, M.A.M. 2009. Estimación de algunos efectos genéticos en el conejo doméstico
presentes al realizar un cruzamiento dialélico completo de cuatro razas. Tesis de
Licenciatura. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Pp: 2-12.
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DEVELOPMENT OF MOLECULAR TESTS FOR IDENTIFICATION
AND STUDY OF GENETIC DIVERSITY OF Eimeria spp., IN
RABBITS IN THE SOUTH EAST OF MEXICO STATE
Abstract
Poverty is one of the great challenges to be solved by the State, 47 % of the Mexican
population is in some degree of food poverty, capacity or equity, SEDESOL (2008)
mentions that more than 86% of the poor are in rural areas. Rabbitry is a livestock activity
that has been shown to be important in the last four decades, has established itself as an
alternative to solve problems of food and poverty in rural and suburban society.
Production of rabbit noted for its easy productive and reproductive management, quality
of derivative products and the beneficial characteristics of meat. However, there are
significant economic losses in the rabbit production, due to the presence of infectious
agents causing a great number of diseases, one of the most important, Coccidioses are
infections caused by obligatory intracellular protozoan parasites belonging to the genus
Eimeria and considered as major causes of significant morbidity and mortality in rabbits.
The eimeriosis has two presentations; hepatic and intestinal infections caused by eleven
species of Eimeria, of which only E. stiedae is causing liver eimeriosis which causes
stunted growth and loss of weight, the other species are causing the eimeriosis in the
intestinal manifestation , causing mortality even with a low level of infestation.
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Resumen
La pobreza es uno de los grandes retos a resolver por el Estado, el 47% de la población
mexicana se encuentra en algún grado de pobreza alimentaria, de capacidades o la
equidad, la SEDESOL (2008) menciona que más del 86% de los pobres están en las zonas
rurales. La cunicultura es una actividad ganadera que ha demostrado ser importante en
las últimas cuatro décadas, se ha consolidado como una alternativa para resolver los
problemas de la alimentación y la pobreza en la sociedad rural y suburbana. La
producción de conejo destaca por su fácil gestión productiva y reproductiva, calidad de
los productos derivados y las características beneficiosas de la carne. Sin embargo, hay
importantes pérdidas económicas en la producción de conejo, debido a la presencia de
agentes infecciosos que causan un gran número de enfermedades, uno de los más
importantes es la coccidiosis, son infecciones causadas por parásitos protozoarios
intracelulares obligatorios que pertenecen al género Eimeria y considerados como
importantes causas de morbilidad y mortalidad en conejos.
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Poverty is one of the great challenges to be solved by the State, the 47 % of the Mexican
population is in some degree of food poverty, capacity or equity, SEDESOL (2008)
mentions that more than 86% of the poor are in rural areas. The rabbit is a livestock
activity has been shown to be important in the last four decades, has established itself as
an alternative to solve problems of food and poverty in rural and suburban society.
Production of rabbit noted for its easy productive and reproductive management, quality
of derivative products and the beneficial characteristics of meat. However, there are
significant economic losses in the rabbit production, due to the presence of infectious
agents causing a great number of diseases, one of the most important, is the diarrhea,
where the Eimeria spp. are the major causative agent . In the rabbit, the eimeriosis has
two presentations; hepatic and intestinal infections caused by eleven species of Eimeria,
of which only E. stiedae is causing liver eimeriosis which causes stunted growth and loss
of weight, the other species are causing the eimeriosis in your intestinal manifestation ,
causing mortality even with a low level of infestation. The identification of each Eimeria
species is characterized by morphological characters and micrometer, however the
implementation of more sensitive diagnostic methods that allow us to timely and accurate
identification of the agent is necessary, therefore, the objective of this studied was to
identify the species of Eimeria spp. present in the stool samples of rabbits with enteric
tables on the south east of the Mexico State.
Coproparasitoscopic study
Sampling was enhanced convenience in rabbits from one to three months old, which had
enteric cases of diarrhea and were not treated with coccidiostats, regardless of race, sex
or type of unit rabbit production in the period May to October 2013, with a total sample
of 72 rabbits. 40 grams of fresh feces were collected, taken under the rabbit cages which
were stored in bags duly identified polyethylene, were transported in a cooler at 4 ° C, for
immediate processing Amphitheatre Bachelor Centro Universitario UAEM Amecameca.
Mc Master technique (INIFAP, 2010) was used to detect qualitatively and quantitatively,
Eimeria spp oocysts present in the sample and the results were expressed in oocysts per
gram of faeces (OPG).
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Molecular identification
The positive samples by coproparasitoscopic, was used for the extraction of total genomic
DNA directly from 200mg of the stool, using the Extraction Nucleic Acid Isolation
Norgen® Stool kit, according to manufacturer's instructions. To perform the PCR, one
fragment of the 400- 600bp from the ITS1 region, was amplified using the primers; ITSF
5'GGGAAGTTGCGTAAATAGA 3 ', ITSR 5'CTGCGTCCTTCATCGAT 3' (Oliveira et
al. 2011). The amplified fragments were purified with the kit Zymoclean Gel DNA
Recovery TM® and sequenced to perform phylogenetic analysis.
From the 72 samples collected, the 8.66% was positive by microscopy for Eimeria spp,
whereby by PCR the percentage increase at 16.6%. The molecular identification of
Eimeria species found in the positive samples, E. stiedai, E. performans, E. magna, E.
coecicola, E. flavescens and E. exigua, the results obtained are of great importance
because the literature reports as E. stiedai and E. magna, like the most pathogenic species
that attacks rabbits. It is noteworthy that the phylogenetic analysis of the sequences show
genetic diversity of Eimeria species obtained in this study, compared by the worldwide
reported.
MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION AND PHYLOGENETIC
ANALYSIS OF Pasteurella spp. IN RABBITS
FROM THE SOUTH EAST OF MEXICO STATE
Abstract
One factor that affects the efficient development of rabbits in Mexico is the high
mortality rate in rabbit farms (SAGARPA, 2012). Pasteurella multocida is responsible
for the most economically important diseases in animals in both developed and
developing countries (Dziva, et al., 2008).
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Resumen
Poverty is one of the great challenges to be met by the State, that 47% of the Mexican
population is in some degree of food poverty, capacity or equity, SEDESOL (2008)
mentions that more than 86% of the poor are located in rural areas. The rabbit is a
livestock activity has been shown to be important in the past four decades, the business
has established itself as an alternative to solve food problems and poverty in rural and
suburban society. The production of rabbit noted for its productive and reproductive easy
handling, quality of derived products, the beneficial characteristics of meat and
integration and acceptance in markets (Garcia et al., 2005). One factor that affects the
efficient development of rabbits in Mexico is the high mortality rate in rabbit farms
(SAGARPA, 2012). Pasteurella multocida is responsible for the most economically
important diseases in animals in both developed and developing countries (Dziva, et al.,
2008). It is the most common pathogen reported in rabbits, lodges in the nasal cavity
causing rhinitis and chronic asymptomatic infections, resulting in a variety of clinical
manifestations including pneumonia, otitis media, conjunctivitis, abscesses, respiratory
tract infections and septicemia (De Long, 2012). As discussed above, the objective of this
study is to perform molecular identification and phylogenetic of Pasteurella multocida
on rabbits that present respiratory symptoms of all ages as well as in apparently healthy
individuals who are in the same units of rabbit production where they are presenting
respiratory symptoms.
Bacterial ID
The sampling was a convenience, in rabbits with respiratory clinical symptoms and
apparently healthy, who is housed in the same facilities and conditions of different units
of rabbit production in the south east of the State of Mexico. A total of 49 samples of
rabbits from Tlalmanalco Amecameca, Atlautla and Ozumba municipalities, were
collected from January to September 2013. Isolates have been recovered from nasal
passages, in live animals, and in the case of dead rabbits, the trachea and lungs was
recovered using sterile swabs.
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Sampling was performed using swabs, these are placed in Stuart transport medium
(Difco-BBL) and maintained under refrigeration until analysis. Each swab is sown in
Petri dishes containing blood agar (Difco-BBL) with 5% whole sheep blood and
incubated at 37 ° C for 24 hours, then the routine bacteriological procedures for isolation
is used, including biochemical tests catalase, oxidase, indole, urease activity, production
of ornithine decarboxylase and carbohydrate fermentation.
Molecular identification
A colony from blood agar cultures (Difco-BBL) with 5% sheep whole blood and
incubated at 37 ° C for 24 hours. It was processed for extraction of DNA using the Wizard
® Genomic DNA Purification Kit PROMEGA. A fragment of 520pb of hyaC-hyaD
(access number AF067175) gene was amplified using the primers RGPMA6 and
RGPMA5 described by and Gautam, et al., 2004. The amplified fragments were purified
from gel and sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. Multiple sequence alignment was
performed using the MEGA 6 software(Tamura et al. 2007).
The presence of Pasteurella multocida in 37% of the isolates were found. Of the 49
samples collected from rabbits of the Tlalmanalco, Ozumba, Amecameca and Atlautla
municipalities, 18 isolates corresponded to Pasteurella multocida. Other bacteria
identified in the sample were Manhemia haemolitica, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus,
Corynebacterium, and Bordetella bronchiseptica .
The program for amplification of Pasteurella multocida has been implemented by the
PCR technique, which seeks to determine from these 18 isolates of P. multocida rabbit,
The amplified fragments were purified from gel and sequenced for phylogenetic analysis
comparing the sequences obtained with the seven reported worldwide, from the United
States, Germany, Czech Republic and Australia, using the 6 MEGA software (Tamura et
al., 2007).
In Figure 1, is shown the phylogenetic tree constructed with the Neighbor Joining method
for the first two isolates sequenced. It can be seen that the strains isolated in this region
belong to capsular type A and are genetically closer to those reported for isolates from
pigs in the United States than those reported in other countries like Germany, Czech
Republic, Australia, however remain in an independent branch of the isolated from other
species. Suggesting the relative specificity of the bacteria host and those variants in the
State of Mexico, but it is necessary to enrich the tree to get a larger number of sequences
P multocida strains isolated in this study, order to confirm whether the bacteria found
maintain diversity to those reported to worldwide level. It is important to highlight the
genetic distance giP7 strain, also isolated from rabbit Czech Republic. Which is of interest
to know to implement prevention strategies has considered strains to be included in the
development of biological for use in cunícolas units in the region under study.
Figure 1. Phylogenetic Three of Pasteurella multocida. GBP1 isolated Pasteurella multocida strain pig
US isolate GBP2 bovine Germany, United States giP3b strain without host reported, gigb4 isolate mouse
without the country reported, without strain giP5 host country or reported, GBP6 avian strain US giP7
rabbits strain isolated in the Czech Republic, giP8 turkey isolate US giP9 without host strain reported
from Australia, P10 strain isolated rabbit Mexico, P11 strain isolated rabbit Mexico.
gigbP4
giP5
giP3
gbP2
gbP6
giP7
giP8
giP9
P10
P11
gbP1
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MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS OF ROTAVIRUS IN RABBITS,
IN THE SOUTH-EAST OF MEXICO STATE
Abstract
In our country, the Mexico State is the major rabbit production entity, has a 45,000 bellies
(does) of inventory and here is produced about 2340 tons. Enteric diseases have an
important role in rabbit production, because they cause severe economic losses due to
mortality, growth depression and worsening of conversion index. Rotaviruses (RV) are
members of the Reoviridae family, are non-enveloped viruses with a segmented double-
stranded RNA (dsRNA) genome, and is considered the main cause of acute viral
gastroenteritis in different animals including rabbits. This agent is also a zoonotic disease.
Among all enteric pathogens in humans, Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe acute
gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide affect 95% of children under 5
years of age and cause 453,000 infant deaths annually. Group A rotavirus, Lapine strain
(infecting rabbits), has been isolated by investigators in Europe, Japan, and the United
States, however there are no studies that identified molecularly Lapine Rotavirus strain
in our country, for this reason, in this study we develop a molecular diagnostic of
Rotavirus through the Reverse Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), which will allow
genotyping of strains that infect rabbits meat producers in the South-East of the State of
Mexico.
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The molecular diagnosis was carried out through the use of the VP6 primers (VP6-F
[sense] 5’ GACGGVGCRACTACATGGT 3’ and VP6-R [antisense] 5’
GTCCAATTCATNCCTGGTGG 3’) reported by Gómara, et al (2002). Viral RNA was
extracted using the GeneJET Viral DNA and RNA Purification kit of Thermo Scientific
according to the manufacturer’s instructions. As a positive control was used the RotaTeq
vaccine. Has been performed the standardization and has been achieved the amplification
of a 379pb region of VP6. The results show the presence of rotavirus in rabbits in the
study region. We provide the first data on rotavirus in rabbits in Mexico. Data collected
may contribute to avoiding economic loss, development of a vaccine and will assist in the
resolution of public health problems.
1*
REYNOSO UE, 1GARCÍA RV, 2MARTINEZ CJ, 3ROMERO NC,
1*LOPEZ-AGUADO AG, 1BAUTISTA GL
Resumen
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El diagnóstico molecular se llevó a cabo mediante el uso de los cebadores VP6 (VP6-F
[sentido] 5 'GACGGVGCRACTACATGGT 3' y VP6-R [antisentido] 5
'GTCCAATTCATNCCTGGTGG 3') reportados por Gómara., et al (2002). El ARN viral
se extrajo utilizando el kit de GeneJET Viral ADN y ARN Purificación de Thermo
Scientific de acuerdo con las instrucciones del fabricante. Como se utilizó un control
positivo la vacuna RotaTeq. Se ha realizado la estandarización y se ha logrado la
amplificación de una región de 379pb VP6. Los resultados muestran la presencia de
rotavirus en conejos en la región de estudio. Proporcionamos los primeros datos sobre el
rotavirus en conejos en México. Los datos recogidos pueden contribuir a evitar la pérdida
económica, el desarrollo de una vacuna y se contribuiría a la resolución de problemas de
salud pública.
Rotaviruses (RV) are members of the Reoviridae family, Sedoreovirinae subfamily, are
non-enveloped viruses with a segmented double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genome, cause
severe diarrheal disease in various species of birds and mammals, including humans.
Among all enteric pathogens in humans, Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe acute
gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide, affect 95% of children under 5
years of age, although the main impact of rotavirus disease occurs in developing
countries, where it causes over 453.000 deaths annually. Different Rotavirus strains infect
particular species, however occasionally happens, for genetic reassortment, interspecies
transmission, evidence of this is exposed in a study (Matthijnssens et al., 2006),
demonstrating transmission Lapine Rotavirus (which affects rabbits) to the human
species, which gives Rotavirus infection, classification of zoonotic disease. Moreover,
enteric diseases have an important role in rabbit production, because they cause severe
economic losses due to mortality, growth depression and worsening of conversion index.
Group A rotavirus, is considered the main cause of acute viral gastroenteritis in different
animals including rabbits.
The Lapine strain (LRV) is considered slightly pathogenic, however it can primarily cause
enteric disease in post-weaning rabbits, in addition it could also be involved in the
etiology of severe enteritis outbreaks in association with bacteria, parasites and other
viruses. Rabbits become infected by the oro-fecal route and the extension and the severity
of the lesions (microvillus degeneration, malabsorption and diarrhoea) are dose
dependent.
The Rotavirus infection is characterised by a high rate of morbidity and not specific
clinical signs such as diarrhea, anorexia, depression, etc. Diarrhoea appears at the
beginning of viral excretion that lasts for 6-8 days, and is generally followed by
constipation. Lesions observed at necropsy are not constant: catarrhal, haemorrhagic or
necrotic entero-tiflitis and caecal impaction. Rabbits patients may die due to dehydration
and secondary infections while those that recover from the infection commonly show a
decrease in productivity due to reduced absorption capacity.
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Viral RNA was extracted using the GeneJET Viral DNA and RNA Purification kit of
Thermo Scientific according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
After obtaining the viral RNA, RT (reverse transcription) was performed using the
ImProm-II Reverse Transcription System, of Promega, whose final solution was 20 μl,
the details are shown in Table 1. The PCR was performed in a final volume of 25 μl, the
conditions and the result of standardization process are shown in Table 2.
Mixture 1 RNA 3 μl
Oligo DT 2 μl
Mixture 2 Improm II 5x 4 μl
Cl Mg 4.6 μl
dNTP´s 2 μl
RNA sin 0.5 μl
RT 1 μl
H2O 2.9 μl
Final volume 20 μl
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Figure 2. Amplified fragments of VP6 of 379pb: A and C; samples from asymptomatic rabbits. B;
sample from rabbit with gastroenteric signs.
By the characteristics of the rabbits from which the samples were taken, the results show that
rabbits can be asymptomatic carriers of Rotavirus, or their presence is determined by the dose
and may be a transient infection with short periods of excretion. The pathogenic role and
importance of rotavirus as primary aetiological agent rabbit enteritis is questioned.
Conclusions
Starting from multiple modifications in the protocols for the molecular identification of
Rotavirus, we have achieved standardize the technique for the amplification of a fragment of
379pb of VP6. Rotavirus has been identified in asymptomatic rabbits and in one rabbit with
gastroenteric signs, this being the first report of the presence of rotavirus in rabbits in Mexico.
Bibliography
Gómara M. I., Wong C., Blome S., Desselberger U., Gray J. 2002. Molecular Characterization
of VP6 Genes of Human Rotavirus Isolates: Correlation of Genogroups with Subgroups and
Evidence of Independent Segregation. J. VIROL., 76, 6596–6601.
Lavazza A., Cerioli M., Martella V., Tittarelli C., Grilli G., Brivio R., Buonavoglia C. 2008.
Rotavirus in diarrheic rabbits: prevalence and characterization of strains in Italian Farms.
Pathology and Hygiene. 993-998.
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DIRECT AND MATERNAL ADDITIVE EFFECTS AND HETEROSIS
IN PROLIFICACY WEANING TRAITS IN RABBITS
ABSTRACT
Evaluation of F1 combinations in an environment with hot climate and nutritional
limitations was required in order to establish an objective genetic improvement program.
Three complete diallel crossbreeding trials were performed between 1968 and 2005
involving 5915 weaning records of four rabbit breeds (California, C; Chinchilla, Ch, New
Zealand, N and Semigiant White, S) to determine direct (as an indicative of higher
paternal breed) and maternal (best maternal breed) additive effects and heterosis in
prolificacy traits at weaning in rabbits: proportion of litters weaned, number weaned and
viability. A generalized linear mixed model (macro for GLIMMIX of SAS) was applied
which considered the fixed effects of genotype (16 classes) and experiment (3 trials) and
the random effect of parity (5 levels). Genetic effect estimations were done applying
linear contrasts between means of the genetic groups after Dickerson (1969) model.
Maternal additive effects were more important (significant in all traits analyzed) than
direct effects and demonstrate the superiority of New Zealand over Chinchilla and
Californian breeds. Direct additive effects were favorable for the Chinchilla breeds.
Heterosis averaged 10.0, 8.8, and 13.0% for the three traits resp. and was significant and
positive in 61% of the analysis. Maximum heterosis (13-17%) was found for the
reciprocal pair of crosses: NS, CCh, ChS and CS. Results support simple crossing as a
rapid and effective way of genetic improvement for suboptimal conditions.
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RESUMEN
Se emplearon 5 915 registros de tres experimentos con cruces dialélicos completos
efectuados entre 1968 y 2005 con cuatro razas de conejos (California, Chinchilla, Nueva
Zelandia, y Semigigante) para determinar los efectos aditivos directos, maternos y la
heterosis individual en rasgos de prolificidad al destete: proporción de camadas
destetadas, número de destetados y viabilidad al destete. Las estimaciones de los efectos
genéticos se realizaron a través de contrastes lineales de acuerdo al modelo de Dickerson.
Los efectos aditivos maternos fueron más importantes que los aditivos directos y
ratificaron la superioridad de los efectos maternos de la Nueva Zelandia y Semigigante,
así como efectos directos favorables a la California y Chinchilla para la prolificidad al
destete. La heterosis de estos rasgos promedió 10, 8.8 y 13%, respectivamente y fue
significativa y favorable en el 61% de los análisis. Las parejas de recíprocos con heterosis
máxima (entre 13 y 17%) fueron: NS, CCH, CHS y CS.
Data. Three complete diallel crossbreeding trials involve 5915 weaning records of four
rabbit breeds: California (C), Chinchilla (Ch), New Zealand (N) and Semigiant White (S).
The first two experiments were developed between july/1968 and november/1970 in the
rabbitry “8 de octubre”, while the third was realized between may/2003 and april/2004 in
the rabbitry “26 de Julio”, both located at San Jose de Las Lajas, Mayabeque province.
The mating design accomplished the assumptions of a complete diallel cross (4*4). The
animals were allocated in open sided buildings following a completely random design.
Male and female breeders were selected from the genetic population and fulfilled the
phenotypic characteristics of each breed.
Statistical analysis. Crossbreeding genetic parameters were determined for the following
litter weaning traits: proportion of litters weaned (0=not weaned litter, 1=weaned, PLW),
number weaned (kids weaned from a litter with at least one born alive, NW) and viability
(No. weaned/no.born*100, VIAB). A generalized linear mixed model (macro for
GLIMMIX of SAS (2007) was applied which considered the fixed effects of genotype
(16 classes) and experiment (3 trials) and the random effect of parity (5 levels). The same
model was used for the three traits, except for the link function in correspondence to the
error ascribed to each one (PWL and VIAB log y NW logit). Dickerson’s (1969) model
was used to estimate the genetic parameters of crossbreeding: direct (gI) and maternal
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(gm) additive effects and the individual heterosis (hI). Linear contrasts between means of
the genetic groups were used to estimate the genetic parameters.
Heterosis. The estimates are presented in the lower part of table 1. The average heterosis
for the three traits are 10, 8.8 and 13% resp. Excluding the ChN and CN crosses, where
the excellence of the pure N breed affected the heterosis estimation, the mean heterosis
for these traits was 14.5, 14.3 and 17.6%. The estimates for heterosis were significant in
a 61% of the cases. The pairs of reciprocal crosses with higher values of heterosis for the
average of the three traits were NS-SN (17%), CCh-ChC (16%), ChS-SCh (15%) and CS-
SC (13%). Is a relevant result that despite the presence of N in the NS-SN crosses they
have obtain the highest heterosis estimates showing a strong non additive gene action in
this combination. These results vary in different cuban papers referring the same breeds
in individual trials (Ponce de Leon 1977 y Garcia et al. 2005). When considering all three
diallel experiments with a different statistical analysis, higher heterosis values and the
appearance of more significant heterosis estimates were obtained.
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Conclusions
The genetic parameters of crossbreeding estimated to ratify the superiority of the maternal
additive effects of the N over Ch and C breeds encountered in the first studies and
additionally, a superior direct additive effect of Ch over the S breed was determined. High
heterosis averaging 13- 17% exhibited for four of the six pairs of reciprocal crosses
support simple crossing as a rapid and effective way of genetic improvement for
suboptimal conditions.
Bibliography
Al-Saef A.M., Khalil M.H., Al-Homidan A.H., Al-Dobaib S.N., Al-Sobayil K.A., García
M.L., Baselga M. 2008. Crossbreeding effects for litter and lactation traits in a Saudi
project to develop new lines of rabbits suitable for hot climates. Livest. Sci., 118, 238–
246.
Dickerson G.E. 1969. Experimental approaches in utilising breed resources. Anim. Breed.
Astract., 37, 191-202
García Y., Ponce de León R., Guzmán G. 2012. Racial and heterosis effects of prolificacy
traits on complete diallelic crossings between four rabbit breeds. Cuban Jour. of Agric.
Sci., 46, 139-144.
Khalil M. H. 1999. Heterosis, maternal and direct genetic effects for litter performance
and postweaning growth in Gabali rabbits and their crosses raised under hot climatic
conditions. J. King Saud Univ. Vol. 11. Agric. Sci., 2,121-136.
Ponce de León R. 1977. Fuentes genéticas de variación y heterosis de los caracteres
maternos en cruces simples, triples y de 4 razas en conejos. La Habana. 328 h. Tesis (en
opción del grado científico de Dr. en Ciencias). ICA. ISCAH.
Ponce de León R. 1988. Investigaciones sobre el mejoramiento genético del conejo. La
Habana. EDICA. 159 p.
Rojas B. A., Sprague G. F. 1952. A comparison of variance components in corn yield
trials III. General and specific combining ability and their interactions with locations and
years. Agron. Jour., 44, 462-466.
SAS. 2007. User’s guide statistics. SAS Institute Inc. Cary, NC, USA.
IDENTIFICATION AND CULTURE OF Eimeria spp
FROM RABBITS WITH GASTROENTERIC SIGNS IN
SOUTH-EAST OF MEXICO STATE
Abstract
The rabbit production is a livestock industry in recent years has become more important
in our country, mainly due to the ease of handling of the species and the relatively short
time for recovery of investments, which has led to a large number of small and medium
rural producers are dabbling in the exploitation of this species. The Mexico State is the
first entity of rabbit production in our country, for this reason the identification of
pathogens that affect this activity becomes a priority. The Eimeriosis is a parasitic disease
caused by protozoa of the genus Eimeria, depending on the species of this parasite can be
located in the intestine and liver of their hosts. Among the species most pathogenic
intestinal location include, in order of predominance, E. perforans, E. magna, E.
intestinalis, E. media, E. piriformis, E. irresidua, E. flavescens, E. exigua and E.
neoleporis, while the pathogenic specie of liver location is E. stiedae; which can be
associated or not to intestinal forms depending pathogenicity infective dose and age of
the host. The eimeriosis is one of the most important parasitic disease in farm rabbits,
may be able to cause significant economic losses and gener.
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The aim of this study is to identify the presence of Eimeria spp in rabbits that present
enteric signs in the south east of the Mexico State, for this, it´s necessary implement in
vitro culture to achieve isolate the species present in the region of this way will can study
the pathogenicity of each variant found and the molecular characterization of the same.
Resumen
La producción de conejos es una industria ganadera que en los últimos años se ha vuelto
más importante en nuestro país, debido principalmente a la facilidad de manejo de la
especie y el tiempo relativamente corto para la recuperación de la inversión, lo que ha
llevado a que un gran número de productores rurales pequeños y medianos estén
incursionando en la explotación de esta especie. El Estado de México es la primera
entidad de producción de conejos en nuestro país, por esta razón, la identificación de los
agentes patógenos que afectan a esta actividad se convierte en una prioridad. La
eimeriosis es una enfermedad parasitaria causada por protozoos del género Eimeria,
dependiendo de las especies de este parásito se puede situar en el intestino y el hígado de
sus anfitriones. Entre las especies de localización intestinal más patógena incluyen, en
orden de predominio, E. perforante, E. magna, E. intestinalis, E. media, E. piriforme, E.
irresidua, E. flavescens, E. exigua y E. neoleporis, mientras que la especie patógena de
ubicación hígado es E. stiedae; que puede estar asociada o no a las formas intestinales
dependiendo de la dosis infecciosa, patogenicidad y la edad del huésped. La eimeriosis
es una de las enfermedades parasitarias más importantes en conejos de granja, puede ser
capaz de causar importantes pérdidas económicas y generar un retraso del crecimiento,
empeoramiento de las tasas de transformación e incluso aumento de la mortalidad.
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implementar el cultivo in vitro para lograr aislar las especies presentes en la región del
este manera se puede estudiar la patogenicidad de cada variante encontrada y la
caracterización molecular de la misma.
Abstract
The astroviruses form a family of small RNA viruses that measure from of 28 to 30 nm,
infect a variety of mammalian and avian hosts. First identified in human stool samples in
1975, these viruses were named after their star-shaped appearance in some electron
micrographs. Are known as causing agents of severe gastroenteritis in mammals and
fowls. In rabbits cause signology as enteritis, enterocolitis, lethargy, inflammation and
diarrhea followed by the death of the animal, also related to a heavy intestinal coccidial,
Eimeria spp specifically of also mucoid enteropathy with cecal impaction. Again the
ambient may alter the physiology, favoring the presence of this virus getting the
production reduced and have an important economics loss. This virus is considered
zoonotic, however the ecological interrelation between human astrovirus and other
viruses of other species has not been well defined. The rabbit production is a nationwide
activity boost, but in the Mexico State, there aren’t reports of the presence of this virus,
or any economic losses caused, the objective of the present study is implement the RT-
PCR technique for the diagnostic of astroviruses in rabbits, the Viral RNA will extract by
using the GeneJET viral DNA and RNA Purification Kit of Thermo Scientific according
to the manufacturer’s instructions. The samples from collection are use for an initial
screening with a broadly reactive primer pair, targeted to the ORF1b region of AstV
(Lavazza, et al. 2009).
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The initial screening was performed in a farm of rabbits that present animals with
signology as enteritis, enterocolitis, lethargy, inflammation and diarrhea. The results of
this study were positive for astrovirus in rabbits in the Southeast of Mexico State, these
findings will used for perform the phylogeny, thereby will be able to developed programs
of prevention and include it in the diagnosis, reduce the loss of animals from this
pathology and significantly reduce economic losses.
Resumen
Los astrovirus forman una familia de virus de ARN pequeños que miden a partir de 28 a
30 nm, infectan una variedad de huéspedes de mamíferos y aves. Identificado por primera
vez en muestras de heces humanas en 1975, estos virus fueron nombrados después de su
aparición en algunas micrografías electrónicas en forma de estrella. Son conocidos como
agentes de gastroenteritis severa que afectan a los mamíferos y aves. En conejos causa
signología como enteritis, enterocolitis, letargo, la inflamación y diarrea seguida de la
muerte del animal, también relacionado con una elevada coccidiosis intestinal, Eimeria
spp específicamente de enteropatía mucoide también con impactación cecal. De nuevo,
el ambiente puede alterar la fisiología, favoreciendo la presencia de este virus conseguir
la reducción de la producción y ocasiona una importante pérdida en la economía. Este
virus es considerado zoonótico, sin embargo, la interrelación ecológica entre astrovirus
humanos y otros virus de otras especies no ha sido bien definida. La producción de
conejos es una actividad reforzada a nivel nacional, pero en el Estado de México, no hay
informes de la presencia de este virus, o de cualquier pérdida económica causada por él,
el objetivo del presente estudio es aplicar la técnica de RT-PCR para el diagnóstico de
astrovirus en conejos, el ARN viral mediante el uso de extraer el ADN y el ARN viral
GeneJET Kit de Purificación de Thermo Scientific de acuerdo con las instrucciones del
fabricante. Las muestras de la colección son el uso de una selección inicial con un par de
cebadores ampliamente reactivo, dirigido a la región ORF1b de ASTV (Lavazza, et al.
2009).
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La selección inicial se llevó a cabo en una granja de conejos que presentaban animales
con signología como enteritis, enterocolitis, letargo, la inflamación y diarrea. Los
resultados de este estudio fueron positivos para astrovirus en conejos en el sureste del
Estado de México, estos resultados serán utilizados para realizar la filogenia, por lo tanto
será útil para desarrollar programas de prevención y diagnóstico, reducir la pérdida de
animales por esta patología y reducir significativamente las pérdidas económicas.
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THE SMALL-SCALE RABBIT PRODUCTION MODEL:
A GUIDE TO
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
LUKEFAHR S D
Abstract
One of the challenges in developing successful meat rabbit projects for people living in
poverty (representing about half of the human population) is the reality that many factors
must be considered. Across countries and cultures, some factors are very critical (e.g.,
suitable breeds, feedstuffs, housing, marketing, and training methods); however, in others
the choices or decisions may be very different. The implication is that there are very few,
if any, general recommendations that are appropriate for all situations. The impetus for
developing the Small-Scale Rabbit Production Model (SSRPM) was to serve primarily as
a tool for project managers to address key issues, especially when planning and
implementing projects. In brief, for the sake of simplicity the model is divided into three
dimensions: internal, intermediate, and external aspects, which relate to farmers, project
managers, and the environment, respectively. At the internal level, farmers make
decisions with regards to appropriate choice of breed-types, feedstuffs for diets, materials
for housing, etc. In contrast, at the intermediate level, managers (i.e., usually representing
a development organization) embrace the project components of feasibility, design,
implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, all of which guide or direct the project. This
includes the clear establishment of a project goal with specific objectives. The external
level of the environment encompasses ecological, market, social aspects. In other words,
to be successful the rabbit project must benefit the environment, increase farmer’s
income, and be supported at every stage by the local community.
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Of course, much flexibility should exist when applying the SSRPM. However, there are
certain basic essentials such as farmers receiving training by a competent expert (ideally
on demonstration farms), frequent on-farm visits following training, rabbit production
being sustained on small farms with minimal off-farm inputs, regular family consumption
of rabbit meat, maintenance of records, and active markets for surplus rabbits. Another
key aspect is the training and development of local farmer leaders who will ultimately
continue the project after phase-out, and that the project has a multiplication effect by
spreading to other communities in time.
LUKEFAHR S D
Resumen
Uno de los retos en el desarrollo de proyectos exitosos de producción de conejo para carne
para las personas que viven en la pobreza (que representan alrededor de la mitad de la
población humana) es la realidad de que muchos factores deben ser considerados. En
todos los países y culturas, algunos factores son (por ejemplo, razas adecuadas, los
piensos, los métodos de la vivienda, de marketing y de formación) muy críticos; sin
embargo, en otros las decisiones o elecciones pueden ser muy diferentes. La implicación
es que hay muy pocos, si los hubiere, las recomendaciones generales que son apropiados
para todas las situaciones. El impulso para el desarrollo de la pequeña escala Conejo
Producción Modelo (SSRPM) era servir principalmente como una herramienta para
administradores de proyectos para abordar cuestiones clave, sobre todo en la planificación
y ejecución de proyectos. En resumen, en aras de la simplicidad del modelo se divide en
tres dimensiones: aspectos internos, intermedios y externos, que se refieren a los
agricultores, gestores de proyectos, y el medio ambiente, respectivamente. A nivel
interno, los agricultores toman decisiones con respecto a la elección apropiada del tipo de
raza, alimentos para dietas, materiales para vivienda, etc. Por el contrario, en el nivel
intermedio, los directivos (es decir, por lo general representan a una organización de
desarrollo) abrazar los componentes del proyecto de viabilidad, diseño, implementación,
monitoreo y evaluación, todos los cuales guían o dirigen el proyecto. Esto incluye el claro
establecimiento de un objetivo del proyecto con objetivos específicos. El nivel externo
del medio ambiente abarca, mercado, aspectos sociales ecológicos. En otras palabras,
para tener éxito el proyecto de conejo debe beneficiar al medio ambiente, aumentar los
ingresos de los agricultores, y contar con el apoyo en todas las etapas de la comunidad
local. Por supuesto, debería existir gran flexibilidad al aplicar el SSRPM.
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Sin embargo, hay ciertos productos de primera necesidad, como los agricultores que
recibieron capacitación por un experto competente (idealmente en las granjas de
demostración), frecuentes visitas en las fincas siguientes, formación, producción de
conejos que se sustenta en las pequeñas explotaciones con un mínimo de insumos no
agrícolas, el consumo regular de la carne de conejo por la familia, el mantenimiento de
registros, y los mercados de activos para conejos excedentes. Otro aspecto clave es la
formación y el desarrollo de los líderes locales de agricultores que en última instancia
puedan continuar el proyecto después de la eliminación, y que el proyecto tenga un efecto
multiplicador mediante la difusión a otras comunidades en el tiempo.
For rabbit scientists who are engaged in development projects with the aim of alleviating
poverty, it is a challenge to know how to best approach each new project because every
project has a unique set of conditions. However, a set of guidelines for making critical
decisions at either the planning or implementation stage of project development has both
been recommended and adopted, which is known as the Small-Scale Rabbit Production
Model (SSRPM). This model was proposed by Lukefahr (2004) at the 8th World Rabbit
Congress which was held in Puebla, Mexico. In Section 1 of the second edition of the
book by Lukefahr (2010), Developing Sustainable Rabbit Projects, a detailed description
of the SSRPM is provided for the reader.
One recent paper by Oseni and Lukefahr (2014) extolled the appropriateness of this model
for projects in Sub-Saharan Africa, which is the poorest region of the world. Likewise,
certain aspects of the SSRPM have been applied in the form of project monitoring and
refresher training of farmers in Haiti, which is the poorest country of the Western
Hemisphere (Lukefahr et al., 2012). In addition, SSRPM aspects involving community
participation and farmer training were adopted in Indonesia where an ambitious and
highly successful rabbit programme has been developed for rural families at the level of
small- and medium-scale production (Raharjo, 2010). The purpose for this paper is to
provide an overview of the SSRPM.
As a brief overview, the SSRPM is divided into three dimensions: internal, intermediate,
and external, which are a set of aspects that relate to farmers, project managers, and the
environment, respectively. In the book, Developing Sustainable Rabbit Projects, by
Lukefahr (2010), figures and tables that relate detailed information to the internal,
intermediate, and external dimensions of the SSRPM are available.
At the internal level, farmers make decisions with regards to appropriate choice of breed-
types, feedstuffs for diets, materials for housing, etc. In contrast, at the intermediate level,
managers (i.e., usually representing a development organization) embrace the project
components of feasibility, design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, all of
which guide or direct the project. This includes the clear establishment of a project goal
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with specific objectives. The external level of the environment encompasses ecological,
market, social aspects. In other words, to be successful the rabbit project must benefit the
environment, increase farmer’s income, and be supported at every stage by the local
community.
The internal dimension lies at the core of the SSRPM. The more lug nuts that are used to
secure the wheel best ensure that the farmer’s enterprise moves forward to achieve more
progress. This level relates directly to the farmer involving decisions that are important
to the farmer to realize both a sustainable and successful operation. More specifically, the
decisions revolve around the availability and use of local resources that include breeding
stock, feedstuffs, materials for hutches and other equipment, remedies to prevent and treat
diseases, etc. Ideally, these resources should be available locally and at low cost. This
important aspect cannot be overemphasized. In my first programme experience in
Cameroon (1983-85), this low-cost feature was realized which made rabbit production
not only a low-risk, investment enterprise but a very profitable one for experienced
farmers (Lukefahr and Goldman, 1985).
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Between the internal and external levels of the SSRPM exists the role of programme
management or the project manager (i.e., usually representing a private or governmental
development organization) who guides the farmer’s project and connects (like a tire with
solid spokes) the activities of farmers within the context of ecological, social, and market
environments. Specifically, one set of farmer’s decisions concerns those that involve the
environment, hopefully benefiting rather than harming her. Through training,
programmed staff will teach farmers about appropriate practices that enhance
sustainability of local resources. Also, programme staff will closely involve the
community (e.g., mostly through regular meetings) to ensure that the project is fully
accepted. Of course, the programme must also take measures to open and(or) expand
markets for rabbits, well before farmers have rabbits to sell. More details are provided in
the next section.
Any potential project must be initiated with the full support of the community. Ideally,
the community held meetings where it was discussed and later decided that a rabbit
project was the best solution to improve the quality of their lives (Bunch, 1982). With the
community’s blessings, the development organisation should then conduct a feasibility
study to determine that the project is indeed justified. Many developmental organisations
like Heifer International have developed feasibility or standard proposal forms which are
available upon request (http://heifer.org). Herein, many relevant factors, such as suitable
feedstuffs, sustainable practices, technical support, role of women, and potential markets
are considered. One important consideration is that the project directly involves women.
In the state of Querétaro, Mexico, Gomez (2008) reported on a women’s rabbit project
that, following training, provided packages of 5 does/1 buck and 15 cages. In this novel
project, women were the heads of households. Rabbit meat was regularly served to their
families and income was increased. If the report reveals that no major constraints exist,
then starting a rabbit project is justified.
Next, the project is designed on paper, referred to as the project blue-print. A written plan
for many major activities is drafted, for example, training, stock distribution, production,
marketing, and farmer leader development as well as a budget and an activity timetable.
This detailed plan should be flexible so that necessary changes can later be made. Once
the project is designed on paper and later approved for funding through a grant, it can be
implemented. Typically, the first activity is for the community to decide which farmers
should first be trained. Many books and website resources are available that provide
useful information on appropriate limited resource, farmer-focused training methods
(Finzi, 2000; Djago et al., 2007; Lukefahr, 2010).
Following training, farmers establish a unit for their rabbit enterprise. Once approved,
stock is provided and later production ensues. Here the next phase is critical which is
project monitoring. Close and regular supervision of farmers is no doubt paramount to
project success. Needless to say, well experienced staff should be involved in this activity.
(If extension agents are involved they should first be properly trained and have actual
rabbit raising experience.) Early problems must be quickly identified and solved before
they become major problems that could lead to project failure. Also, farmers should keep
good records so that later the nutritional and economic impact can be accurately
determined by the development organization in their evaluation report.
Upon formal termination of the project when funding ends, programme staff should
perform a project evaluation report. This report makes a critical determination as to
whether or not the project goal was realized; for example, for 100 families to consume
rabbit meat on a weekly basis and increase their income by 50% by the end of two years.
In addition, what lessons were learned in terms of what worked well and what did not
work well so that future projects can be designed to achieve even greater impact. In some
lesser developed countries, research and development centres have been established by
governments where staff perform the role of training farmers, providing breeding stock
and technical support, etc. (Oseni and Lukefahr, 2014); however, the historic record of
such centres in general is that were initially successful but were short-lived. Typically,
governments later close the centres due to a budget crisis.
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The external dimension is analogous to the rubber tire of a wheel. This is where the
“rubber meets the road” in terms of project support. In brief, the project must be
supported by natural and renewable resources in the environment. It must also be
supported by the community so that it will later expand and benefit more families. And
the project must monetarily reward farmers for their efforts through strong markets. If
this external level bears any weaknesses (like a thin tread of a tire), the project will likely
eventually fail. Again, the initial feasibility study should have also closely examined the
quality or merit of these external factors.
In more detail, the environment is a major consideration for farmers to maintain low feed
costs. Of course, this potential is much higher in a lush tropical vs. an arid desert
environment. It is fortuitous that most developing countries exist in the (sub)tropical
regions of the world. In addition, functional integration is a key approach to the recycling
of nutrients among various agricultural enterprises on the farm in a conscientious effort
to protect the environment. A key point is that subsistence farmers should not be
dependent on expensive commercial feeds.
Eventually after the formal project is terminated, a project leader (i.e., a successful rabbit
farmer) who was groomed by programme staff should emerge who will further multiply
the project as it is introduced to more farmers both within and beyond the community
(Lukefahr, 2010).
In terms of economic support, farmers will not be interested in a rabbit project if there is
no economic incentive. Examples of economic support are as follows. First, it is
paramount that the programme takes necessary steps to expand markets by creating strong
market demand. In some countries, even governments have sensitised the general
populace on the health attributes and profit-potential of rabbit meat production as reported
by Oseni and Lukefahr (2014). In Haiti, tremendous efforts have been taken to both create
awareness and increase demand for rabbit breeding stock and meat which has been
successful (Lukefahr et al., 2012). The use of surveys has also been widely used in
Mexico (for example, Olivares et al., 2004; Rivera et al., 2004). An obvious point is that
it is desirable that markets be gradually expanded to keep pace with the increasing supply.
Likewise, it is not desirable if the market becomes flooded with rabbits that exceed market
demand. A last point is that the price of rabbit meat should be competitive with other
meats such as broiler chickens and ducks to attract new consumers.
Conclusions
The impetus for developing the Small-Scale Rabbit Production Model (SSRPM) was to
serve primarily as a tool or guide for project managers to address key issues, especially
when planning and implementing projects. Of course, much flexibility should exist when
applying the SSRPM because every project represents a unique local situation.
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References
Bunch R. 1982. Two Ears of Corn. World Neighbors Publishers, Oklahoma City, OK,
U.S.A.
Djago Y.A., Kpodekon M., Lebas F. 2007. Le Guide pratique de ĺéleveur de lapins en
Afrique de ĺOuest (Practical manual for rabbit breeding in West Africa). (2nd Edition).
Available at: http://www.cuniculture.info/Docs/Elevage/Tropic-01.htm. Accessed: July
24, 2014.
Finzi A. 2000. Integrated Backyard Systems. FAO Publications Division. Available at:
http://www.fao.org/ag/AGAinfo/themes/documents/ibys. Accessed: July 24, 2014.
Gomez G.G. 2008. Meat production of rabbit: an alternative for the semidesert
Queretano and people in extreme poverty. In: Proc. 9th World Rabbit Congress, Verona,
Italy, 1539-1543.
Lukefahr S.D. 2004. Sustainable and alternative systems of rabbit production. In: Proc.
8th World Rabbit Congress, Puebla, Mexico, 1452-1464.
Lukefahr S.D. 2007. Strategies for the development of small- and medium-scale rabbit
farming in South-East Asia. Livestock Research for Rural Development. Volume 19, Article
#138. http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd19/9/luke19138.htm. Accessed: July 8, 2014.
Lukefahr S.D. 2010. Developing Sustainable Rabbit Projects. (2nd Edition). Heifer
International Publishers, Little Rock, AR, U.S.A.
Olivares R., Soriano R., López M., Rivera J., Losada H. 2004. Consumption patterns of
rabbit meat in the metropolitan area of Mexico City. In: Proc. 8th World Rabbit Congress.
Puebla, Mexico, 1152-1156.
Oseni S.O., Lukefahr, SD. 2014. Rabbit production in low-input systems in Africa:
situation, knowledge and perspectives – a review. Wld. Rabbit Sci. 22:147-160.
Raharjo Y.C. 2010. Micro and small scale rabbit farming based on farmers cooperation
as a mean to build rural enterprise. In: Proc. Intern. Seminar-Workshop on the
Utilization of Native Animals in Building Rural Enterprises in Warm Climates Zones,
Nueva Ecija, Philippines, 19-33.
Rivera J., López M., Losada H., Soriano R., L. Arias, Cortés J. 2004. Backyard rabbit
production as a sustainable system in the urban and peri-urban area of Xochimilco
region. In: Proc. 8th World Rabbit Congress. Puebla, Mexico, 1488-1494.
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ORGANIZATION AND STRATEGIES OF BRAZILIAN RABBIT
PRODUCTION - A SEARCH FOR SOLUTIONS
Abstract
Brazil is an emerging country with great potential for rabbit production. However, the
history of this activity has been marked by ups and downs. The Brazilian rabbit population
has decreased over the last few years despite the considerable increase of pet rabbits. It is
not possible estimate the exact amount of meat produced, because most of it happens in
informal conditions. We know that the demand for meat is greater than the supply. Pet
rabbit production has grown in recent years and attracted the interest of new breeders.
There is a great market to be explored considering items and services for pet rabbits.
There are a lot of institutions that research and teach rabbit science. It has been noted that
several renowned researchers are retiring and new researchers are needed. There are over
40 factories of rabbit feed, but few present quality and good prices. There are many
problems that affect Brazilian rabbit breeders, with emphasis to the lack of specific public
policies to support this activity, the work of breeders without organization, the need to
improve the available genetic material, the lack of slaughterhouses and lack of meat
processing plants, the lack of specialists in rabbit production, the lack of good quality
materials and equipment, the lack of public information about the nutritional quality of
rabbit meat and the high price of meat to the final consumer. In addition, Brazilian law is
extremely strict for slaughterhouse installation.
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Actions have been implemented by the Brazilian Rabbit Science Association (ACBC)
such as: the creation of discussion groups in the internet aimed at the improvement of the
dialogue, the publication of a new webpage to disseminate technical information and
activities, the organization and distribution of a CD with publications, the development
of teaching materials such as feed formulation manual and supplements for rabbits, a
publication with applied rabbit production and technical notes, events such as rabbit
production mini courses, rabbit breeder day, national seminars of science and technology
in rabbit science, the creation of a national magazine. Information and support for rabbit
breeders and people interested in the matter, encouragement for the formation of
cooperatives and associations of breeders and the institution of an award for professional
notoriety. Besides these actions the implementation of courses for initial and ongoing
training in rabbit production and the divulgation of this activity, highlighting its benefits
to society and the development of an explanatory videos on the Internet have been
planned. In the last two years, an increase in demand of meat production has been noted.
The organization of the industry should be prioritized so that dialogue can occur and the
management of buying and selling can happen through a proper channel.
Key words: rabbit production, organizational problems, public politics, Brazilian Rabbit
Science Association (ACBC
ORGANIZACIÓN Y ESTRATEGIAS DE LA CUNICULTURA
BRASILEÑA LA BÚSQUEDA DE SOLUCIONES
Resumen
Brasil es un país emergente con un gran potencial para la actividad de cunicultura. Sin
embargo, la historia de esta actividad siempre ha estado marcada por altibajos. La
población brasileña de conejos ha venido disminuyendo en los últimos años, aunque nota
que la cantidad de conejos mascotas está aumentando considerablemente. No es posible
hacerse la estimativa de la cantidad de la carne producida, ya que la mayoría se hace en
condiciones de informalidad. Se sabe que la demanda de carne es mayor que la oferta. La
creación de mascotas ha crecido significativamente en los últimos años y despertado el
interés de los nuevos creadores. Hay un gran mercado para ser explorado con respecto a
los accesorios y servicios para las mascotas. Hay una gran cantidad de instituciones que
hacen investigación y docencia en cunicultura aunque se dio cuenta de que varios
investigadores de renombre se están jubilando, sin renovación adecuada. Aunque haga
más de 40 fabricantes de piensos para conejos, pocos son de buena calidad, siendo
comercializados a precios elevados. Muchos son los problemas que afectan a los criadores
brasileños, con énfasis para la falta de políticas públicas específicas para fomentar la
actividad, el trabajo de los criadores en forma aislada sin organización, la necesidad de
mejorar el material genético disponible, la falta de mataderos y la falta de procesamiento
de carne, la falta de expertos en cunicultura, la falta de equipos de buena calidad, la falta
de información a la población en relación con las cualidades nutricionales de la carne y
el elevado precio de la carne para el consumidor final. Además, la legislación brasileña
es muy rigorosa para el montaje de nuevos mataderos.
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Brazil is a developing country that has excellent conditions for rabbit production.
However, this activity went and still goes through numerous difficulties related to
production technology, and organizational deficiency in the production chain and lack of
specific policies for the sector, which raises the costs of production. The proper
structuring of the production chain, as well as the promotion of dialogue among actors is
very important to the activity so it can be performed safely and profitably.
This work presents information about the rabbit industry in Brazil, structure, strengths,
limitations and challenges for the Brazilian rabbit production. It can be an attractive
activity that generates a quantity of goods and services to the society. Also presents some
actions implemented by national scientific association in order to improve the dialogue
between those involved in rabbit production, thus seeking to contribute to the
improvement of the structure of this activity.
Today, Brazil is an emerging country and presents favorable conditions for the
development of rabbit production. Its area of 8 514 million km2, with a population that
exceeds 200 million, with most of the territory of cultivable areas, presenting
predominantly tropical climate although presents other types of weather throughout the
vast territory.
Nowadays Brazil is considered the world's seventh economy. Some Brazilian
indexes can be seen in Table 01 and reflects the views of an emerging country.
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Brazil is a country that is emerging to be the largest agricultural exporter in the world.
Projections made by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA, 2013)
for the years the 2012/13 - 2022/23, refer to a situation where Brazil will be the largest
producer and exporter of meat in the world by 2023. According to Roppa (2008), the most
consumed meat is poultry (43.0 kg/inhabitants year), followed by beef (42.2
kg/inhabitants year) and pork (14.8 kg/inhabitants year). When compared to the
consumption of such meat, consumption of rabbit is insignificant. Data from FAOSTAT
(2014) shows that the production of rabbit meat in Brazil is 1 635 ton/year, which would
result in an estimated consumption of 0.008 kg/ inhabitants year. It is known that most
animals are slaughtered without inspection and these records are not computed in the
official data. Anyhow, one can imagine the large expansion capacity of rabbit production
in Brazil.
A brief history of Brazilian rabbit production - past and present
The history of rabbit production in Brazil has ups and downs, resembling the story of this
activity in some neighboring countries, such as Uruguay (Denes, 2006). In the 60s and
70s, there were investments for the production of angora mohair, as well as for breeding
young rabbits for the production of vaccines against FMD. As new technologies for the
production of synthetic materials have been developed, as well as new ways to produce
vaccine for the prevention of FMD were created, rabbit breeders had to adapt the use of
animals for meat production and aggregate other products. By the final years of the '80s,
rabbit breeding for meat production, was very encouraged by some state governments,
such as the Our Rabbit Program in the Paraná State, aiming among others, the
strengthening of family farming. For several reasons, including the lack of infrastructure
and public policy and support of the sector, the system has been disrupted (Ferreira and
Machado, 2007; Ferreira et al, 2010).
Looking at the estimates of rabbit population in the past few decades, we can see a gradual
reduction over the years (IBGE, 2006; FAOSTAT, 2014). In 1992 there was a population
of 593 000 animals, reduced to 350 000 in 2002 and 205 000 in 2012. It is necessary to
consider that a portion of the population does not enter in the count, as emphasized by
Machado (2012). Anyway, we can verify that in recent years the rabbit population has
been slowly recovering its growth in some regions of Brazil. There was a slight increase
in counted population between the years 2010 and 2011, although the population has
decreased in 2012, mainly due to problems occurring in state of São Paulo. As
remembered by Moura (2010) recent health problems related to outbreaks of bird flu and
swine flu, may have contributed to the rise in demand for rabbit meat. During the years
2013 and 2014, all major slaughterhouses of Southeast Brazil demonstrated interest in the
purchase of animals for slaughter, suggesting that progressively, the rabbit production
will recover.
It must also be emphasized that the Pet Rabbit Production, which provides pets with high
value added, have been growing in recent years. This activity represents a significant
portion of the rabbit production in the present market and is also an activity of extreme
importance for the generation of income for small breeders.
Current Brazilian market of rabbit production
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In Brazil, data of the rabbit population and rabbit meat produced are scarce, unsafe,
slightly outdated, and lead to numerous questions. The agricultural sense 2006 (IBGE,
2006) outlined a total population of 295 584 animals, over 17 615 farms with an average
of 17 animals per establishment. One must remember that most of these establishments
is not commercial. Analyzing the groups of economic activity, it appears that most of the
farmers also work with "Livestock and breeding of other animals" and "production of
temporary crops". Indeed, one realizes that there are few stores that deal exclusively with
rabbits and that the vast majority of rabbit breeders work with this activity secondarily.
The data also show that most animals are in small properties, with dimentions up to 10
hectares. In 2006, it was verified that most of the animals were located in the southern
region. Currently, even without official data, it is observed that the proportion of rabbits
in the southeastern region increased considerably, mainly from the expansion of the rabbit
production in the state of São Paulo. Most of the rabbit breeders are small producers (20
to 100 does) and work mainly for the production of meat or pet rabbits, although fur
production, manure, animals for research, craftwork take place these products have little
evaluations.
It should be noted that many livestock supervision agencies, which make the actual count
of the animals do not do so in appropriate manners and in many cities where there are
rabbits, there are no records of these animals. In addition, several pet rabbits are not
considered. Therefore, we believe that the rabbit population reported in the 2006 census,
and the population estimated by the FAOSTAT system, are underestimated, as mentioned
by Moura (2010) and Machado (2012).
350000
300000
250000
200000
150000
100000
50000
0
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Considering rabbit meat, the actual total production in Brazil in unknown. Some more
experienced breeders reported a production 20-25 tons per month, this being, perhaps, the
amount produced and inspected in the state of São Paulo. It must be remembered that the
rabbit is created in other parts of Brazil and the largest amount of animals is slaughtered
without supervision and sold regionally by rabbit breeders. Data from FAOSTAT (2014)
system point to production of 1 635 tons for the year 2012 and that, as also commented
by Moura (2010), Brazil is among the seven Latin American countries that produce more
than 1 000 tons/year of rabbit meat. Although there had growth in the production of rabbit
meat in global and Latin America levels, in recent years the Brazilian production of rabbit
meat are decreasing (Moura, 2010).
The productive sector of rabbits in Brazil is, in general, poorly organized. There are some
local initiatives, which include breeders, slaughterhouses, feed factories, distribution, etc
(Machado, 2012).
Today there are few associations and cooperatives, consisting of less than ten structured
groups in activity. It should be noted that the organization of rabbit breeders in little
groups is the key for the success for entrepreneurs (Machado, 2013). The rabbit breeder
is the weakest link in the production chain, so he is the one who gets the smallest share
of the profits. It must be considered that the breeders work alone and hardly seek help
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Most Brazilian rabbit breeders raise animals for slaughter. The slaughterhouse prefers
animals weighing from 2.3 to 3.0 kg providing carcasses ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 kg. Most
of the meat is sold in as whole rabbit. Furthermore there is no sale of special cuts,
processed meat and products such as sausages, ham, meatballs, hamburgers etc., which
would be very important to increase the demand.
Most meat rabbit breeders are located in central and south of Brazil, but close to other
urban centers in other regions of the country there are rabbit breeders also. São Paulo state
has the most slaughterhouses, and there resides the only one qualified for export. In this
state, especially in the years 2010, 2011 and 2012, the rabbit production was greatly
stimulated, through various campaigns, mainly through television. Currently, a group of
rabbit breeders in the region of Brasilia verified with the Federal Government, the
possibility of inclusion of rabbit meat in school lunches.
The breed most used for slaughter in Brazil is the White New Zealand, other breeds of
medium size, as the Californian, Chinchilla, and mixed breeds are used also. Only one
lineage has been developed in Brazil, Botucatu, with high potential for meat production
and maternal ability. There was no introduction of new genetic material in recent years,
as has happened in Uruguay, reported by Denes (2006).
In the production of animals for slaughter, the profit margin is very low, mainly due to
high production costs involved in the activity and the risk is very high because the rabbit
breeders are dependent of factors such as acceptance by the slaughterhouses,
transportation, feed, among others. The price paid per kilogram of live animal costs
around R$ 5.10 (U$ 2.30), often being unfeasible considering the transportation and feed
costs, among other factors. The current price of July/2014 released by the largest Brazilian
slaughterhouse is R$ 5.60 (U$ 2.53), being this the highest price ever recorded.
Many rabbit breeders slaughter the animals and sell on their own, being this situation
inconsistent with Brazilian law, which is extremely strict and bureaucratic in relation to
meat commercialization. Moreover, it is not a common practice amongst Brazilian
breeders the signing of contracts between those involved. In this sense, at all times,
caution has been the key word for the new business in rabbit production.
The production of rabbits with an integrated system, model similar to the one used in the
poultry industry, has been done in southern Brazil a few years ago, as shown by Militão
(2011). In this model the breeder invests in the construction of rabbitry, purchases
equipment and the integrator provides technical assistance and other inputs, ensuring the
commercialization of the product. Although interesting, the system was unsuccessful.
Regarding the demand for animals for slaughter, the slaughterhouses have been
increasing it, and there is also demand from the international market. It is verified that
although there are a few breeders in Brazil, the quantity demanded is much higher than
quantity produced.
In addition to producing animals for slaughter, most rabbit breeders take a byproduct for
activity, even in an informal way (handmade), although the degree of utilization is less
than ideal. Some breeders sell the skin in natura or processed, although most rabbit
breeders eliminates this material because of lack of conditions and minimum volume to
store and deliver. Except for a few exceptions, there are practically no farms that work
with skin production, using specific breeds. There are still interested people that buy the
raw skin at an average price of R$ 2.00 (U$ 0.90). When this skin is processed it reaches
greater value, being sold at a higher price. One should note that there is great demand for
Brazilian skins in the international market. It is not possible to export yet, mainly for
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Other breeders have diversified the benefits from the activity. The most traditional way
has been the sale of breeding animals that are normally sold at a minimum price of R$
100.00 (U$ 45.00). The market for the sale of fur is highly restricted, existing in the state
of Rio Grande do Sul, where very few breeders who do so. Rabbit manure is a by-product
highly valued mainly by the gardeners and florists. Many rabbit breeders sell this material,
being one important source of supplementary income. From the slaughter of animals,
few breeders and slaughterhouses holds the information about the sale of other products
such as bowels, blood, eyes, brain etc. The laboratories pay well for animals intended for
studies and thus some breeders have achieved good profits offering animals for this
purpose. This activity is performed with high bureaucracy by companies that buy, because
the Brazilian law is very strict. Thus, favoring middlemen that go through all this
documentation. There is an urge regarding the adoption of a certification of quality and
food safety in the rabbit production and there are no governmental policies.
Although there are reports of problems with myxomatosis in 2008 in the state of Rio de
Janeiro (Bruno et al., 2008), there are no vaccines for rabbits in the market. There are no
other serious problems compared to what happened in Uruguay, which had serious
problems with viral haemorrhagic disease (Denes, 2006).
There are prospects for growth in the production of rabbit meat, considering the aging of
population, the greater concern with high quality products, being yet a sustainably correct
activity (Ferreira and Machado, 2007; Ferreira et al,. 2010). One should also consider that
several studies have pointed to Brazil as the future global food supplier , which will
contribute to growth in all activities of animal production. However, the Brazilian market
is in need of coordination to make the sales and marketing to facilitate contact between
breeders and slaughterhouses, and perform sales and logistic.
The production of pet animals is of great importance for the Brazilian rabbit production.
One cannot disregard that a rabbit owner is also a consumer of inputs with ample
purchasing power, although it is uncertain that the same would constitute a consumer of
meat rabbit. In Brazil there is ample space for growth of the two lines (slaughter and pet),
without any competition between them or inhibition by consumers.
Data from the Brazilian Association of Products for Pet Industry revealed that in 2012,
Brazil was the 4th largest country in the world in number of pets, with 2.17 million of
“other animals”, including rabbits, reptiles and small mammals and excluding the
aquarium fish. Still in 2012, the sector of pets moved about R$ 14.2 billion (U$ 6.62
billion) being the second largest market, together with Japan, accounting for about 8.0%
of global turnover. Attention is drawn to the fact that it has been requested to the
competent organ, that from 2016, the rabbit count may be carried out in separate way.
In recent years, particularly since the popularization of the internet, the pet rabbit
production increased very significantly (Ferreira et al., 2010). In modern times, families
are increasingly reduced, the number of people living alone is rising and the number of
pets is growing. The pet rabbit have high added value, mainly arising from dwarf breeds.
The sale price is varied and is common an animal be marketed on the average for about
R$ 80.00 (U$ 36.30) to R$ 150.00 (U$ 67.87). The most used breeds for this purpose in
Brazil are Mini Lyon Head, Mini Fuzzy Lop, Netherland Dwarf, Mini Rex, Mini Dutch,
White Hotot, Hermelin, Polish among others on a smaller scale. Many breeders entered
recently the market, stimulated by the high sale value of these animals, getting good
profits from a relatively small number of animals. Besides the animals, many sell
accessories such as cage, clothes, toys, feed and packaged hay, this being essential for
raising the profit and success of the activity.
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The sale and marketing of pet rabbits is mainly done through the internet, through
particular sites, sales sites or social networks. Marketing is also done through outdoor
fairs and pet shops. Creativity is essential to the pet breeder and location close to urban
centers is prereferable. It is also important that there is a commercial airport nearby to the
breeder so that the animals may be transported by air.
To estimate the potential of this market in Brazil nowadays, when entering the key words
"Mini Rabbit", in a traditional search site 7 750 000 results appeared. Also on specific
sites for selling the amount of animals supplied is too large. When you consult the
Facebook with the words "Mini Rabbit" the amount of profiles and groups is immense
and the count is not possible. Of the 35 breeders indexed on the ACBC website, 26 are
selling breeds of pet rabbits.
However, there is a big market for specific items and services to be explored for the pet
rabbits. There are few shops, services or products specific to these animals. There are no
cages with appropriate size for housing or with items of environmental enrichment. There
is no specific feed technically formulated for this situation. Attention is drawn to the fact
that in 2013, there was the creation of a small business for rabbit grooming, located in
Salvador, state of Bahia.
It was also found that there are other websites that sell specific items, such as clothing,
accessories and treats. Recently a website for buying and selling animals (Figure 01) was
developed, and this idea initiated by traditional rabbit breeders from São Paulo.
Brazil is a country with many higher education institutions and maintains several of these
courses in agricultural and livestock sciences offered at public and private universities,
colleges and federal institutes. Over the last thirty years, the research groups of the
Federal Universities of Ceará (UFC), Lavras (UFLA), Minas Gerais (UFMG), the Rural
of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ) and Santa Catarina (UFSC) and State Universities of Maringa
(UEM) and Paulista (UNESP / Botucatu Campi and Jaboticabal) have gained prominence
furthermore there are so many other good researchers in at least thirty institutions. It
appears today that the specific subjects of rabbit science are invariably offered as electives
and the teachers also work with others species in the research and teaching. The ACBC
has assisted in the distribution of bibliographic and support materials open to consultation
by the academic community.
As discussed by Machado (2012) in recent years there was a reduction in the percentage
of courses in Animal Science that maintains a structured rabbitry. In 2001, 63.4% of the
courses had this sector and in 2011, only 42.0% of the courses held. It should be
emphasized that the main reason for that was the amazing growth in the number of
graduation courses in Animal Science in Brazil and usually less traditional livestock
sectors, such as rabbit sector, are not prioritized in the early years of recently created
courses.
A worrying situation in research in rabbit science is expected for the coming years. Some
recognized researchers are retiring without preparing a new generation of researchers,
which may result in a significant impact on research as well as the number of papers
published in rabbit science.
f) Feed manufacturers
There are over 40 companies that produce feed for rabbits in Brazil. Do not know exactly
the total volume of ration produced annually, but from personal information obtained, the
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quantity produced is much higher than the necessary to feed the rabbit population
estimated by the national census. The rabbit ration is also used for other small herbivores.
Although much has been produced scientific knowledge about nutrition of rabbits in
Brazil, most of this information "has not come to the feeder of animals", i.e., many
manufacturers still fail in producing correct formulation of commercial rations for rabbits.
Some manufacturers report that the volume demanded in the market is very low which
discourages interest in investing in the quality of this product.
Most rations are sold at high prices. Many do not consider the inclusion of a fibrous source
of good quality. In the market basically three types of ration are found: for little
productions, usually with low quality and sold in pet stores and supermarkets, two
industrial types one for growth and another for reproduction, which are of better quality,
obtained from a commercial dealer. There is still a growing segment that is the ration for
pet rabbits, of high added value, being sold at high prices without any apparent
justification.
Brazilian law is absent with regard to the requirement of adequate nutrient levels in diets
and declaration of minimum and maximum levels of nutrients. To exemplify this
situation, it is required that the ration labeling displays the highest level of fibrous matter,
while for rabbits should be necessary to show the minimum level associated with energy
concentration.
Few are the rabbit breeders that negotiate larger amounts of ration directly from the
manufacturer or its representatives, or even produce their own rations; these situations
could reduce prices and provide greater feasibility of the system.
In Brazil, there have always been many problems for rabbit production. Most are related
to the lack of structure and organization of the sector, aggravated by the lack of dialogue
between the actors of the production chain. Duarte (2011) points out that if the
consumption of meat in Brazil is insignificant due to the low quantity, on the other hand
production is low due to the little consumption which becomes a vicious cycle. The author
also notes that the breeder is the weakest actor and burdened in the supply chain, because
is dependent of the production inputs besides being a simple supplier of feedstock for
industry. Thus, the breeder is subjected to a very high risk. There is not an institution that
to deal with commercialization and marketing which would stimulate contact between
producers and slaughterhouses, plus the ability to make sales and coordinate deliveries.
Although there is lack of a specific policy for the rabbit production in Brazil, there are of
many options of loans for small investments. The Federal Government provides funds to
start the activity at very low rates, provided that all documentation has been fulfilled.
However, due to the high risk of the activity, most rabbit breeders feels insecure to access
these resources.
But then, how could these problems be minimized? As appointed by Ferreira and
Machado (2007) and Ferreira et al. (2010), the following critical issues stand out,
especially considering the breeders than work with the production of animals for
slaughter: lack of specific public policies to encourage the activity; the rabbit breeders
have been working in isolation without organization; need for improvement of genetic
material available; lack of slaughterhouses and meat processing; lack of specialists in
rabbit science; lack of materials and equipment of good quality, especially cages;
prejudice and lack of knowledge of the population in relation to the nutritional quality of
rabbit meat; lack of investment and studies referred to the promotion of animal health and
at last the meat high price to the final consumer. It should be emphasized that the rabbit
meat in Brazil is still an elitist commodity, which has a high cost to sell, and most often
sold as exotic meat. A kilo of rabbit meat arrives cost about R$ 35.00 (U$ 15.83) in some
supermarket chains. If sold at a more affordable price, the quantity of sales could be much
larger. Another point to be noted is that the chicken meat competes directly with rabbit
meat and is much cheaper. It is common a kilo of chicken meat being sold at prices below
to R$ 5.00 (U$ 2.26).
In a research presented at conducted a rabbit forum held in 2012 and unpublished, with
12 involved people from several Brazilian states, it was confirmed the observations made
by Ferreira and Machado (2007), and five main problems were pointed out: the lack of
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It should be emphasized that the activity of rabbit production presents high risk. In the
state of São Paulo, in recent years there has been a large drop in the production level after
several failed investments. Some rabbit breeders reported that they had to reduce the
number of animals, which contributed to the reduction of the production. Associated with
this, feed price has risen too, being common prices of R$ 1.50 (U$ 0.68) per kg.
One cannot forget the high rigor and bureaucracy of Brazilian law for the construction of
a legalized slaughterhouse, which greatly contributes to the increase informal slaughter
of animals. To get an idea of the problem, there are practically no legalized rabbit meat
in southern Brazil, a region that is identified with highest number of rabbits according to
IBGE (2006). In addition, the new legislation on animal welfare has collaborated with
new barriers to be dealt by rabbit breeders whom provide animals to laboratories.
Thus, it is clear the scale of the problems of Brazilian rabbit production. It will not be
easy to resolve the majority of them in the short term. It is necessary for the sector to be
organized in order to gradually minimize these problems. Collective interests should be
prioritized over individual interests. An agent to coordinate sales and marketing is also
crucial.
The ACBC has focused on the promotion and dissemination of rabbit production. It plays
today an outstanding role in establishing dialogue between all sectors of the industry. It
was formed in 1996 by teachers and researchers of rabbit science, currently being an
affiliation of the World Rabbit Science Association, global entity that seeks to put
together those interested in the art and science of rabbit science.
Figure 2. Historic photo of the ACBC meeting held in 1996, carried by Dra. Marilia Padilha
Although currently it counts with few associates, among teachers, researchers, students
and rabbit breeders, the ACBC are seeking and enabling a greater understanding of rabbit
agribusiness in Brazil, having an important role in the sector dialogue, discussion of
problems, as well as providing information about the rabbit science. Apart from scientific
meetings, it has promoted important events, supports and provides free technical support
for rabbit breeders in online discussion forums, keeps an important site
(www.acbc.org.br) with various information available to all interested parties, distributes
a free compilation of many publications and publishes semiannually the Brazilian Journal
of Rabbit Science (RBC).
During the last years, the ACBC sought to encourage the dialogue between the various
production agents, as well as assist the rabbit breeders as best as possible. The association
encouraged the organization of new associations and cooperatives. Furthermore the
ACBC has been sought after by several people in various companies, institutions or
interested in the activity. Questions originated from foreign, ministry of agriculture and
livestock, recreation magazine, newspapers, Foreign Ministry, rabbit breeders in general,
sites and others with interest in the activity, were received. Thus, it is believed that the
ACBC currently plays important role as a consultative body, emphasizing also the role of
interlocutor, promoting improvements in the understanding and dialogue, assisting in the
resolution of problems relating to the rabbit production. The Following are the main
actions taken by the ACBC since 2010.
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In 2010 a list of emails contacts from some teachers dedicated to rabbit science or took
in scientific works was created. From there, the following months, the list increased with
several emails obtained from schools. The movement gained strength whit the entry of
the rabbit breeders, intensifying discussions on various issues and problems. Currently
this list contains over 300 names, between rabbit breeders, students, teachers, researchers,
staff and others interested in the activity.
The ACBC had a website when its office was located in the city of Maringá. However,
the update was difficult and the site was very limited, considering that it was linked to the
general site of the State University of Maringá.
In 2011, the new management of ACBC started a website with specific domain (.org),
which favored the updating and dissemination of information. Today the site
www.acbc.org.br accumulates approximately 300 000 page views, getting about 400 of
these per day and is the first site to be located by google from the key word "rabbit
production". The site features news, technical notes, information about the sector,
information about the association, publications, materials for download, interesting links,
being extremely important for information dissemination in rabbit science.
Among the news, rabbit breeders' creativity is always highlighted, and also reported
intentions to purchase, research results, curious facts, as well as various information about
rabbit production.
Through the website the ACBC has also given support to slaughterhouses to disseminate
purchase intentions and opportunities.
In 2010 the direction of the ACBC began an activity of compilation of technical papers
and others academics works for free distribution, the upgrade held every two years. This
material was combined on a CD, which is sent free to interested people. During this time
they were scanned and retrieved many old and valuable materials. Over 300 units of this
material had been distributed for the whole country.
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Whereas almost no standardization of rabbits rations in Brazil and that most diets do not
meet the nutritional requirements of the specie, the ACBC drafted in 2011, a guidebook
of feed formulation and supplements to these animals, providing information about the
requirements, nutritional value of ingredients, inclusion levels as well as practical
strategies for preparation of rations and supplements. A second edition of this material,
revised and enlarged, was published in 2014.
- Technical Notes
Technical notes try to meet the gaps and problems that are observed in the daily farms.
Are prepared by professionals and placed on the ACBC website. Examples of how to
elaborate techniques notes and already available: "Transport of rabbits to the
slaughterhouse", "PET rabbits, mini or dwarf", "Cost management" and "Mortality of
young rabbits", the latter being drawn from the collaboration of 12 people among
teachers, students and breeders, seeking to understand and propose solutions to the
problem of high mortality of young rabbits.
e) Holding events
As noted by Machado (2013), the events in rabbit science are extremely important to
promote dialogue between the various involved, as well as to present and discuss new
proposals and technologies for the sector. There should be events where all segments can
participate. Some events held in Brazil in recent years are presented next:
The short courses are essential for dissemination of activity and professional training.
They are held in different cities and states in most cases independently. In recent years
were performed short courses in Uberaba (MG), Viçosa (MG), Lavras (MG), Cuiabá
(MT), Foz do Iguaçu (PR), Botucatu (SP), Areias (PB) etc. It is necessary to increase the
number of short courses as well be offered to the less traditional areas.
The rabbit breeder day was an event held in 2011 in the city of Esteio-RS, during the
EXPOINTER, the largest livestock fair in Latin America. On this occasion, we tried to
resume the performance of specific events in rabbit science, which are essential to
promote improvements in the dialogue between everyone involved in the rabbit
production, as well as presenting new technologies. There were about 70 people between
breeders, students, professionals and professors. It was noticed that the event was very
important for mobilization of the sector as well as served as a stimulus for rabbit breeders
continue in the activity beyond the elevation of self-esteem.
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largest multi event of Brazilian Animal Science, held in Foz do Iguaçu-PR. Currently the
ACBC are studying the best way to hold this event, together with a multi event or not.
In August 2010, about 12 people, mainly breeders attended the first meeting. After
several discussions of different matters the main goal of the meeting, which was the
formation of the national confederation was not achieved. In 2011, on the occasion of the
rabbit breeder day, a new meeting took place the issue was discussed and a new business
proposed.
Figure 6. First meeting of the rabbit productive sector, held in 2010 in Esteio-RS
- Fairs organized by breeders
The ACBC supports the divulgation of fairs organized by rabbit breeders on their own as
well as events organized by associations and cooperatives. These fairs are key to
marketing of animals and for the dissemination of the activity.
The creation of a scientific journal was an aspiration of the association. From the ACBC
meeting held in 2011, on the occasion of the rabbit breeder day, we chose to implement
a magazine to publish general issues about the market in rabbits, in addition to scientific
articles and literature review. This decision was extremely important to the growth of the
magazine. Thus, in 2012, the first edition of the Brazilian magazine of rabbit science
(RBC) was published and is available on line on the address www.rbc.acbc.org.br.
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During these years, the RBC was approached by various interested people, especially
professors, researchers, students and rabbit breeders. A total of 11 scientific papers, six
articles of literature review, one article of extension, two opinion articles and four patterns
racial (New Zealand, Castor Rex, Chinchilla and California), and other miscellaneous
information about the sector has been published in five editions.
g) Service for rabbit breeders and interested people from around the country
In addition to organizing the academy, the ACBC tries to promote the rabbit science
through dialogue and guidance to producers and interested. The attending to these people
has been held by phone or e-mail and has been performed widely. This advice is very
important for the promotion of rabbit production in a cautious manner and with greater
security.
The ACBC has spurred the organization of rabbit breeders through associations and
cooperatives, as it believes that one of the outputs for successful activity is the union of
breeders, as also highlighted by Machado (2013). A group will be much stronger and
more stable, forward market fluctuations when compared to a breeders in isolation.
In January 2014, met rabbit breeders, representatives from academic and livestock
support, for the creation of Brazilian Association of rabbit breeders. This association will
play a key role in organizing of the Brazilian rabbit breeders, it also helps to improve
dialogue between those involved in the activity.
Currently, the elected council has faced many bureaucratic problems to the registration,
which has contributed to discourage and delay to the start of the activities. The name of
this association is being changed to "Rabbit breeders association of pet and slaughter”
(ACPEC).
Figure 9. First meeting for the formation of the new rabbit breeders association
To recognize people who have dedicated much of their life to the promotion of rabbit
science, in 2012 a recognition of dedication award was established. For the name of the
award, the name of Dr. Laura de Sanctis was chosen; she was an extensionist who served
in rabbit production in the 80s and 90s, being a person intensely dedicated to the
development of this activity. The award has already taken place in the years 2012 and
2013.
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At the end of 2013 and early 2014, it was realized that the main slaughterhouses of the
Brazilian southeast increased demand for live animals for slaughter. A related news was
reported in the media and linked to the ACBC website (Figure 09). The four main
slaughterhouses in southeastern expressed interest in the purchase of live animals for
slaughter. Some of them are paying R$ 6.00 (U$ 2.71) per kilogram of live animal. In the
Federal District, some breeders reported that are getting R$ 8.00 (U$ 3.62) per kilo, being
this the highest value ever reported.
The organization of rabbit breeders in small cooperatives is very important to meet the
demands of these slaughterhouses.
Figure 10. News reports that the great demand for live rabbits for slaughter in the
ACBC web site
9) Upcoming challenges
There are many challenges for the rabbit production to become an organized activity,
generating large amounts of goods and services. New ideas to be developed by the ACBC
for future implementation are:
Final considerations
Brazil presents great conditions to support the growth of rabbit production. However, the
difficulties encountered by rabbit breeders are still persistent, highlighting mainly the
strictness of the Brazilian legislation. There is need for an entity to organize the purchase,
sale and delivery of animals nationwide.
Identified problems should be solved by improving the dialogue between all actors
involved in the production chain, and the union of the breeders should be prioritized. In
addition, the breeders should increase their production, diversifying and commercializing
more than live or slaughtered animals, the others products and sub products of the activity
must become real alternatives.
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References
BRUNO S.F., SANCHEZ C.M.S., MATIAS A.S.A. 2008 Mixomatose: uma doença
emergente no Estado do Rio de Janeiro e suas implicações na cunicultura nacional.
Revista do Conselho Federal de Medicina Veterinária. v. 45, p. 68-71, 2008.
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Introducción
Brasil es un país en desarrollo que cuenta con excelentes condiciones para la cría de
conejos. Sin embargo, esta actividad ha pasado y pasa hoy por numerosas dificultades
relacionadas con la tecnología de producción, la deficiencia de la organización en la
cadena productiva y la falta de políticas específicas para el sector, que aumenta el costo
de producción. La estructuración adecuada de la cadena de producción, así como la
promoción del diálogo entre los actores son fundamentales para que la actividad sea
realizada de forma más segura y rentable.
Brasil es un país que está emergiendo como el mayor exportador de alimentos del mundo.
Las proyecciones realizadas por el Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y
Abastecimiento (MAPA, 2013) para los años 2012/13 a 2022/23, se refieren a una
situación en la que Brasil será el mayor productor y exportador de carne del mundo en el
año 2023. Como ha sido reportado por Roppa (2008), la carne más consumida es el pollo
(43,0 kg / hab.año), seguido de la carne de vacuno (42,2 kg / hab.año) y cerdos (14,8 kg
/ hab. años). Cuando se compara con el consumo de dichas carnes, el consumo de carne
de conejo es insignificante. Datos de FAOSTAT (2014) muestran que la cantidad de carne
de conejo producida en Brasil es de 1.635 ton / año, lo que daría un consumo estimado
de 0.008 kg/hab.año. Se sabe que la mayoría de los animales son faenados sin inspección
y esos registros no alcanzan la unidad de control. De toda manera, se puede imaginar, la
gran capacidad de expansión de la cunicultura brasileña.
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Mirándose las estimaciones de población de conejos las últimas décadas, se observa una
reducción gradual en los últimos años (IBGE, 2006; FAOSTAT, 2014). En 1992 tenía
una población de 593 000 animales, reducidos a 350.000 en 2002 y 205.000 en 2012. Se
debe tener en cuenta que gran parte de la población no se entra en la encuesta, como
subrayó Machado (2012). Todavía, se advierte que en los últimos años, la cunicultura ha
recuperado lentamente su crecimiento en algunas regiones de Brasil. Hubo un ligero
incremento de la población entre los años 2010 y 2011, aunque la población ha
disminuido en 2012, debido principalmente a los problemas que han ocurrido en São
Paulo. Como recordado por Moura (2010) recientes problemas de salud relacionados con
la gripe aviar y la fiebre porcina, pueden haber contribuido al aumento de la demanda de
carne de conejos. Durante los años 2013 y 2014, todos los principales mataderos del
sudeste brasileño demostraron interés en la compra de animales para la faena, lo que
sugiere que progresivamente, el sector se recuperará.
Cabe también destacar que el uso de conejos para mascotismo, que prevé la producción
de animales de alto valor agregado, creció en los últimos años. Esta rama de la actividad
del sector representa una parte significativa de la producción de conejos en el mercado
actual y es también una actividad de suma importancia para la generación de ingresos
para los pequeños agricultores.
En Brasil, los datos sobre la población y cantidad de carne de conejo son escasos,
inseguros, poco actualizados, y proporcionan numerosas dudas. El censo agrícola de 2006
(IBGE, 2006) describió una población total de 295 584 animales, más de 17.615
propietarios con un promedio de 17 animales por establecimiento. Hay que recordar que
la mayoría de estos establecimientos no es comercial. Analizando los grupos de actividad
económica, parece que la mayoría de los criadores también trabaja con "Ganadería y cría
de otros animales" y "producción de cultivos temporales". De hecho, se admite que hay
pocos criadores que se ocupan exclusivamente con conejos, y que la gran mayoría de ellos
trabajan de forma secundaria con esta actividad. Los datos también muestran que en la
mayoría de las propiedades, su dimensión es de pequeña escala, hasta 10 hectáreas. En
2006, se dio cuenta de que la mayoría de los animales se encontraban en la región sur. En
la actualidad, aún sin datos oficiales, se observa que la proporción de conejos en la región
sureste aumentó considerablemente, principalmente debido a la expansión de la
cunicultura en el estado de São Paulo. La mayoría de las granjas de conejos es pequeño
(20 a 100 hembras) y trabajan principalmente para la producción de carne o de mascotas,
aunque hay de forma secundaria la producción de pieles, estiércol, animales para la
investigación, la artesanía etc., siendo eses coproductos poco explotados.
Llama la atención sobre el hecho de que muchas agencias oficiales de inspección, que
hacen las encuestas de los animales, no la realizan de la forma adecuada y en muchas
ciudades donde hay conejos, no hay registro de estos animales. Además, varios conejos
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350000
300000
250000
200000
150000
100000
50000
0
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
El sector productivo de cunicultura en Brasil es, en general, mal organizado. Hay algunas
iniciativas locales, que incluyen productores, mataderos, fábricas de piensos, distribución,
aprovechamiento de los coproductos etc. (Machado, 2012).
La mayoría de los productores de conejos brasileños cría los animales para la faena. Los
mataderos tienen preferencia para la adquisición de animales con peso vivo entre 2,3-3,0
kg, que proporcionan carcasas entre 1,2 y 1,6 quilos. La mayor parte de la carne se vende
en forma de conejo entero. Prácticamente no hay cortes para la venta, procesamiento de
carne y venta de material procesado como salchichas, jamón, salsa de carne,
hamburguesas etc., lo que sería muy importante para facilitar las ventas.
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provincia de São Paulo, donde se encuentra el matadero con mayor potencial para la faena
de conejos y es el único autorizado para la exportación de carne. En esta provincia, sobre
todo en los años 2010, 2011 y 2012, se estimuló la cría de conejos en gran medida, a
través de diversas campañas, principalmente en la televisión. En la actualidad, un grupo
de criadores de conejo en la región de Brasilia ha verificado con el Gobierno Federal, la
posibilidad de inclusión de la carne de conejos en las comidas escolares.
La raza más utilizada para la producción de carne en Brasil es la Nueva Zelanda Blanca.
Hay también un buen efectivo de animales de otras razas de tamaño mediano, como la
Californiana y Chinchilla además de animales mestizos. Sólo una raza comercial fue
desarrollada en Brasil, la Botucatú, con un alto potencial para la producción de carne y
habilidad materna. No hubo introducción de nuevo material genético en los últimos años,
como ocurrió en Uruguay, según lo informado por Denes (2006).
Muchos criadores de conejo faenan a los animales y se venden por su cuenta. Esta
situación es incompatible con la legislación brasileña, que es extremadamente estricta y
burocrática en lo que respecta a la comercialización de la carne.
Por otra parte, no es una práctica común en la cunicultura brasileña la celebración de
contratos entre los involucrados. En este sentido, en todo momento, la precaución ha sido
la palabra clave para los nuevos emprendimientos en cunicultura.
La producción de conejos con un sistema integrado similar al utilizado en la producción
de pollos, se realizó en el sur de Brasil hace unos años, como declarado por Militão
(2011). En este modelo, el productor invierte en la construcción de galpones, compra de
equipo y el integrador proporciona asistencia técnica y otros insumos, lo que garantiza la
comercialización del producto. Aunque interesante, el sistema no tuvo éxito.
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Desde la faena de los animales, pocos criadores y mataderos tienen la información sobre
la venta de otros productos, como los despojos, sangre, ojos, cerebro etc. Laboratorios
pagan bien por los animales destinados a los estudios y por lo tanto los criadores han
conseguido buenos beneficios en la venta de animales para este propósito. Esta actividad
se realiza con la alta burocracia de las empresas que compran, debido a la legislación
brasileña ser muy estricta. Por lo tanto, hay favorecimiento de los intermediarios que
trabajan muy bien toda la documentación.
Aunque hay informes de problemas con la mixomatosis que se han producido en 2008,
en la provincia de Río de Janeiro (Bruno et al., 2008), no existe vacunas para conejo en
el mercado. No hay otros problemas graves en comparación con aquellos que ocurrieran
en Uruguay, donde tuvo serios problemas con la enfermedad hemorrágica viral (Denes,
2006).
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Con el fin de estimar el potencial de este mercado en Brasil en la actualidad, al entrar las
palabras claves "Mini conejo", en un buscador tradicional de internet, son localizados
7.750.000 resultados. También en sitios específicos de venta, la cantidad de animales
suministrados es demasiado grande. Al consultar el Facebook con las palabras "Mini
conejo" la cantidad de perfiles y grupos es inmenso, no siendo posible el recuento. De las
35 propiedades listadas en el sitio web de la ACBC, 26 trabajan con razas de conejos
mascotas.
Sin embargo, hay un gran mercado de artículos específicos y servicios para conejos
mascotas a ser explotado. Hay muy pocas tiendas, servicios o productos específicos para
estos animales. No hay jaulas para la vivienda con el tamaño adecuado y enriquecimiento
ambiental o piensos específicos, técnicamente formulados para estos animales. Se llama
la atención sobre el hecho de que, en 2013, se ha llevado a cabo la creación de una tienda
de estética de conejos, con sede en la ciudad de Salvador - Bahia.
Hay otros sitios que venden artículos específicos, tales como ropa, accesorios y otros.
También se ha establecido recientemente un sitio de compra y venta de animales (Figura
01), siendo esta idea iniciada por dos tradicionales criadores de conejo de la provincia de
São Paulo.
Figura 01 - Sitio Brasileño Específico para la compra y venta de macotas,
creado por dos criadores tradicionales de conejo
Brasil es un país con muchas instituciones de educación superior y mantiene varios cursos
en el área de ciencias agrícolas y ganadería que son ofrecidos en las universidades
públicas y privadas e institutos federales. Durante los últimos treinta años, se destacaron
los grupos de investigación de las Universidades Federal de Ceará (UFC), Lavras
(UFLA), Minas Gerais (UFMG), Rural de Río de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Santa Catarina
(UFSC) y Viçosa (UFV) y Universidades Provinciales de Maringá (UEM) y Paulista
(UNESP/ campus Botucatu y campus Jaboticabal), además de que hay muchos otros
buenos investigadores en al menos treinta instituciones de enseñanza, investigación y
extensión. Se verifica que hoy por hoy las disciplinas específicas de cunicultura son
ofrecidas siempre como optativas y los profesores encargados también realizan
actividades de investigación y de enseñanza con la producción de otras especies. La
ACBC ha colaborado en la distribución de los materiales bibliográficos y de apoyo para
consulta abierta a la comunidad académica.
Como se discutió por Machado (2012), en los últimos años se ha verificado una reducción
en el porcentaje de cursos de Zootecnia que mantienen un sector estructurado de cría de
conejos. En 2001, el 63,4% de los cursos tuvo este sector estructurado y en 2011, sólo el
42,0% de los cursos lo tenían. Debe hacerse hincapié en que la principal razón de eso es
el increíble crecimiento en el número de cursos de graduación en Zootecnia en Brasil y
por lo general, los sectores menos tradicionales de la ganadería, como la cunicultura, no
son una prioridad en los primeros años de las nuevas carreras creadas.
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Pocos son los criadores de conejo que han negociado cantidades más grandes o
directamente del fabricante o sus representantes. Pocos son los que han producido sus
propios piensos, situaciones donde se podría reducir los precios y ofrecer una mayor
viabilidad del sistema.
En Brasil, los problemas de la cunicultura siempre han sido y siguen siendo muchos. La
mayoría están relacionadas con la falta de estructura y organización del sector, agravados
por la falta de diálogo. Duarte (2011) señala que si por un lado el consumo de carne en
Brasil es insignificante debido a la baja producción, por otro lado la producción es baja
debido al bajo consumo, lo que se convierte en un círculo vicioso. El autor también señala
que el cunicultor es lo más débil de la cadena, ya que por un lado es dependiente de los
insumos de producción y el otro se convierte en mero proveedor de materias primas para
la industria. Así siendo, el productor se somete a un riesgo muy alto. No hay una
institución que haga la comercialización y el marketing lo que facilitaría el contacto entre
productores y mataderos, además de la posibilidad de realizar ventas y coordinar entregas.
Aunque no haya una política específica para la cunicultura en Brasil, hay muchos
préstamos y oportunidades de crédito para pequeñas inversiones. El Gobierno Federal
provee fondos para el inicio de actividades con interés muy bajos, a condición de que toda
la documentación se cumple. Sin embargo, debido al alto riesgo de la actividad
productiva, la mayoría de los interesados se sienten inseguros para acceder a estos
recursos.
Pero entonces, ¿cómo se pueden minimizar estos problemas? Como señala Ferreira y
Machado (2007) y Ferreira et al. (2010), hay que destacar las siguientes cuestiones
fundamentales, teniendo en cuenta especialmente los criadores de conejo que trabajan
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para producir animales para la faena: la falta de políticas públicas específicas para
fomentar la actividad; trabajo de la mayoría de los cunicultores en forma aislada y sin
organización; la necesidad de la mejora del material genético disponible; falta de
mataderos y la falta de procesamiento de carne; la falta de especialistas en cunicultura; la
falta de materiales y equipos de buena calidad, especialmente jaulas; la superstición y el
desconocimiento de la población en relación con la calidad nutricional de la carne de
conejo; la falta de inversión y estudios que se refiere a la promoción de la salud de los
animales; carne de alto precio para el consumidor final. Debe hacerse foco en que la carne
de conejo en Brasil sigue siendo un producto elitista, que tiene un alto costo para la venta,
y más a menudo se vende como carne exótica. Un quilo de carne de conejo llega costar
alrededor de R$ 35,00 (U$15,83) en las principales cadenas de supermercados. Si se
vende a un precio más asequible, la cantidad de carne comercializada podría ser mucho
más larga. Otro punto a destacar es que la carne de pollo compite directamente con la
carne de conejo, la primera de las cuales se muestra el valor de venta muy bajo. Es muy
común que un quilo de carne de pollo sea vendido a un precio inferior a R$ 5,00 (U$
2,26).
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Figura 02 - Foto histórica de la reunión ocurrida en 1996, presidida por la Profa. Dra. Marilia Padilha
Durante los últimos años, la ACBC trató de fomentar el diálogo entre los diferentes
actores de la cadena de producción, así como ayudar a los criadores de conejo como sea
posible. La asociación animó a la organización de nuevas asociaciones y cooperativas.
Además la ACBC ha sido buscada por varias personas en diversas empresas, instituciones
o interesados en la actividad. Preguntas fueran originadas del extranjero, del ministerio
de la agricultura y ganadería, de revistas y periódicos diversos, del Ministerio de
Relaciones Exteriores, de página de internet, de los criadores de conejo en general y de
otros interesados en la actividad. Por lo tanto, se cree que la ACBC actualmente tiene un
importante papel como órgano consultivo. También hay que destacar el papel de
interlocución, habiendo la promoción de un mejor diálogo, ayudando en la resolución de
problemas relacionados con la cunicutura. Las siguientes medidas han sido adoptadas por
la ACBC a partir de 2010:
Un grupo más especializado fue creado en google groups siendo llamado de cunicultura
brasileña. Este grupo cuenta con cerca de 100 personas, en su mayoría productores que
trabajan con animales para la faena o mascotas.
Desde su creación, hemos discutido varios temas de interés para los criadores de conejo,
como el uso de nidos con calefacción, la mixomatosis en conejos - la prevención, la sarna
en conejos - la prevención y el tratamiento, venta de animales, montaje y legislación en
mataderos, la legislación y registros de nuevas empresas, líneas de crédito y el apoyo
gubernamental para los pequeños empresarios, la calidad de las raciones, la mortalidad
de los gazapos etc.
Se dio cuenta de que el grupo es muy importante para ayudar a los criadores de conejo,
para la resolución de dudas y problemas, aunque en los últimos años ha habido una
reducción gradual de la participación. Notamos también que después de 4 años, estas
estrategias han sido la clave para mejorar el diálogo entre el sector de cunicultura, ya que
la mayoría de los criadores de conejo ya saben dónde buscar la nueva información. El
foro es también esencial para los principiantes en cunicultura.
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La ACBC tenía una página en internet cuando su sede estaba ubicada en la ciudad de
Maringá. Sin embargo, la actualización era difícil y la página era muy limitada, teniendo
en cuenta que estaba vinculada con el sitio general de la Universidad Estadual de Maringá.
En 2011, la nueva junta directiva de la ACBC comenzó una página con dominio
específico (.org), lo que favoreció la actualización y difusión de la información. Hoy en
día el sitio www.acbc.org.br acumula alrededor de 300.000 visualizaciones, obteniendo
alrededor de 400 al día y es el primer sitio que se encuentra por google a partir de la
palabra clave "cunicultura". La página cuenta con noticias, notas técnicas, informaciones
diversas sobre el sector, publicaciones, materiales descargables, enlaces de interés, siendo
de gran importancia para la difusión de información en la cunicultura.
Entre las noticias, la creatividad de los criadores siempre se pone de relieve. También se
ha informado sobre las intenciones de compra, resultados de investigaciones, datos
curiosos, así como otras informaciones variadas.
A través de la página web de la ACBC también se ha dado apoyo a los mataderos, para
la divulgación de las intenciones de compra y oportunidades.
- Notas Técnicas
Notas técnicas tratan de satisfacer las deficiencias y problemas diarios que son observados
en las granjas. El material es elaborado por profesionales y se coloca en el sitio web de la
ACBC. Son ejemplos de notas técnicas elaboradas ya disponibles: "transporte de conejos
al matadero", "conejos mascotas, mini o enano", "gestión de costos", "mortalidad de los
gazapos", esta última se extrae a partir de la colaboración de 12 personas entre los
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profesores, los estudiantes y los productores, que buscan entender y proponer soluciones
al problema de la elevada mortalidad de los gazapos.
e) La realización de eventos
Como señaló Machado (2013), los eventos en cunicultura son muy importantes para
promover el diálogo entre las distintas partes interesadas, así como para presentar y
discutir nuevas propuestas y tecnologías para el sector. Deben ser hechos eventos para la
participación de todos los segmentos de la cunicultura. Los siguientes eventos fueran
realizados en Brasil en los últimos años:
- Talleres de cunicultura
Los talleres son esenciales para la difusión de la actividad y la formación de mano de obra
calificada. Se celebran en diferentes ciudades y provincias, en su mayoría de forma
independiente. En los últimos años los talleres de cunicultura se realizaran en Uberaba
(MG), Viçosa (MG), Lavras (MG), Cuiabá (MT), Foz do Iguaçu (PR), Botucatu (SP),
Areias (PB) etc. Es necesario aumentar el número de talleres así como llevar a locales
menos tradicionales.
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La creación de una revista científica era una aspiración de la asociación. Desde la reunión
celebrada en 2011, con motivo del día del cunicultor, se optó por implementar una revista
para publicar temas generales sobre el mercado de cunicultura, además de artículos
científicos y de revisión de la literatura. Esta decisión fue extremadamente importante
para el crecimiento de la revista. Así, en 2012, se publicó el primer número de la Revista
Brasileña de Cunicultura (RBC). La revista es publicada on line y está disponible en la
página www.rbc.acbc.org.br.
Durante estos años, la RBC fue abordada por diversas partes interesadas, especialmente
los profesores, investigadores, estudiantes y criadores de conejo y tuvo cinco ediciones.
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Actualmente, la junta directiva elegida ha tenido muchos problemas con los registros
burocráticos, lo que ha contribuido a desalentar y postergar el inicio de la actividad. El
nombre de esta asociación está siendo cambiado a "Asociación de Criadores de Conejos
Mascotas y de Carne” (ACPEC).
Figura 09 - Reunión para la formación de la nueva Asociación Brasileña de Criadores de Conejos
Para la valoración de las personas que han dedicado gran parte de su vida a la promoción
de la cunicultura, en 2012 se estableció un premio para una persona de reconocida
dedicación a esta actividad. Para el nombre del premio, fue elegido el nombre de la Dra.
Laura de Sanctis, que era un profesional de extensión en cunicultura que trabajó en los
años 80 y 90, siendo una persona intensamente dedicada al desarrollo de esta actividad y
apoyo a los criadores. El premio ya ha ocurrido en los años 2012 y 2013.
A finales de 2013 y principios de 2014, se dio cuenta de que los principales mataderos
del sudeste brasileño aumentaran la demanda de animales en pie para la faena. Una noticia
relacionada ha sido publicada en los medios de comunicación y fue vinculada a la página
de la asociación (Figura 10). Los cuatro principales mataderos en el sudeste de Brasil
expresaron su interés en la compra de animales vivos para la faena. Algunos de ellos están
pagando R$ 6.00 (U$ 2,71) por kilogramo de animal en pie. En el Distrito Federal,
algunos criadores han informado de que están recibiendo R$ 8,00 (U$ 3,62) por
kilogramo, siendo el valor más alto jamás registrado.
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9) Próximos desafíos
Hay muchos desafíos para que la cunicultura se convierta en una actividad organizada,
generando grandes cantidades de bienes y servicios. Las siguientes ideas están siendo
desarrolladas por la ACBC para su aplicación futura:
Es uno de los proyectos de la ACBC para el de futuro. Se desea promover cursos cortos
de formación inicial y continuada en cunicultura, para la mejor cualificación de criadores
y personal de campo, porque la profesionalización de todos los envueltos es muy
importante. En la actualidad, los proyectos pedagógicos de estos cursos ya se están
elaborando y se debe comenzar en 2017.
Consideraciones finales
Los problemas identificados deben ser resueltos a partir de la mejora del diálogo entre
todos los actores involucrados en la cadena de producción, y la unión de los criadores
debe ser priorizada, en comparación con el individualismo. Por otra parte, el cunicultor
debería aumentar su producción, diversificando y comercializando otros coproductos y
subproductos de la actividad, además de los conejos vivos.
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Referencias
BRUNO S.F., SANCHEZ C.M.S., MATIAS A.S.A. 2008 Mixomatose: uma doença
emergente no Estado do Rio de Janeiro e suas implicações na cunicultura nacional.
Revista do Conselho Federal de Medicina Veterinária. v. 45, p. 68-71, 2008.
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IS BACKYARD RABBIT PRODUCTION A DEVELOPMENT
OPTION FOR SMALL HOLDERS IN MEXICAN SOUTHEAST?
Abstract
This paper reviews the characteristics of rural backyard production in Mexican southeast
as well as the opportunities to include rabbits as a productive animal in backyard
productive system. Animal husbandry as a production system has an important role to
improve the quality of life of those rural communities. Backyard livestock production is
an important activity for rural communities around the world, representing a constant
source of food, income, savings, as well as providing social status within the community.
In Mexico at least 90 % of rural families develop this type productive activity, meanwhile
in Mexican southeast is developed by 60 – 85 % of rural families. Mexican Southeast
region is characterized by tropical conditions where wide varieties of plant species
represent sustainable alternatives for animal production, especially herbivore species.
Rabbit´s ability to consume fodder and convert it into high quality protein products
represents a potential alternative for traditional productive systems in tropical areas
maintaining a synergistic combination among animal – crop. In conclusion, in Mexican
southeast there are conditions to include rabbits as a productive alternative for rural
communities. The existence of a wide variety of plants and fibrous resources with
potential for rabbit meat production would benefit southeastern rural population by
improving nutrients intake. However, further research is needed to characterize rabbit
utilization and keeping in order to developing efficient strategies for its successful
incorporation to rural backyards of Mexican southeast.
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Resumen
El presente trabajo revisa las características del traspatio en el sureste mexicano, así como
las oportunidades para incluir al conejo como un animal productivo en el sistema de
traspatio. La cría de animales como un sistema de producción tiene un rol importante en
la calidad de vida de las comunidades rurales. La producción animal de traspatio es una
actividad importante para las comunidades rurales alrededor del mundo, representando
una fuente constante de alimentos, ingresos, ahorros, así como estatus social dentro de las
comunidades. En México al menos el 90 % de las familias rurales desarrollan esta
actividad productiva, mientras que en el sureste mexicano se desarrolla por el 60 – 85%
de las familias rurales. El sureste mexicano es una región caracterizada por condiciones
tropicales donde una gran variedad de especies de plantas representan alternativas
sustentables para la producción animal, especialmente con especies herbívoras. La
habilidad de los conejos para consumir forrajes y convertirlos en proteína de alta calidad,
representa una alternativa potencial para los sistemas productivos tradicionales en las
áreas tropicales manteniendo una combinación sinérgica entre animales – cultivos. En
conclusión en el sureste mexicano existen condiciones para incluir a los conejos como
una especie alternativa de producción para comunidades rurales.
La existencia de una amplia variedad de plantas y recursos fibrosos con potencial para la
producción de carne de conejo podría beneficiar a la población rural del sureste mexicano
al mejorar el consumo de nutrientes en la dieta. Sin embargo, se requiere investigación
para caracterizar la utilización y crianza de los conejos, para desarrollar estrategias
eficientes de inclusión del conejo al traspatio rural sureste mexicano.
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Introduction
In rural areas worldwide, the lack of economic resources and small land properties, among
other factors make difficult to develop large-scale production systems for peasants and
small farmers. Integrated production systems, such as backyard system, play an important
role for rural families in terms of sustainability, protection of the environment and
biodiversity conservation, improve living conditions by eliminating poverty. The use of
resources available the tropics can help to meet the increasing demand of food for human
consumption (Preston 1994). Utilization of solar energy and efficient nutrient fluxes
among components reduce dependency of external inputs (commercial feeds, fertilizers,
grains, pesticides) while reducing the capital investments (Rodríguez et al. 1993; Acosta
2004).
Animals can transform low nutritional value materials such as fibrous plants into high
quality products; such capacity represents a tool to improve the sustainability in rural
productive systems (Marsh and Hernández, 1996; Chantalakhana and Skunmun, 2002;
Lukefahr 2007; Pok Samkol et al. 2007). The use of smaller species in animal production
such as sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits etc. have been an important issue in recent years as they
emerge as a viable alternative for those producers who lack or have limited capital for
investment of animal production or reduced land availability. Nevertheless, the main
reason for choosing small species husbandry goes beyond the classical arguments (low
investment, facility to market products); their physiological characteristics, in particular
with regard to feeding habits and the nature of their digestive tracts are important when
selecting suitable species for small scale production (Devendra and Ibrahim, 2004). In the
tropics it is necessary to study breeds and species able to use efficiently the available
resources (fibrous) within the traditional backyard production or small scale production
systems in order to improve nutritional and economic status for rural population
(González et al. 2000; Devendra and Ibrahim, 2004; Nieves et al. 2005; Sarmiento et al.
2009).
THE MEXICAN BACKYARD SYSTEM
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Rabbits are specie, which satisfies several of the desirable characteristics mentioned by
Cheeke (1986) for being incorporated into smallholder production systems, has been
recently promoted in some countries from Africa and Asia. Several studies mentioned
that rabbit production has brought benefits for rural communities in less developed
countries. A small rabbit production unit (10 females) could produce 86 fattened rabbits
(2.5 kg each) and generate US$ 262 additional income to the farmer, considering US$
1.22/Kg market price, increasing households income from 19.8 % up to 87.3 % as
reported in several countries such as Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
Alternatively, it can provide at least 2 -5 fattened rabbits on a weekly basis which would
be available for family self-consumption and depending of family size, can also results in
surplus meat available for sale (Lukefahr and Cheeke, 1991; Lukefahr, 2007; Nguyen Ky
Son, 2008; Kariaki and Asare 2009; Olagunju and Sanusi 2010). Rabbits can be
incorporated into the household not only from a small production system, but also from
other sources such as hunting. For example, in rural communities from Chile rabbit meat
is obtained by means of hunting (72.7 % of total rabbit meat consumption), an activity
carried out by a diverse set or reasons: entertainment activity (44 %), because it is a
healthy food (20 %) or both (24 %), to protect their crops (8 %) and traditional activity
(4 %). In Chile, rabbit hunting has a recognized season according to the community,
providing up to 11.3 % of the family annual income (Isla and Kantunaric, 2006). Despite
in rural Mexico there is not recent information about the management - utilization of
rabbits or rabbit meat consumption; there is a historical precedent related to the Pre-
Hispanic times where Guerra and Naranjo (2003) and Emery (2008) declared that rabbit
was part of the preferred hunting prizes of Mayan civilization as a source of food for
human population.
RABBIT PRODUCTION IN MEXICAN SOUTHEAST
Rabbit production in Mexico is clearly a small scale activity; 94.6 % of rabbit producers
perform this activity as a complement of the main income source, meanwhile only 5.4 %
of rabbit producers have this activity as the main household income source (representing
10 % of national production). This activity has tied itself directly with adults and young,
the latter being on their majority men (75.4%), while women represent only 24.6%. Since
2001, the Mexican federal government classified rabbit production as a productive
activity which should be encouraged and promoted due to an increase in rabbit meat
demand. For this reason some states such Puebla, Tlaxcala, Guanajuato and the State of
Mexico destined financial support for training the producers and to promote the activity
(Clavel 2004, Mendoza 2008) according to this Central Mexico rabbit production has had
greater development, while other regions in the country have lower participation in this
activity (Clavel et al. 2004), specially the southeast region. Meat production in Mexican
southeast has been mainly focused on poultry and pork. During 2011, poultry and pork
production in Yucatan were estimated to be 119 193 tons and 91 397 tons (50.4% and
38.6% of total meat production respectively), meanwhile cattle production participated
with 24 879 tons (10.6%) and sheep with 876 tons (0.4%). In the case of rabbit production
it does not is listed in the agriculture yearbook report as its participation in the regional
market was very low (Toledo, 2011). However during the past decades, rabbit production
was promoted specifically in Yucatan State as a strategy to help sisal producers to
maintain a productive activity due to declining of the sisal industry (Canto et al. 1975;
Toledo 2011). According to the agriculture census report (INEGI, 2007), rabbit
population in Yucatan in 2007 was 2 745 heads, from which 37.99% (1043 heads) were
found in formal production units (14 farms). The Northwest region had the highest
population density for the aforementioned year, with 1382 total heads. Accordingly, the
economic contribution of rabbit production during the same year (2007) was reduced as
total sales accounted for 1275 heads in the state (Canto et al., 1975; INEGI, 2007).
Regarding to sales in 2007 the most active regions were northwest, south and northeast
(618, 236 and 200 heads sold respectively) (INEGI 2007).
Despite that the potential of rabbits as productive specie (meat production) is confirmed
in a recent survey by Cruz-Bacab et al. (2012) (table 1) which shows the interests in two
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the rural communities to learn about rabbits and incorporate it as a component of the
backyard production system as well as the availability of several potential feeding sources
within the backyard system, this activity is not common in Mexican Southeast.
Table 1. Knowledge about rabbits in Ucu and Santa Elena, Yucatán, México.
Ucú Santa Elena
CI
CI P-value
Frequency % Frequency % (95
(95%)
%)
95.15
Knowledge about rabbits 216 ±2.43 90.8 92.6ª ±4.93 0.3704
a
Previous experience in 37.89
86 ±5.48 55.1 56.2b ±9.35 0.0021
rabbit keeping a
Previous consumption of
104 45.81ª ±5.62 61.2 62.4b ±9.12 0.0060
rabbit meat
Interest in rabbit keeping 135 59.47ª ±5.54 75.5 77.0b ±7.93 0.0023
n = 227 for Ucu, n = 98 for Santa Elena; Letters in the same row = P<0.05. Frequency: afirmative
answers to each question. CI: Confidence interval.
In general forages and high fiber resources has been associated with ruminant species,
meanwhile little advance has been done with non – ruminant animals, because according
to their digestive physiology high fiber levels in diet cannot be degraded affecting the
performance. Physiological characteristics of rabbits allows including fibrous sources in
its diet, due to the high fiber levels which are required for a correct function of rabbit´s
digestive tract. This condition represent a favorable scenario to include rabbit production
in diversified systems (based on animal–crop integration), representing a low-cost
alternative for meat production in rural areas (Nieves, 2009). Mexican rural communities
use a wide variety of plants with nutritional potential for animal feeding, including rabbit
feeding.
In the Yucatan peninsula peasants cultivate and maintain some trees and shrubs for a
constant supply of forage for animals, usually managed with a cut and carry method
(Acosta et al. 1998; Martínez et al. 2010). Several studies around Latin America and
around the world allow considering the inclusion and utilization of a wide variety of
tropical forages at different inclusion levels obtaining satisfactory results in growing
rabbit performance (Table 2). Eighty four plant species have been identified in
southeastern backyards as potentially useful sources for livestock feeding, representing
64.1 % of forage species reported in Yucatan State and the 53.5 % of forage species
reported for Yucatan peninsula (Acosta et al. 1998; Martínez et al. 2010). The existence
of local resources for rabbit feeding could allow the implementation of backyard
production with low dependence of external inputs such as grains and cereals. In other
way the presence of some sectors of the population coming from central Mexico or even
foreign countries with rabbit meat consumption tradition in Mexican southeast would
stimulate the demand for rabbit products and promote the growth of rabbit meat market
in this region.
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Conclusion
References
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Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Mérida, Yucatán, México.
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Cheeke P.R. 1986. Potentials of rabbit production in tropical and subtropical agricultural
systems. Journal of Animal Science. 63, 1581 – 1586.
Clavel C., Hernández E., Herrera J., Hernández V. and Hernández D. 2004. Small
cuniculture family farm on the south coasto of Guerrero State, Mexico. In proc.: 8th World
Rabbit Congress, Puebla, México. 1465 – 1470.
Cruz – Bacab L. 2009. Comportamiento productivo de conejos alimentados con niveles
crecientes de Ramón (Brosimum alicastrum) y concentración de energía neta del forraje
de Ramón (Brosimum alicastrum). Tesis de Maestría en Producción Animal Tropical.
Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia.
Mérida Yucatán, México.
Cruz – Bacab L., Sandoval – Castro C. and Pantoja – Nuñez G. 2012. Use of solar and
social perception of domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in two rural communities of
the state of Yucatán, Mexico. In Proc.: 10th World Rabbit Congress, Sharm El –Sheik,
Egypt. 847 – 850.
Emery F. 2008. Assesing the impact of ancient maya animal use. Journal of nature
conversation. 15, 184 – 185.
Isla P.P. and Kantunaric N.M. 2006. El conejo europeo (Oryctolagus cuniculus): De plaga
a subsidio de la naturaleza. Tesis de ingeniería. Universidad de Chile. Facultad de
Ciencias Agronómicas. Escuela de Agronomía.
Kariaki P.K. and Asare K. 2009. An economic analysis of a smallholder meat rabbit
production system. Am. – Eurasian J. Sustain. Agric. 3, 502 – 506.
Kumar B. and Nair P. 2004. The enigma of tropical home gardens. Agroforestry syst. 61,
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Lukefahr S.D. 2007. Strategies for the development of small and medium scale rabbit
farming in south-east Asia. Livestock Research for Rural Development. Volumen 19,
article # 138.
Marsh R. and Hernandez I. 1996. El papel del huerto casero tradicional en la economía
del hogar: casos de Honduras y Nicaragua. Agroforestería en las Américas. N° 9: 8 – 15
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Martinez Y. R., Santos R.R., Ramírez A.L. and Sarmiento F.L. 2010. Utilización de
Ramón (Brosimum alicastrum) y Cayena (Hibiscus rosa – sinensis L.) en la alimentación
de conejos. Zootecnia Tropical 28, 153 – 161.
Mendoza B.J. Díaz Z.S., Velazquez O.V., Alonso F.M.U. and Ortega B.E. 2008. Social and
economic contribution of rabbit production in the state of Mexico. In proc.; 9th World Rabbit
Congress. Verona, Italy, 10 – 13.
Nieves D., Rojas E., Terán O., Fuenmayor A. and Gónzalez C. 2005. Aceptabilidad de dietas
con follaje de naranjillo, leucaena, morera, maní forrajero, batata y yuca en conejos de engorde.
Revista UNELLEZ de ciencia y tecnología. Volumen 23.
Nieves D., Terán O.,Vivas M., Arciniegas G., González C. y Ly J. (2009) Comportamiento
productivo de conejos alimentados con dietas basadas en follajes tropicales. Revista Científica,
FCV – LUZ Vol XIX, N°2, 174 – 180.
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en follaje de Árnica (Thitonia diversifolia) en conejos de engorde. Tropical and subtropical
agroecosystems. 14, 309 – 314.
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Rojas S.A. 2008. Eficiencia en la utilización del Ramón (Brosimum alicastrum) y determinación
del contenido de proteína metabolizable en ovinos y conejos en crecimiento. Tesis de maestría
en producción animal tropical. Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán. Campus de Ciencias
Agropecuarias.
Samkol P., Borin K. and Sonovann S. 2007. Pig system in SE Asia – Cambodia case. In: PPT
presentation regional workshop on pig system in Asia and the Pacific: How can the R&D
enhance the benefit to the poor? 2006. Bangkok, Thailand.
Sarmiento F.L., Santos R.R. and Correa S.J. 2009. Alimentación no convencional para
monogástricos. Experiencias en el trópico mexicano. En: Alimentación no convencional para
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RABBIT PRODUCTION IN COSTA RICA: BREAKING WITH
TRADITION
*BRENES S. ANDREA
Abstract
Rabbit production should be recognized as an activity with low ambient impact and that
can be associated to other productive activities using agro industry residues and other
agricultural byproducts. The Costa Rican rabbit meat production is carried out through
small/average farms, but the absence of an efficient productive chain causes producers to
commercialize their products in informal markets. In the other hand, with this system,
farmers can count on a better quality protein source and, at the same time, commercialize
the surpluses in the markets and another part of the population mainly the urban has access
to this. Costa Rica decided to enter in international markets exporting meat to some
countries in Central, North and South America, even, Asia, from 2003 to 2008, but
important difficulties related to the commercialization appeared because of the falling
demand of rabbits for exportation and a domestic market without development. For that
reason, the target market in Costa Rica then changed trying to enhance national
consumption. At this moment, 20% of the total market belong to two big farms which sell
meat to two big chains of supermarkets and keeping farms with an average of 300 does
and a meat production around 450 kg meat/month; 60% of farms have between 25 to 60
does, distributing the product in restaurants, hotels and retail, meanwhile the remaining
20% belongs to small systems with 5-10 does. Medium and small farmers can obtain 20
-200 kg/month. Recently a flagrant demand from high cuisine and touristic industry
claimed market organization and suggest production growth.
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Although there´s not a national policy established to stimulate the rabbit production, the
Rabbit Research Program of the University of Costa Rica is working to improve the use
the rabbit as a meat source, thorough projects in reproduction, developing bucks
andrologic studies, nutrition trials, tasting sessions, manure used as organic fertilizers,
and also educating the consumers about the differences between rabbits for meat
production and rabbits for keeping as pets, trying to exceed the current barriers starting
with marketing politics for the sector and quality product improvement in the market,
with added information for cooking.
*BRENES S. ANDREA
Resumen
La producción de conejos es reconocida como una actividad de bajo impacto ambiental,
la cual puede estar asociada con otras actividades productivas, utilizando residuos
agroindustriales y otros subproductos. La producción cunícola en Costa Rica se ha
desarrollado mayoritariamente en granjas pequeñas, pero la ausencia de una cadena
productiva eficiente ha ocasionado que la carne se comercialice en mercados informales.
Por otro lado, con este tipo de sistemas, los productores ofrecen una proteína de buena
calidad, y al mismo tiempo, comercializan los excedentes en mercados urbanos. Costa
Rica entró en el mercado internacional exportando carne de conejo hacia países de Centro,
Norte y Suramérica, incluso Asia, en el periodo comprendido entre 2003 y 2008, pero
aparecieron algunas dificultades relacionadas con la baja en la demanda internacional de
exportaciones y el mercado nacional sin desarrollo. Por esa razón, el mercado meta de
Costa Rica cambió, tratando de estimular el consumo nacional. En este momento, un 20%
del mercado total está abarcado por dos grandes granjas las cuales venden carne a dos
grandes cadenas de supermercados, con una cantidad promedio de 300 hembras y una
producción de alrededor de 450 kg por mes; 60% de granjas poseen entre 25 y 60
hembras, mientras que el 20% restante corresponde a granjas pequeñas, con 5 a 10
hembras. Las granjas medianas y pequeñas producen entre 20 y 200 kg de carne por mes.
En los últimos años, la demanda creciente de carnes estilo gourmet y la industria turística,
los cuales requieren de grupos organizados de productores, sugiere que se puede dar un
aumento de la producción nacional.
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Aunque no hay en el país una política nacional que estimule el consumo de carne de
conejo, la investigación que desarrolla la Universidad de Costa Rica se centra en aspectos
tales como aumentar la utilización del conejo como fuente de carne, a través de
investigaciones en reproducción, estudios andrológicos, pruebas nutricionales, sesiones
de degustación, uso de la conejaza como abono orgánico, así como educando a los
consumidores sobre las diferencias entre los conejos para carne y los conejos de mascota,
y evaluando alternativas para establecer políticas que apoyen al sector, además de ofrecer
información sobre las formas de preparar la carne para su consumo.
Rabbit is aspecie with good potential to raise in productive systems, with an excellent
reproductive output and fast growth and performance (Centro para el Desarrollo
Agropecuario y Forestal, 1998).
The use of rabbit as a feeding alternative has many nutritional advantages, including high
biological value protein compared to turkey and chicken, less fat and cholesterol than
traditional meats, higher iron, zinc, magnesium, niacin, vitamins B6 and B12, lower levels
of sodium and high digestibility (CIBA-GEIGY, 1990. Adaptado por Cordero R, 2003,
Dihigo, 2010).
In Costa Rica rabbit production is not well established yet. There have been some farms
which tried to enter in commercial meat market, however, the activity haven´t been
successful at all due to some factors that have affected the production. Rabbit meat
demand in Costa Rica had increased during the last years, but there are some myths
related to its consumption, due mainly to the feelings that keep the idea that rabbit can be
only a pet.
In the last six years, rabbit meat have been entering strongly in the national market, as an
exotic meat, and now can be found in supermarkets, hotels and restaurants, becoming a
good quality protein source for the population as well as proving extra income by
commercialization of surplus meat; the country stopped the meat imports few years ago.
Taking into account this situation, six years ago the Alternative Livestock Area of Animal
Science Department have evaluated the rabbit meat production and use in Costa Rica,
trying to get tools to decide the best management system and enhancing its use as a source
of animal protein and being a rentable activity to stimulate its farming. Knowing the kind
of systems used in the country, it is easy to decide what areas are needed to explore for
research to obtain information and improve the national rabbit farming.
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Methods
We have revised the lists of registered rabbit farms from the database of National Health
Service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, and then they were classified in
three categories depending of their quantity of does and objective of the farm, among
others. Two of those commercial farms were completely characterized, determining its
productive parameters, nutrition, reproduction and manure disposition.
Also other farms were visited, including one of the biggest one, other specialized in
genetics and another that use rabbits as laboratory animals. An analysis of market
behavior along the time was done, evaluating the exports and imports in the last years,
and the actual situation of the trading.
All those information was evaluated and analyzed to establish the lines of research of our
department, that began three years ago with a small nutritional trial using a tropical forage
in diets for fattening rabbits, the productive characterization of commercial farms, and
starting this year with a four-year research project determining reproductive output,
feeding management, quality of manure and meat characterization.
Respecting to trading, in 2000 was registered the largest export of rabbit meat sent to
Nicaragua and Hong Kong, due mainly to the establishment of a group which got some
markets out of the country. But unfortunately, that initiative wasn´t successful, and almost
all the farmers abandoned the activity and closed their farms. According to PROCOMER
(2014), the last exports of rabbit meat were registered in 2008 (14.6 ton) and 2009 (1.8
ton) sent to the United States. The farms were classified depending of its main activity;
results are showed in figure 1.
Series1,
Laboratory, 7, Series1,
Series1, 6% Pet, 20,
Genetic, 13,
19%
12%
Pet
Meat
Series1, Meat,
Genetic
67, 63%
The majority of farms are dedicated to meat production, this is a good signal of the current
situation, followed by the pet production, genetic farms and laboratories. The commercial
farms were divided according to the number of does, as showed in figure 2.
For our conditions, most of the farms are medium (60%), maintaining 25-60 does, 20%
large (≥300 does), both types producing 210-450 kg meat per month, and 20% are small
(5-10 does) with a meat production of 20-80 kg/month.
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Large farms distribute their meat in two big supermarket chains, meanwhile the rest of
production goes to hotels, restaurants and retail sales. These large farms work with high
production standards and disease control; feeding is mainly based on concentrates.
Medium and small farms include forages in the feeding, and don´t have an established
genetic management; however, the systems work with intensive facilities and
reproduction.
Concerning to pet production, farms have around 30 to 240 does and sell the animals (21
days old) to pet shops and agricultural fairs in the country. Laboratory farms are located
in universities and research centers; the production in these systems is less intensive in
terms of breeding, weaning age and use of does, but they use high genetic standards.
Some problems that farmers should face are the fluctuant market, low availability of all-
stages concentrates, high production costs and lack of government policies and support,
as well as low research in rabbit production. Besides, the farmers are not organized at this
moment.
Based on these results, we do have a good initial photography of the current situation in
Costa Rica, and the Animal Science Department have started to enhance the activity and
improve research to obtain useful information for farmers and consumers, making the
information more accessible to the society and explaining them that there are breeds
specialized for meat production and other for pet use.
Now we are developing research in animal nutrition, using of forages in diets, making
andrologic evaluation of bucks related to does performance, analyzing the manure and its
potential as organic fertilizer, and determining meat quality. In addition, we organize
tasting sessions, talks and scientific and informal publications about rabbit farming and
benefits of the meat as a protein source; some countries are working in the same way
(Dihigo, 2010, Motta et al., 2010).
References
Dihigo L. 2010. Impact of rabbit rearing on a Cuban social development. En: Memorias
del 4to Congreso de Cunicultura de Las Américas. Córdoba, Argentina, 1-7.
Motta, W., Machado, L.C., Anchieta, M., Andrade, S. 2010. The rabbit production in
Brazil. En: Memorias del 4to Congreso de Cunicultura de Las Américas. Córdoba,
Argentina, 8 p.
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STRATEGIES FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION: PRODUCTION-
COOPERATIVE “CONEJOS ANDINOS DE MENDOZA
*QUAGLIARIELLO SG
INTA EEA Mendoza. San Martín 3853. Luján de Cuyo. Mendoza. Argentina
*Corresponding author: quagliariello.gaby@inta.gob.ar
Abstract
This work tackles the development of collective actions taken by Mendoza Rabbit
Production-Cooperatives, associated to Rural Extension activities implemented between
2002 and 2014 by INTA, the National Institute of Agricultural Technology in Mendoza.
Collective action is the theoretical approach used in the project, which, among its various
definitions, is considered as the ability of a group to manage common resources.
Moreover, collective action is the result of interactions between the interests of the group
and the individual strategies of the actors. Two types of collective action are recognized:
the structural form, which only considers the existence of organizations, and the
functional form, which considers the work of the organizations. The goals of this study
are to identify and analyze the factors (internal, as well as external) that promote and deter
the development of collective action taken by the members of cooperative associations.
The methodology is based on the handling of quantitative and qualitative data. The
quantitative data was obtained from secondary sources, while the qualitative data came
from semi-structured interviews conducted with several rabbit producers who are active
at the local level. Factors that mobilize collective action are associated to the trust ties
arising from the economic and socio-cultural homogeneity of the actors, as well as their
geographical proximity, the pursuit of technical knowledge and the genetic improvement
by staff members, the need for marketing strategies and economic resources, and their
interest in participating in governance processes; on the other hand the factors which
undermine collective action are connected to pluriactivity, the tensions built in those
processes meant to articulate their own interests to the interests of the group as well as
the phenomena of disaggregation (conflicts, exclusion) that lead the organization
members to act individually.
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Although historical and contextual factors, prior to the formation of the ‘Conejos Andinos
de Mendoza’ Production Cooperative have had a strong impact on the dynamics of the
collective action at this stage, the capacity of these actors to organize around some
common goals, produced a process of collective learning and development of social
capital connected to productive, technological and organizational issues.
Key words: rabbit production, production cooperative, collective action, rural extension.
ESTRATEGIAS PARA LA ACCIÓN COLECTIVA: PRODUCCIÓN
COOPERATIVA "CONEJOS ANDINOS DE MENDOZA
*QUAGLIARIELLO SG
INTA EEA Mendoza. San Martín 3853. Luján de Cuyo. Mendoza. Argentina
*Corresponding author: quagliariello.gaby@inta.gob.ar
Resumen
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The present research work deals with the development of actions taken by the Rabbit
Production Cooperatives in Mendoza, linked to the Rural Extension activities
implemented between 2002 and 2014 by the National Institute of Agricultural
Technology (INTA) in Mendoza, Argentina. The task in progress from the extension area
is focused on the ‘Cooperativa de Conejos Andinos de Mendoza’, which was founded in
2012 by a group of rabbit producers connected to INTA EEA1 Mendoza, through a Project
called PROFAM2, which was developed at a time of simultaneously growth and crisis of
the rabbit industry in the 2005. This production cooperative is created by rabbit producers
from different departments in the province (Figure 1), who own rabbit farms with an
average of 60 females in production, under intensive production system, selling their
products in the domestic market. Working with production cooperatives is a longstanding
type of action carried out by Public Extension; however it constantly faces obstacles
linked to social, commercial, political, technical issues, and other obstacles which deter
dynamic development of collective action.
In order to describe the historical context of the rabbit industry in Mendoza, at the
beginning of the 90’s, the implementation of neo-liberal measures resulted in changes in
the country´s economy which had an influence on rabbit production, particularly because
Argentina was able to enter the international rabbit meat market. Thereafter, the industry
went from a domestic market production to a more intensive production system.
Numerous domestic consumption productions were transformed into commercial farms
and new producers emerged from the private sector. The increase in production for export
was observed at the beginning of the 90’s with the opening of the Argentine economy,
with a peak between the years 2002-2005. The growth during that period occurred due to
the influence of other external factors, such as the restrictive measures that rabbit-
importing European countries imposed on China- which in that period was leading the
export market-, as well as internal factors, such as the modification of the exchange rate
in Argentina as well as social policies with productive content that were applied as a
consequence of the country´s crisis in 2001-2002. Both national and international
1
National Institute of Agricultural Technology. Experimental Agricultural Station, Mendoza
2
Family Producers Program. It belongs to PROFEDER (Federal Support Program for Sustainable Rural Development,
INTA
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contexts favored a very dynamic growth in the Argentine rabbit production during that
time, which was also perceived in Mendoza.
When exports began to decline, most of the new enterprises were gradually closed down
because the rabbit meat produced could not be wholly sold within the domestic market.
After a few years, producers who remained in the industry regrouped in the
aforementioned Cooperative association.
Área de Argentina
estudio
Guaymallén
Luján de Maipú
Cuyo
Mendoza
-Zona Norte-
Collective action is the theoretical approach used in the project, which, among its several
definitions, is considered as the ability of a group to manage common resources. On the
other hand, collective action is the result of the interactions between the interests of the
whole and the individual strategies of the actors. Two types of collective action are
recognized: the structural form and the functional form. The structural form only
considers the existence of organizations; while the functional form, apart from its
existence, considers the work of the organizations.
Collective actions must consider the relationship between structural organization and
individual strategies. In this sense, it is important to consider the tensions between: (i) the
adhesion phenomena and processes that motivate individuals to subordinate / articulate
their own interests to the interests of the group, (ii) the disaggregation phenomena
(conflicts, exclusions) which lead members of the organization to individual practices that
weaken collective organization. Organizations are thought and built in a process of
negotiation and recognition of different identities and complementary / conflicting
interests (Muchnik, 2006).
Methodology
The methodology used consists of two complementary parts: first, the analysis of
quantitative and qualitative date on the basis of access to secondary sources and primary
data of the rabbit industry survey. A review and critical analysis on the existing secondary
date were carried out, including historical documents, articles previous work statistical
data, etc..
In the second part, semi-structured interviews were conducted with key actors working in
areas of social and economic development of municipal governments in the northern part
of Mendoza and in the Provincial Directorate of Livestock. Groups of rabbit producers
and some local organizations were also interviewed, including fieldtrips and observation
at selected projects. Those interviews include managerial, economic-productive,
commercial and social aspects in order to identify situations and key points of local
activity development.
Finally the participant observation technique was used in workshops where the producers
and institutions worked together in order for producers to get organized and towards the
formation of the Provincial Rabbit Production Council.
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During the last decade, rabbit production in generally comprised several and small farms
with an average of 50 females by producer. From the productive system perspective,
rabbit producers worked in small and medium-sized farms.
A limiting factor to its development was the scarce tradition that had rabbit production in
our country and particularly in Mendoza. Most of the producers developed this economic
activity as a complement to another major activity. Between the years 2002 – 2005, due
to the ease of the incoming money - even with little capital a person was able to begin the
production –and with good prospects in terms of profitability, many producers without
knowledge or prior experience entered the industry. This marked the necessity of
continuous training programs and the search for local professionals and supplies during
that stage of production.
Another difficulty for rabbit production development was the lack of business training
producers had; however there was an emerging need to differentiate their products
through the creation of brands, adoption of quality systems along with other issues.
Nevertheless, and despite the difficulties described, the number of producers kept
growing, as well as their level of organization. Towards the end of 2004, it is estimated
that the number of producers was 300, generally organized for the sale of "live rabbit
meat" to export oriented cold storage plants and the purchase of some supplies and
balanced feed.
Chart 1: Farms Number and Size. June 2005
Percentage
Rabbit Farms Number of
Number Female *
Between 2002 and 2005, the rabbit industry gradually improved its infrastructure and the
achieved higher genetic quality. Although the progress made in genetics was limited
compared to countries of greater tradition in rabbit production, the cooperative
association worked with enhanced lines of greater productivity. In addition, the producers
had technological and technical support plus analysis of local updated costs at their
dispose, resulting from the training improvement and the inter-institutional coordination
achieved in the last years of the stage under analysis.
Despite these progresses and considering that the transfer of feed and animals added costs
to the production, in Mendoza, as well as in other provinces in the Western part of the
country, the rabbit industry was at a disadvantage in terms of prices related to animal feed
and other supplies compared to those provinces which had grains and forage production
and export oriented for cold storage plants. It was clear that the production was
geographically dispersed; however, until the beginning of 2005, the activity was
economically justified due to its high profitability.
In 2006, a diagnosis on rabbit producers settled in the North Oasis of Mendoza confirmed
that in all departments the production was family-based. Rabbit farms were small, with
an average of 54 reproductive females for production. This report confirmed the need for
the producers to gather in associations or cooperatives in order to cope with the market
difficulties and achieve lower costs of production. (Chaxel and Quagliariello, 2006).
From the collective action and the producers’ organization approach, one of the problems
which arose at that time, was the diversity of exploitation forms. From producers who
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barely exceeded self-consumption, to those who exceeded a business unit (between 100
and 300 females according to the geographical region), there existed numerous
intermediate gradients between the two of them. Beyond the difference in investment
grade, they also differed in training, experience, technology and labor invested. At that
time, important developments relating to farm management and structural collective
action were achieved, which should be taken as the creation of cooperative associations;
in almost all cases, an important technological component was incorporated thus leveling
management, food, facilities and rabbit breeds in many farms.
Producers who arrived at the end of this first stage (2002-2009) and kept working,
managed to overcome a long period of commercial crisis and remained in the industry. It
can be said that these producers, improved their technical and management issues, and
that they found commercialization alternatives in the domestic market, in general working
individually and with some level of informality, which allowed them to continue.
However, the mechanisms of collective action were limited to a minimum, due to the
business activity abandonment, their discouragement, and the dissolution of cooperative
associations which had been created.
Until the sudden drop in the industry, which began in 2005, these rabbit producers had
reached an interesting degree of Group organization, existing not only in more informal
groups, but also in cooperatives. At least five groups were created: the Caye Cooperative
Association (from Lavalle Department); another group of rabbit breeders who operated
with the above mentioned cooperative from Maipú Department as Caye controlled
association; the Sumampa Cooperative and Conecuy Cooperative (both in Guaymallén
Department) and finally, another independent group in Maipú Department. At that time
collective action in general reflected a fledgling organization and was primarily due to
the need to operate in the export market (live rabbit meat). Sales were carried out weekly;
in order to transfer the animals, a truck was sent by the cold storage plant or hired by the
associated producers and animals were loaded at some encounter point, usually the farm
of some producer.
It is important to look into the networks created by various organizations and those
governance processes that come into play, since both municipal governments and other
institutions participated in the development of rabbit production, with different degrees of
commitment. This inter-institutional coordination and the network formation with
producers is essential in development programs as the structure of regulation and actor
coordination, both in the productive sector and the institutional support system.
It was created towards the end of 20023, by a group of small-scale producers from Lavalle
department, who held subsidies from “Plan Manos a la Obra” and the PSA4. It was
incorporated as “Cooperativa de Cunicultores Lavallinos de Provisión, Transformación y
Comercialización”, but it became known by its fictitious name, “CAYÉ”5 .
The social and economic characteristics of this group were different from those of
previous undertakings, who were mostly made up of peri-urban producers. Lavalle’s
rabbit producers were mostly rural farmers of scarce resources. The cooperative was
3
Source: Directorate of Cooperatives and Mutual Societies, Ministry of Human Development, Family and
Community, Mendoza Province. Rabbit production database (10 June, 2011).
4
“Getting down to Work” Program and the Farming Social Program, respectively.
5
CAYÉ: a term taken from the Huarpe language, meaning Big Heart. The Huarpe people are the
native inhabitants of the Cuyo region.
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actively promoted and supported by the Municipality, which committed itself to the local
development of the rabbit production industry.
“Of course, in 2003 there was money for Lavalle …the dough
for Lavalle came in and the Lavalle cooperative was created, in
2003.” (New producers from Maipú department)
Since its creation, this cooperative became a benchmark in the process of developing
collective actions, as it attracted a group of producers from the province’s Northern area
who were not reaching the level of institutionalization required to enter the rabbit export
market.
It was created mainly by unemployed urban and peri-urban producers, who received
subsidies from the municipal government of Las Heras department. This cooperative,
promoted by the municipality, was first incorporated in and then unregistered from the
Directorate of Cooperatives. Its emergence was mainly due to the initiative of the local
government and it only achieved formal structure as a cooperative, without accomplishing
the development of functional collective actions.
“It emerged in 2002; everything was organized by B., with the
support of A. (the mayor), so, well, the first thing we had to do was
to get some sort of legal entity, in order to bring producers
together; so from then on I set to create the famous cooperative
(…), which we never managed to set in motion.” (Longstanding
commercial producer. President of the cooperative)
This strategy allowed them to gain access to important subsidies for projects they had
submitted, and hence they were able to purchase machinery for making their own
balanced feed. Following the crisis, the cooperative was able to remain functioning due
to its activities in the internal market, as its producers had their own customer base.
This cooperative experienced conflicts with another group from Guaymallén over
positions of power in the department’s council.
“…in 2004 we set to create the cooperative with C. and there were
us and I can’t recall who else, who wanted to establish the
federation, we were actually trying to get the two cooperatives to
work together but it was a failure, we just couldn´t achieve that.”
(New producers from Maipú department)
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A strength that set this cooperative apart is that it worked in an organized manner for
some time after the crisis of the external market, selling its products in the domestic
market. For this purpose, the slaughter was carried out in a small room with municipal
authorization from Maipú department, leased by the cooperative.
They managed to sell their products to a supermarket chain through an intermediary who
was selling chicken; unfortunately, the profitability was very limited and the cooperative
was unable to sustain itself; hence, the farmers began to quit producing. There were heavy
conflicts within the cooperative (2006).
It emerged in 2005 with an initial core comprised of a fraction of the first rabbit farmers
association of the northern region. It had begun producing and selling in the beginnings
of the cycle; in 2004, it issued its invoices through Lavalle’s cooperative (“Cayé”).
COMECU became an actual cooperative after the crisis, in mid-2005. It is the only
cooperative that tried to develop agro-industrial products using rabbit meat –it sought to
produce pickled rabbit and pâté. However, the commercial failure of this endeavor and
the difficulties for selling these products in the domestic market led to the withdrawal of
the group’s leader and the eventual inactivity of the cooperative.
It was established in 2012, through the actions of the rural extension program of INTA
(National Institute of Agricultural Technology) in Mendoza, bringing together producers
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from several departments throughout the province, many of whom had been members of
the abovementioned cooperatives that were dissolved due to commercial issues. All of its
members have their own narrow commercialization circuits; however informal these
slaughter and sales circuits were, they have operated as resilience mechanisms for
sustaining the activity after the crisis. Collective action is also incipient in this case, even
though the members have a longstanding experience in rabbit production. Most of them
are multi-active farmers, i.e. they combine more than one productive activity, which
sometimes undermines collective action –due to the multiplicity of interests- but other
times it turns out beneficial as an income diversification strategy. One of the objectives
longed by this cooperative is the development –in collaboration with INTA- of a pelletizer
machine that would enable the manufacturing of balanced feed, hence lowering costs,
making better use of local agro-industrial by-products, and enhancing feed quality.
The factors that mobilize this cooperative’s collective action include the trustful ties
among producers, resulting from their economic, social and cultural homogeneity; the
geographic proximity of most producers –even though some of them are located 200kms
away-; the staff’s need for technical knowledge and genetic enhancement; the
commercialization, selling of rabbit fur and buying of balanced feed and medication; the
limitations of economic resources; and the interest in participating in governance
processes through meetings with the provincial and national authorities.
On the other hand, the factors that restrain collective action processes are related to multi-
activity, as previously pointed; to the tensions emerging in the process of making
individual interests compatible with group interests, as well as the disaggregation
phenomena (conflicts, exclusions) that lead members to individualized practices; to the
age group involved, as these producers are mostly 55 years and older; and to the lack of
family continuity as new generations do not take part in the activity.
Conclusions
In the first stage of the analysis, there was a favorable context of demand of rabbits in the
international market and competitive prices resulting from the currency reform, which
motivated public actors to launch projects, based on the allocation of subsidies for the
rural and peri-urban low-resource population, and led private actors to enter this activity.
As a response to the social and economic crisis that the country experienced at the time
(2001-2002), producers became dynamic and achieved a high level of participation and,
hence, significant results in both structural and functional collective action (2002 - 2004).
The weakness of collective actions aimed at the institutionalization of the local rabbit
industry promoted by government organisms (represented by the Rabbit Industry
Provincial Advisory Board and the Provincial Rabbit Industry Law) shows that they were
mostly driven by the juncture rather than by a historical process of rabbit production
consolidation in Mendoza.
The convergence of different technological models for rabbit production –one tied to
traditional methods and the other one based on intensive methods, promoted by public
organisms, private companies and investors- gave rise to conflicts and tensions that
undermined collective action in its first stage.
This was due to the perceived competition of these two models: one of them based on
small-scale production using simple low-cost technology, with personalized management,
associated to domestic consumption and/or informal trade in narrow circuits, oriented to
the local market; and the other, based on larger-scale, intensive production, highly
productive, with a more impersonal management of animals, embedded in the agro-
exporting chain and driven by an entrepreneurial logic. As time went by and export prices
dropped, the traditional model proved more sustainable in the long term.
With regard to the development of collective actions in the 2002-2004 period, they were
prompted by the rapid growth of production and by the concepts of participatory
governability and public policy governance, especially encouraging the formation of
cooperatives. Most of these were founded with the aim of responding to the demand of
high volumes of live rabbit meat by export-oriented cold storage companies. The fast
move from collective activities to structural collective actions was also a response to a
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need of the market (having legal entity to issue invoices) and a way to take advantage of
public subsidies (creating groups that could benefit from social policies that promoted the
formation of associations).
Another aspect related to the implementation of development programs is that they should
incorporate, as a key objective, the creation of solid institutional networks comprising
public and private organizations, with a structure that allows for the handling of critical
moments with integrity and backing producers in the search for the most adequate
solutions. The history of local rabbit production tells us that there has been insufficient
support from state organizations and structures during periods of crisis. There was an
evident lack of planning in the evaluation and follow-up stages of existing programs.
This problem was intensified by producers’ limited capacity to integrate, organize and
manage their common interests, particularly when commercialization conflicts emerged.
References
Barros Biscari, R. 2010. “Los saberes colectivos locales como factores del anclaje
territorial. El SIAL de la rosa mosqueta rubiginosa de la patagonia argentina”. [Collective
knowledges as factors of territorial anchorage. The SIAL of rubiginosa rosehip from
Argentina’s Patagonia]. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEM) EAAE-
SYAL International Seminar on Spatial dynamics of the food and agricultura systems:
implications for sustainability and consumers’ wellbeing. Italy, Parma. (Avalaible in CD)
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Local Development and Social Economy Program. “Getting down to Work”. Ministry of
Social Development. http://www.desarrollosocial.gov.ar/Planes/DLES/info_gral.asp
(accessed on May 27, 2009)
PSA- Farming Social Program: “10 años de Política Social con Pequeños Productores
Minifundistas” [10 years of Social Policy with Small-scale Producers], document by
SAGPyA, PROINDER-BIRF and PSA, Buenos Aires, 2003.
*QUAGLIARIELLO SG
INTA EEA Mendoza. San Martín 3853. Luján de Cuyo. Mendoza. Argentina
*Corresponding author: quagliariello.gaby@inta.gob.ar
Introducción
6
Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Mendoza.
7
Programa para Productores Familiares. Pertenece a PROFEDER (Programa Federal de Apoyo al Desarrollo Rural Sustentable de
INTA).
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estudio
Guaymallén
Luján de Maipú
Cuyo
Mendoza
-Zona Norte-
El enfoque teórico utilizado en este trabajo es el de acción colectiva. Este enfoque si bien
tiene varias definiciones, se toma como la capacidad que poseen los grupos para manejar
recursos comunes. Por otra parte, la acción colectiva es el resultado de las interacciones
entre los intereses del conjunto y las estrategias individuales de los actores. Se reconocen
dos tipos de acción colectiva: la de tipo estructural y la de tipo funcional. La estructural
considera únicamente la existencia de organizaciones; mientras la funcional implica
además de la existencia, muestras la labor de las organizaciones.
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En este sentido es importante tener en cuenta las tensiones entre: (i) los fenómenos y
procesos de adhesión que motivan a los individuos para subordinar / articular sus intereses
a los de un grupo, (ii) los fenómenos de desagregación (conflictos, exclusiones) que llevan
a los integrantes de la organización a prácticas individuales que debilitan la organización
colectiva. Las organizaciones se piensan y se construyen en un proceso de negociación y
reconocimiento de identidades diferentes y de intereses complementarios /
contradictorios ( Muchnik, 2006).
Metodología
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Número de
Cantidad de
criaderos Porcentaje Hembras*
Los productores que llegaron al final de esta primera etapa (2002-2009) y siguieron
trabajando, lograron superar una larga etapa de crisis comercial y permanecieron en la
actividad. Se puede afirmar que estos productores, mejoraron aspectos técnicos y de
gestión, como así también encontraron alternativas de comercialización en el mercado
interno, en general individuales y con cierto nivel de informalidad, que les permitieron
continuar. Sin embargo los mecanismos de acción colectiva se vieron limitados a una
mínima expresión, debido al abandono de la actividad, el desánimo y la disolución de las
cooperativas que se fundaron.
Hasta el periodo de caída brusca de la actividad, que comenzó en 2005, estos cunicultores
habían logrado alcanzar interesantes grados de organización grupal, existiendo desde
grupos más informales, hasta cooperativas. Se formaron, al menos, cinco grupos
definidos: la Cooperativa Cayé (del departamento Lavalle); otro grupo de cunicultores
que operaba con la anterior desde el departamento Maipú tal como una filial de la
Cooperativa Cayé; la Cooperativa Sumampa y la Cooperativa Conecuy (ambas
pertenecientes al departamento Guaymallén) y finalmente, otro grupo independiente en
el departamento Maipú. La acción colectiva en general reflejaba en ese momento una
incipiente organización y obedecía primordialmente a la operatividad en la
comercialización del producto para exportación (conejo vivo), durante este período.
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La venta se realizaba semanalmente; para retirar los animales, un vehículo de carga era
enviado por el frigorífico o contratado por los productores asociados y los animales eran
cargados en algún punto de encuentro, generalmente el criadero de algún productor.
Quedó conformada hacia fines de 20028, por pequeños productores del departamento de
Lavalle, subsidiados desde el Plan Manos a la Obra y desde PSA9. El nombre con que se
inscribió fue “Cooperativa de Cunicultores Lavallinos de Provisión, Transformación y
Comercialización Limitada”, sin embargo era conocida por su nombre de fantasía:
“CAYÉ”10 .
8
Fuente: Dirección de Cooperativas y Mutuales. Ministerio de Desarrollo Humano, Familia y
Comunidad. Provincia de Mendoza. Base Cunicultura (10/06/2011).
9
Programa Social Agropecuario.
10
CAYÉ: término de origen Huarpe que significa Corazón Grande. La comunidad Huarpe habitó y
habita en la región de Cuyo.
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Inicia sus acciones como tal en 2004. Era una cooperativa pequeña, formada por Antiguos
Productores Comerciales periurbanos del departamento Guaymallén, fruto de la
interacción de intereses comunitarios, individuales e institucionales. Los productores
habían desarrollado fuertes relaciones horizontales entre ellos y a nivel local, con la
Municipalidad y, provincial, con la Dirección de Cooperativas.
Esta estrategia les permitió acceder a importantes subsidios por proyectos que
presentaron, y poder comprar maquinaria para la elaboración propia de alimento
balanceado. Después de la crisis, la Cooperativa se sostuvo vinculada al mercado interno,
porque estos productores contaban con una cartera propia de clientes.
Esta cooperativa tuvo algunos conflictos por espacios de poder, vinculados con otro grupo
de Guaymallén, en el seno del Consejo Departamental.
“…en el 2004 nos fuimos, nos fuimos nosotros a armar la
cooperativa con el C. y estábamos nosotros y no me acuerdo quién
más que queríamos armar la federación con el Coco, en realidad
íbamos a las dos cooperativas intentando juntarlos pero fue un
fracaso, no se pudo” (Productores nuevos de Maipú).
Una fortaleza que caracterizó a esta cooperativa es que trabajó en forma organizada
durante algún tiempo después de la crisis del mercado externo, para vender al mercado
interno. Para ello, se faenaba en una sala pequeña con habilitación municipal, de Maipú,
que la cooperativa alquilaba. Consiguieron realizar ventas a una cadena de supermercados
a través de un intermediario que comercializaba pollos, lamentablemente la rentabilidad
era muy acotada y no logró sostenerse, por lo que los productores fueron dejando la
actividad. Hubo fuertes conflictos internos en el seno de la cooperativa (2006).
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Surge en 2005 y el núcleo inicial de esta Cooperativa fue una fracción de la primer
Asociación de Cunicultores de la zona norte. Producía y comercializaba desde los inicios
del ciclo; en 2004, facturaba a través de la Cooperativa de Lavalle (“Cayé”).
Un sentido objetivo para esta Cooperativa es el desarrollo en forma conjunta con INTA
Mendoza, de una máquina pelletizadora con el objetivo de fabricar alimento balanceado
y de este modo disminuir costos, aprovechar subproductos agroindustriales locales y
mejorar la calidad del alimento.
Los factores que movilizan la acción colectiva de la cooperativa están vinculados con
relaciones de confianza provenientes de la homogeneidad económica, social y cultural de
los actores; la proximidad geográfica de la mayoría, si bien hay productores a más de
200km de distancia; la necesidad de conocimiento técnico y de mejora genética de los
planteles; la comercialización, venta de cueros y compra de alimentos balanceados y
medicamentos; las limitaciones de recursos económicos; y el interés en la participación
en procesos de gobernanza, participan en reuniones con el Estado a nivel Provincial y
Nacional.
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En tanto aquellos factores que detienen los procesos de acción colectiva se vinculan con
la pluriactividad, como fue señalado; las tensiones en procesos para articular los intereses
propios a los del grupo, los fenómenos de desagregación (conflictos, exclusiones) que
llevan a los integrantes de la organización a las prácticas individuales; el grupo etario, ya
que son productores mayores a 55 años en su mayoría; la falta de continuidad familiar
generacional en la actividad.
Conclusiones
Esto se debió a que entraron en competencia estos dos modelos: uno, sustentado en una
producción de pequeña escala, con una tecnología simple y de bajo costo en insumos, con
un manejo más personal y artesanal, asociado a una cunicultura de autoconsumo y/o
comercial informal de circuitos cortos, orientada al mercado de consumo local; y, otro,
sustentado en una producción de mayor escala, intensiva, de alta productividad y de
manejo más impersonal del animal, asociado a una cadena agroexportadora y a una lógica
más empresarial. El paso del tiempo y la caída de los precios de las ventas para
exportación demostraron que en el largo plazo el modelo artesanal fue el más sustentable.
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Cabe también, como reflexión final, asumir que es necesario un viraje estratégico para
aumentar la participación de las unidades públicas de investigación y desarrollo (I+D), en
las dinámicas de cambio tecnológico local; alinear la producción de conocimiento
científico y tecnológico con las necesidades sociales y saber-hacer locales y comenzar a
plantearse la inclusión social como desafío científico-técnico; es decir, buscar una utilidad
social de los conocimientos científicos y tecnológicos localmente generados,
especialmente en el campo de las agriculturas familiares.
Bibliografía
Barros Biscari, R. 2010. Los saberes colectivos locales como factores del anclaje
territorial. El SIAL de la rosa mosqueta rubiginosa de la patagonia argentina. Universidad
autónoma del Estado de México (UAEM). Seminario internacional EAAE-SYAL.
Dinámicas espaciales de los sistemas agroalimentarios: implicaciones para la
sustentabilidad y el bienestar del consumidor. Italia, Parma. En CD.
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Abstract
Both rabbit and chicken are white meat and part of the Mexican diet. Today
environmental concerns of consumers encourage companies to minimize the
environmental impacts of their products. ISO 14040 describes the principles and
framework for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) which is a technique to assess the
environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or
service. Therefore we decided to use this methodology in order to analyze the supply
chain of both meats. The functional unit considered is one kilogram of meat rabbit or one
kilogram of chicken meat in order to provide a basis for the establishment of good
practices by Mexican farmers.
Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts
(TRACI) software was used. The boundaries of the system analyzed in the process were
animal feeding, meat processing, consumption and waste disposal. The methodology
consisted on compiling an inventory of energy and materials evaluating the
environmental impacts associated with each unit. Data measurements: faeces, urine,
water and energy of machinery, were made on the rabbit farm Los Tíos and UNAM’s
chicken farm.
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The life cycle impact categories analyzed were eutrophication, global warming, use of
fossil fuels, water use and land use as impacts from the production of one kilogram of
chicken meat and rabbit. We conclude chicken meat production requires larger amounts
of energy and water. Machinery used to slaughter, freeze and clean assigned chicken meat
a higher impact. Manure, especially rabbit’s, causes eutrophication and land impact when
penetrates soil and water ground. Use of wastewater treatment plants, rainwater, low
power cleaning machines, digesters and other technologies were suggested in order to
mitigate meat production environmental impacts.
Key words: Life cycle assessment, environmental impact, supply chain, rabbit farm.
VALORACIÓN DEL CICLO DE VIDA PRODUCTIVO DE UN KILOGRAMO
DE CARNE DE CONEJO VERSUS POLLO
Resumen
Tanto el conejo y el pollo son la carne blanca y parte de la dieta de los mexicanos. Hoy
las preocupaciones ambientales de los consumidores animan a las empresas a minimizar
el impacto ambiental de sus productos. ISO 14040 describe los principios y el marco para
la Evaluación del Ciclo de Vida (ACV), que es una técnica para evaluar los aspectos
ambientales y los impactos potenciales asociados a un producto, proceso o servicio. Por
lo tanto hemos decidido utilizar esta metodología con el fin de analizar la cadena de
suministro de ambas carnes. La unidad funcional es considerada un kilogramo de carne
de conejo o un kilogramo de carne de pollo con el fin de proporcionar una base para el
establecimiento de buenas prácticas por parte de los agricultores mexicanos.
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Objective
To assess the environmental impacts related to the production of one kilogram of rabbit
meat compared to one kilogram of chicken meat to establish sustainable practices.
Material
Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts
(TRACI) assisted LCA by interpreting the inventory into different impact categories.
Measurements to inventory were made on Los Tíos farm, located in Xochimilco, for meat
rabbit and in UNAM’s farm, located in Tláhuac, in the case of chickens. Data for
inventory were provided by these farms in order to support the sustainable production of
both types of meat. Unknown data were estimated for both farms; measurements used the
international system and equipment such as scales, tape measures and datasheets in the
case of electricity. Electricity was turned into coal, oil, natural gas, hydro and nuclear
according to the production of electricity in Mexico (BUWAL, 2000).
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Method
ISO 14040 standard for LCA states that is necessary to determine the boundaries of the
system. Our system includes animal feeding, meat processing, consumption and waste
disposal.
Animal feeding
Growth of animals considers food and water supply, manure and its cleaning. Food
supply was considered by land impact and water consumption was 103 l/kg for chicken
and 40.5 l/kg for rabbit. Measurement of feces and urine estimated that one kilogram of
rabbit meat produced a total of 18.52 kg of manure, 16.2 kg of urine and 2.3 kg of feces;
while the chicken meat only produced 4.9 kg of manure. Chemical analysis of the
excrement in various species (Miani, 1990) was used to quantify dry matter, organic
matter, total nitrogen, ammoniacal nitrogen, phosphorus pentoxide, potassium oxide,
calcium oxide and magnesium oxide.
Meat processing
Slaughter in both cases is done by shocking with electric current to desensitize the animal.
This is the methodology that avoids rigor mortis and keeps flesh soft. Blood is drained
and viscera are deposed from the carcass. It was also considered water usage for cleaning
both rabbit and chicken meats. Packages are an input to the process which produces no
impact at this stage.
Consumption
In the process of use of the product was not considered any variable, since it depends on
the way people prepare meat.
Waste disposal
Plastic bags and post-consumer organic waste was taken into account.
Limitations of LCA
Data collection had different obstacles; the main one was the lack of records related to
the flow of materials within the farm. Water, gas and supplies necessaries for animal
growth weren’t measured and had no inventory mostly because its production was not the
same each month. Some electrical appliances had no datasheet or were too old to know
the model. Also the tools to process an LCA don’t have databases in Mexico; therefore
the results are approximate since the impacts vary by region according to its regulations
and climate.
45.0
40.0
Water Use
35.0
Photochemical
Smog
30.0
Land Use
25.0
Human Health
Noncancerogenic
20.0
Global Warming
15.0
Fossil Fuel
10.0
Eutrophication
5.0
Ecotoxicity
0.0
Rabbit Chicken
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The biggest difference between the two productions was the use of fossil fuels with 9.5
points for chicken versus 0.5 points for rabbit, this is due to the great distances used to
transport chickens from its birthplace to the area of production, unlike the rabbits that
didn’t require the transport as they are born within the farm. Electrical equipment for
sacrifice also influences fossil fuels, not only for electrocution or plucking, but for cooling
in ice tubs and long term storage in freezers.
Land use is greater for rabbits than chickens since the rabbit farm is not filled to capacity,
therefore, rabbits have further extension to produce a kg of meat.
In the case of water use, chickens production requires considerably more water for
growing and processing. Slaughter occupies larger amounts of water for cooling and de-
feathering, also machinery requires deep cleaning after process. Comparative ecotoxicity
value comes from using plastic bags; chicken meat distributes its weights since carries
more kg per bag compared to rabbit.
Photochemical smog reflects air pollution caused by both meat productions, there’s a
slightly difference because of the amount of NOx emitted to the atmosphere. Human
health effects vary from respiratory issues to permanent lung damage if prolonged
exposure to ozone occurs.
Conclusions
Chicken meat production reflects a higher rate of environmental impacts; the biggest
difference derives from fossil fuel required to supply energy demanded. Rabbit meat can
be done manually due to the size of farm production which is reflected in low power
consumption.
Chicken use larger amounts of water in cleaning, drinking and processing. Correct
disposal of viscera, blood and manure is imperative. Principally in rabbits, manure is
important due to the high content of elements that enter ground water causing
eutrophication and soil damage. Since main impacts were on energy and water some
suggestions to the current agricultural production are:
-Use Wastewater Treatment Plants to mitigate their impact and promote water reuse
within the same process.
-Promote the collection of rainwater for cleaning and other activities.
-Use all output as raw material and create a closed loop or industrial symbiosis to improve
eco-efficiency.
-Automating only if its production is constant and wide.
-Breeding animals within the farm if possible.
-Search alternatives to emit heat in brooders as digesters or solar cells.
It’s important to remember that LCA varies according to the region and analyzed system.
However, the earlier study aims to improve current practices towards sustainable
production.
References
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PATOLOGÍA E HIGIENE
PATHOLOGY & HYGIENE
STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF Saccharomyces cerevisiae AND TEA
KOMBUCHA ON THE INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA OF RABBITS
Abstract
Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc47) yeast has been used in the feeding of several domestic
animal species and humans, and symbiotic Kombucha tea (TK) has been used in humans,
both as alternative therapy and health-enhancing. The mechanisms of these effects are not
known, and it is thought that might be associated with a modification of the intestinal
flora. In this work, the effects of these probiotics on the fecal coliform populations
isolated rabbit was evaluated. The experimental model was three groups of adult rabbits,
without contact with probiotics. The Sc group which received 0.3% commercial Sc47,
the TK group received two ml / kg body weight of commercial TK: A stool sample from
all animals in the experimental group on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 were taken; seed on selective
media for coliform per g. of faeces; isolation, counting and identifying of bacterial species
was made using samples of the experimental days 0 and 21. The results showed that both
probiotics increased faecal coliform populations (P <0.05). The culture supernatants of
Sc47 had no antimicrobial effect on the isolated bacterial genera. Kombucha supernatant
had an inhibitory (P <0.05) effect on the genera E. coli, Plesiomona spp, Serratia spp,
Salmonella spp, Yersinia spp, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas spp, Actinobacillus spp,
Moraxella spp, Alcaligenes spp, Pasteurella spp.
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Resumen
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Among the most used as probiotic microorganisms used in pigs and other farm animals,
is the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, this not colonizes the digestive tract, but adheres
to mucosal surfaces and is considered non-pathogenic for immunocompetent human
patients (Czerucka et al., 2007). The inclusion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the diet of
rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) promotes increased food intake and growth of rabbits
(Maertens and Ducatelle 1996). Kombucha (TK), tea has been used as an alternative
therapy in humans and is believed to have prophylactic and therapeutic benefits in
physiological disorders such as: arthritis, premature aging, gastroenteric diseases and
immune system stimulation (Kurtzman et al, 2001). The KT contains elements from the
tea plant and some metabolites from fermentation of the culture as: sugars, proteins,
vitamins, caffeine and polyphenol (Vidjaya et al, 2007). The culture is considered a
symbiosis of bacteria and yeasts, in which among the yeasts predominate Brettanomyces.
In addition, the KT has antimicrobial activity in vitro (Sreeramulu et al., 2000).
Recent researches feeding two productive species: pigs and rabbits, supplemented with
S. cerevisiae (Sc47) in the diet of pigs, improved feed efficiency of the animals treated
(Pérez-Sotelo et al., 2005). Meanwhile, De la Cruz and Col. (2008), observed in rabbits
that consumed Sc47 and Kombucha tea in the drinking water, improved feed efficiency
in the treated groups compared to control group. By measuring the behavior of
populations of fecal coliforms, it was demonstrated a decrease in the number of fecal
coliform CFU of supplemented pigs (Pérez-Sotelo et al., 2005). Furthermore, after
supplementing with Sc47 and KT in the feed of rabbits for four weeks, it was observed
that the group nourished with Sc47 slightly increased the number of CFU of coliforms in
the feces, and for the group fed with KT has reduced the number UFC coliform (De la
Cruz et al., 2008).
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These findings could be related to the effects seen in the production parameters, which
imply the interest to know the behavior of the intestinal microbiota during the use of
probiotics. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of Sc47 and KT on
populations of coliform bacteria isolated from rabbit feces and to identify populations of
bacteria isolated from feces.
18 New Zealand White breed rabbits, with no previous contact with probiotics were used;
all rabbits received amoxicillin at a dose of 15mg/kg of body weight (BW) before starting
the treatments in drinking water for three days. Three experimental groups were formed;
Control, Sc and KT; the Sc group received 24x109 CFU of Sc47; the KT group received
2mL/kg (BW). Both treatments were administered in the drinking water for 21 days.
In a first phase of this work, stool samples from all rabbits from the three groups on days
0, 7, 14 and 21 were taken and seed on selective media. To know about the total load of
bacteria and coliforms per gram of feces; Isolation and identification of bacterial genera
on days 0 and 21 were performed. Statistical analysis of total bacterial count in feces and
the fecal coliform counts were performed using analysis of variance with a significance
level of 0.95%.
Results
In the first sampling, it was observed in the Sc group a high number of CFU of coliforms
compared to the groups A and C, and remained higher throughout the experiment. In the
KT group, an increase of coliform CFU was recorded after the third sampling. In the
control group, the number of coliforms remained low. These differences are statistically
significant (P <0.05).
The isolation and identification of bacterial agents before probiotics delivery were: in the
control group: Acinetobacter, Actinobacillus spp, Serratia spp. In the Sc group: Serratia
spp, Actinobacillus spp, Pseudomonas spp, Alcaligenes spp, Pasteurella spp. In the TK
group: Serratia spp, Salmonella spp, Pasteurella spp, Actinobacillus spp, Yersinia spp.
After probiotics supply, the bacterial growths were for the control group: Actinobacillus
spp, Serratia spp, Alcaligenes spp, Salmonella spp, Yersinia spp, Pasteurella spp. For the
Sc group: Serratia spp, Actinobacillus spp, Pseudomonas spp, Alcaligenes spp,
Plesiomona spp, Salmonella spp, Moraxella spp, Escherichia coli and for the TK group:
Serratia spp, Salmonella spp, Actinobacillus spp, Escherichia coli.
The results showed that, both probiotic increased bacterial populations in feces (P <0.05).
Discussion
The numerical results of the bacterial total count did not differ statistically among the
groups: Sc, TK and control (P> 0.05). In a study by Hernandez and col, (2004) where
Clostridium sordellii and Peptostreptococcus tetradius were supplemented in the diet
rabbits, it demonstrated that, the total bacteria in the colon increased in the treated groups
(P <0.05), compared to the control group. These results and those in this study differ
because of the samples analyzed, and the methodology used in both studies.
In this study, we observed from the first week until the end of the experiment, the number
of CFU of bacterial agents increased more in the supplemented groups than the control
group (P <0.05). Furthermore, it is known that, some factors alter the gastrointestinal
ecosystem, by changing the bacterial metabolic activity, or changing the local distribution
of the microbiota; this process is known as dysbiosis (Prakash et al., 2011). It may be
caused using antibiotics, prebiotics, probiotics, physical stress, radiation, altering the
intestinal peristalsis and nutritional diet changes (Hawrelak and Myers, 2004).
In this sense, the nutritional content of Sc47 and nutrient content of KT (sugars and amino
acids (Teoh et al., 2004)) could be important in promoting the increase of some bacteria
in the treated groups. These mechanisms could explain the increase in coliforms counts
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recorded from the second sampling until the end of the experiment in the groups receiving
Sc or KT, both composed of yeasts. It is possible that other compounds of KT as acetic
acid, lactic acid or usnic helped to get the results of the coliform count in the
supplemented groups (Teoh et al., 2004). In the case of the bacteria isolated here as
Salmonella spp, Actinobacillus, Pasteurella spp, Escherichia coli, these are considered
important because of its impact on public health. Other genres such as Serratia spp,
Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas spp, Alcaligenes spp, Moraxella spp and Plesiomona spp
often are commensal organisms in the gut. However, under certain physiological
conditions and immune host, these organisms may be highly pathogenic (Straw, 1998).
In confirmation of this, it has been found that the antimicrobial activity of KT is due
largely to acetic acid (Greenwalt et al., 2000). No studies relating to microorganisms
Kombucha Tea with the effects seen in the Saccharomyces reported, but could relate
because yeast found in the KT.
References
De la Cruz BA, Fajardo MR, Pérez-Sotelo LS, Lagunas BS, Díaz GBA. (2008): Efecto
del suplemento de los probióticos té Kombucha y Saccharomyces cerevisiae sc47 sobre
parámetros productivos en conejos Nueva Zelanda. Tesis de Licenciatura. FMVZ.
Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Toluca, México.
Hawrelak JA, Myers SP. 2004. The causes of intestinal dysbiosis: A review. Altern. Med.
Rev. 9: 180–197.
Hernández SD, Cobos PMA, González MS, Bárcena GR, Arcos GJL, Gallardo GL. 2004.
Poblaciones microbianas y fermentación en el ciego de conejo en conejos alimentados
con inóculos de bacterias cecales. Interciencia. 29(8): 442 – 446.
Kurtzman PC, JC Robnett, E Basehoar-Powers. 2001. Zigisaccharomyces kombuchensis,
a new ascosporogenous yeast from Kombucha tea. FEMS Yeast Res 1, 133-138.
Pérez-Sotelo LS, Talavera RM, Monroy SHM, Lagunas BS, Cuarón IJA, Montes de Oca
JR, Vázquez CJC. 2005. In vitro evaluation of the binding capacity of Saccharomyces
cerevisiae Sc47 to adhere to the wall of Salmonella spp. Rev Latinoam Microbiol 47 (3-
4), 70-75.
Straw TE. 1988. Bacteria of the rabbit gut and their role in the health of the rabbit. J.
Appl. Rabbit. Res. 1: 142–146.
Teoh AL, G Heard, J Coxa. 2004. Yeast ecology of Kombucha fermentation. Int J Food
Microbiol. 95: 119–126.
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CADMIUM EXPOSURE IN RABBITS:
RENAL AND HEPATIC EVALUATION
Abstract
Cadmium is regarded nowadays as an environmental pollutant. Epidemiological studies
have demonstrated the association between its exposure and functional alterations, due to
high atmospheric levels, low biodegradability and longlasting persistence. The aim of this
study was to screen and analyze the renal and hepatic physiology due to drinking water
pollution (well source) in a rabbit farm near the industrial zone in Mexico City. Five
periods were sampled, in which 6 rabbits were randomly selected, collecting 4 mL of
blood from the marginal auricular vein in tubes with and without anticoagulant. The first
samples were taken when the rabbits aged 8 weeks and on days 15, 30, 45 and 60. Samples
were centrifuged and serum obtained to measure hematocrit, total proteins, ALT (alanine
aminotransferase), AST (aspartate transferase), GGT (gamma glutamyl transferase), urea
and creatinine. Hematocrit significantly decreased from 42 ± 4.31% down to 30 ± 13.23
% in the fourth period. Total proteins slightly increased from 6.2 ± 0.46 to 6.5 ± 1.06 g/dL
in the last period. An initial ALT activity of 63 ± 8.87 U/L was found, in the first period
93 ± 12.62 U/L, in the second, 95 ± 6.11 U/L, in the third, 112 ±10.58 U/L, and in the
fourth, 68 ± 19.55 U/L. Regarding GGT and AST, values were reported within normal
ranges. Urea showed an increasing value up to 29 ± 3.18 mmol/L, with an initial value of
20 ± 7.30 mmol/L.
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Creatinine initial concentration was 111 ± 13.57 µmol/L increasing up to 118 ± 8.99
µmol/L in the last period. These parameters show that rabbits which have been exposed
to cadmium suffer physiological changes that may permanently alter hepatic and renal
funcion.
Resumen
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It is one of the most toxic elements. Its accumulation is gradual and increases with age.
Intestinal absorption is due to the divalent metal transporter (DMT-1) located in the
duodenum, erythrocytes, liver and proximal convoluted tubules. It is an Fe transporting
protein with great affinity towards Cd. When Fe and Zn ingestion is decreased, DMT-1
expression increases, increasing the intestinal absorption of Cd and therefore its toxicity.
The aim of this study was to screen through clinical enzymology the renal and hepatic
function in rabbits, due to the detection of cadmium in drinking water in a rabbit farm
near the industrial zone of Mexico Valley, where respiratory problems and renal ilnesses
with no aparent cause were found.
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In a rabbit farm near the industrial zone in Mexico Valley, with a population of 40
animals, cases of respiratory disease as well as sudden death in stage of completion were
previously reported. Food was based on commercial feed and water from a near well.
Cadmium concentration in water was reported as 16,5 g/kg. When direct information
was gathered, growth, bone and dehydration were detected. Six rabbits meant for human
consumption were sampled to demostrate and assess physiological alterations in liver and
kidney, by collecting blood samples with and without anticoagulant in different periods.
The first sample was taken when the rabbits aged eight weeks, and then on days 15, 30,
45 and 60. Each sample was centrifuged to obtain serum and analysed. Hematocrit was
measured using heparinized capilar tubes by centrifugation at 5000 rpm, for 5 minutes
and total protein through refractometry (Veterinary Refractometer 10436, Reichert ®
g/%). ALT, AST and urea activities were measured at a wavelength of 340 nm, using an
spectrophotometer with specific reactives and GGT activity using the Szazs/Persijn
method at 405 nm; for creatinine the absorbance was read at 510 nm (Clinical Chemistry-
Instrumentation Laboratory®).
The results obtained for hematocrit were: it decreased from 42 ± 4.31% to 30 ± 13.23 %
in the fourth period and total proteins showed a slight increase from 6.2 ± 0.46 up to
6.5±1.06 g/dL on the last period. Results for ALT were: during the first period 63 ± 8.87
UL, 15 days afterwards 93 ± 12.62 UL, for the third one 112 ±10.58 UL, and during the
rest, the enzyme decreased (Table 1). Increasing ALT values show specific hepatic lesion
due to degeneration changes up to necrosis, which is different from the increase in AST
values that show hepatocelular or muscular (either skeletal or cardiac) lesion. A GGT
increase in values may indicate hepatic disease. In this research, its values were stable
during the sampling periods, just as what happened with AST.
Urea gradually increased, from 20 ±7.30 mmol/L up to 29 ±3.18 mmol/L. For creatinine
the initial value was 111 ±13.57 µmol/L and increased up to 118 ± 8.99 µmol/L in the
last period (Table 1).
CREATININE 111 ± 13.57 103 ± 9.04 106 ± 10.64 122 ± 13.52 118 ±8.99 70.7-227.2
(μmol/L)
GGT (U/L) 12.17 ± 0.75 7.67 ± 1.37 7.00 ± 0.89 8.33 ± 2.08 7.00 ± 0 9
Regarding the enzymatic values in the rabbits, it can be assumed that pollutant effects
such as the ones produced by cadmium may be altering the optimal functionality of these
animals, and that the presence of pathologies in the farm may not only be due to cadmium
exposure but to the existence of other elements that may be harmful to the rabbits’ health.
When cadmium is metabolized in the liver, it joins to low molecular weight proteins
(<10kD) named metallothioneins (MT), distributed all over the organism, cysteine rich,
with high reactive and storage affinity which participate on free radical elimination, and
cellular repairing and regeneration. An increase in Cd intracellular levels rises MT
expression, therefore increasing susceptibility in toxicity regarding these kinds of metals.
It may also join to albumin in circulation, and is transported to the liver where it may join
to glutathione (GSH) and metallothionein-1 (MT1) (Liu, 2001).
There was no severe damage in the renal system that could cause proteinuria, maybe due
to the fact that the evaluation period was too short to provoke tubule lesions, which may
be found in chronic cases and to the quantity of Cd consumed as well.
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Conclusions
The parameters found in the rabbits exposed to cadmium show that they suffer
physiological changes which may permanently alter hepatic and renal functionality. ALT
and urea levels progressively rised, indicating important hepatic and renal damage due to
cadmium exposure.
References
KANEKO, J.J. 2008. Clinical Biochemistry of Domestic Animals, 6th ed. Blood Analyte
Reference Values in Small and Some Laboratory Animals. Elsevier. UK.
Liu Y., Liu J., Klaassen C.D. 2001. Metallothionein-null and wild-type mice show similar
cadmium absorption and tissue distribution following oral cadmium administration.
Toxicol Appl Pharmacol, 175, 253-9.
Olayemi, F.O. and Nottidge, H.O. 2007. "Effect of Age on the Blood Profiles of the New
Zealand Rabbit in Nigeria". African Journal of Biomedical Research, 10, 73-76.
SCHALM'S Veterinary Hematology. 2010. Weiss D.J. and Wardrop K.J. editors. 6th ed.
Reference Erythrocyte Parameters of the New Zealand White (NZW) Rabbit
(Oryctolagus cuniculus). Wiley-Blackwell. USA.
Thrall M.A., Baker D.C., Campbell T.W., DeNicola D., Fettman M.J. 2006. Veterinary
hematology and clinical chemistry. Blackwell, USA.
PERIODONTAL MANDIBULAR OSTEOMYELITIS IN
TWO NEW ZEALAND RABBITS
Abstract
Mandibular osteomyelitis is an inflammation of all structures of the jawbone caused by
microorganisms that enter through the tooth decay (odontogenic) or the periodontal
tissues. The odontogenic form is more common in humans and originates from decayed
teeth where infection can reach the bone and cause osteomyelitis. Periodontic mandibular
osteomyelitis originates from the tissues that surround and support the teeth: gingiva,
periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, due to the accumulation of plaque and tartar that
may form a dental abscess. In rabbits, mandibular odontogenic osteomyelitis is rare and
may be related to the diet of pet rabbits. However, periodontal osteomyelitis is common
and develops due to the weakness of the periodontal ligament in rodents that allows
continuous tooth growth. We did not find reports in scientific journals of this condition,
but it has been clinically described in some books. The descriptions in these documents
refer purulent osteomyelitis associated to other microorganisms. The aim of this paper is
to present and discuss the pathologic findings, etiology and nomenclature of these cases.
Two New Zealand rabbits were submitted to the CIESA-FMVZ-UAEMex due to the
presence of bilateral submandibular nodes. These cases were characterized by a
granulomatous osteomyelitis with a high number of epithelioid cells and lymphocytes in
the bone marrow in the lower jaw which agents were involved Pasteurella multocida and
Bordetella bronchiseptica.
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In all cases of osteomyelitis, it should be inspected the dental injuries to determine the
origin of this disease and so diagnose it properly. Else, the term periodontal or
odontogenic as the case must be added to the name of this disease.
Resumen
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En todos los casos de osteomielitis, se debe inspeccionar las lesiones dentales para
determinar el origen de esta enfermedad y así diagnosticar correctamente. De lo contrario,
el término periodontal u odontogénico en su caso hay que añadir al nombre de esta
enfermedad.
In veterinary, oral and dental diseases have been studied in small animals such as dogs
and cats, periodontal disease is very common and associated factors is the accumulation
of plaque on the tooth surface, among the predisposing factors are age, nutrition and
genetic predisposition (3). In rabbits, mandibular odontogenic osteomyelitis is rare and
may be related to the diet of pet rabbits. However, periodontal osteomyelitis is common
and develops due to the weakness of the periodontal ligament in rodents that allows
continuous tooth growth (1, 5, 7).
Normal rabbit dental anatomy and ethological behavior are essential for the development
of this pathology. The permanent dentition has the feature to continue to grow throughout
the lifetime. However, progressive growth is not very evident due to continuous tooth
wear in the feed, which may favor the development of peridontals disease (1, 5, 7). In this
study, the etiology and pathological findings of two cases of periodontal bilateral
granulomatous osteomyelitis in rabbits from the same farm are reported. The terminology
is also discussed, and it is proposed that the term of periodontal disease be used in this
disease of rabbits, because in the few reports of osteomyelitis in rabbits, this disease has
not been well described.
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Two New Zealand rabbits about 2.5 months old, weighing approximately 1,500 kg, from
a family backyard rabbit farm in the State of Mexico. The animals were sent to CIESA,
FMVZ, UAEMex, for diagnosis by the appearance of the submandibular nodes. Necropsy
was performed on both rabbits and samples for histopathology, and bacteriology was
collected.
For histopathology, craneal and caudal cuts of the injury from the lower jaw bones were
performed in order to include the full node of each rabbit. Nodes were fixed for 48hrs in
10% buffered formalin, subsequently. They were washed under tap water and decalcified
with EDTA for 48hrs, included in paraffin, cut at 6 µm thick and stained with H&E. For
bacteriology, samples were taken from the exudate using a sterile swab and
bacteriological loop, from the left mandible of the rabbits.
Samples were seed in blood agar with 5% sheep blood and in MacConkey agar, incubated
at 37 °C for 24 hrs. The isolates were passed on blood agar for purification.
Results
During the necropsy, at the external inspection showed a rabbits moderate body condition.
Internal inspections of the oral cavity were found two nodules in both lower jaws, located
just below the molars without evidence of caries, tartar or plaque. Palpation consistency
was hard as stone and immobile, approximately 2 cm in diameter (Figure 1).
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Discussion
Most reports of mandibular osteomyelitis in rabbits are clinical studies describing the
injury as purulent osteomyelitis, associated with various etiologic agents such as
Staphylococcus aureus, Bacteroides, Pseudomonas, Proteus, Fusobacterium nucleatum,
Prevotella heparinolytica, Prevotella spp., Peptostreptococcus micros, Streptococcus
milleri group, Actinomyces israelii and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum (4, 8). However,
this case was characterized by a granulomatous osteomyelitis, a lot of epithelioid cells
and lymphocytes in the bone marrow of the lower jaw bone in which, the agents involved
were Pasteurella multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica.
The combined presence of these bacteria is so common in the respiratory tract of healthy
rabbits and ill (2). However, there are no reports in which these agents are involved in the
development of osteomyelitis in rabbits. This injury could have been caused by a chronic
infection due to the type of diet and dentition of rabbits that favored infection.
Conclusions
The oral and dental diseases are one of the most studied in humans, but in animals has
been little studied. In the naming task as accurately and clearly, it must use a nomenclature
describing oral diseases in animals, in this case in rabbits. As in all cases of mandibular
osteomyelitis should inspect dental injuries, performed histopathological and
bacteriological examination to make a good diagnosis.
References
2) Deeb BJ, DiGiacomo RF, Bernard BL, Silbernagel SM (1990): Pasteurella multocida
and Bordetella bronchiseptica Infections in Rabbits. Journal of Clinical Microbiology,
28(1): 70-75.
7) Reiter MA (2008): Pathophysiology of Dental Disease in the Rabbit, Guinea Pig, and
Chinchilla. Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine. 17 (2): 70–77.
8) Tyrrell KL, Citron DM, Jenkins JR, Goldstein EJ. (2002): Periodontal bacteria in rabbit
mandibular and maxillary abscesses. J Clin Microbiol. 40(3):1044-7.
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Bordetella bronchiseptica IN RABBITS SUBMITTED FOR
DIAGNOSIS: CLINICAL-PATHOLOGICAL STUDY
Abstract
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Resumen
Bordetella bronchiseptica es reconocida como un patógeno primario inicial del tracto
respiratorio en animales domésticos, puede provocar tos de las perreras (perro),
respiración ruidosa (en conejos) y rinitis atrófica (en el cerdo). De acuerdo a la
importancia de esta implicación en la salud humana, exponemos un caso reportado de una
granja de conejos, con 2.000 animales, donde se vieron afectados animales de 35 a 60
días de edad, mostrando signos respiratorios (disnea, secreción nasal serosa) y diarrea
verde. En la necropsia los hallazgos más relevantes fueron congestión pulmonar severa
en la región craneoventral, con presencia de exudado purulento al corte y fibrina en la
superficie pulmonar con adherencias a la pared torácica. Los cambios microscópicos
incluyeron congestión severa, hemorragias, presencia de material fibrinoso y edema, con
infiltración de neutrófilos y macrófagos, engrosamiento de paredes alveolares con
infiltración de células mononucleares. Al aislamiento bacteriológico de pulmón se aisló
Bordetella bronchiseptica (++). La importancia de este caso se basa en la repercusión en
salud pública, considerando que algunas infecciones humanas por este agente se han
relacionado con el contacto humano con conejos infectados.
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Clinical history
Rabbit farm with over 200 population for meat. Six animals, 40 days old, were remitted
for anatomopathological study. The most common features found were: dark-green
diarrhea, dyspnea, gasping and serous nasal discharge. External inspection showed
conjunctival deshidratation and evidence of feces in perineal region.
Results
Lesions found at necropsy were: in the respiratory system, nasal cyanosis, hydrothorax,
severe cranioventral pulmonary congestion (Figure 1), fibrinous adhesions to the thoracic
wall and suppurative exudate on cut surface. In the digestive system: hepatomegaly,
fibrinous exudate in intestinal serosa, whitish spots on the liver parenchyma and severe
intestinal congestion. Regarding the heart: hydropericardium and myocardial softness. In
the nervous system: mild leptomeningeal congestion. Microscopic lesions in tissues
stained with Hematoxilin-Eosin were: in the lung, severe congestion, hemorrhage,
pulmonary edema, pulmonary fibrin deposition with great amount of neuthophils and
macrophages, mononuclear infiltration of alveolar walls (Figure 2); in the heart, mild
congestion, focal hemorrhages, nuclear pleomorphism and wavy myocites; in the
intestine, mild congestion and lymphocytic and eosinophilic infiltration in the lamina
propria.
Based on the bacteriological isolation from lung of B. bronchiseptica (++) as only agent
isolated, it matches with lesions and damage described in pulmonary tissue by others
authors. There was no presence of other pathogens as P. multocida, which has been
described in several reports of rabbits affected (Dungworth 1993; Leman and Straw
1994). Reports of clinical adult rabbits infection related a concurrent presence of P.
multocida and B. bronchiseptica, aging increases susceptibility to infection in this specie.
Bordetella bronchiseptica show a high affinity for attaching to the ciliated epithelial cells
that paralyze the cilia of mucociliary clearance apparatus. Ciliary stasis caused by B.
bronchiseptica can induced P. multocida adhesion and loss of macrophages activity
(Tuomanen et al., 1993; Zeligs et al., 1986).
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This pathogen transmition is circumstantial. Pets and farm owners (cats and dogs,
laboratory animals, or pigs) are at risk of get opportunism infection. Some circumstances
as: bad ventilation, dampness, incorrect temperature, overcrowding and bad cleaning may
favor its transmition and spreading (Pajuelo et al., 2002; Schipper et al., 1994; Woolfrey
and Moody 1991).
References
Angus J.C., Jans S. and Mirsh D.C. 1997. Microbiological study of transtracheal aspirate
from dogs with suspected lower respiratory tract disease: 264 cases (1989-1995). J. Am.
Vet. Med. Assoc. 210: 55-58.
Burns V. C., Pishko E.J., Preston A., Maskell D.J. and Harvill E.T. 2003. Role of
Bordetella bronchiseptica O antigen in respiratory tract infection. Infect. Immun. 71: 86-
94.
Binns S.H., Dawson S., Speakman A.J., Morgan K.L. and Gaskell R.M. 1998.
Prevalence and risk factors for feline Bordetella bronchiseptica infection. Vet. Rec. 144:
575-580.
Carlyle J.T. y Duncan H.R. 1990. Patología veterinaria. Hemisferio sur. Vol. 2. pp 1227-
1230.
Dubuisson F.J., Kehoe B., Willery E., Locht C. and Relman D.A. 2000. Molecular
characterization of Bordetella bronchiseptica filamentous haemaglutininand its secretion
machinery. Microbiol., 146:1211-1221.
Dungworth D.L. 1993. The respiratory system. In: Jubb, K.V.F; Kennedy, P.C. y
Palmer, N.C. Pathology of Domestic Animals. 4ª ed. Vol 1. Academic Press, USA. pp
640-641.
Dworkin M.S., Sullivan P.S., Buskin S.E., Harrington R.D., Olliffe J., MacArthur R.D.
and Lopéz C.E. 1999. Bordetella bronchiseptica infection in human immunodeficiency
virus- infected patients. Clin. Infec. Dis., 28:1095-1099.
Gore T., Headley M., Laris R., Bergman E.J.G.H., Sutton D., Horspool I.L. and Jacobs
C.A. 2005. Intranasal kennel cough vaccine protecting dogs from experimental
Bordetella bronchiseptica challenge within 72 hours. Vet. Rec. 156: 482-483.
Hibrand O.L., Raze D., Locht C. 2005. Role of Bordetella bronchiseptica adenylate
cyclase in nasal colonization and in development of local and systemic immune responses
in piglets. Vet. Res. 36: 63-77.
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Leman A.D. and Straw B.E. 1994. Bacterial diseases. In Taylor, D.J.: Diseases of
swine. 8ª ed. Academic Press, USA. pp. 355-384.
Ner Z., Ross L.A., Horn M.V., Keens T.G., Starnes V.A. 2003.. Bordetella
bronchiseptica infection in pediatric lung transplant recipients. Pediatr. Transplant. 7:
413-417.
Pajuelo L.B., Villanueva J.L., Vergara I.N., García C.A. 2002. Cavitary pneumonia in
an AIDS patient caused by an unusual Bordetella bronchiseptica variant producing
reduced amounts of pertactin and other major antigens. J. Med. Microbiol. 40 (9): 3142-
3154.
Schipper H., Krohne G.F. and Gross R. 1994. Epithelial cell invasion and survival of
Bordetella bronchiseptica. Infect. Immun. 62: 3008-3011.
Snyder S.B., Fisk S.K., Fox J.G. and Soave O.A. 1994. Respiratory tract disease
associated with Bordetella bronchiseptica infection in cats. J. Anim. Vet. Med. Assoc.
163 (3):293-294.
Staveley M.C., Register B.K., Miller A.M., Brockmeier L.S., Jessup A.D. 2003.
Molecular and antigenic characterization of Bordetella bronchiseptica isolated from a
wild southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) with severe suppurative
bronchopneumonia. J. Vet. Diagnos. Invest. 15: 570-574.
Tuomanen I.E., Nedelman J., Owen H. J. 1993. Species specificity of Bordetella adherent
to human and animal ciliated respiratory epithelial cells. Infect. Immun. 2: 692-695.
Woolfrey B.F. and Moody A.J. 1991. Human infections associated with Bordetella
bronchiseptica. Clin. Microbiol. Rev. 3: 243-255.
Zeligs J.B., Zeligs J.D. 1986. Functional and ultrastructural changes in alveolar
macrophages from rabbits colonized with Bordetella bronchiseptica. Infect. Immun. 3:
702-706.
METICILLIN RESISTANT Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
IDENTIFIED IN A SMALLHOLDER RABBIT FARM
Abstract
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Manitol salt agar plates were cultured at 37° C for 24 hrs. S. aureus was identified using
bacteriological routine procedures. Gram stain, catalase and coagulase tube tests using
rabbit plasma, Voges Proskauer, nitrate broth, anaerobic manitol fermentation and
aerobic maltose tests were performed. In vitro sensibility tests to β-lactamic antibiotics
were evaluated through difussion method in Mueller-Hinton (MH) agar using
amoxicillin/clavulanic acid unidiscs (10/20mg), which were incubated at 37°C (NaCl 4%)
and oxacillin-meticillin unidiscs (1μg and 6μg) incubated at 35 and 42°C. Results showed
S. aureus in vitro resistance to all antibiotics. Histopathologically, a proliferative
granulomatose reaction was observed, tissue necrosis and capilar neoformation. It is
concluded that S. aureus ORSA/MRSA antibiotype was present in the rabbit farm,
therefore representing a public health risk dute to the possibility of developing human
infections from animal sources.
Resumen
Staphylococcus aureus puede afectar la economía de la producción cunícola debido a
infeccines cutáneas superficiales o profundas, por mastitis, pododermatitis y septicemia.
El antibiotipo ORSA/MRSA representa un riesgo potencial en salud pública. El objetivo
de este trabajo fue identificar el antibiotipo ORSA/MRSA de S. aureus en una granja
cunícola. Se estudió un caso de dermatitis ulcerativa en una granja del Valle de Toluca,
en el que la población presentaba infecciones dérmicas y abscesos crónicos. Se tomaron
hisopos y se realizó una biopsia para examen histopatológico, después de sedar al conejo
con xilacina-ketamina (0.1mg/kg/25mg/kg) y butorfanol (0.4 mg/kg) intramuscular. Se
cultivaron placas de agar sal y manitol a 37°C durante 24 hrs. Se identificó S. aureus a
través de técnicas bacteriológicas de rutina. Se realizó la tinción de Gram, pruebas de
catalasa y coagulasa en tubo utilizando plasma de conejo, Voges Proskauer, nitrito en
caldo, fermentación anaeróbica del manitol y pruebas de maltosa aeróbica. Se realizaron
pruebas de sensibilidad in vitro para antibióticos β-lactámicos a través del método de
difusión en agar Mueller-Hinton (MH), utilizando unidiscos de amoxicilina/ácido
clavulánico (10/20mg), que se incubaron a 37°C (NaCl 4%) y de oxacilina-meticilina
(1μg and 6μg) incubando a 35 y 42°C. Los resultados muestran que el S. aureus fue
resistente a todos los antibióticos.
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In the farms, two types of infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) LA-
MRSA strains may be distinguished. The first one, caused by low virulence strains, is
limited to a small number of animals. In the second one, produced by highly virulent
strains, disseminates through the farm, causing production loss (Hermans et al., 2003).
The State of Mexico is ranked in the first place regarding rabbit production and
consumption. 80% of the meat production comes from small family holder farms and
only 5% from technified ones (SAGARPA, 2012). S. aureus in humans and animals may
produce a broad variety of infections from superficial ones in the skin up to deep ones as
well as septicaemia (Peton and Le Loir, 2013).
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An isolated case from a rabbit presenting skin lesions in a farm in Toluca Valley was
studied. After sedation with xylacine - ketamine (0.1mg/kg/25mg/kg) and butorfanol (0.4
mg/kg) intramuscullarly, swab samples and a biopsy of the affected region were taken,
for further analysis (Bimonte et al, 2007). for S. aureus bacteriological identification,
manitol salt agar plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hrs. For S. aureus identification,
CFU were observed and identified through routine bacterilogical procedures. Gram stain,
catalase and coagulase in tube using rabbit plasma tests were performed, as well as Voges
Proskauer and nitrate broth, anaerobic manitol and aerobic maltose fermentations
(Manjarrez et al., 2012). In vitro sensibility to β-lactamic antibiotics was evaluated
through the difussion method in Mueller-Hinton (MH) agar, using using
amoxicillin/clavulanic acid unidiscs (10/20mg), which were incubated at 37°C (NaCl
4%), oxacillin-meticillin and cephotoxin unidiscs (1μg and 6μg) incubated at 35 and 42°C
(López et al., 2011).
Results showed that the S. aureus isolated from the farm was resistant to all antibiotics,
suggesting an MRSA and ORSA/MRSA phenotype. Histopathologically, a proliferative
granulomatose reaction was observed, tissue necrosis and capilar neoformation, which
indicate chronic inflammation and infection. S. aureus may cause infections in animals
and humans due to its capacity of colonizing skin as well as other tissues, producing acute
and chronic infections in humans that may recquire treatment and hospitalization if more
virulent strains produce them such as MRSA strains (Díaz et al., 2006). Mammals as
carriers of S. aureus represent an infection source for animals as well as a potential risk
for cross infections between animals and humans, through direct contact or animal
cohabitation (Weese et al., 2006). In this sense, MRSA strains constitute an important
worldwide epidemiolgical alert due to the fact of producing severe infections which could
compromise health and life (Kim et al., 2014) by epidemic clone existance affecting
humans and animals in acute and chronic infection. Live animal MRSA strains from
animal origin have been identified in humans (Peton and Le Loir, 2013). In rabbits, low
and high pathogenic strains have been identified, which could affect humans from rabbit
carriers of S. aureus (Ortega et al., 2009). This microorganism has been initially
considered as a nosocomial pathogen. Isolations are multiresistant to several antibiotic´s
groups incluiding betalactamics. During the last decade, numerous colonization and
infection reports due to MRSA in community members have been published, including
people without previous hospital contact, with prevalence in several body zones including
skin, perineum, underarm and inner thigh (Fosch et al., 2012). An increasing phenomenon
is the pathogens’ resistance to conventional antibiotics considered as a public health
problem, due to the turning up of multiresistant strains, which makes them difficult to
treat and reducing therapeutical options (Acosta et al., 2012).
Conclusion
It is concluded that S. aureus ORSA/MRSA phenotype was present in the small holder
rabbit farm, which might have been associated to the chronic granulomatose skin lesion.
References
Acosta P.G., Rodriguez A.G., Longoria R.E. Castro M.M.E. 2012. Evaluación de
cuatro métodos para la detección de Staphylococcus aureus meticilino-resistente de
muestras clínicas en un hospital regional. Salud Pública de México. 54 (1): 1-6.
Bimonte P.D., Rodríguez N.C., Vedovatti M.E. 2007. Anestesia general en el conejo
(General Anaesthesia in rabbit) RED. VET. 1695-7504. VIII. 6.
http://www.veterinaria.org/revistas/redvet 10/05/2014
Fosch S., Yones C., Trossero M., Grosso O., Nepote A. 2012. Portación nasal de
Staphylococcus aureus en individuos de la comunidad: factores epidemiológicos.
ABCL. 46(1): 59-67.
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Jordá B.G., Marucci S.R., Guida M.A., Pires S.P, Manfredi A.E. 2012. Portación y
caracterización de Staphylococcus aureus en manipuladores de alimentos. Revista
Argentina de Microbiología (2012) 44: 101-104
Kim, H.K., Missiakas D., Schneewind O. 2014. Mouse models for infectious diseases
caused by Staphylococcus aureus, J. Immunol. Methods (2014),
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jim.2014.04.007
López V.M., Velázquez O.V., Alonso F.M.U., Díaz Z.S., Pulido G.G. 2011.
Identificación de cepas de Staphylococcus aureus resistentes a la meticilina
(ORSA/MRSA) y con resistencia borderline (BORSA) aisladas de vacas lecheras en
el valle de Toluca. XXXV Congreso Nacional de Buiatría.
Manjarrez L.A.M., Díaz Z.S., Salazar G.F., Valladares C.B., Gutiérrez C.A.C.,
Barbabosa P.A., Talavera R.M., Alonso F.M.U., Velázquez O.V. 2012. Identificación
de biotipos de Staphyloccocus aureusen vacas lecheras de producción familiar con
mastitis subclínica en la región centro-este del Estado de México. Rev.Mex. 3: 265-
274.
Meulemans L., Hermans K., Duchateau L., Haesebrouck F. 2007. High and low
virulence Staphylococcus aureus strains in a rabbit skin infection model. Vet.
Microbiology 125: 333–340
Weese J.S., Dick H., Willey B.M., McGeer A., Kreiswirth B.N., Innis B., Low D.E.
2006. Suspected transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus between
domestic pets and humans in veterinary clinics and in the household. Veterinary
Microbiology 115. 148–155
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PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF A NON INVASIVE METHOD FOR
DETECTION OF BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION BY
Staphylococcus aureus IN RABBIT CARCASSES FROM HIGH
VOLUME SLAUTHTERHOUSES
Abstract
Microbial counts are worldwide accounted for food meat safety. There is not an specific
method to determine the superficial microbial count in rabbit carcasses. Therefore, a non
invasive surface sampling method had to be developed taking into consideration the
sampling method intended for other food animal species to determine microbial counts
for Staphylococcus aureus. S. aureus is an important pathogen that may be involved in
food poisoning and represents a public health risk regarding antibiotic resistant strains.
Rabbit carcasses were sampled, taking a different surface sample per group. Wet swabs
with 2% peptone water were scrubbed in different regions: in the thigh, back, ribs and
shoulder. The surface sampled for Group 1 was 2.5 X 2,5 cm; Group 2, 5 X 5 cm and
Group 3, 10 X 10 cm. Serial decimal dilutions were made and cultured in Baird Parker
Agar for Staphylococcus aureus plate counts.
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The most feasible and representative surface for sampling of the rabbit carcass was the
smallest for S. aureus contamination. CFU/cm2 in the samples exceeded the national and
international maximum limits, representing a hygiene alert due to possible S. aureus strain
dissemination.
Key words: surface sampling, non destructive method, Staphylococcus aureus, rabbit
carcass, CFU/cm2.
ESTUDIO PRELIMINAR DE UN MÉTODO NO INVASIVO PARA
DETERMINAR LA CONTAMINACIÓN POR Staphylococcus aureus EN
RASTROS CON ALTO VOLUMEN DE SACRIFICIO
Resumen
Como bien se sabe, la carne de conejo se consume cada día más por la población mundial.
Sin embargo, se desconoce ampliamente las propiedades microbiológicas de este
alimento y sumado a ello en la actualidad no existe un método específico para determinar
la carga bacteriana en la canal de conejo sin que esta se vea afectada. Por tal razón se
implementó el método no destructivo de toma de muestra en superficie que se utiliza para
grandes especies, aplicado al canal de conejo con la finalidad de determinar la carga
bacteriana, para este caso de Staphylococcus aureus. Se muestrearon 15 conejos de un
rastro ubicado en el Valle de Toluca, divididos en tres grupos, cada uno de 5 conejos, a
los cuales se realizó una toma de muestra en superficie diferente para cada grupo; la
muestra se tomó con hisopo humedecido en solución de agua peptonada y de diferentes
regiones de la canal del conejo; en el grupo uno se muestreo una superficie de 2.5cm2 por
2,5cm2; en el grupo dos una superficie de 5cm2 por 5cm2; y en el grupo tres una superficie
de 10cm2 por 10cm2.
Posteriormente se realizaron distintas diluciones y se inoculo en cajas Petri con medio de
Agar Baird Parker específico para crecimiento de Staphylococcus aureus.
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Over the years, it has been undoubtable the people’s interest on achieving and maintaining
a healthy life according to today’s needs and demands, through the implementation of
optimal diet strategies directed towards disease prevention. Therefore, it has been
necessary to look for new food sources, as well as screening their microbiological quality.
Meat is one of the main foods providing nutrients such as proteins, lipids and vitamins
amongst others. Nevertheless, there are controversies nowadays regarding its nutritional
role, due to the fact that consumers consider that high ingestion is correlated with health
problems, including obesity and cardiovascular diseases, therefore reducing its
consumption (Schönfeldt and Gibson, 2008). This is the reason why people tend to
modify their lifestyle by exploring new healthy diet habits, in which rabbit meat
(Oryctolagus cuniculus), stands out as a nutritious and healthy election (Hu and Willett,
2002; Hernández, 2008; Hernández and Dalle, 2010; Simonová et al., 2010).
Nevertheless, there has not been developed specific sampling methods to determine its
bacterial load without affecting the carcass presentation quality.
Several pathogens which could be present in raw meat might as well contaminate the
workers’ hands during processing and handling of the meat, with posterior transmission
to other food, equipment and other workers as well (Rodríguez, 2002). To guarantee the
microbiological quality of rabbit’s meat, a screening program should be followed, in
compliance with microbiological criteria which could demonstrate that the implemented
measures for quality assurance in meat maintains an adequate control of microorganisms.
There is not an specific method to determine the superficial microbial count in rabbit
carcasses. Therefore, a non invasive surface sampling method had to be developed taking
into consideration the sampling method intended for other food animal species to
determine microbial counts for Staphylococcus aureus.
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Samples were taken from different carcass regions: thigh, back, ribs and shoulder (one
rabbit per region) according to the European Union approved method (European
Directive 2001/471/EC) (U.E., 2001). This sampling technique was performed in three
groups with 5 rabbits each, limiting the sampling surface area per group. In the first one,
a surface area of 2.5 X 2.5 cm was sampled, rubbing this area in a different region per
rabbit: R1 in the thigh, R2 in the back, R3 in the ribs and R4 in the shoulder. In the fifth
rabbit the sample was taken by rubbing the same area in the four regions. This same
procedure was followed for the other two groups with the difference of sampling surface
in group 2 (5 X 5 cm) and group three (10 X 10 cm).
In Table 1 the microbial contamination is shown at CFU 10-4 dilution. Calculation for
CFU/cm2, was obtained according to the formula: Ns = (N*F/A) * D established by MAP-
SOIC (2004).
Table 1. CFU counts from rabbit carcasses according to sampled area
The microbial contamination found in all regions and sampled surfaces were different
(P<0.05), with the highest numbers probably representing the zones with more exposure
to the environment or handling. Nevertheless, regarding the sampling template area, we
suggest as the most suitable one 2.5 X 2.5 cm, due to the rabbit´s size. There were some
handling problems when sampling with the 5 X 5 cm template, and the 10 X10 cm
template was simply too big for the rabbit carcass. There may have been more sampling
errors when using the mid-size or biggest one, and less when using the smallest. A
previous study in which microbial load in popular markets was performed, only 1 cm2
was sampled from the right dorsal region of the carcass, finding 36% of the carcasses
contaminated with S. aureus (Velázquez et al., 2008). Based on our results, there is a high
contamination of the carcasses by Staphylococcus aureus. Mexican legislation establishes
a minimal detection count of 100 CFU/g for solid foods or 10 CFU/mL for liquid ones.
Nevertheless, the maximum limits per cm2 have not been established, but when
comparing our results with the limits stated in different international legislations they are
above 106 CFU/g in food according to Mexican legislation (DOF, 1995a), 103 UFC/g
according to Venezuelan legislation (MSAS, 1996) and 105 CFU/g according to
Northamerican legislation (Jablonkin y Bohach, 2001). Heinz and Hautzinger (2007)
recommendations for microbiological criteria in fresh meat (total plate counts/cm2) are:
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good with less than 10000, critical between 10000 and 100000 and not acceptable with
more than 100000. The microbiological counts found in this study might have resulted
from rabbit carcass mishandling, representing a potential public health risk if the strains
are capable of producing enterotoxins. Exotic S. aureus strains from humans and rabbits
can be present in the slaughterhouse’s environment or may reach the carcass via cross
contamination (USDA, 2005). These results in the sacrifice line suggest a potential risk
for meat safety and for public health.
Conclusions
Based on these results, it can be inferred that the surface method used for the analysis of
big species carcasses can be used for small ones, such as the rabbit carcass, with slight
modifications according to surface sampling, concluding that the most feasible one for
rabbit carcasses is 2.5 X 2.5 cm specially when a large number of rabbits are sacrificed.
The other two are discarded due to the small surface area of the whole rabbit.
References
Hernández, P. 2008. Enhancement of nutritional quality and safety in rabbit meat. In:
Proc. 9th World Rabbit Congress, Verona, Italy. p. 1287-1299.
Hernández, P. and A. Dalle Z. 2010. Influence of diet on rabbit meat quality. In: C.
De Blas and J. Wiseman (Eds). Nutrition of the rabbit. 2nd edition. CPI Antony Rowe
Ltd. p. 163-178.
Hu, F. B. and Willett W. C. 2002. Optimal diets for prevention of coronary heart
disease. J. American Med. Assoc., 288 (3), 2569-2578.
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Simonová, M., Chrastinová L., Mojto J., Lauková A., Szabóová R. and Rafay J. 2010:
Quality of rabbit meat and phyto-additives. Czech J. Food Sci, 28 (3), 161-167.
USDA.2005. Meat and poultry hazards and controls guide. Food Safety and
Inspection Service. USA.
Velázquez OV, Alonso FMU, Lagunas BS, Díaz ZS, Gutiérrez CA, Monroy SH,
Mendoza BJ. 2008. Microbial contamination levels in rabbit carcasses obtained from
popular markets in Toluca Valley. PROCEEDINGS OF THE 9th WORLD RABBIT
CONGRESS. ITALY.
PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF Staphylococcus aureus
CONTAMINATION IN RABBIT CARCASSES FROM SMALL
HOLDERS BY SUPERFICIAL SAMPLING AND TOTAL IMMERSION
Abstract
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Resumen
El Staphylococcus aureus está ampliamente distribuida en la industria alimentaria y en
animales para abasto. El crecimiento del S. aureus en los alimentos es de relevancia para
la salud pública, por producir enterotoxinas que al ser ingeridas son responsables de un
alto porcentaje de los brotes de intoxicación alimentaria a nivel mundial. En el presente
estudio se compararon dos métodos para estimar la carga microbiológica en unidades
formadoras de colonia (UFC) en la canal de conejos y determinar cuál es el más apropiado
para la realización de la toma de muestra. El muestreo se realizó al azar en el área de
sacrificio de una unidad de producción familiar. Se probaron 3 muestras con tres
repeticiones para cada uno de los siguientes métodos: Método A, delimitando un área
con una placa de 2.5X2.5 cm esterilizada en cuatro zonas de la canal, se colocó sobre la
superficie a muestrear, con un hisopo se frotó 10 veces en forma horizontal y 10 veces de
forma vertical, y se colocó en un tubo con 10 mL de agua peptonada. En el Método B, la
canal completa sin eviscerar se lavó con 400 mL de agua peptonada, y se tomaron 30 mL
para el análisis. Se inocularon placas de agar Baird-Parker y se incubaron a 37ºC por 48
h para determinar la carga microbiana por S. aureus (CFU). Las UFC se contabilizaron a
partir de la 3ra. dilución. Los resultados obtenidos con el Método A fue 4.8, y en el
Método B fue de 10 UFC/cm2 de S.aureus respectivamente.
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Introduction
Rabbit carcasses were randomly chosen from the sacrifice line in a small holder rabbitry
slaughterhouse in the Toluca Valley. Fifteen rabbits per group were tested in 3 repetitions
of five rabbits each per method. In method 1, samples were taken from regions proposed
for big food animal carcasses by European Communities (Directive 64/433/EEC 2001),
in which the surface sampling template was modified to 2.5 x 2.5 cm. A sterile swab
moistured in 10 mL 2% peptone water for 5 seconds was rubbed ten times vertically and
horizontally. Samples were refrigerated at 4°C until studied in the laboratory (NOM-109-
SSA1-1994). In method 2, the carcass was totally immersed in 400 mL of peptone water,
from which 30 mL were taken, according to the MAP-SOIC-04 (2004), in which it is
stated that the carcass is introduced in a sterile 30 X 45 cm plastic bag with 400 mL. 2%
peptone water. The closed bag was swayed and inverted at least 30 times per minute to
wash the carcass. Thirty mL of this washing solution were placed in a sterile container
and the sample was refrigerated under the same conditions as the other one. For CFU S.
aureus counting in plates, the method described in NOM-115-SSA1-1994 was used. 1
mL was taken from A transport solution after homogenization. Serial tenfold dilutions
were prepared (NOM-109-SSA1-1994), from which 0.1 mL of dilutions 10-1 to 10-6 were
cultured in Baird Parker agar and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Characteristic S. aureus
CFU were counted. Total count was estimated using the following formulae: UFC/cm2 =
(N*F/A) * D and UFC/mL = Number of counted colonies x Dilution factor / mL of the
cultured simple (MAP-SOIC-04, 2004). Results were evaluated using analysis of variance
in a random design with two treatments and three repetitions per treatment (p < 0.05).
Results for the sampling methods used for microbiological carcass counts were: method
1, 4.8X10-4 UFC/cm2 and in method 2 5.0X10-4/mL y (P > 0.05). When comparing both
methods, CFU numbers were similar. There was no difference between both methods for
evaluating contamination in rabbit carcasses. Nevertheless, this study suggests that
surface sampling may represent an accesible way for estimating microbial counts in rabbit
carcasses for sanitary screening of small holder rabbitry slaughterhouses. Method 2,
which is used for sampling poultry, might result inconvenient when bigger sacrifice
volumes are handled (MAP-SOIC-04, 2004). S. aureus is an important pathogen that
should be evaluated in rabbit carcasses due to potential risk of animal origin strains that
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could contaminate foods when processing meat, and derivate in foodborne intoxication
and infections by MRSA strains in human population (López et al., 2011). This agent is
sanitarily important in public health due to strain diversity that may carry risk factors for
human health.
Conclusion
It is concluded that the superficial sampling method may be used for screening
microbiological contamination by S. aureus in rabbit carcasses from small holder rabbitry
slaughterhouses.
References
Hernández S.S., Zúñiga E.A., Sánchez O.I., Castro R.J., Román G.A., Santos L.E.,
2007. Condiciones microbiológicas en el proceso de sacrificio en un rastro municipal
del estado de Hidalgo, México. Vet. Méx., 38 (2): 187-195.
Jordá B.G., Marucci S.R., Guida M.A., Pires S.P, Manfredi A.E. 2012. Portación y
caracterización de Staphylococcusaureus en manipuladores de alimentos. Revista
Argentina de Microbiología (2012) 44: 101-104
López V.M., Velázquez O.V., Alonso F.M.U., Díaz Z.S., Pulido G.G. 2011.
Identificación de cepas de Staphylococcus aureus resistentes a la meticilina
(ORSA/MRSA) y con resistencia borderline (BORSA) aisladas de vacas lecheras en el
valle de Toluca. XXXV Congreso Nacional de Buiatría.
Manjarrez L.A.M., Díaz Z.S., Salazar G.F., Valladares C.B., Gutiérrez C.A.C.,
Barbabosa P.A., Talavera R.M., Alonso F.M.U., Velázquez O.V. 2012. Identificación
de biotipos de Staphyloccocus aureus en vacas lecheras de producción familiar con
mastitis subclínica en la región centro-este del Estado de México. Rev.Mex. 3: 265-274.
Ortega C., Simón M.C., Alonso J.L., Mateo A., 2009. Caracterización y riesgos para la
salud pública de la antibiorresistencia de Staphylococcusaureusen la cunicultura
intensiva. Rev. sci. tech. Off. int. Epiz., 2009, 28 (3), 1119-1128
Rodriguez C.J.M., Santos J.A., Otero A., Garcia L.M.L. 2004. Microbiological Quality
of Rabbit Meat. Journal of Food Protection 64(5): 966-971.
Viana D., Selva L., Callanan J.J., Guerrero I., Ferrian S., Corp J.M. 2011. Strains of
Staphylococcus aureus and pathology associated with chronic suppurative mastitis in
rabbits. The Veterinary Journal. 190(3): 403-407.
Yasser H., Al-Tarazi A., Mohamad A., Albetar b, Akram R. Alaboudi 2009. Biotyping
and enterotoxigenicity of Staphylococci isolated from fresh and frozen meat marketed
in Jordan. Food Research International. 42(3): 374-379.
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PREVALENCE STUDY OF EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL
PARASITES IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF RABBITS IN LIBRES,
PUEBLA, MEXICO
Abstract
There are many parasites affecting rabbits, which also affect the income of rabbit
producers, however, no information is available in local rabbit farms, therefore the
objective of this research was to sample all of scats rabbit farms located in the
Municipality of Libres, Puebla, Mexico, to identify the parasites; 250 samples were
obtained and analyzed in the laboratory method used was saturated saline flotation, results
obtained were analysed by ANOVA. Some of the parasites that wered identified were:
Coccidia (Eimeria magna), Toxocara canis and Fasciola hepatica.
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Resumen
Hay muchos parásitos que afectan a los conejos, que también afectan a los ingresos de
los productores de conejo, sin embargo, no hay información disponible en granjas de
conejos locales, por lo tanto, el objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar excrementos de
conejo en todas las granjas, ubicadas en el Municipio de Libres, Puebla, México, para
identificar los parásitos; Se obtuvieron y analizaron 250 muestras, el método de
laboratorio utilizado fue la técnica de flotación con solución salina saturada, los
resultados obtenidos fueron analizados por ANOVA. Algunos de los parásitos
identificados fueron: Coccidia (Eimeria magna), Toxocara canis y Fasciola hepatica.
Two components involved in host-parasite system; they are organisms that tend to
maintain an equilibrium, with continuous exchange between the two so that the basic
relationships having a host-parasite interface which is called the surface through which
the physiological and immunological exchange of importance takes place, Having
passage of substances, the host parasite antigens in the form of secretions, excretions.
Otherwise the absorption of nutrients, osmotic, ion-exchange and production of
antibodies in the host (Quiroz, 2009).
Parasites are classified into two groups: the parasites that live inside their host and
parasites that live outside. Parasites that live inside their host are called endoparasites.
Endoparasites are divided into two groups: protozoa (unicellular microscopic animals)
and worms (roundworm, tapeworm, tapeworms and acanthocephalans). Parasites that live
outside their host are called ectoparasites. Ectoparasites are divided into several groups:
mites, ticks, mosquitoes and flies.
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(Lindemann, 1865) Eimeria perforans (Leuckart, 1879) Eimeria magna Perard, 1925
Encephalitozoon cuniculi Levaditi, Nicolau and Schoen, 1923 (HECTOR ALCAINO and
TEXIA Gorma) antibody
Among the different protozoa that affect Rabbit, the most prominent are the various forms
of Coccidiosis in rabbits very often cause problems of varying severity. Coccidiosis are
protozoa which generally live in the intestine and have a life cycle that includes an asexual
reproduction and sexual reproduction. There are many species of coccidiosis. Everyone
has a preference for a particular host species and within host for this particular cell type
(usually parts of the digestive tract).
In economic terms will lose $ 55.41 in 100 rabbits, regardless mortality losses that greatly
increases costs by not using de-wormers which is a low investment to eliminate this
condition and a cost of 6.6 in 100 animals was determined dollars
Background
UAP in the dimension that is covered with this project - the study area, no similar
research to making the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry are
recorded.
Justification
For animal welfare in the rabbit you need to have a schedule of deworming by season
and by region, with the need to identify the parasites found on rabbits and deworm with
specific medication, avoiding unnecessary costs to combat these agents etiologic in
household production.
General objective
Sample 100% of rabbit farms in Libres, Puebla Mexico, to identify parasites using
sedimentation and flotation tests.
Specific objectives:
Parasites present in rabbit farms in Libres, Puebla, are protozoa of the genera Eimeria
and Isospora.
Its name originates from the 'East Station', meaning the 'eastern' given to it in the eastern
state of Puebla. Its native name is Xalaco, meaning 'in the sand' because East was built
on an arid area, which is why so named.
Its coordinates are North Latitude 19 ° 24 '06 "west longitude and 97 ° 24' 12"
The surface of the town of Oriental is 298.52 km ². Therefore, the city ranks 30 among
217 districts Puebla for its size. To the north and Tepeyahualco Free; east to San Nicolas
Buenos Aires; San Salvador to the southeast Seco, and west San José Chiapa and the state
of Tlaxcala.
Its average altitude is 2360 m. It has a semi-temperate climate with summer rains. It is
reached by the federal highway 129 and is located 80 km from the city of Puebla.
In the first stage a total of 250 samples were collected in understanding the March to June
period this year 2014 A total of 24 rabbit farmers in six communities. Barrio San Carlos,
Tétela neighborhood, Colonia la Libertad, Barrio Coatzolco, Fort Union, Tepeyahualco
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Puebla (Center) Tepeyahualco Puebla (San Roque). The sampled rabbit breeds were:
California, New Zealand, Rex, Chinchilla, Mariposa, Azteca, Belier. English, Creole.
Material
Plastic bags (polypropylene material for anal sample), latex gloves, bata or filipino
masks, plastic bags (polypropylene material for protection of shoe), biotrol (liquid for
disinfection), ice (transportation to the laboratory samples), logs record, tapes (sample
identification), goggles.
Sampling method:
The technique used to analyze the samples was flotation method with saturated salt
solution is used to qualitatively detect oocysts, eggs of nematodes, tapeworms, and
occasionally acantocephalos nematode larvae.
The principle of this method is to float elements in feces. Saturated sodium chloride
solution is used (360 grams of salt in one liter of distilled water), which is then
homogenized.
They visited each of the farms, with the support of producers, a sample directly from the
rabbit anus was obtained, then one ml was added. physiological saline, each sample
number, owner name, email, city and municipality, address, phone, date, rabbit breed,
age, sex, then the samples were placed in the cooler for transport to the laboratory
identified.
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The material that was used in the art, mortar with pestle, 15 ml falcon tubes, rack, funnel
Strainer, plastic spoons, saturated saline solution, and slide covers, Centrifuge Tubes,
Falcon, Na Cl solution, iodine (staining) , bunsen burner, metal handles, Microscope.
250 samples were collected on 5 samples on the following dates: 18/03/2014 46 samples;
01/04/2014- 47 samples; 04/29/2014- 53 samples; 05/21/2014,-47 samples; 06/26/2014-
57 samples.
All samples were analyzed with the flotation method with saturated saline. 3 grams of
feces were collected, macerated in mortar and was added 15 ml of saturated saline.
Subsequently slipped and the liquid was poured into a tube, labeled and placed in a rack;
were centrifuged for 3 minutes at a speed of 2000 RPMI (revolutions per minute) for
feces residues were skirt to the bottom of the tube; a drop was placed on the slide more
than a drop of Lugol's solution and were observed under a microscope with 10X objective.
Results
The results obtained are 57 samples were positive for Coccidea; 18 samples positive for
Fasciola hepatica: 13 Toxacara canis and 162 had no parasites were identified.
In graph 1 the results do not occur.
End result
23%
Coccidia
Fasciola
7% Toxicara
65% 5% no se encontro
Graphic 1. Parasites identified in rabbits. Of the 250 samples collected 23% were positive for
Coccidea, Fasciona and 7% to 3% to Toxocara canis.
Conclusion
In the land of Libres, Puebla, Mexico, 28 producers of rabbit, a total of 250 samples were
collected, and according to the flotation method with saturated saline 65% of rabbits
showed no evidence to indicate the presence of parasites which indicates that the sanitary
conditions in which they have rabbits in this region are optimal, and consequently the
carcasses have optimal conditions for consumption.
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References
Blood, D. 2002. Manual de Medicina Veterinaria. 9.ª ed. Editorial McGraw Hill.
Interamericana. España.
González, R. De Mar, A. Rabbit Treaty. Real official and Graduate School. Barcelona.
Volume III. PARASITIC DISEASES OF RABBITS. P 7-36
INEGI 2009. Prontuario municipal geographic information of the Mexican United
States. Tepeyahualco, Puebla
INEGI, 2010 Syllabus municipal geographic information of the United Mexican States.
Quiroz R. 2009. Parasitology and parasitic diseases of domestic animals. p 23-25, 158-
162.
Ruiz, P. Rabbit: Management, Food, Pathology. Lido Ruiz P. Oxford University Press,
Madrid 1976.
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DISEASES DIAGNOSED IN RABBITS SENT TO CIESA COMING
FROM THE VALLEY OF TOLUCA DURING 2004 TO 2013
Abstract
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Resumen
Due to the above, there is no sanitary profile objective in most of the rabbit breeding
farms, and therefore if there is a preventive medicine program in the best of cases it only
includes general and non-specific actions, according to community customs and the
criteria of the breeder and sometimes that of a veterinary doctor that may be responsible
for the farm.
Even though there are rabbit disease reports in specific geographical areas and within
limited time frames, these are not sufficient to have a true image of the zoosanitary profile
correlated to a census in order to establish morbidity, mortality and how lethal the
etiological agents are to the rabbit population.
Therefore, our objective is to cite the diseases that have been diagnosed more frequently
in the cases sent to the laboratory to identify the cause of death.
Materials
Results reports of necropsy, histopathology and bacteriology of live and dead rabbits of
different genders, ages, races and types of production, that were received between 2004
and 2013 at the laboratory were used for this analysis.
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Method
Of all the cases that were received, the cases that corresponded to the study species were
selected, thus during the ten study years, a total of 75 cases were selected. These were
analyzed by results, listing all diagnosis and grouping them by disorder or disease and
reporting them in percentage.
The most frequent diagnosis were ten diseases that represent 78.3% of the total:
coccidiosis 14,6%; coccidiosis 14,6%; pneumonia associated to Pasteurella multocida
and Bordetella bronchiseptica 13.7%; mucoid enteropathy 10%; malnutrition 7.3%;
salmonellosis 6.4%; hydatidosis 6.4%; interstitial pneumonia 6.4%; hepatic coccidiosis
4.5%; colibacilosis 4.5% and muscle and skeletal disorders 4.5%. The other 21.7% is
represented by diseases such as: mycoplamosis, necrotic hepatitis, otitis by ticks,
pyometra, subcutaneous abscesses, psoroptic mange and stress, amongst others.
In 1984, the viral hemorrhagic disease of rabbits became known in China and it was
quickly disseminated throughout the world; in 1988 it infected European rabbits
Orictulagus cuniculi and rabbits in the American Continent. Mexico was the first country
affected by the illegal importation of rabbit carcasses from China and coming from the
United States of America.
Zamora et al., ( 2003), made a report of disease diagnosis in rabbits during nine years
underlining the importance that mucoid enteropathy has above other diseases; in our
current study this disease occupies the third place in frequency.
Our results are similar to the ones by Respaldiza (1990), in that coccidiosis is the most
frequent disease that affects rabbits, even though we must recognize that in difference
with our results, Respaldiza (1990), went further in the detection of the coccidian species
that were involved. As a second cause he identified passalurosis, the rabbit pinworm;
while in our study pasteurellosis is in second place.
The disease type is determined according to the geographical location and host, as is
shown in our results that are totally different with the ones reported by Insuasty et al.,
(2008), where they identified through histopathology, microbiology and parasitology
tests that the wild rabbit populations Sylvilagus brasiliensis found in a buffer zone of the
park known as Parque Natural el Nevado, in Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico act as
intermediate hosts for Taenias sp and Echinococcus sp., as well as suppurative dermatitis
caused by ectoparasites and bacteria such as Sthaphylococcus aureus.
Likewise, Valladares et al., (2009), reported the presence of hydatidosis in a wild rabbit
from an area close to the Nevado de Toluca, and in our study this parasitosis is amongst
the ten most frequent diagnoses.
We coincide with Valladares et al., (2011), in that the pneumonic problems are associated
mainly with Pasteurella multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica, and in our results the
first one was isolated most frequently in the bacteriological studies.
In the report of rabbit diseases by Zamora et al., (2003), there is a coincidence in that the
most frequent pathological processes are: hepatic coccidiosis, pneumonia by Pasteurella,
salmonellosis, colibacilosis, mucoid enteropathy and malnutrition. In that report, there is
a difference with our current study in that they also cite as important the following:
suppurative hepatitis, enterotoxaemia, aflatoxicosis and mycoplamosis and to a lesser
degree: interstitial nephritis, suppurative dermatitis and myositis; and suppurative
endocarditis and pericarditis.
Conclusions
The production of a rabbit population census can no longer be delayed as well as the
promotion of the laboratory diagnostic services use in order to establish the zoosanitary
profile and establish the respective preventive medicine programs. Likewise this study
shows that the most frequently diagnosed diseases were: coccidiosis; pasteurellosis;
enteropathy; malnutrition; salmonellosis; hydatidosis; interstitial pneumonia; hepatic
coccidiosis; colibacilosis and muscle and skeletal disorders.
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Bibliography
Insuasty O. J.A., Ramírez B. G.F., Mejia M. L.M. 2008. Estudio epidemiológico del
conejo silvestre Sylvilagus brasiliensis en el parque nacional natural los nevados. Boletín
científico, centro de museos, museo de historia natural. 12, 90-110.
Valladares C. B., Mendoza V.R., Castro M.J., Zamora E. J.L., Velázquez O.V., Ortega
S. C. 2009. Reporte de un caso de coenurosis en un conejo silvestre. XVII Congreso
Nacional de Patología Veterinaria. Sociedad Mexicana de Patólogos Veterinarios. 300-
304.
Valladares C. B., Ortega S. C., Velázquez O.V, Zamora E. J.L. 2011. Bordetella
bronchiseptica como un riesgo importante de salud pública. Estudio clínico patológico
en conejos. Revista Electrónica en Veterinaria. 12, 1-12.
Zamora E. J.L., Castro M.J., Valladares C. B., Mendoza B. J. 2003. I Taller sobre
enteropatía mucoide del conejo. Algunas experiencias en el diagnóstico de conejos
durante el periodo enero 1995 a noviembre de 2003 en el Centro de Investigación y
Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia.
Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones
Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias
USE OF RECORDS TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF MORTALITY
IN RABBITS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE YEAR IN UNIT
EXPERIMENTAL COLLEGE AUTONOMOUS CHAPINGO
1. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Iztapalapa. Rafael Atlixco No. 186, Col.
Vicentina, Delegación Iztapalapa, C.P. 09340, D.F. México. Departamento de Biología de la
Reproducción.
2. Universidad Autónoma de Chapingo. Carretera México-Texcoco, Kilometro 38.5, Texcoco,
C.P. 56250, Estado de México.
3. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco. Calzada del Hueso 1100, Col.
Villa Quietud, Delegación Coyoacán, C.P. 04960, D.F. México. Departamento de Producción
Agrícola y Animal.
*Corresponding author: marchela_011@hotmail.com
Abstract
The municipality of Texcoco has an average altitude of 2250 meters above sea level, its
climate is considered temperate semi-dry, with an average annual temperature of 15.9 °
C and an average annual rainfall of 686 mm. Any system of meat production has as reason
for the transformation of plants to animal protein of high nutritional value for human
consumption. The production of rabbit meat is valuable, especially when it comes to
providing high protein at low cost, since it is found that the rabbit can transform 20 % of
dietary protein absorbed in the flesh. In the Autonomous University of Chapingo in
Mexico, the records were studied and the percentage share of various causes of death (9
categories) of rabbits in different climatic seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter)
and three production stages (infant described, fattening and breeding) for a consecutive
year (May 210 -May 2011). During this period the total rabbit population were 31,046.
The highest mortality occurred during the summer. Pneumonia was the leading cause of
death cause with 53.80 %. Pneumonia deaths occurred in a higher percentage during the
autumn time, where most mortality was detected in suckling and fattening stages with
37.19 % and 77.33 % respectively. Digestive diseases were shown to be the leading cause
of death in each of the production stages during the summer with 22.40 %.
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1. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Iztapalapa. Rafael Atlixco No. 186, Col.
Vicentina, Delegación Iztapalapa, C.P. 09340, D.F. México. Departamento de Biología de la
Reproducción.
2. Universidad Autónoma de Chapingo.
3. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco. Calzada del Hueso 1100, Col.
Villa Quietud, Delegación Coyoacán, C.P. 04960, D.F. México. Departamento de Producción
Agrícola y Animal.
*Autor correspondiente: marchela_011@hotmail.com
Resumen
El municipio de Texcoco tiene una altitud media de 2.250 metros sobre el nivel del mar,
su clima es considerado templado semi-seco, con una temperatura media anual de 15,9 °
C y un promedio anual precipitaciones de 686 mm. Cualquier sistema de producción de
carne tiene como motivo la transformación de plantas a proteínas animales de alto valor
nutritivo para el consumo humano. La producción de carne de conejo es valiosa,
especialmente cuando se trata de proporcionar proteína de alta calidad a bajo costo; se
ha encontrado que el conejo puede transformar el 20% de la proteína consumida en la
dieta en carne. En la Universidad Autónoma de Chapingo en México, se estudiaron los
registros y se analizó la participación porcentual de las diversas causas de muerte (9
categorías) de conejos en diferentes estaciones climáticas (primavera, verano, otoño e
invierno) y tres etapas productivas (lactante, engorda y hembras reproductoras) de un año
consecutivo (mayo 2011-mayo 210). Durante este período la población total de conejo
eran 31.046. La mayor mortalidad se produjo durante el verano. La neumonía fue la
principal causa de la causa de muerte, con 53,80%. Las muertes por neumonía se
produjeron en un mayor porcentaje durante el tiempo de otoño, donde se detectó la mayor
mortalidad en etapas lactante y de engorda con 37.19% y 77.33% respectivamente.
Enfermedades digestivas, mostró ser la principal causa de muerte en cada una de las
etapas de producción durante el verano con 22.40%.
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For its production does not require large areas, they should not be of excellent quality,
and depending on the type of system, whether backyard, semi-industrial or industrial
work can it be fully or partially absorbed by the household. (5) The rabbit production is a
relevant livestock industry in Mexico, despite its limited distribution and little
technological development. There are management issues that prevent relevant
information from the production units have. It is important that a record contain
information about disease incidence, housing conditions, quality of diet, genetics, proper
reproductive management, etc is kept. For other domestic species this activity is some
(4)
complexity in their zootechnical use . The objective of the study is to determine the
causes of mortality in rabbits at different reproductive stages and in different climatic
periods by analyzing records.
Methodology
The study was conducted in the experimental farm of the Autonomous University of
Chapingo during the period of May 2010 to May 2011 the study breed were: New Zealand
White, California, Chinchilla and Black Azteca. By using records were evaluated,
lactation fatting, doe, birth and mortality as well as recurrent respiratory and digestive
diseases were analysed. The results are presented in the program processed in excel
percentages.
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Results
The total rabbit population during this study was 31, 046 animals. The main cause of
death of a total of 5882 occurred in the total study period was pneumonia 53.8% and in
summer which had the highest frequency of 29.6%.
The digestive diseases accounted for 21.10% with a total of 1244 deaths, noting in
summer the highest number of cases (515) accounting for 41.4%. In winter time had the
lowest percentage of deaths (22.2%), corresponding to 1301 cases; in contrast to the
summer, where 1836 casualties out of a total of 5882 total deaths were submitted, which
represents 31.2%.
It can be seen that the highest frequency of deaths occurred during the lactation and
fatting stages (Table 1).
Table 1. Mortality percentage in rabbits at different stages of production during the four seasons.
SEASON
PRODUCTIVE STAGE
SPRING SUMMER AUTUM WINTER
Table 2. . Mortality percentage diseases in lactating rabbits during the four seasons
SEASON
Of the total annual deaths (3488) presented in fattening rabbits stage, the 71.10% of the
mortality corresponds to those caused by pneumonia (2488), compared with 1008 cases
filed by digestive, corresponding to a 28.90% pathologies. Where most recurrent
pneumonia occurred in the spring and winter seasons with a 74.04% and 77.33%
respectively (Table 3). With respect to mortality caused by digestive pathologies, it can
be seen that the majority of cases (383) equivalent to 33.57%, 30.88% followed by the
cases corresponding to 269 occurs in winter time. Compared with autumn (187 cases)
was the period with the lowest number of cases presented 22.67%. Mortality with the
highest number of cases was en does (78) was caused by pneumonia (65.55%), where in
the winter time with 90.48% of the cases, compared with 47.62% in summer time (Table
4) cases.
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Table 3. Mortality percentage in the fatting stage during the four seasons
SEASON
SEASON
The category of digestive diseases occupied the second cause of mortality in breeding
females with 32.77% per annum, of which 50.79% is the 32 cases presented in the
summer and winter time with 9.52%.
Conclusion
The main cause of mortality in this study was pneumonia (53.80%); where the stages of
fattening and does exhibited the greatest number of cases in autumn-winter where most
recorded occurrence of these. Lactanting stage was the second cause of mortality,
followed by deaths due to undetermined causes, which had the highest number of cases.
The second cause of mortality was caused by digestive diseases (21.10%), being the stage
of young does occurred in the summer period (50.79%).
This clearly shows that climatic factors, mainle the environment temperature and relative
humidity are both direct and indirect influence on rabbit health. However, not only the
environmental factors have bearing on the health of animals, as by observation and
analysis of farm management, other elements such as installation, housing and sanity,
show a strong influence on the health status of animals.
Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thanks the authorities of the Universidad Autónoma de Chapingo and
Autonomous Metropolitan University for facilities given to the research for facilitating
the collection of information.
References
Berlijn., J. D y Orozoc., L.F. 1996. Conejos, Manuales para Educación Agropecuaria. Ed.
Trillas. México.
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Gómez., R.B; Ortiz., R.R; Becerril., P.C; Román., B.R y Herrera., C.J. 2011.
Caracterización de la Producción de Leche de la Coneja con Énfasis en la Supervivencia
y Crecimiento de la Camada en Razas Nueva Zelanda Blanco y California. Tropical and
Subtropical Agroecosystems. N° 1:14 (15-33). México.
López., M. 1997. Nota Sobre Bienestar en la Especie Cunicola. Revista Lagomorpha. Vol
94 (40 – 57).
Muguerza., M.A e Iruña., G.P. 2008. Efecto de la densidad de conejos sobre los resultados
técnico – económicos. Navarra Agraria. España.
Rosell., J. P. 2000. Enfermedades del Conejo. Tomo I. Ed. Mundi Prensa. España.
Váldez., U.A. 2008. Tesis: “Comparación Reproductiva y Productiva de los Seis Híbridos
Obtenidos del Cruzamiento de Conejos Tipo Carne (California, French lop y Nueva
Zelanda), en la Granja Experimental de la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia,
Guatemala”. Guatemala.
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Abstract
The osteosynthesis is a surgical procedure that allows stabilizing bone fragments by metal
implants in contact with bone (internal fixation), such as plaques, nails, screws, wire,
among others. This surgical procedure not only consider reducing and fixing the fracture,
one must also take into account variables and biomedical importance of soft tissue, that
is bone not those relating to the skeleton. The main was to evaluate the rabbit as an animal
model surgical procedure osteosynthesis of the tibia and fibula, with reference to the
findings reported in human and veterinary medicine in order to properly address the
fractures caused by trauma. Material and methods: a lagomorph (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
male 9 months with a history of falls from 1 meter high and grade IV claudication came
to Small Animal Veterinary Hospital of the University of the State of Mexico, fracture
was confirmed by radiography, was performed surgery where intramedullary nails placed
tied in with an external fixator configuration type 1 candle 1-2 and acrylic rod, the post-
surgical advances were recorded for 4 months. Results: With previous work, it has
managed to establish osteosynthesis as a surgical procedure for reduction and fixation of
the fracture, therefore it is necessary to take this research in an animal model such as the
rabbit meets physiological characteristics similar to the human, may be considered not
only the fixation of the fracture, also Medical variables and physiology of the soft tissues,
as well as less invasive techniques. Conclusion: The similarities between animal models
and humans are not limited to the bone structure in its basic mechanical properties if not
in many cases gross anatomy has many parallels.
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The rabbit is an excellent animal model for studies that help evaluate techniques and
implants in fractures caused by high energy trauma in the tibial region, as in the field of
medical surgical procedures that can reach complicated microsurgical techniques are
required.
Resumen
La osteosíntesis es un procedimiento quirúrgico que permite la estabilización de los
fragmentos de hueso por los implantes de metal en contacto con el hueso (fijación
interna), tales como placas, clavos, tornillos, alambre, entre otros. Este procedimiento
quirúrgico no sólo considere la posibilidad de la reducción y la fijación de la fractura,
también hay que tener en cuenta variables e importancia biomédica de tejido blando, que
es el hueso no las relacionadas con el esqueleto. La principal era evaluar el conejo como
modelo animal procedimiento quirúrgico de osteosíntesis de la tibia y el peroné, con
referencia a los resultados reportados en la medicina humana y veterinaria, a fin de
abordar adecuadamente las fracturas causadas por trauma. Material y métodos: un
lagomorfo (Oryctolagus cuniculus) macho de 9 meses con antecedentes de caídas desde
1 metro de altura y grado IV claudicación llegó al Hospital de Veterinaria de Pequeños
Animales de la Universidad del Estado de México, la fractura fue confirmada por
radiografía, se realizó la cirugía donde los clavos intramedulares colocado en atados con
un tipo de configuración de fijador externo 1 vela 1-2 y la varilla de acrílico, los avances
post-quirúrgicas se registraron durante 4 meses. Resultados: Con el trabajo anterior, se ha
logrado establecer osteosíntesis como un procedimiento quirúrgico para la reducción y
fijación de la fractura, por lo tanto es necesario tomar esta investigación en un modelo
animal tal como el conejo se reúne características fisiológicas similares a la humana,
puede ser considerado no sólo la fijación de la fractura, también variables de médicos y
la fisiología de los tejidos blandos, así como técnicas menos invasivas. Conclusión: Las
similitudes entre modelos animales y los seres humanos no se limitan a la estructura ósea
en sus propiedades mecánicas básicas si no en muchos casos anatomía macroscópica tiene
muchos paralelos.
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El conejo es un modelo animal excelente para los estudios que ayuden a evaluar las
técnicas y los implantes en las fracturas provocadas por traumatismos de alta energía en
la región tibial, como en el ámbito de los procedimientos quirúrgicos médicos que pueden
alcanzar complicadas técnicas de microcirugía son obligatorios.
In recent years, the rabbit has great popularity as a pet. Such that, they run the risk of
accidents from falls, crushing furniture, vehicles and even damage being bitten by dogs
or cats. Which may cause injury endless and in the worst fractures occur. Since the early
90s and until now, has been considered a fracture is the loss of normal continuity of bone
or cartilage substance whose result is derived from a blow, or pulling force whose
intensity exceeds the elasticity of the bone (Murray , 1996; Currey, 2002). Most unstable
tibial fractures, that is, the oblique, spiral and comminuted fractures, have poor rotation
of the distal fragment relative to the proximal at the time that the initial injury occurs (Tie
Chen et al., 2012). Such fractures tend to move at a greater than 45 º oblique stroke and
obviously requires the use of an external fixator for remodeling.
Osteosynthesis is the surgical procedure that stabilize bone fragments by metal implants
in direct contact with the bone, which is called internal fixation respecting biological and
biomechanical rules (Ching-Jen et al., 2010). A fastening technique that stabilize fractures
from outside the body are called osteotaxis and is performed by an external fixator.
External fixators are intended, stabilize the bone to repair and allows natural movement
the animal (Owen, 2000). The surgeon should try to reproduce the shape of the broken
limb when not treat the fractured limb, this implies not only wrong but also the rotation
angle. He must choose whether the general or local trauma is to infer the risk of shock,
pain may be triggering this process so should be prevented and controlled. The objective
of this research was to perform the implementation of surgical treatment, ostesentesis of
tibia and fibula in the left hind limb in a rabbit.
It was presented to the Small Animal Veterinary Hospital of the University of the State
of Mexico, a lagomorph (Oryctolagus cuniculus) male 9 months with history of fall from
1 meter high and lameness grade IV.
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A clinical evaluation physiologic parameters were within the reference ranges, with 3.2
kg of body weight, the orthopedic examination increased volume static soft tissue at the
level of distal third tibia through the left hind limb was observed in the cranial face of the
tibia in the same member the presence of a hematoma was observed. On palpation this a
loss of bone continuity was perceived at the level of the distal third of shaft with medial
displacement of a bone fragment.
Raphic studies where fracture was observed in the distal metaphysis of the tibia and fibula
with presence of two laterally displaced free chips was performed.
Surgical procedure
After radiographic study, owners proposed performing the surgery because the fracture.
Considering the type of operation, it was decided to anesthetize the animal. The overall
health of the rabbit was assessed before the anesthetic or surgical event. Clinicians
ensured that had no clinical signs of respiratory disease (sneezing, lacrimation or nose) in
addition to the absence of diarrhea, since patients with these abnormalities should not be
considered candidates for surgical procedures. During surgery, an intramedullary nail tied
in with an external fixator configuration type 1 candle 1-2 and acrylic rod was placed.
Postoperative management
It was decided to send the patient home because it showed stress immediately after
anesthetic recovery. Enrofloxacin was prescribed a 5 mg / kg / PO / BID for 10 days and
Meloxicam 0.3 mg / kg PO SID for 3 days.
Results
Postoperative follow-up
First review
Seven days after surgery, the patient was brought to review. The owners commented that
the rabbit ate less and had decreased water consumption, defecated and urinated normally.
They said that a day before the review had jumped from a height of 10 cm and after that
I do not support the operated limb as he had done before. We proceeded to the physical
and orthopedic examination. Lameness grade III, manipulation extension angle decreased
level tarso-tibial joint was identified. In distal tibia midshaft volume increase of palpable
bone tissue. When inspecting the surgical wound erythema and was attached by 3 points
with simple suture separate devitalization of tissue in the central portion. Washing the
wound and inserts nails external fixator applied aloe (aloe vera) in the surgical wound
was performed. Was administered via SC meloxicam 0.2 mg / kg and was sent home with
enrofloxacin 5 mg / kg PO BID.
Second review
17 days after surgery, anamnesis was performed identifying that the patient had diarrhea
after eating certain foods (toast, bread, chocolate and biscuits). Clinical examination
identified during exploration of Left member and the femorotibial region slight erythema
in the presence of an eroded in the proximal part of the tibia on the inside area. The
surgical wound was characterized by a process of healing with increased volume of tissue
adjacent to the hematoma decreased. Wound cleansing and pin insertion of the external
fixator was performed, all coupled with the application of aloe.
Meloxicam administration was suspended and sent home with enrofloxacin at 5 mg / kg
PO BID for 5 days, cleaning the wound, the external fixator once a day and you put an
Elizabethan collar to prevent licking the rabbit underwent surgery area.
Third review
30 days after surgery, the results indicate no history of diarrhea and absence placement
Elizabethan collar was take out. At physical examination, light skin lesions are observed.
Static orthopedic examination, enlargement of bone level distal palpable, dynamically
presents lameness grade III and slight decrease in the extent of tarsotibial joint. It refers
to relative rest house, usual diet and 0.05% chlorhexidine SID.
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Fourth review
At 47 days post surgery, the owner says the patient and supports over the operated
extremity orthopedic examination shows lameness grade II, muscle atrophy and increased
bone level distal third of tibia. Study radiograph is performed and refers home with
cleaning the wound and insertion points of nails.
Fifth review
In 56 days this review was conducted, the clinical examination, the patient was observed
scratching ears and scabs were found in these. On inspection of ear canals hyperemia
active scabs and itching was observed. In left hind limb was confirmed that the external
fixator was clean and functional. In the medial surgical scar. Al orthopedic examination
grade 1 left hind limb claudication, although the patient continued decrease in muscle
mass.
The patient is sent home with 0.5 ml of benzoyl peroxide in each ear once a week until
the next revision, it was recommended to continue cleaning the pin insertion. Radiograph
in which the fracture line and minimal tissue formation was observed bone repair was
performed.
Sixth review
At 61 days, the patient no presented itching ears but a small crust was observed circular
1 mm in diameter at the entrance of the ear canal of the right ear. In left member in the
proximal nail hyperemia was observed in medial level without secretions and the external
fixator is kept clean and functional. Hair growth was observed in surgical site, general
decrease in muscle tissue throughout the member. The patient was sent home with clean
nails at its insertion into skin and benzoyl peroxide in each ear.
Seventh review
At 63 days, it was observed that the external fixator was functional and clean, it refers to
the area of sedation and anesthesia for removal of implants, enrofloxacin was
administered 8 mg / kg / sc single dose. Radiographic control study where persistence of
the fracture line was performed appreciated and scar tissue.
Eighth revision
At 129 days, the review of which patient was clinically healthy was performed radiograph
was observed callus formation and stability of the fracture. The patient was discharged.
Discussion
In this clinical case, the surgeon identified a number of factors that allowed him to know
what type of injury he was facing and based on that, determine orthopedic surgical
technique that was recommended in these cases. Tasuyama et al. (2000) reported that in
cases of compound fracture, the veterinary surgeon must carefully consider the type of
injury you face, considering clinical, biological and mechanical individual patient factors.
The basic principles for the treatment of fractures in small size mammals are similar to
those established in mammals large size for both rigid stabilization and anatomic
alignment with minimal disruption in the formation of callus tissue dissection and
included soft (Tista, 1993, Friedenberg et al., 2011). Whatever mentioned in literature,
working with rabbits patients, the orthopedic surgeon is faced with the problems inherent
in working with rabbit bones, highlighting the small size and fragility. Although this
difficulty, we must find a way to keep the forces exerted on the fracture. Here, Avery
(2013) reported that the compression, rotation and bending forces are exerted on the
fracture and be neutralized to promote fracture healing.
A study by Fornells et al. (2005) showed clearly that the fibula does not have enough to
stabilize a proximal tibia fracture rabbit capacity. Therefore, although a fractured tibia
which is not accompanied by a broken fibula can not be stabilized without the help of an
external fixator to occur. Any fixative used should be well tolerated by the patient and in
turn, should enable them to develop the extent possible, the natural behavior of the
species. The main factors for bone remodeling are the periosteum and neurovascular
factors (Hiertonn, 1956; Ring, 1957; Kellerova et al, 1970;. Weber, 1977; Houghton and
Dekel, 1979; Pauwels, 1980, Auer and Martens, 1982; Eckardt et al. 2003).
Ching-Jen et al. (2010) mentioned that the angle in the fracture affects the orientation of
the joint surfaces and the alignment of all the member and therefore does not cause
deformity only in the bone but also in the rest of the limb.
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The misalignment of the surfaces of the joint will have a much stronger effect on the
mechanics of the misalignment extremity in the fracture (Bottinelli et al. 1996).
During the postoperative period, the rabbit remained content in their habitat and relative
rest given the severity of your fracture, it was suggested to stimulate the rabbit will
support slightly weight (not too much) on the operated to accelerate ossification member.
Chidgy, 1986 and Uri et al. 2008, indicate that the severity of the fracture makes it
necessary to take a number of precautions postoperatively. Ruiz (2001) indicated the
importance of the animal bear weight as soon as possible to stimulate the creation of
fracture callus, suggesting that it is a controlled movement without much weight bearing,
which can not be done if the patient is loose or without control. With these considerations,
the veterinary surgeon should be able to choose the containment system used.
Orthopedic surgery currently has among its main challenges the treatment of complicated
fractures. The use and combination of various surgical and fixing methods different
techniques are, in most cases, the only way to carry out an effective treatment.
The results obtained with this type of case in the Small Animal Hospital of the University
of the State of Mexico have had a high success rate. However, we can not standardize
these treatments since variability and mechanical requirements make it impractical
fractures. The results in the treatment of these fractures are significantly improved thanks
to the emergence of new materials. This, coupled with the gradual trend towards
specialization of the clinician, is reflected in a greater number of treatment options and a
marked improvement in the prognosis of these diseases.
Conclusion
Surgical treatment combined with the medical treatment the patient's condition improved,
avoiding the loss of function of the left member. This includes an integrated management,
taking into account the needs and abilities of the patient, physical therapy is a
complementary part and is one of the most important resources that are generally not
given the importance it deserves, both in orthopedic diseases, such as joint, neurological
and muscle.
References
Fornells P., Gómez M.J., García J.M,. Bea J.A, Seral B., Albareda J., Doblaré M. 2005.
Estudio de la capacidad estabilizadora del peroné en fracturas de tibia de conejo.
Biomecánica. 13(1):7-15.
Currey J.D. 2002. Bones. Structure and mechanics. Princeton and Oxford: Princeton
University Press.
Avery Bennett R. 2013. Rabbit and rodent orthopedics. Western Veterinary Conference.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
Murray D.W., Wilson-MacDonald J., Morscher E., Rahn B.A., ka slin M. 1996. Bone
growth and remodelling after fracture. British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint
Surgery. 78-b(1).
Kellerova E., Delius W., Olerud S., Strom G. 1970. Changes in the muscle and skin
blood flow following lower leg fracture in man. Acta Orthop Scand. 41:249-260.
Weber B.G. 1977. Fibrous interposition causing valgus deformity after fracture of the
upper tibial metaphysis in children. J Bone Joint Surg. 59-B:290-292.
Houghton G.R., Dekel S. 1979. The periosteal control of long bone growth: an
experimental study in the rat. Acta Orthop Scand. 50:635-637.
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Auer J.A, Martens R.J. 1982. Periosteal transection and periosteal stripping for
correction of angular limb deformities in foals. Am J Vet Res. 43:1530-1534.
Tie Chen., Ren-Fa L., Zhi-Ying Z., Qing-Tong Z., Zhong-Da Y. 2012. Application of
ultrasonic inspection in monitoring dynamic healing of mandibular fracture in rabbit
model. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine. 406-409
Bottinelli O., Calliada F., Campani R. 1996. Bone callus possible assessment with color
Doppler ultrasonography normal bone healing process. Radiol Med 91(5):537-538.
Uri F., Javier N., Estela D. 2008. Ultrasonography as a diagnostic modality of tibial
stress fractures. J Musculoskeletal Res. 11(2):55-61.
Owen M.A. 2000. Use of the Ilizarov method to manage a septic tibial fracture nonunion
with a large cortical defect. JSAP. 41(3):124-127.
Ruiz MP. 2001. Ortopedia en Pequeños Animales. 1ª Ed. Pfizer Salud Animal, Madrid.
59-60; 64-71.
Hulse DA, Johnson AL. 1999. Manejo de Fracturas específicas.En: Fossum TW.
Cirugía en Pequeños Animales. 1ª Ed. InterMédica, Buenos Aires. 831-955.
Friedenberg Z.B., Roberts P., Gdidizian N.H., Brighton C.T. 2011. Stimulation of
Fracture Healing by Direct Current in the Rabbit Fibula. J Bone Joint Surg Am.
53:1400-1408.
Ching-Jen W., Ko-En Huang M.D., Yi-Chih Sun B.A., Ya-Ju Yang B.A., Jih-Yang Ko
M.D., Lin-Hsiu Weng M.D., Feng-Sheng Wang. 2010. VEGF Modulates Angiogenesis
and Osteogenesis in Shockwave-Promoted Fracture Healing in Rabbits. Journal of
Surgical Research. 1-6.
Tasuyama K., Maezawa Y., Baba H. 2000. Expression of various growth factors for cell
population and cytodifferentiation during fracture repair of bone. Eur J Histochem.
44:269.
Eckardt H., Bundgaard K.G., Christensen K.S. 2003. Effect of locally applied vascular
endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF inhibitor to the rabbit tibia during
distraction osteogenesis. J Orthop Res. 21:335.
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PHYSIOPATHOLOGY IN RABBITS DUE TO DIETS WITH
INCREASED COPPER CONCENTRATION
Abstract
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Each sample was centrifuged for serum separation, and biochemical analysis performed.
Initial ALT levels were 48 ± 13.89 UL increasing to a final level of 64 ± 4.16 UL in day
60; AST levels on day 45 were 33 ± 4.73 increasing to 51 ± 23.12 UL on day 60; average
GGT levels were 10 ± 2 UL; initial hematocrit found was 43 ± 2.50% and 37 ± 14.57 %
at 60 days; total protein concentration started in 7.2 ± 0.49 and decreased to 5.83 ±
0.15g/dL 45 days after; urea increased from 0.3 ± 0.10 mmol/L up to 27 ± 1.65 mmol/L
on day 60; initial creatinine levels were 90.18 ± 6.47 µmol/L increasing up to 121 ± 6.53
µmol/L in the last period. The parameters obtained showed altered erythrocyte, renal and
hepatic physiology, due to rabbit exposure to high copper levels in feed.
Key words: Copper, rabbit, hematocrit, total proteins, clinical enzymology, liver, kidney.
FISIOPATOLOGÍA EN CONEJOS OCASIONADA POR EL
INCREMENTO EN LA CONCENTRACIÓN DE
COBRE EN EL ALIMENTO
Resumen
El cobre actúa como cofactor enzimático, es esencial para la utilización del hierro, la
formación de tejido conectivo, la pigmentación y la producción energética. El objetivo
del presente estudio fue analizar la fisiopatología del daño renal y hepático en conejos
alimentados con alfalfa con alto contenido en cobre, se trabajó en una explotación
cunícola del Estado de México en donde se muestrearon 6 conejos en diferentes periodos
de muestreo, colectando 4 mL de sangre en tubos de vidrio con y sin anticoagulante, de
la vena marginal auricular para evaluar los parámetros fisiológicos de hematocrito,
proteínas totales, ALT, AST, GGT, urea, creatinina, el primer muestreo se realizó a
partir de las 8 semanas de edad y a los 15, 30, 45 y 60 días posteriores, cada una de las
muestras se centrifugaron y se dividieron en alícuotas para su posterior análisis en el
laboratorio, y los resultados de los parámetros obtenidos se compararon con los de
referencia.
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A New Zealand rabbit farm with 100 fattening animals was chosen, due to spontaneous
diarrheic cases, weakness and mortality of 2-3%. Feeding was undertaken ad libitum with
commercial Purina® (16 % protein, 3% fat, 17 % fiber, 10 % ashes, 12% de humidity,
42.5 % nitrogen free extract, 1 % calcium and 0.55 % phosphorus) and drinking water.
Green alfalfa was added, which was cultivated and fertilized with poultry manure and
well water, in which an atomic absorption spectrophotometric analysis for copper was
measured (19,2 mg/kg).
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Twelve rabbits for human consumption were sampled in different periods, starting at age
8 weeks, and then 15, 30, 45 and 60 days afterwards, collecting 4 mL of blood in
Vacutainer tubes with and without anticoagulant (Vacutainer, SST: Becton-Dickinson,
U.S.A.), taken from the auricular vein, to evaluate the following physiologic parameters:
ALT, AST, GGT, urea and creatinine, hematocrit and total proteins. Samples were
centrifuged to obtain serum and analysed in the laboratory, and the results were compared
with reference values for rabbits. Analite parameters were obtained through
spectrophotometry, ALT and AST activities through a modified method without
pyridoxal phosphate, measuring absorbance at 340 nm; for GGT the Szazs/Persijn method
was used; measuring absorbance at 405 nm; urea was measured through urease/GLDH
enzymatic method at 340 nm; and creatinine through colorimetric method based on the
creatinine reaction with picric acid in alcaline medium at 510 nm (Clinical chemistry:
Instrumentation laboratory®). Hematocrit was measured using heparinized capilar tubes
by centrifugation at 5000 rpm, for 5 minutes and total protein through refractometry
(Veterinary Refractometer 10436, Reichert® g/%).
Regarding serum enzymes, ALT initial value was 48 ± 13.89 U/L, in period 1, 49 ± 15.25
U/L, in period 2, 60 ± 22.50 U/L, stabilizing in period 3 to 46 ± 19.08 U/L, with 64 ±
4.16 U/L in the last period; GGT values were reported as normal; AST values decreased
in period 3 to 33± 4.73 U/L, maintaining normal values in the rest; urea progressively
increased up to 27 ±1.65 mmol/L, with an initial value of 0.3 ± 0.10 mmol/L; creatinine
initial values were 90.18 ± 6.47 µmol/L and increased up to 121 ± 6.53 µmol/L in the
last period (Table 1).
Table 2. Hepatic and renal physiological parameters in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
from a farm in the State of Mexico
PARAMETER Day 0 Day 15 Day 30 Day 45 Day 60 Reference
values
ALT (U/L) 48±13.89 49±15.25 60±22.50 46±19.08 64±4.16 79 U/L
AST (U/L) 45±15.03 41±4.51 40±7.29 33±4.73 51±23.12 47 U/L
GGT (U/L) 10±2.56 10±2.23 13±2.07 8±3.21 13±3.21 9 U/L
UREA (mmol/L) 0.3±0.10 8±1.40 8±1.60 19±1.82 27±1.65 3.45 ± 0.85
CREATININE ( μmol /L) 90±6.47 98±14.34 118±28.50 94±7.70 121±6.53 70.7-227.2
HEMATOCRIT (%) 43±2.50 36±5.47 46±1.00 38±2.08 37±14.57 40.5 ± 2.11
TOTAL PLASMA PROTEINS (g/dL) 7±0.49 6±0.26 6±0.33 5±0.15 6±0.46 5.7 ± 0.6
The report on the copper content in the alfalfa may be considered high, therefore assuming
that the absorption for this species is also high. Moreover, the parameters evaluated in
this study corroborate that some of them fluctuate and tend to progressively increase, and
may be related to structural and functional damage of liver and kidney (Thrall et al.,
2006). Copper has been referred as highly toxic to inferior organisms and low toxic for
superior ones.
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Two genetic alterations have been documented for copper metabolism: Wilson disease
(caused by ceruloplasmin deficit) in which hepatic and brain degeneration are produced
and Menke’s syndrome, where brain degeneration caused by copper deficiency occurs.
Copper accumulates in the liver with no apparent intoxication signs, up to a point where
the accumulation capacity of the organ is overflowed. When this happens, necrosis of the
hepatocytes occur, with sudden high copper concentration in blood, unchaining clinical
intoxication, followed by an hemolytic crisis in ruminants (destruction of red blood cells).
Conclusion
The parameters found show that the organisms with copper exposure suffer physiologic
changes which may permanently alter renal and hepatic functionality, interfering with the
animal’s normal development, by limiting nutrient absorption and growth.
References
SCHALM'S Veterinary Hematology. 2010. Weiss D.J. and Wardrop K.J. editors.
6th ed. Reference Erythrocyte Parameters of the New Zealand White (NZW)
Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Wiley-Blackwell. USA.
Thrall M.A., Baker D.C., Campbell T.W., DeNicola D., Fettman M.J. 2006.
Veterinary hematology and Clinical Chemistry. Blackwell, USA.
REPRODUCCIÓN
REPRODUCTION
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EFFECT OF DIFFERENT GNRH ANALOGUE TREATMENTS ON
THE PERFORMANCE OF LACTATING RABBITS
1; Centre for Farm Animal Gene Conservation (HáGK), Isaszegi út 200, Gödöllő, H-2100,
Hungary
2; S&K-Lap Ltd., Császár u. 135., Kartal, H-2173, Hungary
3; Szent István University, Páter K. u. 1., Gödöllő, H-2100, Hungary
*Corresponding author: eiben@katki.hu
Abstract
Reproductive traits of 210 rabbits inseminated on postpartum day 11 and induced to
ovulate by i.m. 0.84 µg or 1.26 µg buserelin acetate (Receptal ® or Suprefact®) or 20 µg
gonadorelin (Fertagyl®) or by i.vag. 25 µg GnRH analogue [des-Gly10, D-Ala6]-LHRH
ethylamide in 0.5 mL semen extender (MRAbit®) were studied according to reproductive
status under farm practice (only light stimulation). The data were evaluated by the chi-
squared test or by ANOVA using the Statgraphics 6.0 (1992) statistical software.
Pregnancy and kindling rates and the number of live born kits per litter were not affected
by the GnRH treatments but differed (P<0.05) with parity and receptivity (94%, 89%,
11.7 in multiparous receptive vs. 77%, 69%, 9.42 in primiparous non-receptive, or 10.2
kits in multiparous non-receptive does, respectively). Global productivity (number of live
born kits per 100 AI) with Receptal® in primiparous receptive or non-receptive or in
multiparous receptive or non-receptive does were 930, 450, 1020, 787, with Suprefact®
1064, 670, 1209, 895, with Fertagyl® 489, 763, 1003, 832 and with MRAbit® 715, 600,
1010, 850, respectively. With the studied i.m. and i.vag. GnRH analogue treatments, the
lactating does had good and similar performance under the farm practice of light
stimulation with no eCG use before insemination. Reproduction was influenced by doe
physiological status. Multiparous receptive does had superior productivity.
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1; Centre for Farm Animal Gene Conservation (HáGK), Isaszegi út 200, Gödöllő, H-2100,
Hungary
2; S&K-Lap Ltd., Császár u. 135., Kartal, H-2173, Hungary
3; Szent István University, Páter K. u. 1., Gödöllő, H-2100, Hungary
*Corresponding author: eiben@katki.hu
Resumen
El rendimiento reproductivo de 210 conejas inseminadas el día después del parto y 11
inducidas a ovular por inyección im con 0,84 mg o 1,26 mg de acetato de buserelina
(Receptal® o Suprefact®) o 20 mg gonadorelina (Fertagyl®) o por vía i.vag. 25 g del
análogo de GnRH [des-Gly10, D-Ala6] -LHRH etilamida en 0,5 ml del diluyente de
semen (MRAbit®) fueron estudiados de acuerdo con el estado reproductivo, bajo
prácticas de granja (sólo estimulación de luz). Los datos fueron evaluados mediante la
prueba de chi-cuadrada o por ANOVA utilizando el 6.0 (1992) software estadístico
Statgraphics. Los índices de gestación, nacimientos, y número de gazapos nacidos vivos
por camada no fueron afectados por los tratamientos de GnRH pero difirieron (P <0,05)
con la paridad y la receptividad (94%, 89%, 11,7 en multíparas vs. receptivas 77%, 69%,
9,42 en primíparas no receptivas, o 10,2 gazapos en multíparas no receptivas,
respectivamente). La productividad global (número de gazapos nacidos vivos por cada
100 IA) con Receptal® en primíparas receptivas o no receptivas o en multíparas
receptivas o no receptivas fueron 930, 450, 1020, 787, con Suprefact® 1064, 670, 1209,
895 , con Fertagyl® 489, 763, 1003, 832 y 715 con MRAbit®, 600, 1010, 850,
respectivamente. Con los tratamientos análogos de la GnRH estudiados i.m. e i.vag., las
conejas lactantes tuvieron un rendimiento bueno y similar en virtud de la práctica de
estimulación de luz sin el uso de eCG antes de la inseminación. La reproducción se vio
influenciado por el estado fisiológico de la coneja. Las conejas receptivas multíparas
tuvieron una productividad superior.
With appearance of GnRH synthetic analogue products of various agents and efficacies a
novel way of ovulation induction in rabbits is possible (Dal Bosco et al., 2011).
Intramuscular (i.m.) or subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of GnRH analogue at insemination
(AI) can be substituted by intravaginal (i.vag.) absorption by supplementing the semen
extender with GnRH analogue. The method improves the welfare at AI (no injection) and,
faster or more rabbits can be inseminated (Viudes-de-Castro et al., 2007). The
disadvantage is that a higher i.vag. dose is needed to get efficacy similar to that of the
i.m. usage (Viudes-de-Castro et al., 2014).
The success of i.vag. GnRH analogue treatment for ovulation induction can be affected
by several factors. Besides agent and its concentration, the composition of semen extender
and doe physiological status are important. The i.vag. application was studied only with
receptive does (Viudes-de-Castro et al., 2007; Vicente et al., 2008, 2011) or rabbits pre-
injected with eCG hormone (Quintela et al., 2008, 2012; Zhang and Qin, 2012). To our
knowledge, in Hungary the i.vag. ovulation induction by GnRH analogue of rabbits has
not yet been tried and its reproductive results reported.
The experiment was conducted at the rabbit farm of S&K-Lap Ltd. in Galgamácsa
between 21 February and 24 March, 2014. In the heated (18-20°C) building with
windows, the rabbits were housed in wire-net breeding cages (80 x 53 cm with 90 cm
height) equipped with a plastic mat, an elevated platform (40 x 53 cm) at 25 cm height, a
gnawing stick and an outer nest (23 x 53 cm) with metal sheet walls.
Lactating Hycole PS rabbit does (n=210) were distributed into four groups with respect
to parity and number of reared kits (primiparous (n=91): 8.02±0.08 kits per litter or two-
to three times kindled (n=119): 9.77±0.07 kits per litter).
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Heterospermic pooled semen from Hycole bucks and four different GnRH analogue
treatments were used (Table 1). The control (i.m. 0.84 µg buserelin acetate) corresponded
with today’s routine practice (Zapletal et al., 2008).
We also planned an i.vag. treatment with Suprefact® but when adding it to Merck III
semen extender we observed the destruction of sperm, so this intravaginal GnRH
treatment failed. Quintela et al. (2004) reported a successful i.vag. use of Suprefact but
they used MA 24 semen extender.
Controlled nursing was applied by opening the metal-sheet nest door between 9:00 to
10:00 h from postpartum day 1 to 14 and free nursing thereafter. AI was done on
postpartum day 11 three hours after nursing. At AI does with red / violet and turgid vulvas
were judged to be receptive.
There was no hormonal pre-injection to synchronize estrus but on day 8 before AI, the
daily lighting of 9 h (light) L/15 h (dark) D (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) was abruptly increased by
7 hours, to 16L/8D (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.). The lighting was reduced by 2 hours on days 3
and 4 after AI (14L/10D, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 12L/12D, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and by 3 hours
on day 5 after AI (9L/15D, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) returning to the 9 h daily lighting.
Rabbit does were fed ad libitum, with a single diet (10.0 MJ/kg DE, 17.5% CP, 3.80%
EE, 14.9% CF, 7.70% ash).
The effects of different GnRH analogue treatments and reproductive status on pregnancy
and kindling rates were evaluated by the chi-squared test and on number of kits born by
ANOVA using the Statgraphics 6.0 (1992) statistical software.
At AI, 61% of the lactating does had red or violet, and 73% turgid vulva. The receptivity
rate was 57%. However, the pregnancy rate was very good, 89% and, 81% of the rabbits
kindled (Table 2). The check of receptivity is more precise with the male (lordosis
position of the doe) but this cannot be used in big farms. In ovulation the neural and
genital-someto-sensory stimuli associated with AI (catching, catheter intromission, etc.)
can also be important (Rebollar, 2011; Rebollar et al., 2012), explaining the contradiction
between the lower receptivity and good pregnancy.
The ovulation induction method did not significantly affect the pregnancy (84-93%) and
kindling rates (76-87%) or the number of live and total born kits (10.1-11.0 and 10.5-
11.1; Table 2).
Table 2. Reproductive traits of rabbits inseminated and induced to ovulate by i.m. buserelin acetate or
i.m. gonadorelin or i.vag. GnRH analogue [des-Gly10, D-Ala6]-LHRH ethylamide semen extender
Group No. Pregnancy Kindling Litter size
of rate, % (no.) rate, % (no.) Live born Total born
does
Ovulation induction
i.m. 0.84 µg buserelin acetate 50 88 (44/50) 82 (41/50) 10.8±0.5 11.0±0.5
(Receptal A.U.V.®)
i.m. 1.26 µg buserelin acetate 55 93 (51/55) 87 (48/55) 11.0±0.4 11.1±0.4
(Suprefact®)
i.m. 20 µg gonadorelin 50 92 (46/50) 76 (38/50) 10.8±0.5 11.0±0.5
(Fertagyl A.U.V®)
i.vag. 25 µg LHRH ethylamide 55 84 (46/55) 80 (44/55) 10.1±0.4 10.5±0.4
in semen extender (MRAbit®)
Reproductive status
Primiparous lactating receptive 56 91ab (51/56) 79ab (44/56) 10.6±0.4ab 10.7±0.4a
Primiparous lactating non- 35 77a (27/35) 69a (24/35) 9.42±0.6a 9.62±0.6a
receptive
Multiparous lactating receptive 64 94b (60/64) 89b (57/64) 11.7±0.4b 12.0±0.4b
Multiparous lactating non- 55 89ab (49/55) 84ab (46/55) 10.2±0.4a 10.5±0.4a
receptive
Total 210 89 81 10.5±0.2 10.7±0.2
(187/210) (171/210)
Values in the same column with unlike superscripts (a, b) differ (P<0.05)
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The performance of lactating does was influenced by reproductive status (Table 2, Figure
1).
The multiparous receptive rabbits had 17% better pregnancy rate (94 vs 77%; P<0.05)
and among them 20% more kindled (89 vs 69%; P<0.05) than from the primiparous non-
receptive does. They also spawned 2.3 or 1.5-kit larger litters than the primiparous non-
receptive or the multiparous non-receptive rabbits (11.7 vs 9.42 or 10.2; P<0.05). For the
farmers global productivity (number of live born kits per 100 AI) is a very important trait
that is determined by kindling rate and born alive. The productivity of multiparous
receptive rabbits was by 64% better than the primiparous non-receptive does’ (1051 vs
643 rabbits; Figure 1).
Global productivity
(Number of live born kits /100 AI)
1200
Primiparous receptive
1000
Primiparous non-receptive
800 Multiparous receptive
600 Multiparous non-receptive
Total
400
Reproductive status
Figure 1. Global productivity according to the reproductive status of lactating does
At AI, there are does in different physiological status. It raises the question whether there
are differences in the effects of various GnRH analogue treatments if the above-
mentioned influence of physiological status is considered (Figures 2-4).
Kindling rate, %
bc bc bc bc c
100 abc bc abc abc abc
abc abc abc abcabc abc Primiparous receptive
80 abc
ab abc Primiparous non-receptive
60
a
Multiparous receptive
40
Multiparous non-receptive
20
Total
0
Receptal Suprefact Fertagyl MRAbit
Figure 2. Kindling rate (%) depending on GnRH analogue used and lactating does’ reproductive status
The kindling rate of multiparous receptive i.vag. LHRH ethylamide (MRAbit) treated
does was higher than the primiparous non-receptive i.m. 0.84 µg buserelin acetate
(Receptal) treated or primiparous receptive i.m. 20 µg gonadorelin (Fertagyl) treated
rabbits (100 vs 50 or 44%; P<0.05; Figure 2). Of note, the latter had a good, 89%
pregnancy rate based on abdominal palpation but only half of them delivered. Because of
the small number of does these findings should be taken with caution. However, our
results verify the producer’s recommendation that with the GnRH analogue containing
MRAbit semen extender, only receptive rabbits should be inseminated.
The number of live born kits within the groups was not significantly affected by the
physiological status. That is explained by the different result found with the i.vag.
(MRAbit) compared with the i.m. treatments (Figure 3).
In the i.m. GnRH analogue treatments (Receptal, Suprefact, Fertagyl) the number of live
born kits per litter of primiparous rabbits was lower than that of the multiparous does and,
the receptive does produced more live kits. Contrary to this, with the i.vag. treatment
(MRAbit) good litter size was found independent of doe physiological status (Figure 3).
The advantage of this can be that fewer rabbits need to be fostered to alien does.
Figure 3. Number of live born kits per litter depending on GnRH analogue used
and doe reproductive status
Within the groups we calculated the global productivity according to the physiological
status (Figure 4). Based on this the i.m. 1.26 µg buserelin acetate (Suprefact) treatment
was the most effective, mainly in the receptive does (primiparous: 1064 rabbits,
multiparous: 1209 rabbits). Global productivity was similar by lower dose of i.m. 0.84 µg
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Global productivity
(Number of live born kits /100 AI)
1400
Primiparous receptive
1200
Primiparous non-receptive
1000
Multiparous receptive
800
Multiparous non-receptive
600
Total
400
Receptal Suprefact Fertagyl MRAbit
Figure 4. Global productivity according to GnRH analogue used and reproductive status
Perrier et al. (2000) applied i.m. 0.4 or 0.8 µg buserelin (Receptal). Reproduction did not
differ with the GnRH concentration but varied significantly with the physiological status.
Theau-Clément et al. (1990) used i.m. 0.8 µg buserelin (Receptal) or 20 µg gonadorelin
(Fertagyl) and reported similar numbers of live born kits per litter but the litter size was
higher in receptive than in non-receptive does. Quintela et al. (2001) treated multiparous
lactating does with i.m. 20 µg gonadorelin (Fertagyl) and noted 78-80% kindling rate and
10.6-10.9 kits per litter depending on the lighting regime. In their other studies (Quintela
et al., 2008, 2009) the i.m. 20 µg gonadorelin (Inducel) treatment or the i.vag. 25 µg
LHRH ethylamide used via semen extender resulted in similar 86 or 91% kindling rates,
10.3 or 10.8 live born kits per litter and productivity (949 or 1029 rabbits) in pre-injected
rabbits. Quintela et al. (2012) using 0.5 mL/doe MRAbit semen extender or i.m. lecirelin
(0.2 mL Dalmarelin) obtained identical productivity. Our results are in agreement with
those reports.
Conclusions
Under the farm practice with the studied i.m. and i.vag. GnRH analogue treatments and
without pre-injection the reproductive performance of lactating does was similar and
good. The reproductive traits were affected by doe physiological status. The productivity
of multiparous receptive rabbits is over average. For the producers, the use of the i.vag.
GnRH analogue treatment can be recommended in receptive rabbits.
References
Dal Bosco A., Rebollar P.G., Boiti C., Zerani M., Castellini C., 2011. Ovulation induction
in rabbit does: Current knowledge and perspectives. Anim. Reprod. Sci., 129, 106-117.
Perrier G., Theau-Clément M., Jouanno M., Drouet J.P., 2000. Reduction of the GnRH
dose and inseminated rabbit doe reproductive performance. In: Proc. 7th World Rabbit
Congr, Valencia, Spain, pp. 225-230.
Rebollar P.G., 2011. Factors affecting efficacy of intravaginal administration of GnRH
analogues for ovulation induction in rabbit does. In: Proc. 4th Italian Rabbit Days, Forlì,
Italy, pp. 35-45.
Rebollar P.G., Dal Bosco A., Millán P., Cardinali R., Brecchia G., Sylla L., Lorenzo P.L.,
Castellini C., 2012. Ovulating induction methods in rabbit does: The pituitary and ovarian
responses. Theriogenology, 77, 292-298.
Quintela L.A., Barrio M., Prieto C., Gullón J., Vega M.D., Sánchez M., García N.,
Becerra J.J., Peña A.I., Herradón P.G., Hernandez-Gil. R., 2012. Field test of the
effectiveness of rabbit semen extender MRA-bit® incorporating GnRH analogue. In:
Proc. 10th World Rabbit Congr, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, pp. 431-433.
Quintela L., Peña A., Barrio M., Vega M.D., Diaz R., Maseda F., Garcia P., 2001.
Reproductive performance of multiparous rabbit lactating does: effect of lighting
programs and PMSG use. Reprod. Nutr. Dev., 41, 247-257.
Quintela L.A., Peña A.I., Vega M.D., Gullón J., Prieto M.C., Barrio M., Becerra J.J.,
Maseda F., Herradón P.G., 2004. Ovulation induction in rabbit does submitted to artificial
insemination by adding buserelin to the seminal dose. Reprod. Nutr. Dev., 44, 79-88.
Quintela L.A., Peña A.I., Vega M.D., Gullón J., Prieto C., Barrio M., Becerra J.J.,
Herradón P.G., 2008. Ovulation induction in rabbit does by intravaginal administration
of the GnRH analogue [des-Gly10, D-Ala6]-LHRH ethylamide: field trial. In: Proc. 9th
World Rabbit Congr, Verona, Italy, pp. 427-430.
Quintela L.A., Peña A.I., Vega M.D., Gullón J., Prieto C., Barrio M., Becerra J.J.,
Herradón P.G., 2009. Reproductive performance of rabbit does artificially inseminated
via intravaginal administration of [des-Gly10, D-Ala6]-LHRH ethylamide as ovulation
inductor. Reprod. Dom. Anim., 44, 829-833.
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Theau-Clément M., Bolet G., Roustan A., Mercier P., 1990. Comparaison de differents
modes d’induction de l’ovulation chez les lapines multipares en relation avec leur stade
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Vicente J.S., Lavara R., Lavara F., Marco-Jiménez F., Viudes-de-Castro M.P., 2008.
Rabbit reproductive performance after insemination with buserelin acetate extender.
Livest. Sci., 115, 153-157.
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effect on availability of buserelin acetate administered in seminal doses in rabbits.
Theriogenology, 76, 1120-1125.
Viudes-de-Castro M.P., Lavara R., Marco-Jiménez F., Cortell C., Vicente J.S., 2007.
Ovulation induced by mucosa vaginal absorption of buserelin and triptorelin in rabbit.
Theriogenology, 68, 1031-1036.
Viudes-de-Castro M.P., Mocé E., Lavara R., Marco-Jiménez F., Vicente J.S., 2014.
Aminopeptidase activity in seminal plasma and effect of dilution rate on rabbit
reproductive performance after insemination with an extender supplemented with
buserelin acetate. Theriogenology, 81, 1223-1228.
Zapletal D., Pavlik A., 2008. The effect of lecirelin (GnRH) dosage on the reproductive
performance of nulliparous and lactating rabbit does. Anim. Reprod. Sci., 104, 306-315.
Zhang Y.Q., Qin Y., 2012. Reproductive performance of rabbit does by adding
leuprorelin in semen to induce ovulation. In: Proc. 10th World Rabbit Congr, Sharm El-
Sheikh, Egypt, pp. 419-423.
WEIGHT GAIN IN REPRODUCTIVE RABBITS THROUGH THE
APPLICATION OF A SELECTION SYSTEM AND BREEDER IN A
CLOSED POPULATION
MELÉNDEZ TC
Abstract
Rabbits are the domestic mammals with the greatest reproductive capacity, which makes
this specie very suitable for breeding in Latin America by many members of the family,
since it does not require great physical effort for attending a rabbit farm. The objective of
the present study was to determine if there are differences in the weights of the
reproductive male rabbits after ninety (90) days of age, after the application of a Selection
System in a closed population. For reaching this objective, 81 crossbred male rabbits and
160 female rabbits were used. Weight was calculated on the 90th day of birth of the
reproductive males. The obtained results for weight gain of the animals in this study were
246 gr. In conclusion, the selection system applied was successful.
Key words: reproductive rabbits, controlled mating, genetic selection, weight gain.
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INCREMENTO DEL PESO EN CONEJOS REPRODUCTORES
MEDIANTE LA APLICACIÓN DE UN SISTEMA DE SELECCIÓN
Y CRUZAMIENTOS EN UNA POBLACIÓN CERRADA
MELÉNDEZ TC
Resumen
Los conejos son los mamíferos con la mayor capacidad reproductiva, lo cual hace que
esta especie sea muy apropiada para su cría en América Latina, ya que varios miembros
de la familia pueden contribuirr a su cuidado, dado que no se requiere aplicar gran
esfuerzo físico para realizar el manejo de una granja cunícola. El objetivo del presente
estudio fue determinar si existen diferencias en los pesos de los conejos machos
reproductores a los 90 días de edad, luego de la aplicación de un Sistema de Selección en
una población cerrada. Para el desarrollo de la investigación se emplearon 81 conejos
machos reproductores mestizos y 160 hembras. Se realizó el cálculo del peso a los 90
días de edad de los reproductores. En los resultados obtenidos se observó un incrementó
de 246 gr el peso de los animales estudiados. Se concluye que fue exitoso el sistema de
selección aplicado.
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Introduction
A domestic rabbit, Oryctalagus Cuniculus, is the “domestic mammal with the greatest
reproductive capacity”; a doe is capable of producing up to 1.200% of its live weight in
a one-year exploitation, in relation to the number and weight of its young breeds during
that time; what makes of this sector, a definite alternative for human food all over the
world, especially in Latin America, in which the agricultural activities are related to the
family’s everyday activities. There are no limitations about gender and age for the
assistance of the rabbit breeding, so they could be assisted by young people and elderly
as well because it does not require any strong physical efforts.
The absence of technical specialized knowledge, in the rural production area, represents
a real challenge to obtain the best results in getting the meat weight considering time,
physical space and animal population.
The rabbit farm Madre Tierra, which is located near the city of Barquisimeto, Lara state
(Venezuela), and it has a tradition of over 20 years of rabbit breeding experience. Its
beginnings were with crossbreed animals from California and New Zealand mainly, with
no previous records of production, like in the majority of the farms in Venezuela in which
rabbit breeding is undertaken in an empirical manner, in part, because of the lack of
existing tradition of the consumption of rabbit meat in the population. Although lately,
there has been an sustained increase in the demand of rabbit meat, mainly in local
restaurants, which has obliged to incorporate management techniques and strategies in
order to increase the efficiency of the farm’s production.
For over 15 years, the farm had been selecting breeding in a traditional manner; including
the incorporation of selected animals of other national farms in order to reach a level in
which the farm’s productive parameters were satisfactory. However, as time passed by, a
type of stagnation or difficulty to improve them was observed different from that initial
success. This was basically because of the lack of national stallions from other farms
which could provide the genetic benefits taking into account the increase of the productive
and reproductive averages.
Breeding between rabbits were done, taking care of the direct origins of the sons, so they
were not mated with their immediate families. However, there was no control over the
consanguinity that might arise in the herd.
At this point, it was decided to incorporate some advisory in the area of genetics and
apply new strategies in the management of crossbreeding of animals with a new mating
model, grounded on the registry of information as the base of a strict selection program,
in a closed population; avoiding the maximum consanguinity and their possible adverse
effects. As an immediate consequence, an increase of the productive averages was
observed, measured as Daily Weight Gain, and Slaughterhouse Weight, as well as the
reproductive averages measured as the number of young rabbits born, weaned rabbits per
litter, accumulated young rabbits during the reproductive useful life of each female.
Nowadays, the farm is formed by 160 reproductive females and 24 reproductive males
which produce an average of 150 young rabbits a week weighing from 2.5 kg on the 90th
day of birth, and a return of 70 % (including head and guts), and that after three years of
the application of this method, a series of productive and reproductive improvements have
been obtained that will be exhibited in the content of this paper.
The selection of the breeders of the farm is based on the following criteria:
Females: The number of born young rabbits is considered, the number of weaned rabbits
is also considered, and the number of Reproductive Life Days (DVR). The relationship
between the number of young rabbits produced with time is very important; because in
this way, various characters are assessed simultaneously, such as the prolificacy of each
animal (multiple ovulation and fertility), through the size of the litter birth, the maternal
ability (milk production and breeding care), through a number of weaned rabbits and the
capability or reproductive efficiency maintained through time (interval between births
and number of births) destined to the reproduction.
For this, the farm applied an efficiency formula, called REPRODUCTIVE INDEX (IR),
which is the amount of weaned young rabbits accumulated in every birth, between the
days of interval between the first and the last birth to be assessed of its reproductive useful
life, multiplied by 30 days, to make the monthly correction. So we have:
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If the IR of a doe is deemed, which in a year has presented 8 births, and has 48 weaned
young rabbits accumulated; we will have:
Parting from this parameter, the does with greater IR are chosen, to select their daughters
as the next breeding of the herd, the less breeder are then put aside, what is considered as
the cause which has permitted to observe significant improvements considering the
number of born and weaned young rabbits.
Another achievement is that the does have an increase in the weight, greater to 3 Kg after
120 days, which indicates that they could be in an optimal condition for the service at that
age. However, the service is done on the 135th day of age in order to guarantee greater
physiological maturity.
The does mustn’t have physical defects or pathologies at the moment of being taken into
account for the selection.
The heritage with the genetically mother component are about 10%. The heritage of the
weight gain is in between 20 and 25%.
Male: The candidates to be postulated as the next breeders must have a series of
requirements:
They must be sons of “good mothers”, that is, only the sons of the Doe with a
Reproductive Index (IR) greater than the average of each group of comparison, which
guarantees the transmission to their daughters, the benefits of prolificacy and the
measured motherhood ability.
They must come from a large litter, over the average, so as to assess their individual
behavior in the same conditions with other individuals of the same litter and from other
contemporary litters, from birth, irrespective of the IR of the mother, as an extra
requirement, due to that other small litters, have a tendency to greater individual body
development because there is minor competence for the breast milk during nursing.
They must have a Weight Gain on the 90th day, greater to the average of their group of
comparison, which makes of these future stallions, individuals capable of transmitting to
their offspring, the genetic capacity of being better meat producers, measured as body
mass in the less time possible.
When selecting males, taking into account the characters of the mother (high IR and large
litters) we would have the probability that those proper female characteristics would be
transmitted to their daughters.
They must not have any physical defects or diseases at the moment of being assessed.
The weight for the selection of the male players is determined on the 90th day after birth.
Although at the beginning, when we did not have the current genetic material, the farm
produced animals of 2 Kg when they were 120 days old, and as the crossing system was
applied, improvements were observed in the production level. Nowadays, the average
weight has been increased to 2.5 Kg. At the same time, the time of achieving this weight
was diminished to 90 days. Also, we do a follow-up on the weight until they are 120 days
old, to have a reference of that age. What is aimed at is to obtain male players without
diminishing the growing rate, close to the 90 days, but to keep that weight long enough
after the date of sacrifice.
In this way, the probability of gaining weight increases up to the 120th day, and will not
diminish close to the date of sacrifice (90 days).
Materials
For the assessment of the application of SC6G, the data of the weights was taken from
the male players on the 90th day from birth, since the previous year to the application of
the system (2010) until 2013. Table 1. In total, 81 male players were assessed in 4
consecutive years.
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Table 1. Relation of weight of the male players in the time of study. The numbers in BLACK are the
ones with greater weight each year.
Method
In an initial population of 160 female players, 6 groups were added identified with their
respective numbers from 1 to 6; each group according to their identifiable ancestry to try
to keep the most genetic likeness possible within each group, and to obtain in this way,
the greatest genetic distance possible among the groups, to later proceed to the cross
breeding among the groups. Six (6) female genetic groups were then obtained, formed by
approximately 26 females each; the same procedure with the males grouped also in six
(6) groups according to their origins. So, the result was 6 groups of males formed by 4
males each, for a total of 24 males.
The male players belonging to each group were assigned a number of 3 digits, of which
the first digit corresponds to the Mating Group and the other 2 digits are the identification
of each individual. For example: the male 103 corresponds to Group 1, and it is the
individual 03. The male 602 would be from Group 6 and the individual 02. And like this
with all the other players.
The female players were identified with three digits, assigning the corresponding number
of cage. Also, a number is assigned in every registry with the relative number to the
corresponding mating group to which it belongs to.
Like this, and in an illustrative manner the groups are crossed in a pre-established
sequence and the mating is done in this way:
The males from Group 1 would be crossed with the females from Group 3, and the result
would turn into Group 2. While the females from Group 1 mate with the males from
Group 5, generating Group 6.
The males of Group 2, would be crossed with females of Group 4 and the result would be
Group 3, while the females from Group 2 mate with the males from Group 6, generating
Group 1.
The males from Group 3 would be crossed with the females from Group 5 and the results
would be Group 4, and finally the females from Group 6 mate with the males from Group
4, generating Group 5.
In this way, the males are the ones that determine to which group its progeny is destined.
Each group of males creates the immediate higher number.
The crossings among each one of the females with the male of the corresponding group,
are totally at random. A female could be crossed with any male of the corresponding
group.
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Results
The results of the compilation of the data of the obtained weights during the study are
reflected in Table 3. It shows that the increase in weight in the year 2011 is less than the
following years. For that moment, the players were still the product of the breeding
without the application of the SC6G. From the year 2012, the players are the product of
breeding of the SC6G which is where the greater increase in the weight gain can be
observed.
Table 3. Summary of the averages of the male players during the time of study.
Discussion
Based on the obtained results, it can be observed that the increase in weight gain of the
male was of 246 gr. After three years of having applied the SC6G.
If this weight gain is considered in the players to have the same incidence in the total of
young rabbits destined to the slaughterhouse, irrespective of the final weight, all of the
herd must gain weight in approximately 246 gr. at the same age of sacrifice.
In this case, there would be 150 young rabbits by 52 weeks/ year = 7.800 rabbits per year.
1.918 Kg per 70% of revenue = 1.342 Kg of rabbit meat of increase from the application
of the SC6G.
Moreover, the increase in the gross income, it can be affirmed that the application of the
SC6G does not imply any type of dispensing of significant money for the structure of
costs of the farm.
However, the SC6G would not be of greater use if there were no clear objectives and
parameters that every commercial exploitation rabbit farm must have. The phenotypic
ranges that are desired the most to consolidate in the herd must be well defined, in order
to advance faster and more firmly.
In this case, it would be the weight gain on the 90th day after birth, as one of the parameters
for the selection of the future players.
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This system of breeding destined for closed populations is flexible in the sense that other
male players could be incorporated to the herd which might improve some desirable
features in any or in several of the 6 groups, introducing those genes to the herd.
In Table 1, it is observed that every year, the male players increase. This is because every
time, there is more and more availability of animals of better weight to select from.
In the broodstock from the year 2012 a greater weight gain is observed in relation to the
previous year, because these are the first product sons of the SC6G, being a consequence
of the greatest heterosis between the breeding of groups the most distant possible.
Conclusions
Although it is not the objective of this paper, treating the reproductive characteristics of
the female, one can refer to an increase on: number of born rabbits, number of weaned
young rabbits, weaning weight, and interval diminishing between births, and also the
increase of the size and weight of the females in the age for service; understanding that
the SC6G keeps the level of consanguinity to the minimum in the herd, hence the negative
consequences over the production and reproduction.
As any other closed herd, the universe of genes is always the same. What is searched is
the genetic combination which is more beneficial taking into account the productive and
reproductive performance. That is why the Selection System is so important; it is
necessary to choose the desired characteristics of the herd.
The only fact of applying the SC6G does not guarantee the increase in the production.
We have to be capable of selecting the “elite” animals for them to be the next players and
so have the probabilities to improve the index of productivity.
References
Blasco A, Baselga M., Estany J., Cátedra de Fisiogénetica. ETSIA. Universidad politécnica
Camino de Vera, 14. 46002-Valencia.
Petersen J., Vásquez R., 2007. Influencia del rendimiento maternal antes y después del
parto sobre el desarrollo de conejos de engorde. Universidad ISA Rep. Dominicana.
Zamora M., MANEJO EN CUNICULTURA Responsable del área de Cunicultura de la
FESC-UNAM Presidenta de la Asociación Nacional de Cunicultores de México A.C.
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MELÉNDEZ TC
Introducción
La Granja Cunícola Madre Tierra, está ubicada cerca de la ciudad de Barquisimeto, estado
Lara, y cuenta con una tradición de más de 20 años en la cría de conejos; sus inicios
fueron con animales mestizos de las razas California y Nueva Zelanda principalmente,
que no tenían ningún tipo de antecedentes de registros de producción, como en la mayoría
de las granjas en Venezuela, donde la cunicultura es llevada de manera empírica, en parte,
debido a la poca tradición que existe hacia el consumo de la
carne de conejo por la población, aunque últimamente se observa un mantenido
incremento de la demanda de carne de conejo, mayoritariamente a nivel de restaurantes
locales, lo que ha inducido a incorporar técnicas y estrategias de manejo con el objeto de
incrementar la eficiencia de la producción.
Los cruces entre los conejos se realizaban, cuidando el origen directo de los hijos, para
no aparearlos con sus familiares inmediatos, sin embargo, no se tenía un control sobre la
consanguinidad que pudiera presentarse en el rebaño.
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Gazapos acumulados
Días acumulados
48 gazapos destetados
365 días
Así como también se ha conseguido que las hembras tengan un peso mayor de 3 Kg a
los 120 días, lo que indica que pudieran estar óptimas para el servicio a esa edad. Sin
embargo, se realiza el servicio a los 135 días de edad, para garantizar mayor madurez
fisiológica.
Las hembras no deben presentas defectos físicos, ni patologías al momento de ser tomadas
en cuenta para la selección.
Machos: Los candidatos a ser postulados como los próximos reproductores deben
cumplir una serie de requisitos, como lo son:
1.- Deben ser hijos de “buenas madres”, es decir, solamente los hijos de conejas con
Índice Reproductivo (IR) superior al promedio de cada grupo de comparación, lo cual nos
garantiza que puedan transmitir a sus hijas las bondades de prolificidad y de habilidad
materna medidos.
2.- Deben provenir de una camada numerosa, superiores al promedio, para evaluar su
comportamiento individual en las mismas condiciones con otros individuos de la misma
camada, y de otras camadas contemporáneas, desde el nacimiento, independientemente
del IR de la madre, como requisito adicional, debido a que conejos de camadas pequeñas,
tienen tendencia a mayor desarrollo corporal individual porque hay menor competencia
por la leche materna durante la lactancia.
3.- Deben tener una Ganancia de Peso a 90 días, superiores al promedio de su grupo de
comparación, lo cual hace de estos futuros sementales, unos individuos capaces de
transmitir a su descendencia, la capacidad genética de ser mejores en producción de carne,
medida como masa corporal en el menor tiempo posible.
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De esta forma aumenta la probabilidad de que la ganancia de peso se proyecte hasta los
120 días, y no decaiga, próxima a la fecha de sacrificio (90 días).
Materiales
Para la evaluación de la aplicación del SC6G, se tomaron los datos de los pesos de los
machos reproductores a los 90 días de edad, desde el año previo a la aplicación del sistema
(2010) hasta el año 2013. Tabla 1. En total se evaluaron 81 machos reproductores en 4
años consecutivos.
Cuadro 1. Relación del peso de los machos reproductores en el tiempo de estudio. Los números en
negritas son los de mayor peso de cada año.
Método
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A los machos reproductores pertenecientes de cada grupo, se les asigna una numeración
de 3 dígitos, donde el primer dígito corresponde al Grupo de Apareamiento y los otros 2
al número de identificación cada individuo. Por ejemplo el macho numero 103
corresponde al grupo 1, individuo 03. El macho 602, sería del grupo 6, individuo 02. Y
así sucesivamente con todos los demás reproductores.
Así, y a manera ilustrativa, los grupos se cruzan siguiendo una secuencia pre-establecida
y los apareamientos se realizan de éste modo:
Los machos del grupo 1 se cruzarían con hembras del grupo 3, y el resultado pasaría a ser
el grupo 2. Mientras que las hembras del grupo 1 se aparean con machos del grupo 5,
generando el grupo 6.
Los machos del grupo 2, se cruzarían con hembras del grupo 4 y el resultado pasaría a
formar el grupo 3, mientras que las hembras del grupo 2 se aparean con machos del grupo
6, generando el grupo 1.
Los machos del grupo 3, se cruzarían con hembras del grupo 5 y el resultado pasaría a
formar el grupo 4, y finalmente las hembras del grupo 6 se aparean con machos del grupo
4, generando el grupo 5.
De esta manera los machos son los que determinan a qué grupo van destinada su progenie.
Cada grupo de machos, da origen al número inmediato superior.
Los cruces entre cada una de la hembras con el macho del grupo correspondiente, son
totalmente al azar. Una hembra se puede cruzar con cualquiera de los machos del grupo
que le corresponda.
Cuadro 2. Esquema de apareamiento de 6 grupos de cruzamiento de conejos reproductores.
Resultados
Los resultados de la recopilación de los datos de los pesos obtenidos durante el estudio
están reflejados en la tabla 3. Allí se observa que el aumento de peso en el año 2011 es
menor que en los años siguientes. Para ese momento, los reproductores todavía eran el
producto de los cruces sin la aplicación del SC6G. A partir del año 2012, los reproductores
son el producto del cruce del SC6G, que es donde se observa mayor incremento en la
ganancia de peso.
Tabla 3. Resumen de los pesos promedios de los machos reproductores durante el tiempo en estudio.
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Discusión
En base a los resultados obtenidos, podemos observar que el incremento de peso de los
machos reproductores fue de 246 gr luego de tres años de haber aplicado el SC6G.
Si consideramos que este incremento de peso de los reproductores, pueda tener la misma
incidencia en el total de los gazapos destinados a matadero, independientemente del peso
final. Todo el rebaño debería incrementar se peso en aproximadamente 246 gr. A la
misma edad de sacrificio.
En este caso serian 150 gazapos por 52 semana / año = 7.800 gazapos / año
Además del incremento en los ingresos brutos, también podemos afirmar que la
aplicación del SC6G, no implica ningún tipo de erogación de dinero significativo para la
estructura de costos de la granja.
Sin embargo el SC6G no sería de mayor utilidad, si no se tienen bien claros los objetivos
y parámetros que deben tener cualquier explotación Cunícola comercial. Debemos definir
muy bien los rangos fenotípicos que queramos consolidar en el rebaño, para que el avance
sea más rápido y firme.
En este caso sería ganancia de peso a los 90 días de edad, como uno de los parámetros
para la selección de los futuros reproductores.
Conclusiones
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Referencias Bibliográficas
Petersen J., Vásquez R., 2007. Influencia del rendimiento maternal antes y después del
parto sobre el desarrollo de conejos de engorde. Universidad ISA Rep. Dominicana.
1. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Iztapalapa. Rafael Atlixco No. 186, Col.
Vicentina, Delegación Iztapalapa, C.P. 09340, D.F. México. Departamento de Biología de la
Reproducción.
2. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco. Calzada del Hueso 1100, Col.
Villa Quietud, Delegación Coyoacán, C.P. 04960, D.F. México. Departamento de Producción
Agrícola y Animal.
*Corresponding author: rmjg@xanum.uam.mx
Abstract
The backyard rabbit production is an activity in which, for easy keeping and relative small
space can provide protein for all the family members. To ensure that here is a production
it must be taken into account the technical aspect such as food, health and specially the
reproduction issues. Objective. The following management study shows that small-scale
breeders performed on their farms in the productive and reproductive aspects.
Methodology. The study was conducted in 10 municipalities in the volcanoes area of at
the Southeast of the Mexican Valley. 55 interviews were carried out to small producers,
using a structured survey. Results. A total of 2910 doe rabbits were located in the area.
The rabbit’s breeds were New Zealand, Hybrid, California and Creole; 28.5%, 27%,
22.6% and 21.8% were reported, respectively. Al most all runs an external stallion and
most uses 4 times per month (41.8%). The annual number of births varies according to
the intensity with which the doe but this data is handled accentuated between 4 and 6
(66.1%), as reported 7 and 8 births (41.5%). The doe reproductive life varies from 12 to
24 months; 38.8% cases reported that they use from 12 to 18 months in 25.6% cases, and
39.6% cases for 24 months. 90% cases reported to give one services per doe and 4% give
two and 6% cases 3 services. None reported deformities in their kits. Discussion and
conclusion. Reproductive management for productions backyard area of volcanoes in the
state of Mexico courage positive data at weaning as the number of weaned rabbits for the
majority of backyard rabbit producers is high.
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With these data rabbit production for auto-consumption is considered good enough, and
may cover part of the nutritional needs of farm families. Besides the local restaurants
consume most of the rabbit production, which made be consider as an important touristic
corridor at the volcanoes area.
1. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Iztapalapa. Rafael Atlixco No. 186, Col.
Vicentina,
Delegación Iztapalapa, C.P. 09340, D.F. México. Departamento de Biología de la
Reproducción.
2. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco. Calzada del Hueso 1100, Col.
Villa
Quietud, Delegación Coyoacán, C.P. 04960, D.F. México. Departamento de Producción
Agrícola y Animal.
* Autor correspondiente: rmjg@xanum.uam.mx
Resumen
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From the pre-Hispanic times the local rabbit known as teporingo or volcano rabbit
(Romerolagus diazi) has been an important part of the diet of local people. Since then the
rabbit activity has been significant as part of their agricultural and forest resources
management. The rabbit activity persists as familiar backyard in rural areas and is
orientated for home consumption; some animals are traded at the local market and among
neighbors. During the last years the rabbit activity has been increasing in technology
adapting new and modern systems intensifying the meat production. In spite of this new
technology the large production does not come from the modern systems. A considerable
meat and sub-products come from the backyard systems (Lopez, 1999) were in most of
the cases is carried out in rustic equipments. The domestic rabbit has great potential of
meat producing animal. Rabbits can produce more meat from forage-based diets than can
any other type of livestock. Feed conversion ratios‘ of 3-4: 1 can be obtained with high
roughage diets. Rabbits are adaptable to both small and large-scale production, and may
be especially useful in tropical developing countries. Profitability of commercial rabbit
production is currently limited by labour intensive management techniques, severe
disease problems, and inadequate knowledge of nutritional requirements and nutritional
effects on the development of reproductive management.
The rabbit systems must have an adequate supply of both feeding and the reproductive
management. These are two elements that must be very close to having efficient and
productive farms. The paper presents the reproductive management of farms in 10
municipalities of the volcanoes located in the State of Mexico.
Methodology
The study was conducted in 10 municipalities in the volcanoes area of at the Southeast of
the Mexican Valley. 55 interviews were carried out to small producers, using a structured
survey. The survey included open and close questions and social, technological and
economic aspects. Before to run the whole previous exhaustive fieldwork test was
developed. The producers were located visually, recommendation among producers and
by local authorities. The questionnaires were analysed using frequencies and percentages
the information was processed in excel software.
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Results
The rabbit production reported include traditional backyard and more technical systems,
which satisfied the basic necessities of the family and is oriented for meat production.
97.6 reported private house and 2.3% rent. Rabbit production is mixed with other
domestic species like pigs, sheep, horses and bovine and agricultural and forest activities.
66.4% of the producers reported combine with agricultural activities, 21.9% as employer,
9.4% tradesman and 2.3% other occupations. The reported number of births per year
concentrated mostly between 4 and 6 births per year (66.1%) and to a lesser extent with
two to three births (4.2%), however some producers reported 7 and 8 births year (41.5)
(Figure 1). The table 1 present that the New Zeland breed is the more representative with
30.5%, following the hybrid and California with 23.55% and 21.25% but creole rabbits
are representative with 16.6%.
Table 1. Number and average of rabbit breed located in the area of Volcanoes
N. Zeland 30.50%
California 23.55%
Hybrid 21.25%
Rex 4.25%
Ornamental 3.85%
Creole 16.60%
Total 100.00%
35
30
% of producers
25
20
15
10
5
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Number of birds per year
The figure 2 present the number of birds per doe, most of rabbit producers 79.3%
weaning between 4 and 5 weeks, and 13.2% weaning at 5 weeks.
50
40
% of producers
30
20
10
0
1 2 3 4 5 6
Number of weeks after weaning
Figure 2. Percentage of producers and number of weaning per doe per weeks
According with the local rabbit producers 56.4% believe that has good quality of rabbit
breed and 43.6 do not consider that have good quality of rabbit breed.
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100
80
% de productores
60
40
20
0
1 2 3
Number of services per doe
A good government program could include advice on areas such as the production of
reproduction, genetic food, facilities, sanitation, primarily but equally is marketing its
products and byproducts. This could be achieved with the diffusion and relevant
information about the rabbit and the existence of these small rabbit producers. In
technology, the production system could be considered as one of serious low-input near
a proposed sustainability. Rabbits generates direct and indirect jobs and is an activity that
generate other needs such as manure compost. As well as Important also should consider
the training courses for the elaboration of sub-products like handcraft, ham and sausages
and compost elaboration.
Acknowledgements
References
López, M., Losada, H., Sandoval, S., Bennett, R., Arias, L., Rangel, J., Soriano, R., and
Cortés, J. 1999 The influence of urban tourism on backyard agriculture: the rabbit as a
new guest in the southeast of the Metropolitan area of Mexico City. Livestock Research
for Rural Development. 11: 126.132
Rivera J., López M., Losada H., Soriano R., L. Arias, and Cortés J. 2004. Backyard rabbit
production as a sustainability system in the urban and peri-urban area of Mexico city. 8th
world rabbit congress, Puebla Mexico.
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Chenopodium ambrosioides ADDED TO RABBIT SEMEN DILUENTS
FOR CRYOPRESERVATION
Abstract
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Resumen
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It has been reported that there is a negative effect of ROS (reactive oxygen species), which
are liberated during freezing and thawing, and the latest researches have been trying to
avoid sperm damage by adding different anti-oxidants to the cryopreservation diluents.
Many studies have included vegetable extracts from spices, with good results in semen
of species as swine and sheep (Malo et al, 2011).
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The rabbit semen cryoprotectors, which have been used in various studies, have not been
good enough, since they have given low fertility and prolificity rates. Many protocols
have been developed for rabbit semen cryopreservation, and among some of the factors
that could be affecting on the success rate for semen survival are the following: the
composition of the diluents, the type of cryoprotectors used, the concentration at which
these are been added to the media, the cooling, freezing and thawing rates, as well as the
individual effect among bucks (Iaffaldano, 2012).
The mechanism that causes the sperm damage during cryopreservation is not still well
understood; however, in different species it has been reported that the oxidative stress that
sperm suffers is related to temperature changes, ice crystal formation, the oxidative
damage, plasma membrane alterations and the toxicity of cryoprotectors, plus the osmotic
stress to which sperm are exposed before and after freezing (Aksoy, 2010; Malo et al.,
2011).
Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of 5% aqueous
solution of Chenopodium ambrosioides to the rabbit sperm diluents, on the sperm
viability and plasma membrane response, before and after undergoing cryopreservation.
Semen samples were obtained from 3 sexually active New Zealand males which fertility
had been previously proven. Three semen samples of each buck were obtained with an
artificial vagina, and after doing the routine semen evaluation, the semen samples were
pooled. Viability was performed in fresh samples as well as after freezing-thawing, it
was evaluated by using eosin-nigrosin staining by taking a drop of 60 µl of the stain and
adding a drop of 20 µl of semen sample, after mixing, two smears on glass slides were
prepared for each sample; which were later evaluated under an optic microscope (Velab).
Plasma membrane response was evaluated by HOST, from time 0, 30 and 60 min in fresh
and frozen-thawed samples.
Briefly, each sample after mixed with the corresponding diluent, was placed in as
hypoosmotic solution (100mmOsm) prepared with 25mM Sodium citrate and 75mM
Fructose in distilled water and incubated at 37°C in a water bath for 30 min, then a drop
of 20 µl of each sample was placed on a slide, mixed with 4% formaldehyde and smeared
for later evaluation under a phase constrast microscope (Olympus i70X).
After motility and viability evaluation of the fresh samples, 4 aliquotes were made in
order to expose the sperm sample to the control diluent, prepared with Tris-glucose-
citric acid and DMSO diluent (Control) plus 0.1M glucose, all ingredients were solved
with bi-distilled water, the rest of the aliquotes were prepared with the same ingredients,
but water was replaced by aqueous solution of Chenopodium ambrosioides at 5%
concentration (weight-volume) (Chenopodium enriched), this diluent was prepared by
chopping the plant leaves and soaking them in distilled water at 50ºC for 3 h. After
cooling at room temperature, the solutions were filtered and added to the control diluent
instead of water.
Statistical analysis
Media comparisons between control and enriched samples were made by T- student test,
while response to cryoresistance of rabbit semen was analyzed before and after
cryopreservation with a Paired T-student test with SigmaPlot 12.5 (Systat Software, Inc.);
graphs were done with Excel for windows.
Viability evaluation was performed in fresh and frozen-thawed samples, which were
incubated at different times: 0, 30 to 60 min at 37°C in a water bath, these results can be
observed in graph 1.
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Graph 1. Viability percentage of rabbit semen before and after freezing-thawing at different incubation
times.
The Control diluent was made with distilled water. The Chenopodium ambrosioides
enriched diluent contained the previous diluent but distilled water was substituted by 5%
of Chenopodium ambrosioides in aqueous solution.
The viability results of rabbit sperm before and after freezing-thawing indicate that there
is a time dependent viability decline. Rabbit sperm viability was drastically affected after
the cryopreservation process. No statistical differences were observed between
treatments (with or without the addition of Chenopodium ambrosioides, however, there
is a slight tendency to obtain better results with the enriched diluents, either in viability
or in plasma membrane response, evaluated by HOST, as can be observed in graph 2.
Graph 2. Positive HOST, time response of rabbit sperm before and after freezing. The Control diluent
was done with distilled water. The Chenopodium ambrosioides enriched diluent contained the previous
diluent but distilled water was susbstituded by 5% of Chenopodium ambrosioides aqueous solution.
When observing the HOST positive response of rabbit sperm, there is a decline in the
plasma membrane response with the incubation time in the fresh samples, in both
treatments, in contrast, when rabbit sperm has undergone cryopreservation, the plasma
membrane response differs, obtaining better results after 30 min of incubation at 37°C,
and after this time a decline of plasma membrane response was also obtained.
Statistical analysis of results of viability and host positive response of rabbit sperm before
and after cryopreservation is shown on table 1.
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Table 1. Viability and HOST (+) results of rabbit sperm in two different freezing media, before
and after cryopreservation.
Diluents Viability HOST (+)
Control 87,16 ± 2,75 a* 31,33 ± 2,3 b** 73,83 ± 9,75 a* 18 ± 3,6 b**
Chenopodium
ambrosioides 89,83 ± 2,51 a* 32 ± 4,58 b** 78,5 ± 6,87 a* 24,66 ± 7,23 b**
enriched
*P > 0.05; ** P < 0.001.
Results show the media ± SD. Different letters indicate statisyical differences within rows and
columns.
Although, no statistical differences were observed between diluents with or without the
addition of Chenopodium ambrosioides extract (P>0.05), neither on viability nor on
sperm plasma membrane response, there was a slight tendency to obtain higher viability
and HOST positive response on samples enriched with the vegetable extract.
Conclusion
Adejumo O.E., Owa-Agbanah I.S., Kolapo A.L., Ayoola M.D. (2011): Phytochemical
and antisickling activities of Entandrophragma utile, Chenopodium ambrosioides and
Petiveria alliacea. Journal of Medical Plants Research. Sagamu, Nigeria. 5(9): 1531-
1535.
Ávila-Portillo, Mabel, L., Madero, J.I., López, C., León, M.F., Acosta, L., Gómez, C.,
Delgado, L.G., Gómez, C., Lozano, J.M., Reguero, M.T. (2006). Fundamentos de
Criopreservacion. Revista Colombiana de Obstetricia y Ginecología, vol 57, núm. 4,
diciembre, 2006, pp. 291-300.
Iaffaldano N., Di Iorio M., Rosato P. (2012): The cryoprotectant used, its
concentration, and the time are critical for the successful cryopreservation of rabbit.
Theriogenology. Campobasso, Italia. 78:1381-1389.
Jaramillo, B.E., Duarte R,E., Delgado, W. (2012). Bioactivity of essential oil from
Colombian Chenopodium ambrosioides. Rev Cubana Plant Med vol17 no.1 Ciudad
de la Habana ene.-mar. 2012
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Kumar, R., Kumar M. A., Dubey, N.K., Tripathi, Y.B. (2007). Evaluation of
Chenopodium ambrosioides oil as a potential source of antifungal, antiaflatoxigenic
and antioxidant activity. International Journal of Food Microbiology 115; 159–164.
Malo, C., Gil, L., Cano, R., Martínez, F. y Galé, I. 2011. Antioxidant effect of
rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) on boar epididymal spermatozoa during
cryopreservation. Theriogenology 75: 1735-17
Tapondjou, L.A., Adler, C., Bouda, H., Fontem, D.A. (2002). Efficacy of powder and
essential oil from Chenopodium ambrosioides leaves as post-harvest grain protectants
against six-stored product beetles. Journal of Stored Products Research. 38: 395–402
HISTOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE RABBIT (Oryctolagus
cuniculus) EPIDIDYMIS AND TESTICLES
Abstract
Rabbit is an attractive species for making gonad studies, due to the early development,
compared to bigger mammals, as well as the fact that it is the only mammal species that
has the ability of descending or maintaining testicles within the abdominal cavity or in
the scrotum. The aim of the present study was to provide a histological description of the
rabbit testes and epididymis, which can be useful for the male gonadal studies in order to
compare healthy tissues from damaged ones. A total of thirty testicles from slaughtered
rabbits which ranged from 12 to 18 months of age were obtained and processed for
histopathological studies. Tissue sections of testes, including the epididymis underwent
fixation, dehydration and paraffin blocking, then they were finely sliced and stained by
hematoxylin and eosin. Testicle evaluation of the stained slides was performed in a light
microscope. Pictures of the testicle regions were taken under a Nikon microscope (iX70)
adapted to a photo-camera, images were taken using the NisElements software. Micro-
photographs of various sections of the testicles and epididymis are shown and described
within the text.
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Resumen
El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue describir la morfología histológica de testículo y
epidídimo de conejo para lo cual utilizamos 5 conejos (Oryctolagus cuniculus), machos
y sexualmente maduros, obtenidos de la unidad de producción cunícola de la Facultad de
Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia de la Universidad Autónoma de Estado de México. A
los cortes histológicos se les realizó la tinción de Hematoxilina y Eosina. Los testículos
se hallan envueltos en el escroto, rodeados por una capsula de tejido conectivo denso
irregular, la túnica albugínea. Cubriendo la albugínea se encuentra la capa visceral de la
túnica vaginal, que consta de un mesotorio que se apoya en una capa conectiva que se
fusiona con la túnica albugínea. Desde la albugínea parten tabiques de tejido conectivo
que profundizan en el parénquima testicular dividiéndolo en forma parcial o completa en
lobulillos, cada lobulillo está formado por cuatro a seis túbulos seminíferos los cuales
están delimitados por tejido conectivo laxo poco manifiesto. En el centro del testículo
los tabiques se fusionan con el tejido conectivo laxo del mediastino testicular. Los
lobulillos testiculares están ocupados por los túbulos seminíferos, revestidos por un
epitelio estratificado de células espermatogénicas y células de Sertoli. El tejido conectivo
que separa los túbulos seminíferos contiene células poliédricas productoras de
testosterona, las células intersticiales o de Leydig y se reconocen por su núcleo esférico
y su citoplasma acidofilo, a menudo espumoso.
El epidídimo, es un cuerpo tubular superpuesto al testículo sobre su borde extremo (Fig.
11), es el lugar en donde los espermatozoides adquieren su capacidad fecundante, en el
conejo revela tres zonas continuas correspondientes a cabeza, cuerpo y cola. El epitelio
es pseudoestratificado cilíndrico simple, disminuyendo en altura hacia la cola midiendo
aproximadamente la mitad que en la cabeza.
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Introduction
The gonadal elements of male rabbits are the testes, which are the organs responsible for
sperm production as well as the male hormones or androgens secretion. The testes are
enveloped within the scrotum surrounded by a dense irregular connective tissue, the
albugineous tunic. Covering such a tunic is a fold of the peritoneum, the visceral fold of
the vaginal tunic, which has a mesothelium which is supported in a connective tissue layer
that fuses with the albugineous tunic.
Objective
The present study aimed to show a description of the normal rabbit testes architecture, so
that it could be used as an aid to distinguish altered from damaged testicle tissue on rabbits
that must be discharged from the rabbit farm due to reproductive problems, involving
sperm production.
Methodology
A total of thirty testicles from slaughtered rabbits which ranged from 12 to 18 months of
age were extracted and obtained at slaughter house, testicles were debridated from
adipose tissue and kept in saline solution (9%NaCl), testicles were taken to the laboratory
and were inmmediately processed for histopathological studies. Various tissue sections
of the testes were performed, including the epididymis, and later underwent fixation,
dehydration and paraffin blocking, then they were finely sliced and stained by using
hematoxylin and eosin routine staining technique. Testicle evaluation of the stained
slides was performed in a light microscope. Pictures of the testicle regions were taken
under a Nikon microscope (iX70) adapted to a photo-camera, images were taken using
the NisElements software.
Histological description of the rabbit testicles
The connective tissue septum originates in the albugineous tunic and enters the testicular
parenchyma, with the effect of partially or fully dividing it into lobules (Fig. 1).
Each lobule is formed by four to six seminiferous tubules that are delimited by slightly
manifest areolar connective tissue (Fig. 2).
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At the center of the testicle is the septum fused with the areolar connective tissue of the
testicular mediastinum (Fig. 3).
Spermatogenic cells form spermatozoids. Spermatogonia are the most immature cells of
the germ line and can be found in the basal membrane. These are small, oval or spherical
cells that have the chromatin of their nuclei with varying degrees of condensation.
Spermatogonia divide by mitosis to produce primary spermatocytes which are larger cells
that carry out the first meiotic division. As a result of the latter, small secondary
spermatocytes are produced and these are rarely visible in tissue preparations as they carry
out the second mitotic division very quickly producing spermatids (Fig. 5).
Late-stage spermatids have small nuclei that are oval or elongated and dark, and have
long tails which project into the lumen (Fig. 6).
When spermatids are released in this stage into the tubule lumen they are known as
spermatozoids (Fig. 7).
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Figure 7. Lumen of the Sertoli cells of Rabbit testicles. It can be seen the sperm
being released in the spermiation process.
Cells of the spermatic line are not necessarily identical within all seminiferous tubules or
among different segments of the same tubule. There are various combinations of cells at
certain stages of spermatogenesis that are always associated among themselves. Each cell
association occupies a specific segment within the seminiferous tubule.
In this manner, a transverse cut of a tubule reveals only one of such cell associations,
while proximal or distal segments of the same tubule have totally different associations.
Sertoli cells are found in lesser numbers than germinal cells. These have prominent pale
nuclei that are oval or triangular with frequent cleavages. The ample cytoplasm extends
from the basal membrane up to the luminal edge but the lateral limits become poorly
visible in conventional preparations. The plasmatic membrane of the lateral and vaginal
edges invaginate to form cavities where differentiating germinal cells are located.
Outside the basal membrane of the seminiferous tubule there are flat cells known as
myoid cells (Fig. 8 and 9).
Figure 8. Rabbit seminiferous tubules.
The connective tissue that separates the seminiferous tubules contains polyhedral cells
that produce testosterone, the interstitial or Leydig cells (Fig. 10 and 11), which are
recognized by their spherical nuclei and acidophilic cytoplasm that is commonly seen as
foamy.
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The quantity of germinal cells decreases towards the end segment of the seminiferous
tubules, while the Sertoli cells increase. There is a transition region or segment that is
lined exclusively by Sertoli cells, which joins the seminiferous tubule to the straight
tubule. Straight tubules can be lined by simple flat, cubic or columnar epithelium and they
end at a network of anatomical canals known as rete testis. The rete is lined by a simple
flat or cubic epithelium. The canals are embedded within the areolar connective tissue of
the testicular mediastinum.
The efferent ducts originate from the rete testis, go through the albuginous tunic and enter
the head of the epididymis to form the epididymis duct. The efferent ducts have a simple
or pseudostratified columnar epithelium with some ciliated cells.
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The albuginous tunic projects as septa consisting of collagen and elastic fibers among
histologically separate areas: the head, body and tail (Fig. 14).
.
Figure 14. Albugineous tunic separating the different regions of the rabbit epididymis.
The epididymis duct follows a highly tortuous path and its structure varies along the
various levels of the epididymis. The epithelium that lines the duct is pseudostratified
columnar with stereocillia that reaches its highest height at the level of the epididymis
head (Fig. 15) decreasing towards the tail (Fig. 16).
The duct is surrounded by a layer of smooth muscle cells that is thin at the level of the
head and body of the epididymis and becomes thick at the level of the tail (Fig. 15 y 16).
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Conclussion
Histology studies of the testis of normal rabbits is a useful tool for determining different
tissue affections in damaged testicles, which can be found in reproductive males that star
to decrease their reproductive parameters, and various agents could be altering the normal
testicle function, which can be reflected by the alteration of the normal cell architecture.
References
Arrayago M.J., Bea A. 1986: Atlas de citología e histología del aparato reproductor
masculino de los anfibios y reptiles del país vasco. 20-61.
Bacha W.J., Wood L.M. 1991: Atlas color de histología veterinaria. Ed. Intermédica. 189-
198.
Parra R., Del Sol M. 2002: Estudios histológicos e histoquímicos del epidídimo del conejo
(Oryctolagus cuniculus), Rev. Chil. Anat., 20 (3): 269-274.
Abstract
Rabbit production in our country has been growing during the last years, as well as the
health risks of rabbits that greatly affect the profits, since it causes important loses.
Among some of the most important health problems in the rabbit farm, are the cases of
infertility in does. Various situations such as having a high charge of parasites, sub-
clinical infections transmitted by the male during copulation, likewise the high and low
drastic temperature changes, among others, can be the cause of reproductive problems.
Therefore, many does must be discarded from the reproductive programs. In the present
study, we report a case of one doe of 18 months of age, with a good reproductive record;
however, it was discarded from the reproductive program, since it received many services
in the last two months, in addition it presented problems of mastitis, and therefore it could
not become pregnant. In the present case, pyometra was detected after sacrificing the doe.
A histopathological study was conducted on the different regions of the reproductive
organ. Evaluation of the reproductive tissue damages was performed by using the Eosin-
Hematoxylin staining. Among some of the findings observed were inflammation in all
the uteral tissue, and the presence of various embryos in different phases of destruction
by the micro-organisms found in the abundant uterine exudate.
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Resumen
La producción cunícola en nuestro país ha ido creciendo en los últimos años, así como
los riesgos para la salud de los conejos que afectan en gran medida las ganancias de la
cunicultura, ya que ocasionan importantes pérdidas económicas. Entre algunos de los
problemas de salud más importantes en la granja de conejos, se encuentran los casos de
infertilidad. Varias situaciones tales como tener una alta carga de parásitos, infecciones
subclínicas de transmisión sexual por el macho durante la cópula, del mismo modo los
cambios altas y bajas temperaturas drásticas, entre otros, pueden ser la causa de problemas
reproductivos. Por lo tanto, muchos animales deben ser desechados de los programas
reproductivos. En el presente estudio, se presenta un caso de una hembra de 18 meses de
edad, con un buen historial reproductivo; sin embargo, se descartó del programa
reproductivo, ya que recibió varios servicios en los últimos dos meses, además de que
presenta problemas de mastitis, y por lo tanto no podía quedar gestante. La piometra
abierta se detectó después de sacrificar a la coneja. Un estudio histopatológico se llevó a
cabo en las diferentes regiones del órgano reproductor. La evaluación de los daños de
tejidos reproductivos se realizó mediante el uso de la tinción de eosina-hematoxilina.
Entre algunos de los resultados encontrados se observó inflamación en todas las regiones
del útero y la presencia de varios embriones en diferentes fases de destrucción por los
microorganismos que se encontraron en el abundante exudado uterino.
Abstract
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RABBITRY RESEARCH IN THE AMERICAS
Results: At 7 days of pregnancy the failure rate was 35% because some difficulties to
discern embryonic vesicles from other abdominal structures were found. On 14th, 21st and
28th days the success rates were 100%, being possible to visualize the pregnancy existence
easily. Conclusion: Abdominal ultrasonography is an efficient alternative for pregnancy
diagnosis in does after the 14th day of pregnancy.
Resumen
Resultados: A los 7 días de gestación la tasa de fracaso fue del 35% debido a algunas
dificultades para discernir vesículas embrionarias de otras estructuras abdominales. A los
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RABBITRY RESEARCH IN THE AMERICAS
días 14, 21 y 28 las tasas de éxito fueron de 100%, siendo posible visualizar la existencia
de embarazo fácilmente. Conclusión: La ecografía abdominal es una alternativa eficiente
para el diagnóstico de gestación en conejas después del día 14 de la gestación.
Abstract
In Mexico, rabbit production is located mainly in the states with an average annual
temperature of 20°C. The optimum temperature for the normal development of the rabbits
is between 18 and 20°C. Rabbits are very sensitive to high temperatures seeing decreased
production and reproduction. Rabbit production under tropical conditions emerges as an
alternative due to the ability of this species to consume forages. In Mexico, the knowledge
about the reproduction of rabbits under tropical conditions is scarce. The aim of this study
was to evaluate the reproductive parameters of two farms of rabbit producers located in
the region of Tuxtepec, Oaxaca. Data of 40 (farm A) and 35 females (farm B) was
analyzed. Data of 183 births (farm A) and 158 (farm B) recorded during two years was
analyzed. Data was analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the SAS
program. Means were compared for significant difference (p<0.05). Non-significant
difference on fertility rate between both farms was found (71.3 vs 68.5%), births during
autumn and winter were different (p<0.05) between both farms (38.7 vs 41.9%), there
was no-significant difference in litter size between both farms (7.35 vs 6.6) and significant
differences were found (p<0.05) on kits sex ratio (56.14 and 54.94% females,
respectively). In comparison, results obtained under non-tropical conditions from fertility
rate, litter size, births and females kits (sex ratio) are 87%, 7.60 and 41.7, respectively.
We conclude that under tropical conditions the reproductive parameters of rabbits are
altered, such as fertility and female kit ratio.
Keywords: rabbit reproductive parameters, tropical conditions, litter size, fertility, sex
ratio
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Resumen
En México, la producción de conejos está localizada principalmente en los Estados con
una temperatura anual promedio de 20 °C. La temperatura óptima para el desarrollo
normal de los conejos es entre 18 y 20 °C. Los conejos son muy sensibles a altas
temperaturas viéndose disminuida su reproducción y producción. La producción de
conejos bajo condiciones tropicales surge como una alternativa debido a la habilidad de
esta especie para consumir forrajes. En México, el conocimiento acerca de la
reproducción de conejos bajo condiciones tropicales es escaso. El objetivo de este trabajo
fue evaluar los parámetros reproductivos de dos granjas productoras de conejos
localizadas en la región de Tuxtepec, Oaxaca. Datos de 40 (granja A) y 35 hembras
(granja B) fueron analizados. Datos registrados de 183 nacimientos (granja A) y 158
(granja B) durante dos años fueron analizados. Los datos fueron analizados a través de un
análisis de varianza de dos vías (ANOVA) usando el programa SAS. Promedios fueron
comparados por diferencia significativa (p<0.05). Diferencias no significativas en la tasa
de fertilidad entre ambas granjas fueron encontradas (71.3 vs 68.5%), nacimientos
durante otoño e invierno fueron diferentes (p<0.05) entre ambas granjas (38.7 vs 41.9%),
hay diferencias no significativas en el tamaño de la camada entre ambas granjas (7.35 vs
6.6) y diferencias significativas (p<0.05) fueron encontradas en la proporción de sexos de
las crías (56.14 y 54.94% hembras, respectivamente).
En comparación, resultados obtenidos bajo condiciones no tropicales de la tasa de
fertilidad, tamaño de la camada, nacimientos y crías hembras (proporción de sexos) son
87%, 7.6 y 41.7, respectivamente. Concluimos que bajo condiciones tropicales los
parámetros reproductivos de los conejos son alterados, tales como fertilidad y proporción
de crías hembras.
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COMPARISON OF RABBIT SPERM VIABILITY EVALUATION
USING EOSIN- NIGROSIN AND TRIPLE- STAINING
Abstract
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RABBITRY RESEARCH IN THE AMERICAS
Therefore, no concordance on the viability results was found between both staining
techniques. In the present study, evaluation of viability and acrosomal status using triple
staining for rabbit sperm was very difficult, since patterns were not clear to differentiate
live from dead sperm, neither the presence of the acrosomal vesicle. In conclusion, the
triple staining technique used in the present study was not appropriate for evaluation of
rabbit semen; therefore, it is necessary to continue research in formulation of stainings
that give better patterns to distinguish live sperm and acrosomal status of the sperm.
Resumen
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RABBITRY RESEARCH IN THE AMERICAS
Por lo tanto, no hay concordancia entre los resultados de viabilidad encontrados en las
dos técnicas de tinción. En el presente estudio, la evaluación de la viabilidad y el estado
acrosomal utilizando triple tinción para los espermatozoides de conejo fue muy difícil, ya
que los patrones no estaban claros para diferenciar entre los espermatozoides vivos de los
muertos, tampoco pudo distinguirse la presencia de la vesícula acrosomal. En conclusión,
la técnica de triple tinción utilizada en el presente estudio no fue apropiada para la
evaluación del semen de conejo, por lo tanto, es necesario seguir investigando acerca de
la formulación de las tinciones que permitan visualizar mejor los patrones de viabilidad
y estado acrosomal del espermatozoide.
Abstract
Male rabbits must be selected for reproduction replacements in the rabbit farm,
however, sometimes testicles do not descend into the scrotum at 2 months of age, due
to various genetic factors. The aim of this study was to observe the inguinal channel
structures in young rabbits to see how they were arranged in the normal descended
testes of rabbits. A total of 30 New Zealand male rabbits of 70 days of age were
weighted before slathered and both test testicles were obtained. Using a Bernier scale
both testicles were measured, identifying left and right, as well as the different regions
of the epididymis and inguinal channel was explored. Results obtained were as
follows: the living body weight media: 2,184±5.5 gm, total size of both testicles:
5.5±0.79 cm. We found a low correlation (0.38, P<0.05) between body weight and
testicular development of rabbits at 70 days of age. About the inguinal channel sac, a
soft connective tissue that maintains the testicles together inside abdominal cavity was
observed in all samples, testicles are enveloped by their various tunics, however, the
outermost muscular sheet has the ability to surround the testicles and unfold like a sock
when they descend into the scrotum and it is three times longer than the testicle length.
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RABBITRY RESEARCH IN THE AMERICAS
Key words: New Zealand rabbits, testicular morphometry, inguinal channel, male
replacements.
Resumen
Los conejos machos deben ser seleccionados sustituir a los reemplazos en la granja de
conejos, sin embargo, a veces los testículos no descienden al escroto a los 2 meses de
edad, debido a diversos factores genéticos. Los objetivos del presente estudio fueron
obtener las mediciones morfológicas de los testículos normales descendidos y de las
estructuras del canal inguinal en conejos jóvenes. Un total de 30 conejos machos Nueva
Zelanda de 70 días de edad se pesaron antes del sacrificio y se obtuvieron los dos
testículos. Utilizando una escala de Bernier se midieron ambos testículos, identificando
el testículo izquierdo y derecho, así como las diferentes regiones del epidídimo y el canal
inguinal fue explorado. Los resultados obtenidos fueron los siguientes: el peso corporal:
2.184 ± 5.5 g, el tamaño total de ambos testículos: 5,5 ± 0,79 cm. Se encontró una
correlación baja (0,38, P <0,05) entre el peso corporal y el desarrollo de testículos de
conejos a los 70 días de edad. Referente al saco canal inguinal, en todas las muestras se
observó un tejido conectivo blando que mantiene a los testículos juntos dentro de la
cavidad abdominal, los testículos están envueltos por sus diversas túnicas, sin embargo,
la capa muscular más externa, tiene la capacidad de rodear los testículos y desplegarse
como un calcetín cuando éstos descienden en el escroto, y tiene una longitud tres veces
mayor que la longitud del propio testículo.
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RABBITRY RESEARCH IN THE AMERICAS
Abstract
The ornamental rabbit production has increased in the last 10 years, this production
is given by the demand for companion pets for their different aspects and
phenotypic characteristics, however, in this type of production have been no
studies on its reproductive management, particularly in the quality of semen of
stallions used much less in the cryopreservation of genetic material. Therefore the
objective of this study was to determine the seminal indicators in fresh and thawed
sperm lion head rabbit. 10 ejaculates were collected by artificial vagina three
stallions lion's head, the sample obtained was evaluated gross motility, progressive
motility and live sperm then cryopreserved using DMSO 6% to defrost gross
motility and live spermatozoa was evaluated. The results obtained in fresh for
gross motility were 4, progressive motility 91.15 ± 6.18 and live spermatozoa
94.55 ± 5.10. When thawing was obtained a progressive mobility of 44.23 ± 6.41
and live sperm 49.38 ± 6.64. We conclude that sperm lion head rabbit can be
cryopreserved, obtaining acceptable results to defrost.
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INVESTIGACIÓN EN LA CUNICULTURA DE LAS AMÉRICAS
RABBITRY RESEARCH IN THE AMERICAS
Resumen
Producción de conejos ornamentales encontró un auge en los últimos diez años debido a
la demanda de estos animales por sus características fenotípicas que los hacen atractivos,
sin embargo, no existen estudios en los que se evaluaron las características morfométricas
de su esperma. Por lo tanto el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la morfometría de
espermatozoides mediante la evaluación de tres líneas de conejos ornamentales (Enano
Holandés, Mini Rex y Lop cabeza de león). Cinco eyaculados se obtuvieron de cada poste,
utilizando una vagina artificial, para la evaluación de la morfometría, se utilizó un
microscopio digital; OPTISUM MIC990FT DC-M900, software Scop-Photo y
observadas con un objetivo de 100X. Los resultados en términos de longitud total fueron:
Enano Holandés 30,56 ± 0,025 m, Mini rex 30,50 ± 0,22 micras y Lop Lion Head 30,22
± 0,39 micras. Llegamos a la conclusión de que hay morfométricos diferencia entre el
esperma de las tres líneas estudiadas conejos ornamentales.
Abstract
Production of ornamental rabbits found a boom in the last ten years due to the demand
for these pets by their phenotypic characteristics that make them attractive, however, do
not have any studies where the morphometric characteristics of their sperm are evaluated.
Therefore the objective of this study was to evaluate the sperm morphometry by
evaluating three lines of ornamental rabbits (Dutch Dwarf, Mini Rex and Lop Lion Head).
Five ejaculates were obtained from each stud, using one artificial vagina, for
morphometry evaluation, a digital microscope was used; OPTISUM MIC990FT DC-
M900, software Scop-Photo and observed with a 100X objective. The results in terms of
total length were: Dwarf Dutch 30.56 ± 0.025 µm, Mini rex 30.50 ± 0.22 µm and Lop
Lion Head 30.22 ± 0.39 µm. We conclude that there is difference morphometric between
sperm of the three lines studied ornamental rabbits.
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INVESTIGACIÓN EN LA CUNICULTURA DE LAS AMÉRICAS
RABBITRY RESEARCH IN THE AMERICAS
Resumen
Producción de conejos ornamentales encontró un auge en los últimos diez años debido a
la demanda de estos animales por sus características fenotípicas que los hacen atractivos,
sin embargo, no existen estudios en los que se evaluaron las características morfométricas
de su esperma. Por lo tanto el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la morfometría de
espermatozoides mediante la evaluación de tres líneas de conejos ornamentales (Enano
Holandés, Mini Rex y Lop cabeza de león). Cinco eyaculados se obtuvieron de cada
macho, utilizando una vagina artificial, para la evaluación de la morfometría, se utilizó
un microscopio digital; OPTISUM MIC990FT DC-M900, software Scop-Photo y
observadas con un objetivo de 100X. Los resultados en términos de longitud total fueron:
Enano Holandés 30,56 ± 0,025 m, Mini rex 30,50 ± 0,22 micras y Lop Lion Head 30,22
± 0,39 micras. Llegamos a la conclusión de que hay diferencia morfométrica entre el
esperma de las tres líneas estudiadas de conejos ornamentales.