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Preliminary Evidence Regarding the Detection of Cortisol and IL-6 to Assess Animal Welfare in Various Rabbit Housing Systems

Author

Listed:
  • Giancarlo Bozzo

    (Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Strada Provinciale per Casamassima, km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Italy)

  • Michela Maria Dimuccio

    (Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Strada Provinciale per Casamassima, km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Italy)

  • Gaia Casalino

    (Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Strada Provinciale per Casamassima, km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Italy)

  • Edmondo Ceci

    (Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Strada Provinciale per Casamassima, km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Italy)

  • Francesco D’Amico

    (Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Strada Provinciale per Casamassima, km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Italy)

  • Alessandro Petrontino

    (Department of Agro-Environmental and Territorial Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Elisabetta Bonerba

    (Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Strada Provinciale per Casamassima, km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Italy)

  • Antonio Camarda

    (Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Strada Provinciale per Casamassima, km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Italy)

  • Elena Circella

    (Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Strada Provinciale per Casamassima, km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Italy)

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of three different rabbit rearing systems using animal-based measures. Therefore, in 2021, cortisol and IL-6 were assessed during a Biosecurity System pilot program to evaluate rabbit welfare, based on EU Regulation 2016/429 in the Apulia region of Southern Italy. The study was carried out on a total of 45 meat-type rabbits, divided into 3 groups of 15 subjects, aged approximately 60–65 days. Groups came from either: (i) a niche open-air system; (ii) a niche system in a shed with conventional cages, or (iii) an industrial system. Based on our findings, the rearing system had a significant effect ( p < 0.0001) on the animal-based measures. Cortisol levels were higher in rabbits raised in the niche open-air system compared to those raised in both the niche system located in a shed with conventional cages and the industrial system (11.91 vs. 2.86 and 2.72 ng/mL, respectively). Likewise, IL-6 values were higher in rabbits from the niche open-air system (45.80 ng/mL) and lower in rabbits from the niche system in a shed with conventional cages and those from the industrial system (23.30 and 16.80 ng/mL, respectively). According to the results of the stress indicators measured, cortisol and IL-6, rabbit welfare and meat quality may be affected by rabbit rearing systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Giancarlo Bozzo & Michela Maria Dimuccio & Gaia Casalino & Edmondo Ceci & Francesco D’Amico & Alessandro Petrontino & Elisabetta Bonerba & Antonio Camarda & Elena Circella, 2022. "Preliminary Evidence Regarding the Detection of Cortisol and IL-6 to Assess Animal Welfare in Various Rabbit Housing Systems," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-10, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:12:y:2022:i:10:p:1622-:d:934763
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Giancarlo Bozzo & Marialaura Corrente & Giovanni Testa & Gaia Casalino & Michela Maria Dimuccio & Elena Circella & Nazario Brescia & Roberta Barrasso & Francesco Emanuele Celentano, 2021. "Animal Welfare, Health and the Fight against Climate Change: One Solution for Global Objectives," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-18, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. José Luiz Martins Silva & Marta Liliane de Vasconcelos & Joyce Graziella Oliveira & Danielle de Cássia Martins da Fonseca & Elizangela Domenis Marino & Alenia Naliato Vasconcellos & Luciana Oliveira N, 2023. "Effect of Different Immersion Tank Water Temperatures on the Microbiological Quality of Rabbit Carcasses," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-10, January.

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