Published October 30, 2025 | Version v1
Project deliverable Open

Review on environmental enrichments for farmed rabbits

  • 1. IRTA, Animal Welfare, Veïnat de Sies 17121 Monells, Catalonia, Spain
  • 2. Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna Bruno Ubertini (IZSLER), Via Antonio Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy

Description

Domestic rabbits are social and exploratory animals requiring environmental stimulation to perform natural behaviors such as gnawing, digging, foraging, and social interaction. Conventional housing systems often restrict these behaviors, leading to stress, aggression, and poor health. Environmental enrichment—including physical, occupational, nutritional, social, and sensory elements—significantly improves rabbit welfare. Elevated platforms enhance behavioral diversity and movement opportunities, while gnawing materials reduce abnormal behaviors in growing rabbits. Social enrichment benefits growing rabbits, though group housing for does presents challenges. Despite positive outcomes, research gaps remain regarding long-term effects, standardized protocols, and practical implementation in commercial settings.

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REV-Enrichments for rabbits-Poultry-SFA-2025-01-EN.pdf

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