Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Meat Quality, and Hair Follicle Development of Rex Rabbits

This study examined the impact of environmental enrichment on Rex rabbits, specifically looking at growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and hair follicle development. It involved 120 rabbits divided into four groups, with one group in conventional cages and others in enriched environments using willow sticks, rubber ducks, or cans containing beans (CB). The CB group demonstrated the best outcomes, with the highest average daily gain, improved spleen and cecum weight, enhanced meat redness and tenderness, and a greater density of primary and secondary hair follicles. The study concluded that environmental enrichment, particularly with CB, improved growth, carcass traits, meat quality, and hair follicle density, recommending CB for rabbit husbandry.