Memorias de investigación
Artículos en revistas:
The effect of transport time, season and position on the truck on stress response in rabbits
Año:2008

Áreas de investigación
  • Producción animal

Datos
Descripción
The present study analyzed the effect of transport time, season and position on the truck on physiological stress response of commercial rabbits in Aragón (Spain). A total of 156 animals were sampled in a 2×2×3 factorial design testing two transport times: short, 1 hour (1hT) and long, 7 hours (7hT), in two different seasons: hot, during summer (HT) and cold during winter (CT), and three different positions on the truck: upper, middle or lower decks in multi-floor cages on rolling stands (MFRS-top, MFRS-middle and MFRS-bottom). Three replicates were performed per treatment. Blood samples were taken at sticking during slaughter to compare hematocrite, corticosterone, glucose, lactate and Creatine Kinase (CK) levels as well as the ultimate pH of the carcass (pH24). Corticosterone and CK levels were highest in 1hT rabbits. With respect to season, colder temperatures increased corticosterone, while warmer temperatures increased CK (P<0.001). Regarding position on the truck, MFRS-middle and bottom rabbits had higher levels of glucose, corticosterone and CK. The pH24 values were within normal ranges for all treatments but slightly higher for animals transported in winter. In general, transport time and season were significant stressors for commercial rabbits, due to the effects on their physiological states. Position on the truck seems to have an effect on stress response to transport in rabbits. However, pH24, which is considered one of the main parameters of welfare measurements, was not affected by transport time or position on the truck.
Internacional
Si
JCR del ISI
No
Título de la revista
WORLD RABBIT SCIENCE
ISSN
1257-5011
Factor de impacto JCR
0
Información de impacto
Volumen
16
DOI
Número de revista
4
Desde la página
229
Hasta la página
235
Mes
ENERO
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  • Creador: Grupo de Investigación: Producción Animal
  • Departamento: Producción Animal