Meat traits of rabbits housed outdoors: effect of stocking density

The extensive outdoor rearing system is considered capable of satisfying high standards of animal welfare: the effects of outdoor rearing system stocking density on meat quality traits of slow growing rabbits were studied. Sixty rabbits reared in outdoor cages were randomly assigned to three stocking densities: 0.06m2/rabbit, 0.2m2/rabbit and 0.4m2/ rabbit. At 102±1 days of age, twelve animals per group were slaughtered and pHu, L* a* b* colour and cooking loss were measured on B. femoris and Lumborum muscles. The animals reared at 0.2 and 0.4m2/rabbit density showed a lower lightness of B. femoris muscle and a higher a* value than the other group. The higher disposable space induced greater physical activity, probably increasing muscle oxidative metabolism and consequently inducing less pale meat. Outdoor rearing at low rabbit density seems to satisfy the animalsʹ spatial and social needs, improve sanitary conditions, and furnish good meat quality.