PHYSIOLOGICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL STUDY ON RABBITS: EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT SIZE GROUPS AND SELECTIVE FEEDING

Abstract

A total number of 108 APRI weaning rabbits were investigated. They were maintained from weaning at 5 weeks to 12 weeks of age. Rabbits were randomly divided into three treatments (in 3 replicate, 12 rabbits each). Each treatment was divided into two groups with two densities. The first group housed by 4 rabbits in cage 60 cm2 and second group housed by 8 rabbits in cage 120 cm2. Each treatment has an average weight of (560g±10). Animals were assigned to three feeding groups The 1st group was fed the basal diet (control) while the 2nd and 3rd groups were fed the basal diet without hay plus % hay in control diet, the basal diet without hay plus hay fed ad libitum. The behaviour of the rabbits was video recorded in cages for 24 h. During the night, light wasn't used to avoid disturbing the nictameral activities of the rabbits, cameras have led lamb to light at the night.