Effect of cage height on the welfare of growing rabbits

摘要: Abstract The objective of this study was to analyze the preference rabbits for cages various heights, their production and occurrence ear lesions. Experiments were conducted at University Kaposvar with Pannon White rabbits. In experiments 1 2 (preference test) growing ( n =112) – weaned 5 weeks age housed in cage blocks (16 or 12rabbits/m ) having a basic area 2m . block consisted four equal size (0.5m could move freely among through swing doors. only differed height: trial height 20, 30, 40cm open top, two 30cm 40cm, respectively. had low top cages, least number chose type independently stocking density, part day (11.7–20.4% vs. 22.0–38.7%; p =156) kept between ages 11 wire net floor pens 0.86m (13rabbits/pen). Similarly 30 top. no effect on rabbits' production. frequency lesions connected aggressive behaviours smallest greatest 20cm high respectively