Incidence of coccidiosis in different rabbit keeping systems

Abstract

The incidence of coccidiosis in conventional and alternative rabbit keeping systems in Italy with different levels of hygienic control were compared. Farms A and B raised hybrid rabbits intensively under industrial management, consisting of standard buildings with static ventilation, control of environmental and microclimatic conditions and separate units for breeding and fattening. Farms C and D used open air units based on the underground explorable cell system. Prophylaxis was performed by removing any animal suspected of having coccidiosis. Only Farm A used coccidiostats in the feed. Farms A and C had intermediate hygiene conditions, while Farms B and D had high hygienic conditions. Samplings were conducted in every farm in does, kits 10 days after weaning (45 days old) and animals at the end of fattening (70-90 days old) by analysing faeces for oocysts. It was shown that the overall presence of oocysts was relatively low, with higher levels in does and weaners in Farm C and weaners in Farm A. No oocyst was found in most cases and only a few individuals were visibly affected. The differences in oocyst excretion between does, weaners and fatteners in Farm A was significant. The best hygienic management was in Farm D, where the slatted plastic floors are easily removed, substituted and disinfected. In conclusion, a fair level of hygienic control is sufficient to maintain low levels of coccidiosis in rabbit production units.