978-92-898-0030-3 ISBN13 9 789289 800303 EDITED BY L. MAERTENS AND P. COUDERT 2006 RECENT ADVANCES IN RABBIT SCIENCES Edited by L. Maertens and P. Coudert This book is the result of the COST 848 cooperation Action between rabbit scientists of 14 different countries. The purpose to cover the latest advances in rabbit science has been achieved in this comprehensive work. The different reviews were written by experts in their field and are grouped in 5 chapters: reproduction, housing and welfare, pathology, nutrition and feeding strategies and finally meat quality and safety. An overview of nearly all relevant research related to rabbit production can now be found in one cover. Compared to other animal productions, rabbit research has received relatively little attention. Nevertheless the rabbit can be used as an economical and easy to manipulate model for other animal productions. Besides some species proper characteristics, the reproduction, pathology or digestive physiology research executed in rabbits could also be valua- ble for researchers working with other species. Rabbits are important providers of meat in many EC countries. The species is known for its high reproduction capacity, rapid growth rate and the possibility of utilizing high fibre containing raw materials. Moreover, rabbit meat is appreciated for its healthy image e.g. low 6/ 3 ratio. Rabbits are highly adaptable to be reared under different production systems and consequently also of considerable value both for small scale production and in developing countries. An important chapter has also been devoted to the housing and welfare of rabbits. As a caged animal, pressure is executed to improve the housing conditions. The behaviour in different conditions is extensi- vely reviewed and first attempts to enrich the environment of this social animal are given consideration. Published by Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO) Animal Science Unit (dier@ilvo.vlaanderen.be) Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle – Belgium Supported by Edited by L. Maertens and P. Coudert RECENT ADVANCES IN RABBIT SCIENCES RECENT ADVANCES IN RABBIT SCIENCES Advances Rabbit Sciences v2.indd1 1 14-12-2006 21:52:25