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INVESTIGACIÓN EN

LA CUNICULTURA DE LAS

AMÉRICAS

Yazmín Elizabeth Felipe Pérez

Compiladora y Editora

RABBITRY RESEARCH IN THE AMERICAS

FACULTAD DE MEDICINA VETERINARIA Y ZOOTECNIA,

UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA DEL ESTADO DE MÉXICO

RAMA AMERICANA DE LA ASOCIACIÓN CIENTÍFICA

MUNDIAL DE CUNICULTURA

INVESTIGACIÓN EN LA CUNICULTURA DE LAS AMÉRICAS


TÍTULO DE LA OBRA:



© 1ª. Edición, 2015

EDICIÓN PUBLICADA POR:

© Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, UAEM

Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Campus “El Cerrillo”

© Rama Americana de la Asociación Mundial de Cunicultura, AB- WRSA

American Branch of the World Rabbit Science Association

COMPILADORA Y EDITORA:

Yazmín Elizabeth Felipe Pérez

MVZ., Dra. en C., Departamento de Reproducción Animal,

Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción,

Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia,

Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México

PROPIEDAD DE:

© Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, UAEM

Instituto Literario 100. Colonia Centro.

Toluca Estado de México. México. C.P. 5000

Reservados todos los derechos. No se permite la reproducción total o parcial de este

libro, sin el permiso previo y por escrito del titular del copyright.

ISBN: 978-607-422-594-5

Hecho en México

DIRECTORIO

DIRECTORY


Dr. En D. Jorge Olvera García

Rector

Dr. Alfredo Barrera Baca

Secretario de Docencia

Dra. Ángeles Ma. Del Rosario Pérez Bernal

Secretaria de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados

José Benjamín Bernal Suárez

Secretario de Rectoría

Ivett Tinoco García

Secretaria de Difusión Cultural

Ricardo Joya Zepeda

Secretario de Extensión y Vinculación

Javier González Martínez

Secretario de Administración

FACULTAD DE MEDICINA VETERINARIA Y ZOOTECNIA UAEM

Dr. en C. José Mauro Victoria Mora Director

M. en C. Arturo Luna Blasio

Subdirector Académico

Dr. José Antonio Ibancovichi Camarillo

Subdirector Administrativo

Dr. Octavio Alonso Castelán Ortega

Coordinador de Investigación

LCP. y AP. Elder Higuera Vázquez

Coordinador de diseño editorial



DIRECTORIO

RAMA AMERICANA DE LA ASOCIACIÓN CIENTÍFICA

MUNDIAL DE CUNICULTURA 2010-2014

AMERICAN BRANCH – WORLD RABBIT SCIENCE ASSOCIATION

DIRECTORY

Ing. Agr. María Laura Cumini

Presidenta / President

Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía

Universidad de Buenos Aires Argentina

Dr. María Elena Cossu

Vice Presidenta / Vice-President

Departamento de producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía

Universidad de Buenos Aires Argentina

Dr. James McNitt

Secretario y Tesorero / Secretary / Treasurer

Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center

LA, USA

DIRECTORIO

ASOCIACIÓN CIENTÍFICA MUNDIAL DE CUNICULTURA –

RAMA AMERICANA 2014-2018

AMERICAN BRANCH – WORLD RABBIT SCIENCE ASSOCIATION

DIRECTORY

Dra. en C. Yazmín Elizabeth Felipe Pérez Presidenta / President

Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Medicina

Veterinaria y Zootecnia

Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México

MVZ. Teresita del Niño Jesús González Carrasco

Vice Presidenta / Vice-President

Productor Independiente, México

Professor Dr. Luiz Carlos Machado

Secretario y Tesorero / Secretary / Treasurer

Instituto Federal de Ciência e Tecnologia de Minas Gerais

Campus Bambuí, Brasil

COMITÉ CIENTÍFICO Y EDITORIAL

SCIENTIFIC & EDITORIAL COMMITTEE


FACULTAD DE MEDICINA VETERINARIA Y ZOOTECNIA

CAMPUS “EL CERRILLO”

Y

CENTRO DE INVESTGACIÓN Y ESTUDIOS EN SALUD ANIMAL

Dra. Uxúa Alonso Fresan

M. en A. José Mendoza Becerril

Dr. Ernesto Morales Almaraz

Dr. Pedro Sánchez Aparicio

Dr. Simón Martínez Castañeda

Dr. Juan Carlos Vázquez Chagoyán

Dr. Raúl Fajardo Muñoz

Dr. Manuel González Ronquillo

Dr. León Gildardo Velázquez Beltrán

Dr. Rafael Cano Torres

Dra. Yazmín Felipe Pérez

UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA METROPOLITANA, UNIDAD IZTAPALAPA

Dr. Juan Gabriel Rivera Martínez

INSTITUTO FEDERAL DE CIÊNCIA Y TECNOLOGIA DE MINAS GERAIS -

BRAZIL

Dr. Luiz Carlos Machado

Prof. Dr. Adriano Geraldo

DEPARTAMENTO DE PRODUÇÃO ANIMAL, FACULDADE DE MEDICINA

VETERINÁRIA E ZOOTECNIA, UNESP, CEP - BRAZIL

Prof. PhD. Ana Silvia A. M. T. Moura

MINAS GERAIS FEDERAL INSTITUTE - BAMBUÍ CAMPUS – BRAZIL

Prof. Maria Cristina de Oliveira



NOTA

La redacción del trabajo escrito, sus contenidos y la interpretación de los resultados,

es total y completa responsabilidad de los autores.

NOTE

The grammar of the manuscrips, their content and interpretation of the results,

is total and complete responsibility of the authors.

CONTENIDO

CONTENT

Página

Page Capítulo

Chapter

ALIMENTOS Y ALIMENTACIÓN

FEED EVALUATION AND FEEDING

2

INFLUENCE OF SUBSTITUTION OF ARTICHOKE LEAVES FOR CLOVER HAY

ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND DIGESTIBILITY IN RABBITS

FAWZIA A HASSAN

20

NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF Salvinia auriculata FODDER, GROWN

IN AQUAPONICS FOR RABBIT FEED, PRELIMINARY RESULTS

GUERRERO CEM, ALBERTOS APJ, MARTÍNEZ YR, MAGAÑA RJJ,

GUZMÁN MR, PARADA HR

26

EVALUATION OF KOMBUCHA TEA NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT AND

Saccharomyces cerevisiae SC47 ON PRODUCTION PARAMETERS IN NEW

ZEALAND RABBITS DURING THE FATTENING STAGE

PÉREZ SL, DE LA CRUZ BA, DÍAZ GONZÁLEZ BA, LAGUNAS BS, FAJARDO MR

34

EFFECTS OF FEED RATIONING, FASTING AND A HERBAL SUPPLEMENT ON

MORTALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF FATTENING RABBITS IN ERE

CONDITIONS

DUPERRAY J., GRAND E., WEISSMAN D.,

LAURENT J.M.,

LAUNAY C., BELTRAN J.

50

NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY STUDIES IN RABBITS INTAKE DIETS WITH THE

ADDITION OF PROBIOTIC SUBTILPROBIO ® (BACILLUS SUBTILIS AND

ENDOSPORES)

DIHIGO LE, RUBIO SH, RONDON AJ, DOMINGUEZ AND SARDUY ML

56

STUDY OF THE CONSUMPTION EFFECT OF PROBIOTICS IN THE COLIFORMS

DYNAMICS IN RABBIT'S DIGESTIVE TRACT

LAGUNAS BS, PÉREZ SL, OSORIO MJ, FAJARDO MR, DE LA CRUZ BA, DÍAZ

GONZÁLEZ BA

64

GROWTH PROMOTERS USED FOR WEIGHT GAIN IN RABBITS MEANT FOR

HUMAN CONSUMPTION

VALLADARES-CARRANZA B, VELÁZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V, ALONSO-FRESÁN MU,

ZAMORA-ESPINOSA JL, RODRIGUEZ-CORREA JL, DOMÍNGUEZ-VARA IA

72

EFFECT OF DIETARY PROTEIN CONTENT ON SECOND REPRODUCTION

CYCLE OF LOCAL RABBIT DOES AND THEIR LITTERS

SAIDJ D, AINBAZIZ H, DAHMANI Y, ILES I, BENALI N,

CHIRANE M, MOULA N

74

EFFECTS OF INTERACTION BETWEEN ENERGY CONTENT OF DIET AND

PARITY ON PERFORMANCE OF LOCAL RABBIT DOES

SAIDJ D., AINBAZIZ H. , SALHI O.

, BENALI N.

, LEROY P., MOULA N



CALIDAD DE LA CARNE E INOCUIDAD ALIMENTARIA

MEAT QUALITY , SAFETY & DINING

78

EFFECT OF GENETIC LINE ON CARCASS FEATURES

IN NEW ZEALAND vs. CALIFORNIA RABBITS

SÁNCHEZ AP, FLORES PCS, MERCADO MC,

MORA VJM, CORTES AJL

86

DIFFERENT TIMES OF SUPPLYING A DIET RICH IN FISH OIL IN FATTENING

RABBITS AND HIS IMPLICATION ON MEAT QUALITY

LAMANNA ML, COSSU ME, PICALLO A, GAMBETTI P Y TORASSO P

96

CARCASS INDEX OF NEW ZEALAND WHITE, CALIFORNIA, CHINCHILLA AND

BLACK AZTEC AT CENTRO NACIONAL DE CUNICULTURA, MEXICO.

MARTÍNEZ YR , MAGAÑA RJJ

, GUERRERO CEM

, ALBERTOS APJ

, PARADA HR

106

SENSORY MEAT QUALITY: INFLUENCE OF DIET SUPPLEMENTED WITH OIL

AND ANTIOXIDANTS IN FATTENING RABBITS

LAMANNA ML, COSSU ME, PICALLO A, GAMBETTI P, CUMINI ML AND GRIGOLI

MC

116

EFFECT OF DIETARY OIL FISH AND VITAMIN E ON THE FATTY ACID

COMPOSITION AND MEAT QUALITY

LAMANNA ML, COSSU ME, GAMBETTI P, GRIGOLI MC AND IGLESIAS MF

126

CONTRIBUTION TO THE SAFETY OF MEAT RABBIT WITH THE DETECTION

OF AFLATOXIN B1 IN BALANCED FOOD FOR RABBITS

GARCÍA SEGURA F, VILLARREAL ESPINO BARROS OA., HERNÁNDEZ

HERNÁNDEZ J, BECERRA CASTRO E

136

MEAT QUALITY OF RABBITS FED FEATHER MEAL

TRIGO MS, BORRÁS MM, CORDIVIOLA CA, ANTONINI AG, CUMINI ML, COSSU ME

ETOLOGÍA, ALOJAMIENTO Y BIENESTAR ANIMAL

ETHOLOGY, HOUSING & WELFARE

142

INTELLIGENT CAGE FOR GROWING OR ADULT MALE PET RABBITS

MACHADO LC, RIBEIRO BPVB, GERALDO A, HEKER MM, NORONHA CMS,

PIMENTEL FE, SILVA IM

150

USE OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS FOR NEST BEEDING

OF PREGNANT DOES

OLIVEIRA MC, MESQUITA SA, SILVA TR, LIMA SCO, MACHADO LA, OLIVEIRA

HC, OLIVEIRA JC, OLIVEIRA ES

156

INTELLIGENT CAGE WITH NESTING CHAMBERS FOR DOES

MACHADO LC, RIBEIRO BPVB, GERALDO A, HEKER MM, NORONHA CMS,

PIMENTEL FE, SILVA IM

164

INFLUENCE OF ENVIROMENTAL ENRICHMENT COMPOSITION OF SOCIAL

GROUP AND AGE ON MAINTENANCE AND COMFORT BEHAVIORS IN

GROWIN RABBITS

ANA SILVIA A.M.T. MOURA, THAIS F.M. BOZICOVICH, SIMONE FERNANDES,

EDSON R. DE SIQUEIRA

http://world-rabbit-science.com/WRSA-Proceedings/Congress-2012-Egypt/Egypt-2012-a.htm#welfare

168

EVALUATION OF ANXIETY OF GROWING RABBITS IN ENRICHED CAGES

THAIS FMBOZICOVICH, PAMELA A GELIER, SIMONE FERNANDES, EDSON R.

SIQUEIRA, ANA SILVIA A.M.T. MOURA

172

PERFORMANCE OF RABBITS BORN IN NESTS LINED WITH DIFFERENT

MATERIALS

OLIVEIRA MC, SILVA TR, LIMA SCO, SILVA JA, MESQUITA SA, MACHADO LA,

OLIVEIRA JC, OLIVEIRA ES

176

ANALISYS OF SEASON EFFECTS ON WEIGHT GAIN ON MEAT RABBITS

CORDIVIOLA CA, CALONGE FS, TRIGO MS, ARIAS RO, MARTINO P, ANTONINI AG

180

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS FOR BED OF NEST TO PREGNANT DOES

ON THE NEST BUILDING PATTERN

OLIVEIRA MC, LIMA SCO, SILVA TR, SILVA JA, MESQUITA SA, OLIVEIRA HC,

OLIVEIRA JC, OLIVEIRA ES

GENÉTICA

GENETICS

186

PERFORMANCE OF NEW ZEALAND WHITE, CALIFORNIA, CHINCHILLA AND

BLACK AZTEC AT CENTRO NACIONAL DE CUNICULTURA, MEXICO.

MAGAÑA R. JOSÉ DE JESÚS, GUERRERO C. EMILIA MAGDALENA, ALBERTOS A.

PEDRO J. , MENDOZA C. MARIO, MARTÍNEZ Y. ROSARIO, PARADA H. ROCÍO

196

DEVELOPMENT OF MOLECULAR TESTS FOR IDENTIFICATION AND STUDY

OF GENETIC DIVERSITY OF EIMERIA SPP. IN RABBITS FROM THE SOUTH

EAST OF MEXICO STATE

JÍMENEZ RA, BAUTISTA GL, MARTINEZ CJ, GARCÍA RV,

ROMERO NC, HUITRÓN TG

202

MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION AND PHYLOGENETICS ANALYSIS OF

PASTEURELLA SPP. IN RABBITS FROM THE SOUTH EAST OF MEXICO

STATE

BAUTISTA G.L., GARCÍA R. V., MARTINEZ C.J., ROMERO N.C., JIMENEZ R. A.,

REYNOSO U.E., LOPEZ AUGADO A. G., HUITRON T. G

208

MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS OF ROTAVIRUS IN RABBITS, IN THE SOUTH-

EAST OF MEXICO STATE

REYNOSO UE, GARCÍA RV, MARTINEZ CJ, ROMERO NC,

LOPEZ-AGUADO AG, BAUTISTA GL

218

IDENTIFICATION AND CULTURE OF Eimeria spp FROM RABBITS WITH

GASTROENTERIC SIGNS IN SOUTH-EAST OF MEXICO STATE

TREJO HG, BAUTISTA GL, MARTINEZ CJ, GARCÍA RV, ROMERO NC

GESTIÓN SOCIAL Y ECONÓMICA

MANAGEMENT, SOCIAL & ECONOMICS

224

THE SMALL-SCALE RABBIT PRODUCTION MODEL: A GUIDE TO HUMAN

DEVELOPMENT

LUKEFAHR SD

238

ORGANIZATION AND STRATEGIES OF BRAZILIAN RABBIT PRODUCTION - A

SEARCH FOR SOLUTIONS

MACHADO LC



300

IS BACKYARD RABBIT PRODUCTION A DEVELOPMENT OPTION FOR SMALL

HOLDERS IN MEXICAN SOUTHEAST?

CRUZ-BACAB LE, SANDOVAL CCA, AGUILAR CAJ

314

RABBIT PRODUCTION IN COSTA RICA: BREAKING WITH TRADITION

BRENES S ANDREA

324

STRATEGIES FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION: PRODUCTION-COOPERATIVE

“CONEJOS ANDINOS DE MENDOZA

QUAGLIARIELLO S GABY

364

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT FROM PRODUCTION OF ONE KILOGRAM OF

RABBIT MEAT VERSUS CHICKEN

RAMÍREZ GL; RAMÍREZ GG

AND GÜERECA LP

PATOLOGÍA E HIGIENE

PATHOLOGY & HYGIENE

374

STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF Saccharomyces cerevisiae AND TEA KOMBUCHA ON

THE INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA OF RABBITS

PÉREZ SL, LAGUNAS BS, DE LA CRUZ BA, FAJARDO MR, DÍAZ GONZÁLEZ BA

384

CADMIUM EXPOSURE IN RABBITS: RENAL AND HEPATIC EVALUATION

ALONSO-FRESÁN MU, BARBABOSA-PLIEGO A, VALLADARES-CARRANZA B,

VELÁZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V, REYES-ÁNGELES JF, CASTRO-GANDARILLA J,

FELIPE-PÉREZ YE, LEE-MORENO JL, TREMARI-TRUEBA RM

392

PERIODONTAL MANDIBULAR OSTEOMYELITIS IN

TWO NEW ZEALAND RABBITS

FAJARDO MRC, ALPÍZAR PA, HERNÁNDEZ MH, FERNÁNDEZ RP,

ORTEGA SC, MARTÍNEZ CJS

402

Bordetella bronchiseptica IN RABBITS SUBMITTED FOR DIAGNOSIS: CLINICAL-

PATHOLOGICAL STUDY

VALLADARES-CARRANZA B, ZAMORA-ESPINOSA JL, ALONSO-FRESÁN MU,

VELÁZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V, GUTIÉRREZ-CASTILLO A, CASTRO-MARURI J,

ORTEGA-SANTANA C, PEÑA-BETANCOURT SD

410

METICILLIN RESISTANT Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) IDENTIFIED IN A

SMALLHOLDER RABBIT FARM GARCIA-GAMA A,

VELAZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V, ALONSO-FRESÁN MU,

VALLADARES-CARRANZA B, JUAREZ-TRUJILLO JC, RODRIGUEZ-CORREA JL,

TALAVERA-ROJAS M, FELIPE-PÉREZ YE

420

PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF A NON INVASIVE METHOD FOR DETECTION OF

BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION BY Staphylococcus aureus IN RABBIT CARCASSES

FROM HIGH VOLUME SLAUTHTERHOUSES

ALONSO-FRESÁN MU, GARDUÑO-GUADARRAMA V, VELÁZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V, ZAMORA-ESPINOSA JL, TALAVERA-ROJAS M, DÍAZ-ZARCO S, MENDOZA-

BECERRIL J

http://world-rabbit-science.com/WRSA-Proceedings/Congress-2012-Egypt/Egypt-2012-a.htm#pathology

430 PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF Staphylococcus aureus CONTAMINATION IN RABBIT

CARCASSES FROM SMALL HOLDERS BY SUPERFICIAL SAMPLING AND

TOTAL IMMERSION

VELAZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V, RODRIGUEZ-CORREA JL, VALLADARES-CARRANZA

B, ALONSO-FRESÁN, MU, DÍAZ-ZARCO S, TALAVERA-ROJAS M, ZAMORA-

ESPINOSA JL, MENDOZA-BECERRIL J

438

PREVALENCE STUDY OF EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL PARASITES IN THE

MUNICIPALITY OF RABBITS IN LIBRES, PUEBLA, MEXICO

GARCÍA SEGURA F, ARANDA ABURTO MS, ESPINO BARROS OSCAR AGUSTÍN,

HERNÁNDEZ HERNÁNDEZ J, CAMACHO RONQUILLO JC,

PORTILLO MONROY A

450

DISEASES DIAGNOSED IN RABBITS SENT TO CIESA COMING FROM THE

VALLEY OF TOLUCA DURING 2004 TO 2013

ZAMORA E JL, VALLADARES C B, FAJARDO MRC

456

USE OF RECORDS TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF MORTALITY IN RABBITS

AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE YEAR IN UNIT EXPERIMENTAL COLLEGE

AUTONOMOUS CHAPINGO

HERNANDEZ HR, RIVERA MJ, HERRERA BJ, NICOLAS GA GONZALEZ SJ

468

RABBIT (Oryctolagus Cuniculus) AS A MODEL FOR ANIMAL SURGICAL

PROCEDURE OSTEOSYNTHESIS

VICTORIA MJM, IBANCOVICHI CJA,SÁNCHEZ AP

482

PHYSIOPATHOLOGY IN RABBITS DUE TO DIETS WITH INCREASED COPPER

CONCENTRATION

ALONSO-FRESÁN MU, VALLADARES-CARRANZA B, VELÁZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V,

BARBABOSA-PLIEGO A, CASTRO-GANDARILLA J, REYES-ÁNGELES JF, LEE-

MORENO JL, TREMARI-TRUEBA RM, ORTEGA-SANTANA C

REPRODUCCIÓN

REPRODUCTION

491

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT GNRH ANALOGUE TREATMENTS ON THE

PERFORMANCE OF LACTATING RABBITS

EIBEN CS, SÁNDOR M, SÁNDOR F, TOKAI A, KUSTOS K

502

WEIGHT GAIN IN REPRODUCTIVE RABBITS THROUGH THE APPLICATION

OF A SELECTION SYSTEM AND BREEDER IN A CLOSED POPULATION

MELÉNDEZ TC

526

REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT OF RABBIT BACKYARD

PRODUCTION IN THE AREA OF VOLCANOES IN THE STATE OF MEXICO

RIVERA MJ, NICOLAS G A, HERRERA BJ, HERNANDEZ RM, ALMARAZ AR AND

GONZALEZ SJ

536

Chenopodium ambrosioides ADDED TO RABBIT SEMEN DILUENTS FOR

CRYOPRESERVATION GUADARRAMA VALDES II, VELÁZQUEZ CASTAÑEDA S, GUTIÉRREZ DE HONOR

A, CANO TORRES R, PESCADOR SN, FELIPE-PÉREZ YE

548

HISTOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE RABBIT (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

EPIDIDYMIS AND TESTICLES

ZAMORA E JL, FELIPE-PÉREZ YE, VELÁZQUEZ CASTAÑEDA S,

VALLADARES CB, FAJARDO M RC, QUEZADA-BARRERA KCH,

CANO TR, PEREZ S L, DIAZ GBA



564

PIOMETRA INFECTION: FINDINGS IN RABBITS FELIPE-PÉREZ YE, ZAMORA E JL, QUEZADA BARRERA KC, VELÁZQUEZ

CASTAÑEDA S, CANO TORRES R

566

ABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND FOR PREGNANCY DIAGNOSIS IN RABBITS: IS IT

AN INTERESTING ALTERNATIVE?

KASSY GS; UBIRAJARA IT; SAULO HW; LUIZ FCG

570

REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS OF RABBITS UNDER TROPICAL CONDITIONS:

CASE TUXTEPEC, OAXACA

TREJO A, RAMIREZ S, ANTONIO CM, MEZA VM

574

COMPARISION OF RABBIT SPERM VIABILITY EVALUATION USING EOSIN-

NIGROSIN AND TRIPLE- STAINING

FELIPE- PEREZ YE, SOTO MARQUEZ V, CASTAÑEDA VELASQUEZ S,

GUADARRAMA VALDES II, CANO TORRES R, PESCADOR SN

578

RABBIT TESTICULAR AND INGUINAL CHANNEL SAC MORPHOMETRIC

FINDINGS

FELIPE- PEREZ YE, CASTAÑEDA VELÁZQUEZ S, CANO TORRES R, PESCADOR SN

582

CRYOPRESERVATION OR ORNAMENTAL RABBIT SPERM (LION HEAD)

GONZÁLEZ SJA, JIMÉNEZ SE, GONZÀLEZ GAN, HERRERA BJA, ÁVALOS RA,

RIVERA MJG

584

MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION SPERM IN THREE LINES OF RABBITS

ORNAMENTS

RIVERA MJG, LÓPEZ RO, RAZO CV, MARTÍNEZ PES, GONZÀLEZ GAN, HERRERA

BJA, ÁVALOS RA, GONZÁLEZ SJA

PRESENTACIÓN

El presente texto tiene como objetivo compartir el conocimiento y las experiencias generadas

durante los últimos años, tanto entre los socios de la Rama-Americana de la Asociación

Científica Mundial de Cunicultura, como entre los investigadores que trabajan en América y en

todo el mundo en los diversos aspectos científicos de la producción cunícola.

Los lectores objeto del presente son todos los interesados en los avances científicos, la

aplicación del conocimiento generado en los diferentes países para mejorar la producción

cunícola, por lo que está dirigido a académicos, investigadores y productores involucrados en la

cría, producción e industrialización de la carne de conejo y sus derivados.

Los temas abordados en el presente texto, incluyen las distintas áreas del conocimiento aplicado

a la cunicultura desde diferentes disciplinas, cuya importancia radica en la optimización de los

recursos, tomando en cuenta el bienestar de los conejos tanto a nivel productivo a pequeña o a

grande escala, así como aquellos conejos que hoy en día se adquieren como mascotas.

Dado que actualmente el inglés es considerado como el idioma universal entre la sociedad

científica, los textos recopilados se presentan en inglés con su resumen en español, y en algunos

casos se encuentran totalmente traducidos al español. Además de encontrar los trabajos

desarrollados, también se incluyeron algunos avances de investigación en forma de resúmenes

en las diferentes áreas que son abordadas en este libro.

Dra. en C. Yazmín Elizabeth Felipe Pérez

PRESENTATION

The aim of this text is to share the knowledge and experiences generated in recent years, both

among members of the American Branch of the World Rabbit Science Association, and among

researchers that work in America and around the world in the various scientific aspects of rabbit

production.

Object readers of the present, are all those interested in scientific developments, the application

of knowledge generated in different countries to improve rabbit production, therefore it is

directed to academics, researchers and producers involved in the breeding, production and

industrialization of rabbit meat and its derivatives.

The topics discussed herein include the various areas of knowledge applied to rabbits from

different disciplines, which importance lies in the optimization of resources, taking into account

the welfare of rabbits, including the small scale production, as well as large farms and those

rabbits that today are acquired as pets.

Since English is now considered as the universal language among the scientific community, the

collected texts are presented in English with the abstracts in Spanish, and in some cases are fully

translated to Spanish. Besides finding the full developed text, some research advances are

included as abstracts in the different areas addressed in this book.

Dra. en C. Yazmín Elizabeth Felipe Pérez



Agradecimientos

Al MVZ. y M. en A. José Mendoza Becerril, por todo el esfuerzo realizado durante toda su

trayectoria profesional dedicada por completo a la cunicultura en México.

A todos los socios de la Rama Americana de la Asociación Científica Mundial de Cunicultura;

especialmente a los Doctores Steven Lukefahr y Luiz Carlos Machado, por todas sus valiosas

aportaciones para que se lograra conjuntar en un solo texto todas sus experiencias científicas, y

poder compartirlas con los diferentes lectores interesados en la Cunicultura de las Américas.

Acknowledgments

To DMV and MrS José Mendoza Becerril, for all his efforts throughout his professional career

devoted entirely to rabbit production and development in Mexico.

To all the members of the American Branch of the World Rabbit Science Association;

especially to Doctors Steven Lukefahr and Luiz Carlos Machado, for all their valuable

contributions which could be gathered into a single text, combining all their scientific

experiences, also to give us the opportunity to share it with the readers interested in the Rabbit

Production in the Americas.

ALIMENTOS Y ALIMENTACIÓN

FEED EVALUATION AND FEEDING

2

FAWZIA A. HASSAN

Animal Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, 12618 Cairo, Egypt

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

Seventy five New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits, 5 weeks of age with 700±1.4 g average live

body weight (LBW) were allotted at random to five experimental groups (of 15 rabbits each).

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of partial or complete substitution (0, 25, 50,

75 or 100%) of artichoke leaves (AL) for clover hay on growth performance and nutrients

digestibility in rabbits. Results indicated that rabbit fed 50% artichoke leaves recorded the

highest (P<0.05) final body weight (2.148 kg) followed by rabbit fed 75% (2.046 kg). Average

daily feed intake increased significantly (P<0.05) with the increase of the level of artichoke

leaves inclusion throughout the experimental periods. Group fed 50% AL recorded the best

FCR throughout the whole period (W5-W12). In addition to the highest nutrients digestibility

values were recorded for diets contained 50% AL followed by diet contained 75% AL, while the

lowest values were obtained for diet contained 100%AL in comparison to the basal diet. Data

also showed that 50% and 75% AL recorded the highest (P<0.05) value of Digestible crude

protein and Digestible Energy, while rabbit fed diets contained 100% recorded the lowest

(P<0.05) DCP.50% AL recorded the highest total VFA concentration, cellulolytic bacterial

count (8.08 log cfu/ml) and Fibrolytic activity. It could be concluded that substitution of AL in

the diet of NZW rabbits at 50% of clover hay had the best growth performance and digestibility

of all nutrients.

Key words: rabbits, feeding, digestibility, growth, Artichoke leaves.

INFLUENCE OF SUBSTITUTION OF ARTICHOKE LEAVES FOR

CLOVER HAY ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND

DIGESTIBILITY IN RABBITS



INFLUENCIA DE LA SUBSTITUCIÓN DE HOJAS DE ALCACHOFA

POR HENO DE TRÉBOL SOBRE EL CRECIMIENTO Y

DIGESTIBILIDAD EN CONEJOS

FAWZIA A. HASSAN

Animal Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, 12618 Cairo, Egypt

*Autor correspondiente: [email protected]

Resumen

Setenta y cinco conejos Nueva Zelanda blancos (NZB) de cinco semanas de edad y con peso

vivo promedio (ALW) de 700±1.4 g, se distribuyeron al azar en cinco grupos experimentales

con quince conejos cada uno. El objetivo de este trabajo fue investigar los efectos de la

sustitución parcial o completa de la sustitución (0, 25, 50, 75 o 100%) de hojas de alcachofa

(AL) por heno de trébol sobre el crecimiento y digestibilidad de nutrientes en conejos. Los

resultados indican que el grupo alimentado con el 50% de hojas de alcachofa alcanzaron el

mayor peso corporal final (2.148 kg) (P<0.05), seguido del grupo con el 75% (2.046 kg). El

consumo diario de alimento incrementó significativamente (P<0.05) de acuerdo con el

incremento en la inclusión de las hojas de alcachofa a lo largo del experimento. El grupo

alimentado con el 50% AL presentó el mejor FCR en todo el periodo (W5-W12). Además, en

este grupo se tuvieron los valores más altos con respecto a la digestibilidad, seguidos por la

dieta con el 75% AL, mientras que los valores menores se obtuvieron con la dieta que contenía

100% AL en comparación con la dieta base. Los resultados muestran que las dietas con el 50%

y 75% AL presentaron el valor mayor en proteína digerible cruda y de energía digerible

(P<0.05), mientras que los conejos alimentados con las dietas al 100% mostraron los valores

menores de DCP (P<0.05). Con la dieta del 50% AL se obtuvo la mayor concentración en el

VFA, conteo bacteriano celulolítico (8.08 log cfu/ml) y actividad fibrolítica. Se puede concluir

que la dieta con substitución de AL y 50% de heno de trébol contribuye con un mejor

crecimiento y digestibilidad de nutrientes en conejos Nueva Zelanda.

Palabras clave: conejos, alimentación digestibilidad, crecimiento, hojas de alcachofa

4

Introduction

Waste vegetable materials could be formed the basis of diets for the small scale

production of meat rabbits. Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaves could be used as

roughage feedstuffs for rabbits and contributed in lowering the feeding cost and hence

increasing the economic efficiency. FAO (2005) reported that Egypt is the second world

leader in production of artichoke. Artichoke by-product is available in plenty during

January to April in Egypt. FAOSTAT (2012) reported that the area harvested with

artichoke in Egypt was around 9,476,0 Ha, the yield was 213,65,44 (Kg/Ha). While, the

production quantity was 202,458,0 tonnes. Gul et al. (2001) indicated the possibility of

using green forage of artichokes in the diet including cereals and other sources of fiber

for feeding of rabbits, pigs and poultry as part of a balanced diet.

Radwan et al. (2007) reported that artichoke leaves meal contained on air dry basis (as

fed), 7.7% moisture, and 9.5% CP, 1.5% EE, 28.0% CF, 6.9% ash, 46.4% NFE, 46.3%

NDF, 32.2% ADF, 21.6% cellulose, 14.1% heimicellulose, 10.6% ADL and 2484 Kcal

ME/Kg. Bonomi (2001) reported that the substitution of artichoke leaf meal at 5 and

10% of total feed in rabbits diet increased the body weight by 4 and 7%, respectively,

after 60 days. The author did not notice any adverse effects on animal health. Several

studies have been suggested that use of the artichoke by-products (Cynara scolymus), as

agricultural wastes in livestock feeding may provide alternative substrates for alfalfa

hay (Sallam et al., 2008; Meneses et al., 2007; Ghanem 2006 and Sallam, 2005).

De Blas (2013) reported that fibre is the main chemical constituent of rabbit diets, Cell

wall constituents are not well digested in rabbits, but this effect is compensated by its

stimulus of gut motility, which leads to an increasing rate of passage of digesta, and

allows achieving an elevated dry matter intake. Moreover, the use of diets with high

soluble fibre concentrations (141 g/kg) and low starch concentrations (130 g/kg)

enhanced the digestive efficiency, growth performance, and caecal fermentation of

growing rabbits (Trocino, 2013).



Total dietary fibre is the major fraction of commercial diets for rabbits. Its importance is

related to the influence on the rate of passage of digesta and the function as substrate for

microbiota, which in turn affects and regulates rabbit growth performance and digestive

health (Gidenne et al., 2010).

The main objective of the present experiment was to investigate the effect of different

replacement levels (25, 50, 75 and 100%) of dried Jerusalem artichoke leaves for clover

hay in growing rabbits diets on the growth performance and digestibility coefficients.

Materials and methods

Diets, animals and experimental design

The experimental work was carried out at Borg El-Arab Experimental Station,

Alexanderia.

Animal Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center,

Cairo, Egypt. The first group of rabbits was fed on diet contained a corn, clover hay,

soy bean meal and wheat as a basal diet. The other four groups were fed on the diets

contained artichoke leaves at 25, 50, 75 and 100% substitution of clover hay. All the

experimental diets were formulated to be iso-nitrogenous, iso-caloric and adequate in all

nutrients requirements for growing rabbits, as recommended by Lebas (2004) as shown

in Table 1.

6

Table 1: Feed ingredients and chemical composition of experimental diets (%DM basis).

Feed Ingredients (%)

Substitution level of clover hay by Artichoke leaves

Basal diet 25%AL 50%AL 75%AL 100%AL

Clover hay 34 25.5 17 8.5 --

Artichoke leaves -- 8.5 17 25.5 34

Yellow corn 21 21 20 19 25

Soybean meal (44%CP) 16 16 17 17 17

Wheat bran 24 24 25 25 25

Molasses 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0

Di- Ca- phosphate 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0

Dl-Methionine 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4

Salt 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3

Vit.-Min. premix* 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3

Chemical composition(%DM basis)

DM 88.90 88.20 88.68 87.98 87.88

OM 91.99 91.88 91.60 91.79 91.40

CP 17.09 17.00 17.18 17.07 17.08

CF 13.48 13.13 13.09 13.01 13.00

EE 2.47 2.46 2.45 2.44 2.43

NFE 60.21 60.10 59.95 60.27 60.03

Ash 8.01 8.12 8.40 8.21 8.60

NDF 29.93 30.33 30.42 30.49 30.57

ADF 16.67 16.94 17.11 17.27 17.44

ADL 3.64 3.71 3.74 3.78 3.82

Methionine1 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.64

Lysine2 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83

Calcium3 1.01 1.01 1.01 1.01 1.01

Total Phosphorus4 0.68 0.66 0.65 0.65 0.65

Digestible energy5 (Kcal/Kg

DM) 2650 2648 2600 2601 2600

*Each kg vitamins and minerals premix contains: Vit. A. 2.00000IU,10.000mg, B1400mg, B21200mg, B6,400mg, B12.2mg,

K3 400 mg, D3 200000IU, Choline chloride 240mg pantothenic acid 400mg, Niacin 1000mg, Folic acid 1000 mg, Biotin 40 mg, Manganese 1700 mg, Zinc 14000 mg, Iron 1500mg, copper 500 mg, selenium 20 mg, Iodine 40 mg and Magnesium

8000 mg. 1,2,3,4,5 Calculated on the basis of the ingredient composition.

Seventy five weaned New Zealand white rabbits, six weeks old with an average live

body weight 728.2 g were allotted randomly to five groups (fifteen rabbits each).

Experimental diets (as pellets) and fresh water (through stainless steel nipples) were

offered for all rabbits ad libitum consumption throughout the experimental period

(8weeks), from 5 to 12 weeks old.



Feed intake and weight gain were recorded weekly, while feed conversion was

calculated as a ratio of gram of feed per gram of gain. The composition and

chemical analysis of the experimental diets are shown in Table 1.

Digestibility trial

A digestibility trial was performed on twenty five male New Zealand White rabbits (5

rabbit for each treatment), 7 month of age with an average live body weight ranged from

3520 to3750g determine the digestibility’s coefficients and the nutritive values of the

experimental diets according to European reference method for rabbit digestibility trials

(Perez et al., 1995) of the five experimental diets. Rabbits were housed in individual

metabolism cages that allowed separation of feces and urine. Feces produced daily were

collected in polyethylene bags and stored at - 20ºC. Feces were collected every 24 hours

for five consecutive days (collection period). Total digestible nutrients (TDN) were

calculated as follows: % digestible crude protein + % digestible crude fiber + %

digestible nitrogène free extract (NFE) + 2.25 % digestible ether extract (EE).

Digestible energy (DE, Kcal/Kg diet) was calculated as follow: TDN × 44.3 according

to Schneider and Flatt (1975).

Cecum fermentation

After slaughter, gastrointestinal tracts were individually removed from five animals

from each group, the cecum was weighted and the pH of the caecal content was

measured using pH-meter, pH-meter, HANNA Instruments (Italy), Woon Socket,

R102895 pHep®

Pocket-sized. Then the caecal content was collected and divided into

two samples, one of them was for the cecal appendix fluid and stored at -20°C until

estimation of cecum microflora ( cellulytic bacteria) by Standard method according to

British Standards Institution (1991) and determined the fibrolytic activity according to

Chao and Li (2008).

8

The other sample was filtered through four folds of gauze, and used for dertermination

of NH3-N concentration by applying Conway method (1958).The total volatile fatty

acids (VFA) were determined by steam distillation according to Eadie et al. (1967)

using Micro Kjeldahl's distillation unit, fraction values of VFA were determined using

KNAUER HPLC pump 64.UV.Detector, column Rezex organic acid.

Chemical analysis

The following chemical analyses were carried out on feedstuffs, diets, and feces

according to A.O.A.C. (2000) and EGRAN (2001), while fiber fractionations, neutral

detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL)

were determined according to the sequential method of Van Soest et al. (1991). Tannins

were determined using vanillin hydrochloric acid method as described by Burn (1971)

Statistical Analysis

The results of experimentation were statistically analyzed using GLM (general linear

models) procedure of SAS (2000) by one-way ANOVA, The significant differences

among treatment means were compared Using Duncan’s multiple range of test (Duncan,

1955).

Results and discussion

Chemical evaluation of Artichoke leaves

Results in Table 2 indicated that both clover hay (CH) and artichoke leaves (AL) are equal

in DM while CH was higher in CP and CF content. The chemical composition of AL is

similar to that reported by Ghanem (2006) who found that the chemical analysis of

artichoke by-products was 90.93, 92.52, 11.43, 1.70, 23.95, 55.44 and 7.48 for DM,

OM, CP, EE, CF, NFE, ash, respectively. Also Sallam et al., (2008) who reported that

chemical composition (g/kg DM) of artichoke by-product was 150.1, 524.1 and 411.7

for CP, NDF and ADF, respectively. On the other hand, (Abdo et al. 2007) found that



artichoke leaves meal contained 9.5% CP, 28.0% CF, 46.3% NDF, 32.2% ADF and

10.6% ADL.

Concerning to fiber fractionation content, Clover hay had lower NDF, ADF and ADL

content than artichoke leaves, values of AL are comparable to those values reported by

Ghanem (2006) who found that AL hay contained 52.49%, 41.27 and 6.89% for NDF,

ADF and ADL, respectively. Artichoke leaves contained high content of tannins 2.58

g/100g DM for AL. These results are nearly in agreement with those obtained by Schutz et

al., (2004) who reported that the total phenolic content was approximately 12 g/kg on a dry

matter basis in artichoke pomace. The presence of tannins found to decrease the nutritional

value of feedstuffs for non-ruminant animals by reducing retention of protein, digestibility of

dry matter and metabolic rate of gross energy as well as inhibition of digestive enzyme

activity (Li and Zahang, 1998).

Table 2. Chemical analysis of Artichoke leaves on dry matter basis

Items

(% ) DM OM CP CF EE NFE Ash NDF ADF

AD

L

CH 90.3

5 87.17 13.40 26.03 4.03 43.71 12.83 43..20 30.06 5.54

AL 90.3

0

92.

32 11.52 23.99 1.75 55.46 7.28 50.39 40.17 7.01

CH: Clover hay AL: Artichoke Leaves

10

Growth performance

Table 3. Growth performance of the experimental growing NZW rabbits.

Item

Basal diet


RMSE*

Pr<F

25%AL

50%AL

75%AL

100%AL

Initial

bodyweight, g 723.55 724.0 725.33 723.55 727.67 55.48 0.999

Final body

weight, g 1969.67

c 1974.78

c 2148.89

a 2046.33

b

2025.00

bc

66.82 0.0001

Average Weight daily gain, g/d/rabbit

5 to 8 weeks old 23.13 22.17 23.88 22.75 22.13 2.23 0.442

9 to 12 weeks

old 21.59

c 22.88

b c 26.98

a 24.49

b 24.83

ab 2.43 0.0005

5 to 12 weeks old 22.36 b

22.53 b

26.43 a 23.62

b 23.49

b 1.40 0.0003

Average Feed intake, g/d/rabbit

5 to 8 weeks old 80.44c

81.94 bc

84.47a 85.14

a 83.51

ab 2.47 0.001

9 to 12 weeks

old 99.67

b 99.80

b 105.69

a 101.20

b 99.29

b 2.67 0.0001

5 to 12 weeks old 90.06 c 90.87

c 95.08

a 93.17

b 91.40

bc 1.89 0.0001

Feed Conversion Ratio (g feed / g gain)

5 to 8 weeks old 3.51 3.80 3.56 3.75 3.79 0.46 0.537

9 to 12 weeks

old 4.70

a 4.39

ab 3.94

b 4.16

b 4.04

b 0.48 0.011

5 to 12 weeks old 4.05 a 4.05

a 3.74

b 3.95

ab 3.90

ab 0.29 0.157

a,b,c,… Means values with the same letter within the same row did not differ significantly (P>0.05).

*RMSE=root mean square error (n=15 rabbits per treatment).

The effect of feeding treatments on growth traits is illustrated in Table 2. Data showed

that rabbit fed 50% artichoke leaves recorded the highest (P<0.05) final body weight

(2148.89g) followed by rabbit fed 75% (2046.33g). the rabbits group fed 50%AL

recorded the highest (P<0.05) body weight gain at the second periods (W9-W12) and at

the whole period (W5-W12) ,while the lowest was with rabbits group fed the basal diet.

in this connection El-Sayaad et al. (1995) who incorporated artichoke bracts at 0, 10 or

20% in rabbit diets, and found that rabbits fed 10% artichoke bracts recorded the highest

final body weight (2355.0 g) and daily gain (25.75 g) at 16 weeks age average, while no

significant differences were noticed between rabbits fed 10% and 20% artichoke bracts.



Rabbits fed 0% artichoke bracts recorded the lowest (P<0.05) final body weight (2238.3

g) and average daily gain (23.63g).

Also, Bonomi, (1989) used dehydrated artichoke leaf meal in rabbit rations at levels of

5% and 10%, in substitution of dehydrated lucerne meal and found an improvement in

weight gain 4% and 7%, resp. and the feed utilization 3% and 5%, resp. These findings

disagreed with, Zeweil (1992) found that the body weight or body weight gain was

significantly (P<0.05) depressed when the rabbits received diets contained high level of

artichoke by-products (36%) compared to the other tested levels (0, 12, 24%). Average

daily feed intake increased significantly (P<0.05) with the increase of the level of AL

inclusion throughout the experimental periods. These resulta are in agreement with that

obtained by Bonomi, (1989). Data showed that the inclusion of AL at 50, 75 and 100%

levels recorded higher (P<0.05) FCR than the basal diet at the second period the rabbits

group fed 50% AL recorded the best FCR throughout the whole period (W5-W12).

Generally, These findings were in agreement with El-Sayaad et al. (1995) found that

rabbits fed 20% artichoke bracts had the best feed conversion (2.76 g feed/ g gain),

while the rabbits fed 10% artichoke bracts showed the worst feed conversion (3.74 g

feed/ g gain).

Accordingly, it was observed that the AL inclusion had a positive effect with all the

tested levels on growth performance of experimental rabbit.

Digestibility and nutritive values

The results obtained on nutrients digestibility of the experimental diets are presented in

Table 4. Data revealed that the highest nutrients digestibility values were recorded for

diets contained 50% AL followed by diet contained 75% AL, while the lowest values

were obtained for diet contained 100%AL in comparison to the basal diet. This could be

attributed to polyphenolic compounds in artichoke leaves. These results are confirmed

by Huisman and Tolman (1992) who reported that polyphenolic compounds considered

as an anti-nutritional factors that have a depressive effect on protein digestion.

12

Table 4. Digestion coefficients and nutritive value of rabbit diets.

Item

Basal Diet


RMSE

*

Pr<F

25%AL

50%AL

75%AL

100%AL

Digestibility coefficients

DM 66.99 b 68.00 ab 70.08 a 69.99 a 67.54 ab 1.31 0.047

OM 68.09 b 70.08 ab 72.17 a 70.46 ab 67.98 b 1.36 0.017

CP 65.95 c 67.91 b 71.03 a 70.32 a 65.50 c 1.04 0.0002

CF 45.49 c 47.09 bc 50.20 ab 51.74 a 45.51 c 2.37 0.028

EE 74.71 a 76.49 a 72.85 ab 71.95 ab 68.34 b 2.45 0.021

NFE 74.28 bc 75.46 ab 77.31 a 76.29 ab 72.43 c 1.13 0.003

Nutritive Values

DCP 11.46 c 11.79 b 12.33 a 12.24 a 10.44 d 0.17 0.0001

TDN 65.55 b 66.69 ab 68.19 a 67.03 ab 63.87 c 0.85 0.0011

DE(kcal/kg DM)

2909 cd 2960 bc 3026 a 2975 ab 2868 d 30.98 0.0009

a,b,c,… Means values with the same letter within the same row did not differ significantly (P>0.05).

*RMSE=Root Mean Square Error (n=15 rabbits per treatment).

Data also showed that digestibility of DM, CP and CF were significantly (P<0.05)

increased with replacing clover hay AL at 50% and 75% levels compared to the basal

diet. On the other hand, DM, OM, CF, EE and NFE digestibilities not significantly

affected (P<0.05) when AL was replaced by AL at 25 and 100%. Zeweil (1992) who

stated that the rabbits receiving diets contained 0, 12 or 24% artichoke by-product

recorded similar values of digestibility OM, CP, EE and NFE %, being 75.19, 78.11 and

76.07; 86.93, 87.64 and 87.07; 82.55, 81.53 and 80.20 and 75.51, 78.99 and 76.17%,

respectively. However the values decreased significantly (P<0.05) in the group received

36% artichoke by-products being 69.99, 83.75, 44.39, 74.90, 69.54 and 56.87% in the

same order.



Digestibility of crude fiber increased with increasing level of artichoke by-products in

the diet. In this connection, Bonanno et al. (1994) incorporated dried artichoke bracts in

New Zealand White rabbit diets at 15 or 30% for 56 days and found a decrease in

nutrients digestibility with 30% dried artichoke bracts, while 15% dried artichoke bracts

did not significantly affect nutrients digestibility. El-Sayaad et al. (1995) reported that

feeding growing rabbits on 10% or 20% artichoke bracts resulted in insignificant

differences in OM, CP, CF and NFE digestibilities, but there were significant

differences (P<0.05) for EE digestibility among all treatments.

Concerning to the nutritive values, rabbit fed diets contained 50% and 75% AL

recorded the highest (P<0.05) value of DCP, TDN and DE, while rabbit fed diets

contained 100% recorded the lowest (P<0.05) DCP. These results due to the high

proportion of lignin in AL, forming lignifications, and decrease the total protein

digestibility (Perez, 1989). These results are in good agreement with those obtained by

Zeweil (1992) who found that rabbits fed 12% artichoke by-product diet recorded the

best TDN (65.71%) followed by the control group (63.64%) then rabbits fed 24%

artichoke by-product (62.21%) and group fed 36% artichoke by-product (56.87%).

It is clearly to notice that improvement of digestibility of all nutrients for the three

inclusion levels of AL (25, 50 and 75%) may be due to a better digestion as a result

from a combination of fiber sources. Consequently, the improving in the digestibility of

nutrients and nutritive value may be reflected on better growth performance.

Cecum fermentation

Data in Table (5) indicated that the caecum weight, empty caecum (%) were not

affected by inclusion levels of artichoke leaves. The NH3-N concentration dropped with

the increasing of the inclusion level of AL. While, 50% AL recorded the highest total

VFA concentration increased. This increase in total VFA may be related to higher fiber

digestibility and higher cellulolytic count for these experimental diets compared to the

control diet. In this connection, Trocino et al. (2011) stated that the increase of dietary

soluble fibre decreased pH (5.88–5.70), total VFA concentration tended to increase

(73.8–82.8 mmol/L). In addition 50% and 75% AL group were the highest (P<0.05)

14

Acetic and propionic (%) concentration while the experimental groups did not

significantly different in butyric acid (%). Results of caecum microbial counts

(Fibrolytic activity and cellulolytic bacterial counts) revealed that 50%AL group recorded

the highest (P<0.05) cellulolytic bacterial count (8.08 log cfu/ml) and Fibrolytic

activity.

While, Tao and Li (2006) reported that the fibroltic activity of the caecum in 2-3 month

rabbits ascended when the dietary NDF increased and it was consistent with NDF

digestion.

It could be concluded that incorporating (AL) as fiber sources in rabbit diets

stimulating the maturation of cecal flora especially cellulolytic bacteria which secretes

enzymes capable of hydrolyzing the cellulose as the main components of dietary fiber.

These results are confirmed by those of Gidenne et al. (1998), Gidenne and LeBas,

(2002) and (Trocino et al., 2013).

http://www.animalfeedscience.com/article/S0377-8401%2813%2900029-1/abstract



Table 5. Effect of the experimental diets on cecum characteristics of growing rabbits

Items


Basal

diet 25%AL 50%AL 75%AL 100%AL RMSE*

Pr<F

Cecum weight (%) 9.39

8.06 9.06 8.03 7.97 2.33

0.90

Empty cecum weight

(%) 2.68 2.30 2.59 2.30 2.38 0.66

0.90

Ph 6.99 a 6.54

ab 6.32

ab 6.58

ab 6.24

b 0.37 0.20

NH3-N (mg/100ml) 12.83a 12.30

b 11.15

c 10.47

d 10.45

d 0.23 0.0001

Volatile Fatty Acid

TotalVFA

(mleq/100ml) 5.46

b 5.15

b 6.08

a 5.26

b 5.01

b 0.26

0.005

Acetic Acid (% total

VFA) 48.80

c 48.83

c 51.52

a 50.24

ab 49.01

bc 0.74

0.004

Propionic Acid (% total

VFA) 21.50

ab 21.20

b 22.47

a 21.51

ab 20.02

c 0.57

0.006

Butyric Acid (% total

VFA) 19.43 19.32 19.86 19.19 19.47 0.37

0.32

Cecum microbial counts (log cfu/ml)

Fibrolytic activity

(IU/g) 31.87

d 35.20

c 41.92

a 39.93

ab 38.64

b 0.28

0.01

Cellulolytic count

(log cfu/ml)

7.10c 7.70

ab 8.08

a 7.29

bc 7.59

abc 1.39

0.0001

*RMSE=Root Mean Square Error (n=5 rabbits per treatment).

16

Conclusion

Artichoke leaves could be used successively in formulating diets for weaning rabbits up

to 25.5 and 34% of diets without adversely affecting on performance and nutrients

digestibility. From nutritional points of view, artichoke leaves may become a new feed

ingredient for rabbits.

Acknowledgements

Author thanks the technical staff of each experimental site for valuable help.

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0377840113000291






http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03778401




20

GUERRERO CEM1, ALBERTOS APJ

1, MARTÍNEZ YR*

1, 3, MAGAÑA RJJ

1,

GUZMÁN MR1, PARADA HR

2.

1.- Departamento de Agronomía, División de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad de Guanajuato.

2.-Centro Nacional de Cunicultura, México. 3


Abstract

The aim of this study was to characterize nutritionally fodder Salvinia auriculata grown

in aquaponics systems as alternative forage for rabbit feeding. The control diet was

Medicago sativa, and both fodders were fed as hay (85 and 89% dry matter,

respectively). Voluntary feed intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM) were

evaluated. For the study 24 specimens of Oryctolagus cuniculus Californian breed were

used (48 to 53 days old, 1079 ± 73 g, 50% males and 50 % females) which were

obtained from females in the Centro Nacional de Cunicultura (CNC, México) animal

nucleus and reproduced in controlled conditions. Study was carried out in the CNC

premises. The animals were individually kept in galvanized cages (60 x 90 x 40 cm),

with basket for forage feeders and automatic water dispensers. The experiment lasted 11

days, 7 for forage adaptation and the last 4 for sampling. Every day at 9 am fodder (S.

auriculata and M. sativa, 60 and 90 g, respectively) was offered, 24 h later refusals and

feces were collected. Data were analyzed using Student’s T-test. Preliminary results

indicate that S. auriculata hay has a lower DM intake compared to M. sativa, 24.94 ±

2.8 and 48.72 ± 2.9 g day-1

, respectively (mean ± SE). DM digestibility was lower for

S. auriculata than M. sativa, however, the possibility of using this fodder cannot be

ruled out completely, because DM digestibility values of 45.35 and 70.33 % for S.

auriculata and M. sativa respectively were observed.

Keywords: Alternative fodder, aquaponic, feed intake, dry matter digestibility.

NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF Salvinia auriculata

FODDER, GROWN IN AQUAPONICS FOR RABBIT FEED,

PRELIMINARY RESULTS

mailto:[email protected]



CARACTERIZACIÓN NUTRICIONAL DEL FORRAJE Salvinia

auriculata CULTIVADA EN ACUAPONÍA PARA LA ALIMENTACIÓN

DE CONEJOS, RESULTADOS PRELIMINARES

GUERRERO CEM1, ALBERTOS APJ

1, MARTÍNEZ YR*

1, 3, MAGAÑA RJJ

1,

GUZMÁN MR1, PARADA HR

2.




Resumen

El objetivo de presente estudio fue realizar la caracterización nutricional de Salvinia

auriculata cultivada en sistemas de acuaponía como una alternativa forraje para

alimentación en conejos. La dieta control fue Medicago sativa, y ambos forrajes fueron

suministrados en forma de heno. Se evaluaron el consumo voluntario y la digestibilidad

aparente de materia seca (MS). Para esto, fueron utilizados 24 especímenes de

Oryctolagus cuniculus raza California (48 a 53 días de edad, 1079.25 ± 73.49 g, 50%

machos y 50% hembras), los cuales, fueron obtenidos de hembras del núcleo de

animales del Centro Nacional de Cunicultura y Especies Menores (CNCG, México) y

reproducidas en condiciones controladas. Es estudio se llevó a cabo en el mismo

CNCG. Los animales fueron alojados individualmente en jaulas galvanizadas (60 x 90 x

40 cm), con comederos de tipo canasta para el forraje y bebederos automáticos. El

experimento tuvo una duración de 11 días, 7 de adaptación al forraje y 4 de muestreo.

Diariamente, a las 9 am fue ofrecido el forraje y 24 h posteriores recolectado el rechazo

y recolectadas las heces. Los datos fueron analizados por medio de “t” de Student. Los

resultados preliminares indican que heno de S. auriculata presenta un menor consumo

de MS en comparación con M. sativa, 24.94 ± 2.8 y 48.72 ± 2.9 g respectivamente

(media ± EE). Sin embargo, la posibilidad del uso de éste forraje no se puede descartar

por completo, debido a que se observaron valores interesantes de digestibilidad de MS,

de 45.35 y 70.33 %, para S. auriculata y M. sativa, respectivamente.

Palabras clave: Salvinia auriculata, consumo, digestibilidad.


22

Introduction

Aquatic fern Salvinia auriculata, has been listed as an invasive plant due to its

adaptability and fast reproduction León, 2013) and has potential as fodder (Banerjee y

Matai, 1990). Plants from the genus Salvinia have been used as fish feed (Ray y Das,

1992) and according to Henry-Silva and Monteiro (2002), can be alternative fodder for

ruminant. However to date, according to the literature, this plant has not been evaluated

for rabbit consumption. Aquaponics has been proposed as a sustainable alternative to

control the accumulation of waste produced by fish farming, and can be defined as the

integration of production plants hydroponically a recirculating aquaculture system

(Parker, 2002; Van Gorder, 2000). Californian breed rabbits have unique features such

as the production of high quality meat and high commercial value skin, therefore, are

considered dual purpose breed. It is characterized as white with black markings on

muzzle, ears, paws and tail and reaches in adulthood a weight of 4.1 kg for males and

4.3 kg for females (Martinez, 2004). The aim of this paper is to present the preliminary

results of a study of S. auriculata grown in aquaponics as an alternative fodder for

rabbits.

Material

For the study 24 specimens of Oryctolagus cuniculus California breed were used (48 to

53 days old, 1079 ± 73 g, 50% males and 50 % females) which were obtained from

females in the Centro Nacional de Cunicultura (CNC, México) animal nucleus and

reproduced in controlled conditions. Study was conducted in the CNC premises. All the

animals were randomly placed and kept individually in galvanized cages (60 x 90 x 40

cm), with basket for forage feeders and automatic water dispensers. Salvinia auriculata

plants were obtained from the Experimental Aquaponic Unit of the Agronomy

Department at the Life Sciences Division (DICIVA), Campus Irapuato-Salamanca of

the Universidad de Guanajuato, which were dried for 48 h in plastic mesh boxes (1 x 1

m) that were built for hay production. The control diet was Medicago sativa (acquired

from a commercial store) and both fodders were fed as hay (85 and 89% dry matter,

respectively).



Methodology

Preliminary results of voluntary feed intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter

(DM), are presented because to date has not yet completed the full study of the

nutritional characterization. Upon entering the production shed, individuals were

weighed (scale TECNOCOR Mod PPN-30). The experiment Lasted 11 days, 7 for

forage adaptation and the last 4 for sampling. Every day at 9:00 a.m. fodder (S.

auriculata and M. sativa, 60 and 90 g, respectively) was offered and 24 h later, refusals

and feces were collected. The evaluated variables were consumption and apparent

digestibility of DM. Data were analyzed using Student's T-test.


Preliminary results indicate that S. auriculata hay has a lower DM intake compared to

M. sativa, 24.94 ± 2.8 and 48.72 ± 2.9 g day-1

, respectively (mean ± SE). DM

digestibility was lower for S. auriculata than M. sativa, 45.35 and 70.33 %,

respectively. According to Leterme et al. (2009), Salvinia is a good source of minerals

and essential amino acids, however, its use in pig feeding is limited due to their fiber

content, resulting in low digestible energy and protein content, so that, due to fiber

requirements in rabbits, could be an alternative fodder.

Conclusion

The possibility of using this fodder for rabbits cannot be ruled out completely, because

DM digestibility values of S. auriculata observed in the present study.

24

References

Banerjee, A. y Matai, S. (1990). Composition of indian aquatic plants in relation to

utilization as animal forage. J. Aquat. Plant Manage. 28: 69-73.

Henry-Silva, G.G. y Monteiro, C.A.F. (2002). Nutritive value of free-floating aquatic

macrophytes (Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes and Salvinia molesta), used in

aquaculture waste treatment. Acta Scientiarum – Biological and Health Sciences.

24(2): 519-526.

León, Á. (2013). Las 100 especies más invasoras: Salvinia molesta, Boletín Drosophila.

Recuperado de: http://www.drosophila.es/blog/2013/07/29/las-100-especies-mas-

invasoras-salvinia-molesta/

Leterme, P., Londoño, A.M., Muñoz, J.E., Súarez, J., Bedoya, C.A., Souffrant, W.B. y

Buldgen, A. (2009). Nutricional value of aquatic ferns (Azolla filiculoides Lam. and

Salvinia molesta Mitchell) in pigs. Animal Feed Science and Technology. 149(1-2):

135-148.

Martínez, C.M. A. (2004). Cunicultura. México, D.F. 2da. Edición. Editorial

FMVZ.UNAM

Parker, R. (2002). Aquaculture Science. 2a. edición. Delmar. Albany, NY. USA.

Ray, A.K. y Das, I. (1992). Utilization of diets containing composted aquatic weed

(Salvinia cuculata) by the Indian major carp, rohu (Labeo rohita ham.), fingerlings.

Bioresource Technology. 40(1): 67-72.

Van Gorder, S.D. (2000). Small scale aquaculture. The Alternative Aquaculture

Association. Breinigsville, PA, USA.

26

PÉREZ SL, DE LA CRUZ BA, DÍAZ GONZÁLEZ BA,

LAGUNAS BS, FAJARDO MR

Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal (CIESA), Facultad de Medicina

Veterinaria y Zootecnia (FMVZ), Universidad Autónoma de México (UAEMex). Carretera

Toluca-Atlacomulco Km. 15.5. CP. 50200. Toluca, México.

Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

This is the first report of the effects of Kombucha tea (KT) and Saccharomyces

cerevisiae (Sc47) probiotics in rabbit production. The objective of the present study is

to evaluate the effect of KT supplement, which is only used for humans, as well Sc47

yeast strain, during the fattening phase in New Zealand rabbits. In a first experiment, 30

four-week age weaned rabbits were used. They were distributed randomly into three

treatments: KT A, Sc47 B and Control C with 10 repetitions each. In the other research,

30 five-weeks age rabbits with the same distribution characteristics than the first

experiment were used, regardless sex in both research. KT was provided in drinking

distilled water during the treatments at doses of two ml/Kg. In the treatment B, Sc47

was added at doses of two ml with a yeast concentration of 0.014g containing 77,000

CFU per ml, diluted in drinking water. For the group C, food and water were only

supplied. For both experiments, a commercial diet free of additives was used. The

results in total food intake, weight gaining, nutritional conversion and carcass yield,

were not statistically significant (P>0.05). However, the analysis of the production

parameters at the time when the animals of group A reached the 2kg weight, there were

statistically significant differences in the above-mentioned parameters (P<0.05);

because the animals reached the goal of the two kg four days earlier than the control

group. Furthermore, the KT doses used in treatment A, did not represent a health risk to

the experimented rabbits.

Key words: probiotic, rabbit, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kombucha tea, production

parameters.

EVALUATION OF KOMBUCHA TEA NUTRITIONAL

SUPPLEMENT AND Saccharomyces cerevisiae SC47 ON

PRODUCTION PARAMETERS IN NEW ZEALAND RABBITS

DURING THE FATTENING STAGE




EVALUACIÓN DEL SUPLEMENTO ALIMENTICIO CON TÉ

KOMBUCHA Y SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE SC47 SOBRE

PARÁMETROS PRODUCTIVOS EN CONEJOS NUEVA ZELANDA

DURANTE LA ETAPA DE ENGORDA

PÉREZ SL, DE LA CRUZ A, DÍAZ GONZÁLEZ AE,

LAGUNAS BS, FAJARDO MR*





Resumen

Los efectos de estos probióticos y específicamente del té Kombucha se desconocen en

la cunicultura. El objetivo principal del presente trabajo consistió en evaluar el efecto

del suplemento vía oral de Té Kombucha hasta ahora de uso en humanos y de levadura

Saccharomyces cerevisiae cepa Sc47, durante la etapa de engorde en conejos Nueva

Zelanda. En un primer experimento (α), se utilizaron 30 conejos destetados de cuatro

semanas de edad, se distribuyeron de forma aleatoria en tres tratamientos ((A) Té

Kombucha, (B) Sc47 y C (Control)) con 10 repeticiones. Segundo experimento (β), se

utilizaron 30 conejos de 5 semana de edad con las mismas características de

distribución, sin considerar el sexo en ambos. En los tratamientos recibieron Té

Kombucha en agua de bebida a dosis de 2 ml/Kg. de peso, los tratamientos B recibieron

Saccharomyces cerevisiae cepa Sc47 a dosis de 2 ml. de agua destilada con .014g de

levadura a una concentración en ambos tratamientos no menor de 77000 UFC por

mililitro y diluidos en el agua de bebida, los tratamientos C solo recibieron alimento y

agua, se utilizó un alimento comercial peletizado sin aditivos. Los resultados en

consumo de alimento ganancia de peso, conversión alimenticia y rendimiento en canal

de los experimentos α y β, no son estadísticamente significativos (P<0.05). La dosis de

Té Kombucha utilizada en los tratamientos A del presente trabajo no representó peligro

alguno para la salud de los conejos, las dosis utilizadas en los tratamientos A y B se

considera que fueron bajas para ocasionar efectos en parámetros productivos.

Palabras clave: probiótico, conejo, Kombucha, Saccharomyces, coliformes.


28

Introduction

Currently seeking alternatives to promote animal growth through a more secure way,

not only for the animal, but also to preserve human health, this phenomenon has led to

the investigation of various products among which the acidifying food, symbiotic,

prebiotic and probiotic. The latter are a live microbial feed supplement that makes a

profit in the animal by improving its intestinal microbiota balance. Some known

mechanisms are: probiotic act on cells of the innate immunity and adapted immunity;

stimulating macrophages, NK cells, T lymphocytes, increasing release of cytokines as γ-

interferon, interleukins 1 and 12, resulting in an increase of specific IgA antibodies (13).

When probiotics are added to food, they increase digestibility, the synthesis of B

vitamins (15, 18) and the production of organic acids, such as lactic acid, which

decrease the pH, regulate the growth of E. coli and Salmonella spp and stimulate the

intestinal peristaltic movements (14). Kombucha Tea (KT) is made with black tea

(Camellia sinensis) containing caffeine and polyphenol (22, 24) and is fermented by the

Kombucha culture, which is used as an alternative therapy. Hartman et al. (2000) have

found that it is composed of a symbiosis between bacteria Acetobacter xylinum,

Acetobacter Bacterium xylinoides or gluconicum and various yeast

Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Saccharomycodes ludwigii, kombuchaensis

Zygosaccharomyces, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, predominantly Brettanomyces yeasts

(7). It has also been attributed an antimicrobial activity (Sreeramulu et al., 2000).

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a probiotic yeast colonizing mucosal surfaces and is

considered non-pathogenic for immunocompetent patients; in immunocompromised

patients can cause infection. (1, 4). The strain of S. cerevisiae Sc47, has not been

studied as much as others, is a selected strain of the baking industry, has been used

commercially for feeding pigs (1) and other farm animals (6, 13) . In the field, trials

have been shown effective for control growth of E. coli and Isospora suis in pigs (13).

The benefits of supplementation feed yeast relate to an anti-adhesive effect of

pathogens, stimulating non-specific immunity and the inhibition of the action of

microbial toxins (13). The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of KT

supplement, as well Sc47 yeast strain, during the fattening phase in New Zealand

rabbits.




In this experiment, 30 four-week age weaned rabbits were used. They were distributed

randomly into three treatments: KT A, Sc47 B and Control C with 10 repetitions each.

KT was provided in drinking distilled water during the treatments at doses of two

ml/Kg. In the treatment B, Sc47 was added at doses of two ml with a yeast

concentration of 0.014g containing 77,000 CFU per ml, diluted in drinking water. For

the group C, food and water were only supplied. For the experiment, a commercial diet

free of additives was used.

To assess the weight gains during the fattening stage weighing animals was performed

every seven days until the animals reached 75 days of life, to refine feed intake the

amount of food offered and refused was weighed daily the three groups. At the end of

the experiment, three groups were weighed and sacrificed according to NOM-033-

ZOO-1995 (5) and later to get headless and gutted carcasses and thus obtain the yield

carcass by the formula (12): Hot carcass yield = live weight headless carcass weight X-

100 Body weight Feed conversion was obtained according to the formula: feed intake /

weight gain (19). For the analysis of the results of weekly weight gain, average daily

gain, weight and hot carcass yield, feed intake and feed conversion; parametric statistics

were used by analysis of variance with a significance level of 0.95%. The differences

between means were compared with Tukey's test.

Results

The results in total food intake, weight gaining, nutritional conversion and carcass yield,

were in this order: group A, follow by group B and C, but there were not statistically

significant (P>0.05) (Table 1). However, the analysis of the production parameters at

the time when the animals of group A reached the 2kg weight, demonstrated that, group

A had got the goal of two Kg, four days before B group and five days before C group

(Figure 1). In spite of these differences, there were not statistically significant

differences in the above-mentioned parameters (P<0.05).

30

Discussion and conclusions

Differences between the groups are possibly due to higher feed intake and content of

Kombucha Tea yeast involved to improve the utilization of the diet (3, 7, 10).

Furthermore, the content of KT (sugars, vitamins and amino acids) contribute to get

daily higher gains in live weight than B and C groups. However, these weight gains

were among the highest compared to the gains reported by other authors (Table 1).

Regarding food intake, no significant differences (P> 0.05) were observed until the 5th

week, where treatment with KT consumed more food than treatment B and C (P=

0.0005), the mechanism of this modification feed intake associated with long-term

supply of KT is not well defined. According to the results, it is concluded that

nutritional supplementation with KT and Sc47 can improve food consumption and

shortening the period of fattening to get the market weight in rabbits, so it is

recommended to continue such studies. Furthermore, the KT and Sc47 doses used in

treatment A, did not represent a health risk to the experimented rabbits.

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Probiotics in Clinical Practice. Clin. Microbiol. Rev., Vol. 16. Nª 4. pp. 658-272.

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Am. J. Clin. Nutr., Vol. 71. No. pp. 1682S–1687S.

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Gastrointestinal Health. Symposium: probiotic Bacteria: implication for human

health. pp.396-402.

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27: 279-283. 16. Shimada A.M. 2003: Nutrición animal. Trillas. México, D. F.

pp.15-63. 17. Sumano L.H.; C.L. Ocampo. 1997: Farmacología Veterinaria. Ed.

McGraw-Hill. Interamericana. 2ª ed. México, D. F. pp.35-42

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characteristics and starter organisms. Am. J. Clin. Nutr., Vol. 73, No. 2, pp.

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20. Sumano L.H., C.L. Ocampo.1997; Farmacología Veterinaria. Ed. Mac Graw-

Hill Interamaricana. 2a. México. D.F. pp35-42.

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21. Tachicawa, T., Seo, G., Nakazawa, M., Sueyoshi, M., Ohishi, T., Joh, K. (1998):

Estimation of probiotics by infection model of infant rabbit with

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9.

34

* DUPERRAY J1, GRAND E

1, WEISSMAN D

1, LAURENT JM

1,

LAUNAY C1, BELTRAN J

2

1.- EN VIVO NSA, Talhouët, P.E. 234, 56006 Vannes Cedex, Francia.

2.- MALTA CLEYTON, Poniente 134, N ° 786, Colonia Industrial Vallejo, México DF CP

02300.


Abstract

Rabbit breeders use a range of strategies in their attempt to minimise the digestive

problems caused by ERE (Epizootic Rabbit Enteropathy). Feed rationing is one practice

that effectively reduces health problems of a digestive nature. The aim of this article is

to provide an overview of two studies conducted in ERE conditions. Restricted feeding

was compared to ad libitum feeding. Some animals on a restricted intake were also

subjected to a fast, and some of the ad libitum fed animals received Vegeplus, a plant-

based supplement, added to their feed. Rabbits were fattened up in ERE conditions to

the age of 67 days. They were weighed individually at 53 and 67 days and the

consumption of each cage was determined at these same ages. Mortality was monitored

daily. Some of the animals were necropsied at different points of the fattening, the

diagnosis was death from digestive disorders, with most animals being diagnosed with

ERE. These studies in ERE conditions have shown the health benefits of feed restriction

for fattening rabbits. Imposing a fast on animals already on restricted intake provides no

additional health benefits, rather it severely penalises the growth performance of the

rabbits. Although this technique is often practised by breeders who feed their animals

ad libitum, it has less of a place in restricted intake techniques where the most effective

way of imposing a fast has yet to be determined. Adding the natural plant extract

Vegeplus to feed reduces mortality and improves production. When a health risk is

present, the digestive security it provides reduces the need of feed restriction.

Key words: Rabbit– Epizootic Rabbit Enteropathy– Feeding management– Health

status– Fattening performances

EFFECTS OF FEED RATIONING, FASTING AND A HERBAL

SUPPLEMENT ON MORTALITY AND PERFORMANCE

OF FATTENING RABBITS IN ERE CONDITIONS



EFECTOS DEL RACIONAMIENTO DE ALIMENTO Y AYUNO CON UN

SUPLEMENTO HERBÁCEO SOBRE LA MORTALIDAD

Y RENDIMIENTO DE LOS CONEJOS ENGORDE

EN CONDICIONES DE ERE

* DUPERRAY J1, GRAND E

1, WEISSMAN D

1, LAURENT JM

1,

LAUNAY C1, BELTRAN J

2

1. EN VIVO NSA, Talhouët, P.E. 234, 56006 Vannes Cedex, Francia.

2. MALTA CLEYTON, Poniente 134, N ° 786, Colonia Industrial Vallejo, México DF CP

02300.

* Autor correspondiente: [email protected]

Resumen

Criadores de conejo utilizan una serie de estrategias en su intento de reducir al mínimo

los problemas digestivos causados por el ERE (Enteropatía- epizoóticadel conejo). RSS

racionamiento es una práctica que reduce los problemas de salud de carácter digestivo.

El objetivo es proporcionar una visión general de dos estudios llevados a cabo en

condiciones de ERE. Se comparó alimentación restringida con alimentación ad libitum.

Algunos animales con ingesta restringida se sometieron a ayuno, y algunos de los

animales alimentados ad libitum recibieron Vegeplus, un suplemento herbáceo, añadido

a su alimento. Los conejos fueron engordados en condiciones de ERE a la edad de 67

días, fueron pesados individualmente a los 53 y 67 días y el consumo de cada jaula se

determinó en estas mismas edades. La mortalidad se monitoreó diariamente. Algunos de

los animales fueron necropsiados en diferentes puntos del engorde, el diagnóstico fue la

muerte por trastornos digestivos, en la mayoría diagnosticadas con ERE. Estos

estudios en condiciones de ERE han demostrado los beneficios de la restricción de

alimento para los conejos de engorde. La imposición de un ayuno en los animales que

ya están en la ingesta restringida no proporciona beneficios adicionales para la salud,

sino que penaliza severamente el desempeño del crecimiento de los conejos. Aunque

esta técnica es practicada por los criadores que alimentan a sus animales ad libitum, las

técnicas de ingesta restringida donde la forma más efectiva de imponer un ayuno aún no

se ha determinado.

36

La adición de extracto de la planta Vegeplus en el alimento reduce la mortalidad y

mejora la producción. Cuando un riesgo para la salud está presente, la seguridad que

proporciona este digestivo reduce la necesidad de restricción de alimento.

Palabras clave: enteropatía-epizótica del conejo, alimentación, engorde, manejo

sanitario



Introduction

Rabbit breeders use a range of strategies in their attempt to minimise the digestive

problems caused by ERE (Epizootic Rabbit Enteropathy). Feed rationing is one practice

that effectively reduces health problems of a digestive nature. Gidenne et al. (2008)

have in fact shown that a 25% reduction in dietary intake leads to a significant fall in

mortality of 46% (from 19.9% to 10.7%). In another article, he demonstrated that once

intake is restricted by 20%, the benefits of rationing on mortality rates and health risks

become significants (Gidenne et al., 2003). In an attempt to reduce the reliance on

medical methods, research is now being conducted into different breeding techniques

and natural products that could help improve the digestive health of young fattening

rabbits. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of two studies conducted in

ERE conditions at the In Vivo NSA Research Center (Vannes, FRANCE). Restricted

feeding was compared to free feeding (ad libitum). Some animals on a restricted intake

were also subjected to a fast in order to determine whether this strategy, which is

sometimes found in the field, is yet better still for the health compared to traditional

feed restriction. Finally, some of the ad libitum fed animals had Vegeplus, a plant-based

supplement, added to their feed.

Material and method

Animals

For the first trial, 336 rabbits were allotted into groups upon weaning based on their

weight at 31 days and litter. For the second trial, 384 young rabbits were allotted in the

same manner. The animals were weaned at 32 days and housed in cages containing 8

rabbits each in a fattening unit at the In Vivo NSA Research Centre in Saint Nolff,

which meets Good Laboratory Practice standards. For the first trial, a ninth rabbit was

introduced into each cage at 33 days of age and inoculated with 500 µl TEC4, then

removed at 47 days old.

38

For the second trial, all animals were inoculated with 50 µl TEC4. TEC4 is an inoculum

manufactured by INRA and used to reproduce ERE in test conditions via the oral

inoculation of rabbits. The rabbits were fattened up to the age of 67 days. They were

weighed individually at 53 and 67 days and the consumption of each cage was

determined at these same ages. Mortality was monitored daily.

Treatment

Both trials involved a comparison of four groups. The AL group of rabbits was fed ad

libitum. The R group was rationed at 75% of theoretical intake. The R+Fast group

received the same ration as the R group, but a 48-hour fast was imposed after the second

death in this group. These three groups were fed on the same commercial fattening diet.

The AL+Vegeplus group was fed ad libitum. The feed given to this group was a diet

similar to that given to the other three groups but with the addition of Vegeplus, a

natural plant-based product.

Statistical analysis

The mortality data were compared using a Chi-squared test. The growth data were

compared using analysis of variance for a linear model. For each endpoint, the trial

effect, the treatment effect and their interaction were studied.

Results

Health status

The mortality results are given in Table 1. The incidence of animal deaths observed in

each of the groups differed to a statistically significant degree (P=0.00062). The

mortality rate in the AL group was 12.5%. Feed restriction reduced mortality by 63%,

since only 4.7% of the animals in the R group died. The 48-hour fast was imposed

during the first two weeks of fattening. The rationed animals that had undergone the fast

presented a mortality rate of 9.7%, this figure lying between that of the rationed animals

and that of the animals that were fed ad libitum on the same feed. Imposing a fast on

already rationed animals does not therefore seem to achieve any health improvements

compared to traditional feed restriction.



The results show that with free feeding, adding Vegeplus to the feed produces a very

significant improvement in the health status of the animals. In fact, mortality was 79%

lower in the AL+Vegeplus group than in the AL group, with only 2.6% of the Vegeplus

animals having died in ERE conditions.

Some of the animals were necropsied at different points of the fattening, all groups

combined. The diagnosis was death from digestive disorders, with most animals being

diagnosed with ERE.

Table 1: Cumulative mortality at the end of the fattening period

AL R R+Fast AL+Vegeplus P. Chi²

initial number 192 192 144 192

0.00062

mortality rate % 12.5 c 4.7 ab 9.7 bc 2.6 a

Graph 1 shows the change in mortality throughout the fattening period. Mortality

peaked at 40 days i.e. approximately one week post-inoculation.

40

Graph 1: Change in cumulative mortality during the fattening period, by group

Body weight and growth

The body weight and ADG (Average Daily Gain) results are given in Table 2. The body

weight and ADG figures are from the surviving animals and provide good morbidity

indicators.



Table 2: Growth performance, by group

Body weight (g) ADG (g/day)

31 days 53 days 67 days 31-53 days 53-67 days 31-67 days

AL

818

(+/-72)

1,768 a

(+/-184)

2,385 a

(+/-182)

43.2 a

(+/-6.5)

45.3 a

(+/-7.6)

44.0 a

(+/-4.3)

R

818

(+/-71)

1,611 b

(+/-103)

2,205b

(+/-133)

35.8 b

(+/-3.9)

44.0 a

(+/-4.5)

38.9 b

(+/-3.2)

R+Fast

805

(+/-69)

1,477 c

(+/-139)

2,101 c

(+/-171)

30.7 c

(+/-5.0)

47.0 b

(+/-4.7)

36.6 c

(+/-4.0)

AL+Vegeplus

819

(+/-73)

1,764 a

(+/-166)

2,378 a

(+/-187)

43.3 a

(+/-5.3)

46.1 a

(+/-5.9)

44.1 a

(+/-4.3)

P trial <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 NS

P treatment NS <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 0.0002 <0.0001

P trial *treatment NS 0.0074 NS NS <0.0001 NS

NS: Not significant at the 5% level, mean (+/- standard deviation)

Free feeding resulted in a significantly higher body weight at the end of the fattening

period than restricted feeding (P<0.0001). The average weight of the animals at 67 days

was 2,835 g in the AL group compared to 2,205 g in the R group i.e. 180 g higher

(Graph 2). This meant an average growth of 5.1 g/day i.e. 13.1% higher between days

31-67 (P<0.0001) (Graph 3). Imposing a fast between days 32 and 53 caused a

significant fall in body weight of 137 g on average at 53 days, compared to the rationed

group (P<0.0001), with the resulting impact of an average loss of 104 g in body weight

at 67 days (P<0.001). The animals in the R+Fast group therefore never recovered from

the growth retardation caused by the fasting. Throughout the fattening period, this

growth retardation meant a fall in ADG of 2.3 g/day (P<0.0001) i.e. 5.9% between days

32 and 67 compared with the R group. Finally, adding Vegeplus to the feed of fattening

rabbits in ERE conditions produced animals whose growth and weight at slaughter are

comparable to those of the AL group (2,378 g vs. 2,385 g at 67 days).

42

Graph 2: Change in average weight between days 32 and 67, by group

The significant crossover observed in weight at 53 days is due to the fact that for trial 1,

the AL group weighed 25 g more than the AL+Vegeplus group, whereas it weighed 23

g less for trial 2.



Graph 3: Change in ADG during the fattening period, by group

Feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR)

The intake and FCR figures are taken from the zootechnical study of the living animals.

Intake and FCR, accounting for dead animals, is discussed in another chapter.

The intake of the R group was 16% lower than the AL group (P<0.0001) over the whole

of the fattening period (Table 3), resulting in a significant improvement in FCR of 0.11

points over this same period (P<0.0001). The ERE-induced morbidity resulted in a fall

in intake by the freely-fed animals compared to what would be expected in their healthy

counterparts. Therefore, the rabbits in group R consumed only 16% less than the

animals in group AL and not 25% less. The 25% intake restriction we applied was, in

fact, calculated based on the theoretical intake of animals fed ad libitum in good health

conditions.

44

Imposing the fast meant an average reduction of 8.9 g/day (9.6%) in feed intake

between days 32 and 53 compared to the rationed group (P<0.0001). This fall in post-

weaning consumption had significant repercussions on the whole of the fattening period

(P<0.0001), since the animals who had fasted during the initial period never

compensated for this during the second period. The animals in the AL+Vegeplus group

consumed more than those in the AL group over the whole fattening period (140.6

g/day vs. 132.0 g/day; P<0.0001) and their feed conversion ratio was not as good (3.21

vs. 3.01; P<0.0001), probably due to the low mortality rate observed in this group and

the morbidity observed in all animals.

Table 3: Feed intake and consumption intake results, by group

intake (g/day) feed conversion ratio

32-53 days 53-67 days 32-67 days 32-53 days 53-67 days 32-67 days

AL

107.3 b

(+/-9.1)

170.8 a

(+/-30.3)

132.0 b

(+/-11.9)

2.55 a

(+/-0.15)

3.68 b

(+/-0.57)

3.01 b

(+/-0.22)

R

92.8 c

(+/-2.4)

140.2 b

(+/-5.3)

111.4 c

(+/-2.5)

2.66 b

(+/-0.11)

3.22 a

(+/-0.26)

2.90 a

(+/-0.07)

R+Fast

83.9 d

(+/-2.2)

138.6 b

(+/-3.7)

105.2 d

(+/-2.5)

2.78 c

(+/-0.26)

3.00 a

(+/-0.19)

2.92 a

(+/-0.15)

AL+Vegeplus

116.8 a

(+/-9.0)

177.8 a

(+/-9.7)

140.6 a

(+/-8.3)

2.75 c

(+/-0.19)

3.90 c

(+/-0.25)

3.21 c

(+/-0.12)

P trial NS NS NS <0.0001 0.01 NS

P treatment <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001

P trial *treatment NS NS NS 0.0037 NS NS

mean (+/- standard deviation)



Economic analysis

Table 4 gives the economic analysis for the four trial groups. The results have been

extrapolated in order to estimate performance figures for 1,000 weaned rabbits.

Revenue has been calculated based on slaughter weight at 67 days and a price of €1.85

kg/body weight (source: RENACEB/RENALAP 2012, published by ITAVI).Feed

expenditure has been calculated based on the total feed consumed (including by the

rabbits that died during the fattening period). The cost of the feed was taken from the

2012 figures published by ITAVI in its RENACEB/RENALAP report i.e. €277/tonne.

The economic analysis provides an overview of the zootechnical results and the

mortality results, looking at the animals as a whole, including those that died during

fattening.

Table 4: Economic comparison of the four test methods

For 1,000 weaned rabbits AL R R+Fast AL+Vegeplus

Weaned number 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000

Slaughtered number 875 953 903 974

Total weaned weight (kg) 817 817 804 817

Total slaughtered weight (kg)

(base 100) 2,062 100 2,086 101 1,882 91 2,302 112

Weight gain (kg) (A) 1245 1270 1078 1485

Total feed intake (kg) (B) 4,252 3,792 3,374 4,856

FCR (B/A) (base

100) 3.41 100 2.99 88 3.13 92 3.27 96

Revenue (€) (C) 3,753 3,797 3,425 4,190

Revenue (base 100) 100 101 91 112

Feed expenditure (€) (D) 1,178 1,050 935 1,466

Feed expenditure (base 100) 100 89 79 124

IOFC/1,000 weaned rabbits (€) (C-D) 2,575 2,747 2,490 2,724

IOFC (base 100) 100 107 97 106

46

The AL group had the lowest slaughter number, and the AL+Vegeplus group had the

highest (875 animals slaughtered vs. 974). Total slaughtered weight, extrapolated to

1,000 weaned rabbits, ranged from 1,882 kg for the R+Fast group to 2,302 kg in the

AL+Vegeplus group. Of the various feeding methods used, the R+Fast group had the

lowest feed intake. The animals in this group consumed 11% less than the R group, 21%

less than the AL group and 31% less than the AL+Vegeplus group. The feed conversion

ratio represents the ratio between the total weight gain between weaning and slaughter,

and total intake, including the feed consumed by the animals that died during the

fattening period. The feed restriction method resulted in the lowest FCR (3.13), whilst

the AL group had the least efficient FCR (3.41). Our economic simulation shows that

breeders wishing to maximise their revenue should use the AL+Vegeplus method. This

is because it allows the most rabbits to be slaughtered at a good weight. Revenue was

12% higher for the AL+Vegeplus group than for the AL group, with the R group

generating a revenue similar to that of the AL group. The R+Fast group generated the

lowest revenue, 9% less than the AL group. Thanks to its lower feed cost and lower

mortality rate, the R group gave an Income Over Feed Cost (IOFC) that was 7% higher

than the AL group. Fasting the rationed animals reduced the IOFC, not only compared

to traditional rationing but also compared to free feeding (-3%). Finally, despite the

additional cost, adding Vegeplus to the feed of animals fed ad libitum resulted in an

increase in IOFC with a 6% financial gain compared to free feeding, due to the lower

mortality rate in the AL+Vegeplus group.

Discussion

These results confirm the benefits of restricting feed to 75% of theoretical intake in

order to minimise the health problems of ERE in test conditions. This initial

observation, along with the necropsy diagnoses, lead us to conclude that the method for

reproducing ERE in test conditions as used at the In Vivo NSA Research Station (St

Nolff, FRANCE) is valid.

The feed restriction method achieved a 49% drop in mortality during the fattening

period in these conditions.



However, imposing a fast on the animals on top of the feed restriction did not produce

any improvement in the animals' health if imposed following the second death. This

strategy is sometimes used in practice to restore digestive balance. Nevertheless, we

found that fasting does

not carry any additional benefits compared to feed restriction alone. Not only were no

health benefits observed, but this practice has a clear negative impact on the growth of

the animals, reducing weight at 67 days by 104 g compared to the animals on restricted

feeding but no fast. It may initially appear that a 48-hour fast is too long. Shortening it

to 24 hours may limit the negative effects on growth. The fasting technique may also be

more effective with freely fed animals. However, since fewer and fewer breeders are

using this technique, it was not included in our study. It would nevertheless be

interesting to compare this practice in free feeding and restricted feeding conditions in

order to determine the conditions in which it may be most effective. In fact, if this

technique is being used in practice by breeders who feed their animals ad libitum during

the fattening period, could it still pose benefits for breeders who practice restricted

feeding?

The immune system needs nutrients such as certain amino acids in order to function and

ensure the synthesis of the proteins involved in immune defence. If the body cannot

obtain the necessary amino acids from its food intake, they are produced from muscular

catabolism (Le Floc'h et al., 2004). Stopping the feed of rabbits when they become ill

can therefore weaken the animal and slow down the immune defence mechanism.

Finally, adding Vegeplus to freely-provided feed guarantees the fattening process from

a health standpoint by significantly limiting mortality in ERE conditions compared to a

Control feed. The mortality rate of the animals fed ad libitum but including a Vegeplus

supplement was numerically less than that of the animals on restricted feed. Therefore,

in ERE conditions, Vegeplus provides health protection equivalent to a restricted diet,

whilst at the same time allowing free feeding which provides better growth. Vegeplus is

a natural product made from plant extracts and is therefore consistent with current

attempts to reduce the use of antibiotics in the rabbit husbandry sector.

48

Conclusion

These two studies in ERE conditions have shown the health benefits of feed restriction

for fattening rabbits. Imposing a fast on animals already on restricted intake provides no

additional health benefits, rather it severely penalises the growth performance of the

rabbits. Although this technique is often practised by breeders who feed their animals

ad libitum, it has less of a place in restricted intake techniques where the most effective

way of imposing a fast has yet to be determined. Adding the natural plant extract

Vegeplus to feed improves production even when a health risk is present since the

digestive security it provides means the need for feed restriction is lessened.

References

Gidenne T., Feigier A., Jehl N., Arveux P., Boisot P., Briens C., Corrent E., Fortune H.,

Montessuy S., Verdelhan S. 2003. Un rationnement quantitatif post-sevrage permet de

réduire la fréquence des diarrhées, sans dégradation importante des performances de

croissance : résultats d’une étude multi-site. 10èmes Journées de la Recherche

Cunicole, Paris, 29-32.

Gidenne T., Murr S., Travel A., Corrent E., Foubert C., Bebin K., Mevel L., Rebours

G., Renouf B. 2008. Effet du niveau de rationnement et du mode de ditribution de

l’aliment sur les performances et les troubles digestifs post-sevrage du lapereau,

Journée Nationale du Lapin de Chair, 33-40

Le Floc’h N., Melchior D., Obled C. 2004. Modifications of protein and amino acid

metabolism during inflammation and immune system activation, Livestock Production

Science, 87, 37-45.

50

1DIHIGO LE,

2HILDA SR,

3RONDON AJ,

1DOMINGUEZ M,

1SARDUY L

1.-

ICA, Institute of Animal Science. CC. km 47 ½ San José de las Lajas. Cuba

2.- LABEX, Laboratories Biological Pharmaceutical. Santiago de Cuba. Cuba

3.- UM, University of Matanzas " Camilo Cienfuegos. Matanzas, Cuba


Abstract

The use of probiotics in rabbits can improve feed efficiency by improving gut

integrity, nutrient absorption and digestive behavior. In order to determine the

digestibility of nutrients in rabbits intake diets with a probiotic mixture of Bacillus

subtilis endospore (Subtilprobio®), 20 male rabbits of New Zealand white breed with

90 days of age and an average weight of 2.2 Kg housed in individual metabolism

cages were used. They were distributed according to a completely randomized design

in two experimental groups: Control and experimental without probiotic, with ten

repetitions each. The probiotic was mixed in the diet at a rate of 1 l per ton of feed.

During the 15 days that lasted the experiment, the last five days intake and fecal

excretion were measured. Digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP),

organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and Ash (C) were measured.

Differences for intake, excretion g of DM and OM digestibility were not observed.

Rabbits who consumed the probiotic significantly improved (P<0.05) and (P< 0.01)

digestibility of DM and NDF values of 72.79 % vs 77.98 % and 54.26 % vs 64.11 %,

respectively. Similarly, the greater digestibility (P<0.001) of CP was observed in

animals fed the probiotic with values 79.14 % vs 87.38 %, respectively. It was

concluded that the use of Subtilprobio ® in rabbit diets improved indicators of

digestibility for DM, NDF, and CP.

Key words: rabbits, probiotic, Bacillus subtilis, digestibility.

NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY STUDIES IN RABBITS INTAKE

DIETS WITH THE ADDITION OF PROBIOTIC SUBTILPROBIO

® (BACILLUS SUBTILIS AND ENDOSPORES)



ESTUDIOS DE DIGESTIBILIDAD DE NUTRIENTES EN CONEJOS QUE

CONSUMEN DIETAS CON LA ADICIÓN DEL PROBIOTICO SUBTILPROBIO®

(Bacillus subtilis Y SUS ENDOSPORAS)

1DIHIGO LE,

2HILDA SR,

3RONDON AJ,

1DOMINGUEZ MY,

1SARDUY L

1.- ICA,

1Instituto de Ciencia Animal. CC. km 47 ½ San José de las Lajas. Cuba

2.- Laboratorios Biológicos Farmacéuticos LABEX. Santiago de Cuba. Cuba

3.- UM, Universidad de Matanzas “Camilo Cienfuegos”. Matanzas, Cuba


Resumen

Con el objetivo de determinar la digestibilidad de nutrientes en conejos que consumen

dietas con mezcla probiótica a base de Bacillus subtilis y sus endospora,

Subtilprobio®. Se utilizaron 20 conejos machos de la raza Nueva Zelanda Blanco con

90 días de edad y un peso promedio de 2.2 Kg alojados en jaulas de metabolismo

individual. Se distribuyeron según diseño completamente aleatorizado en dos grupos

experimentales. Control sin el probiótico y experimental con probiótico, con diez

repeticiones cada una. El probiótico se mezcló en la dieta a razón de 1l por tonelada

de pienso. Durante los 15 días que duro el experimento, los últimos cinco días se

midió el consumo y la excreción de heces fecales. Se midieron la digestibilidad de la

materia seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), materia orgánica (MO), Fibra detergente

neutra (FDN) y ceniza (C). No se observó diferencias para el consumo, excreción de

los g de MS y ni para la digestibilidad de la MO. Los conejos que consumieron el

probiótico mejoraron significativamente (P<0.05 y (P<0.01) la digestibilidad de la MS

y FDN con valores de 72,79% vs 77,98 % y 54,26% vs 64,11 % respectivamente. De

igual forma la mayor digestibilidad (P<0.001) de la PB se observó en los animales que

consumieron el probíotico con valores de 79,14% vs 87,38 % respectivamente. Se

concluye que el uso del probiótico Subtilprobio® en dietas para conejo mejoró los

indicadores de digestibilidad para MS, FDN y PB.

Palabras clave: conejos, probiótico, Bacillus subtilis y digestibilidad.

52

Introduction

Worldwide probiotic preparations are used with satisfactory results to improve the

production and health of animals´ behavior (Swientek, 2003). This result is an

overall enhanced health as a result of improved nutrition, increasing the rate of

growth and production (Berg, 1998).

In rabbits, microbial cultures are used to reduce the incidence and death from

diarrhea and to increase production efficiency. The studies were directed toward the

control of intestinal pH using outside microflora rabbit bacteria (Cheeke et al.1989).

The use of Bacillus subtilis not only improves health but promotes intestinal

digestion processes by matching nutrient and productivity of rabbits.

That is why the objective of this study was to determine the digestibility of nutrients

in rabbits that consumed diets with probiotics based on mixture of Bacillus subtilis

and endospores, Subtilprobio®.


Chemical properties determination

The diets were prepared at the National Center for Laboratory Animal Breeding

CENPALAB). The chemical composition of the diets and feces was determined by

the method described by the AOAC (1993) for dry matter (DM), organic matter

(OM), crude protein (CP) and ash (C). Fractions of neutral detergent fiber (NDF),

acid detergent fiber (ADF), lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose were determined by

Goering and Van Soest (1993). Dietary analysis determined containing: DM (88.02

%), CP (22.50%), ash (7.78 %), OM (92.21 %) and NDF (43.94 %) which were

performed at the Laboratory of analytical services of the Institute of Animal Science.

Experimental Procedure

Twenty white Semigiant New Zealand commercial hybrid male rabbits of 4.5 months

of age and 2.4 kg average weight were used. The animals were allocated in

individual metabolism cages. They were distributed in a completely randomized

design in two groups: A control group and the second was added Subtilprobio ® at a

dose of 1l/1000kg of food. Each group had ten repetitions and 12h periods of light

and darkness. Feeding was restricted to 120g per animal, shaped pellet during the 14



days of the experiment. During the last four days the feces were weighed and dry

matter was determined at 105 oC. Feces were stored at -20 ° until analysis.

Calculation of apparent digestibility coefficient of nutrients

For the calculation of average coefficient apparent digestibility, nutrient formula

described by Perez et al was used (1995).

100*(g) nutrients Ingested

(g) fecesin Nutrients - (g) nutrients IngestedsADNutrient

Statistical Analysis

The analysis of variance was carried out according to the SPSS system for Windows

version 1.0 and INFOSTAT (2001 ) indistinctly, where necessary Duncan (1955).


Table 1 shows the results of intake, fecal excretion of DM and CP digestibility, NDF,

OM and A were observed in rabbit.

A higher digestibility (P < 0.05) for DMN was observed in rabbits fed the diet with

the probiotic . This improvement in DM digestibility is due to a significant increase

(P<0.01) that had the NDF digestibility. This may be determined by a stimulation of

cecal microbiological activity (Kimura et al. 1997), which favors higher digestion of

cell wall constituents and other nutrients. In rabbits the digestion of cell wall

components is limited by a poor retention of food in the cecum and the same

characteristics of fermentible substrate. Stimulation with microbial content in these

processes are favoured, increasing the digestibility and the final products of the

fermentation.

54

Table 1. Effects of Subtilprobio® adding intake and fecal excretion

Indicators Control White

Probiotic

Sig/EE±

Intake (g of DM/ animal/day) 130,66 145,36 7,68

Fecal excretion g of DM/

animal/day)

35,81 31,41 3,47

DM D (%) 72,79 77,98 1,70*

CP D (%) 79,14 87,38 1,47***

OM D (%) 72,94 78,05 1,67

NDF D (%) 54,26 64,11 2,12**

ASH D (%) 70,94 77,17 2,41

(g dm / animal / day, and the digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, OM and C (%) in rabbits.

*(P<0,05)**(P<0,01)***(P<0,001)

Similarly, the digestibility of CP was favoured (P<0.001). Samanya and Yamauchi

(2002) and Teo and Tan (2007) determined that the use of Bacillus subtilis in the diet

of rabbits promotes intestinal integrity and increases the efficiency of utilization and

absorption of nutrients. Hence, the productive and reproductive performance of

rabbit intake in this type of probiotic with liveweight exceeding 225 g in the control

and no death in rabbits at the lactation stage with weaning weights of 1.09 kg per

group, improved (Rubio 2012 ).

No differences for consumption, fecal excretion, OMD and ashD in rabbits that

consumed diets with or without probiotic were observed. The trend was to increase

consumption and decrease the fecal excretion of DM, which showed the highest

degree of utilization of nutrients, mainly starch, as a feature of this probiotic in

producing enzymes like amilasa (Asgher et al 2006).

We conclude that the use of diets with Bacillus subtilis and endospores in the diet of

rabbit, improved the indicators of digestibility for DM, NDF and the CP without

causing changes in the digestibility of A, OM and intake and excretion g of DM.



References

Kimura, K., McCartney, A., Conell, M .1997: Analysis of fecal populations of

bifidobacteria and lactobacilli and investigation of inmunological response of their

human host to predominan strains. Appl. Environ. Microbial. 63:9: 3394.

Samanya, M., Yamauchi, K., 2002: Histological alterations of intestinal villi in

chickens fed dried Bacillus subtilis var. natto. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 133: 95.Teo,

A., Tan, H.M. 2007: Evaluation of the performance and intestinal gut microflora of

broiler fed on corn-soy diets supplemented with Bacillus subtilisPB6, CloSTAT. J.

Appl. Poult. Res. 16:296.

Rubio,S.R: 2012: Estudio del efecto del probiótico Bacillus subtilis y sus endosporas

en el comportamiento productivo y reproductivo de conejos de la raza Nueva

Zelanda.

Berg, R. D. 1998 ¨Probiotics or conbiotics¨Trends Microbiol.Donalson International

Livestock. 2005. Ganado porcino Canadiense de pura raza. RR#2, Tavistock,Notario

Canada NOB2RO. Email: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.

Execulink.com/-dill/index.html. 6, 89 -92

Swientek, B.2003. Beneficial Bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work in tandem to

stimulate a healthy microflora in the gastrointestinal tract. Food

productdevelopment.http://www.preparedfood.com/archives/2001/200101/0101toc.h

tm (5/2/03)

Cheeke PR, Hollister AG, Robinson KL. Improving feed efficiency and reducing

mortality in rabbits: A case study for use in all species. In: Lyons TP, editor

Biotechnology in Feed Industry. Nicholasville Kentuky USA: Alltech Technical

Publications, 1989: 253-259.AOAC. 1995. Official Methods of Analysis. Ass. Off.

Agric. Chem. 16th

ed. Washington, D. C.

Goerin & Van Soest, J.P. 1993. Cell Wall matrix interactions and degradation-

Session synopsis. In Forage Cell Wall Structure an Digestibility Amarican Siciet of

Agronomy.377-395

Pérez,J.M., Lebas,F., Gidenne,T., Maestens.L, Xiccato,G., Parigi-Bini,R., Dalle

zotte, A& Coccu,M .E 1995.Eurtopean reference method for in vivo determination of

diet digestibility in rabbit. World Rabbit Sci.,3(1):41-43

56

LAGUNAS BS, PÉREZ SL, OSORIO MJ, FAJARDO MR*, DE LA CRUZ BA,

DÍAZ GONZÁLEZ BA,


Veterinaria y Zootecnia (FMVZ), Universidad Autónoma de México (UAEMéx). Carretera



Abstract

In a previous work, we demonstrated that Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kombucha tea

probiotics enhanced some productive parameters in rabbits, and modified the intestinal

coliform microflora, but the modified bacteria population strains remain unidentified.

The aim of this study was to identify the intestinal bacteria strains that changed under

the effect of probiotic oral supply. This work was carried out under an observational

descriptive design in 30 New Zealand white rabbits, divided into in three treatments

groups of ten animals each, during 75 days of experiment, using a commercial food

additive free. Group A was supplemented with KT. Group B with Sc47 and group C

served as control. Stool samples from anal sphincter were taken and seed on selective

media for coliforms. A number of 61 bacterial colonies was isolated and identified as:

27 Gram-positive diplococci and cocci, 34 Gram-negative coliform, identified as, three

Citrobacter intermedius colonies, three E. coli, one Alcaligenes faecalis, two Yersinia,

one Salmonella arizonae, 13 Serratia marcescens, one Flavobacterium spp, three Vibrio

cholerae, three Serratia liquefaciens, one Erwinia herbicola, two Aeromonas spp. and

one Proteus vulgaris. These results show a bacterial intestinal modulation induced by

probiotic consumption.

Keywords: Kombucha Tea, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Dynamics of coliforms,

bacteriology identification.

STUDY OF THE CONSUMPTION EFFECT OF PROBIOTICS IN

THE COLIFORMS DYNAMICS IN RABBIT'S DIGESTIVE TRACT




ESTUDIO DEL EFECTO DEL CONSUMO DE PROBIÓTICOS EN LA

DINÁMICA DE COLIFORMES DEL TUBO DIGESTIVO DEL CONEJO

LAGUNAS BS, PÉREZ SL, OSORIO MJ, FAJARDO MR*, DE LA CRUZ BA,

DÍAZ GONZÁLEZ BA,


Veterinaria y Zootecnia (FMVZ), Universidad Autónoma de México (UAEMéx). Carretera



Resumen

En el presente trabajo se utilizaron dos probióticos Saccharomyces cerevisiae cepa

Sc47, que es una levadura comercial, que ha sido empleada en diversas especies

animales domésticas y Té Kombucha (TK) bebida ligeramente dulce y ácida, fabricada

a partir del té verde (Camellia sinensis) con azúcar y que es fermentado por los

microorganismos del cultivo Kombucha. Este último se ha utilizado en humanos como

terapia alternativa y se considera que puede tener beneficios profilácticos y terapéuticos.

Ambos probióticos favorecen algunos parámetros productivos en conejos, así como la

estimulación del sistema inmunológico, pero se desconocen sus mecanismos de acción.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el efecto del TK y Sc47 en la dinámica

bacteriana del tubo digestivo del conejo. Se utilizó un diseño de estudio descriptivo

observacional en 30 conejos Nueva Zelanda Blancos, los cuales fueron divididos en tres

grupos de diez animales en tres tratamientos durante 75 días, al grupo A se le

suplementó con TK, al grupo B con Sc47 y el grupo C fungió como control, se tomaron

muestras de heces del esfínter anal y se cultivaron en placa con medios selectivos para

coliformes.


58

Se aislaron 61 colonias bacterianas de las cuales 27 fueron cocos y diplococos Gram+ y

34 coliformes Gram-, identificando: tres colonias de Citrobacter intermedius, tres de E.

coli, una de Alcaligenes faecalis, dos de Yersinia, una de Salmonella arizonae, 13 de

Serratia marcescens, una de Flavobacterium sp, tres de Vibrio cholerae, tres de

Serratia liquefaciens,una de Erwinia herbicola, dos de Aeromonas spp y una de Proteus

vulgaris, en ellas se observó la dinámica de crecimiento bacteriano, encontrando que

algunas decrecieron y otras aumentaron, por lo tanto, podemos mencionar que al

adicionar los probióticos en la dieta de los conejos, estos los conejos modificaron el

crecimiento de las poblaciones bacterianas de coliformes patógenos y comunes.

Palabras clave: Té Kombucha, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, dinámica de coliformes,

bacteriología.



Introduction

The use of probiotics has targeted the human and animal health. In human, it has

highlighted its use in diarrhea control of nonspecific origin, even in treating of some

antibiotic-resistant agents (Kirchelle et al., 1996). Beneficial effects of probiotic are

very specific, and not all species are efficacious. Strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus

GG, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, S. boulardii, Lactobacillus casei Shirota and

Bifidobacterium animalis (Bb12) are the most studied in animal and human health. In

animal production, the importance of probiotics lies in the properties to improve the

efficiency of feed conversion and growth promoters (Rosmini, 2004).

Studies in pigs supplemented with Sc47, showed a gradual decrease in total fecal

coliform counts, these changes were apparently not associated to the activation of the

systemic immunity (Pérez–Sotelo et al., 2011). In previous studies in our laboratory,

TK and Sc47 suministrated in water in a rabbit model, both probiotics demonstrated

faster growth of the animals associated with a decrease in the total number of fecal

coliforms and a slight decrease in feed intake (De la Cruz et al., 2008). Based on these

studies, the present study aimed to

determine the effect of KT and Sc47 on coliform population dynamics identified in the

digestive tract of the rabbit.

Material and methods

This work was carried out under an observational descriptive design in 30 New Zealand

rabbits, divided into in three treatments groups of ten animals each, during 75 days of

experiment, using a commercial food additive free. Group A was supplemented with

TK. Group B with Sc47 and group C served as control. The used doses in both

experimental groups A and B were in the water under the recommendations of

commercial labs. Stool samples from anal sphincter were taken and seed on selective

media for coliforms. The fecal samples were performed on experimental days 0, 15, 30,

45, 60 and 75; aseptically plastic gloves, anal stimulation by obtaining 2 g per rabbit,

the individual stool samples were pooled for each treatment. Coliforms isolation was

undertaken on nutrient agar, brilliant green agar, Mc Conkey agar and Salmonella-

60

Shigella agar. Cultures were incubated at 35° C for 24 hrs. Isolated suspicious colonies

were identified based on routine microbiological protocols. The used biochemical tests

were: Simmon's citrate, Catalase, Methyl Red Voges Proskauer and Urea, TSI and SIM

(Murray, 1995). Statistical analysis was conducted using tests of least squares trend

lines.

Results

In the group A, six bacterial genera were isolated: Yersinia sp., Vibrio cholerae,

Flavobacterium sp., Serratia marcescens, Serratia liquefaciens y Citrobacter

intermedius. Among these, Yersinia sp, Flavobacterium sp and Vibrio cholerae, showed

a downward trend while Serratia marcescens, Serratia liquefaciens and Citrobacter

intermedius showed an upward trend. In the group B, six bacterial genera were isolated:

Vibrio cholerae type, Serratia marcescens, Erwinia herbicola, Proteus vulgaris,

Serratia liquefaciens and Citrobacter intermedius. Which Vibrio cholerae, Erwinia

herbicola and Serratia marcescens presented downtrend while, Proteus vulgaris,

Serratia liquefaciens and Citrobacter intermedius showed an upward trend. In the group

C, six bacterial genera were isolated: Citrobacter intermedius, E. coli, Alcaligenes

faecalis, Yersinia sp., Serratia marcescens and Salmonella arizonae. Which Citrobacter

intermedius, E. coli and Alcaligenes faecalis, showed a downward trend, while Yersinia

sp. and Salmonella arizonae showed an upward trend, and Serratia marcescens

remained unchanged.

Discussion

In the normal rabbit´s gut biome, coliform Gram- trends to be downward. These

changes could be explained by some known mechanisms like: cellulose consumption in

the feed increases the number of Gram+ cellulolytic bacteria which suppress the Gram-

bacteria (Hernández and Cobos, 2001). Furthermore, the gastric pH tends to be acidified

with age. Thus, food and bacterial colonies can regulate other bacterial growths; these

mechanisms are known as bio-regulation or competitive bacteria exclusion (Ron, 2003;

Carrizo, 2003). In group A, a downward trend was observed in the number of colonies

Gram-, more evident than that of group C, this may be due to the composition of TK

containing some metabolites; one usnic acid, which has antimicrobial properties on



Gram- bacteria (Bargellini, 1946). Another metabolite is glucuronic acid, which induces

IFNɣ, which regulate the bacterial infections by activation of macrophages (Vega et al.,

2005). In group B, a decrease of Gram- bacteria was observed; when Sc47 is constantly

providing, some mannan-dependent bacterial colonies can be removed by cytoadhesion

and form clusters that are expelled with the feces, thereby regulating ecosystem biome

(Pérez-Sotelo, 2011). Another possible mechanism of action could exercise the KT and

Sc47 probiotics on bacterial colonies is that they can produce antimicrobial molecules

and inducing competitive exclusion among species (Fernández, 2005). It has been

observed an antimicrobial effect in vitro of KT on some bacterial genera: Plesiomona

spp, Serratia spp, Salmonella spp, Yersinia spp, Acinetobacter spp, Pseudomonas spp,

Actinobacillus spp, Moraxella sp and Alcaligenes spp (De la Cruz et al., 2012). In

evaluating the supernatant in liquid media Sc47 no inhibitory effect of bacterial growth

was observed by assuming the absence of these metabolites, suggesting that other

mechanisms were involved in microbiota modulation. Another possible mechanism of

intestinal bacterial modulation is the innate immune response through to α-defensins

produced by stimulation of the Panneth cells in response to certain microbial probiotics

products (Mc. Dermott, 2007). These results showed a bacterial intestinal modulation

induced by probiotic consumption in both KT and Sc47.

References

Bargellini G., del Pianio E. G., Martini-Bettólo B. 1946. SuU'attivitá antibatterica di duc

acidi lichcnici: acido usnico ed acido vulpinico. «Attt delia Accademia Nazionale dei

Lincei», vol. I, fase. 12, págs. 1252-1205.

Carrizo M. J. 2003. Equilibrio en la Flora Intestinal del Conejo, Cunicultura, Madrid

España, 323-326 pp.

De la Cruz B. A., Pérez S. L. S., Díaz G. B. A. E., Fajardo M. R. C. 2008. Efecto del

suplemento de los probióticos Té Kombucha y Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sc47 sobre

parámetros productivos en conejos Nueva Zelanda durante la etapa de engorda, Tesis de

62

Licenciatura en Medicina Veterinaria Y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado

de México.

De la Cruz B. A., Pérez S. L. S., Díaz G. B. A. E., Fajardo M. R. C. 2012. Efecto de

Saccharomyces cerevisiae y Te Kombucha sobre poblaciones de coliformes en conejos,

Tesis de Maestría en Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad

Autónoma del Estado de México.

Fernández D. A. 2005. Producción inducible de lactococina A, pediocina PA-1, colicina

V e interleuquina-2 en cepas de Lactococcus lactis productoras de nisina, Tesis

Doctoral.

Hernández S. D., Cobos P. M. A. 2001. Digestibilidad in vitro, población de bacterias

celulolíticas y totales del apéndice cecal, ciego y colon del conejo. Técnica Pecuaria 9

(3).

Kirchelle A., Fruhwein N., Toburen D. 1996. Treatment of persist diarrhea with S.

boulardii in returning travelers. Results of prospective study. Fortschr Medicine

114(11): 136-140.

Mc. Dermott A. M. 2007. Péptidos catiónicos antimicrobianos. ¿Una futura opción

terapéutica? Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol 2007; 82: 469-470.

Murray P. D. 1995. Manual de Clinical Microbiology. American Society of

Microbiologists. 6° ed. Estados Unidos Americanos.

Pérez S. L., Vaughan G., Fajardo R., Gonzalez Y., Monroy H., Vazquez J. C. 2011.

Modulator effects of dietary supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae on

coliform counts, adaptive general immunologic response and growth-performance in

pigs. Indian J. Anim. Nutr. 28 (2): 191–197.

Ron R. D. 2003. Rabbit gastrointestinal physiology. Rev. Vet. Clin. Exot. Anim. 6: 129–

156.



Rosmini M. R., Sequeira G. J., Guerrero Legarreta I., Martí L. E., Dalla Santina N.,

Frizzo L., Bonazza J. C. 2004. Producción de prebióticos para animales de abasto:

Importancia del uso de la microbiota intestinal indigena., Rev. Mex. de Ing. Quim. 3(2):

181-191.

Vega M., Valderrama S., Moya G., Ferrero J., Castiñeira M., Quintana M. 2005.

Establecimiento de un material de referencia para interferón gamma humano

recombinante. Centro de ingeniería genética y biotecnología. Rev. Cubana Farm. 39(2).

64

VALLADARES-CARRANZA B¹*, VELÁZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V¹,

ALONSO-FRESÁN MU1, ZAMORA-ESPINOSA JL

1,

RODRIGUEZ-CORREA JL2, DOMÍNGUEZ-VARA IA

3

1. Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal. Facultad de Medicina

Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Km 15.5 carretera

Toluca-Atlacomulco, Estado de México. Cuerpo Académico en Salud Animal (UAEM-CA-3

Salud Animal).

2. Programa de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Recursos Naturales – UAEM. Área Salud Animal.

Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal. Km 15.5 carretera Toluca-

Atlacomulco, Estado de México.

3. Departamento de producción animal FMVZ-UAEM. Cuerpo Académico en Producción

Animal.


Abstract

Food increasing demand has originated the use of growth promoters in animal meat

production. In animals meant for feeding, these not only contribute to the increase in

total weight gain but to food conversion as well. Nandrolone laurate and clenbuterol

clorhydrate, which have been illegally used in animal meat production have sanitary and

safety restrictions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of these substances in

the productive parameters of rabbits meant for human consumption, in which total

weight gain and food conversion were measured. Fifteen hybrid, male and female

rabbits were used, divided into two groups (n = 5 each): group 1 (0.20μg/kg NL

intramuscularly administered every 20 days); group 2 (16 μg/kg/d CBL orally

administered in drinking water); and a control group which received 1 mL

intramuscularly given saline solution as placebo every 15 days. Rabbits were observed

for 30 days in which food and water was given ad libitum. Results were analyzed using

variance analysis (P<0.05). Total weight gain and food conversion according to the

treatments were: group 1, 1.535 kg and 9.94; group 2 1.335 kg and 10.72 and for control

group 1.188 kg and 13.40 respectively.

GROWTH PROMOTERS USED FOR WEIGHT GAIN

IN RABBITS MEANT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION



The use of nandrolone laurate and clenbuterol clorhydrate as promoters showed a slight

effect on daily and total weight gain, with counterindication for rabbit production,

affecting not only rentability but food safety as well.

Key words: Nandrolone laurate, clenbuterol clorhydrate, weight gain, food conversion,

food safety

66

PROMOTORES DE CRECIMIENTO UTILIZADOS PARA GANANCIA

DE PESO EN CONJEJOS DESTINADOS AL CONSUMO HUMANO

VALLADARES-CARRANZA B¹*, VELÁZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V¹,

ALONSO-FRESÁN MU1, ZAMORA-ESPINOSA JL

1,

RODRIGUEZ-CORREA JL2, DOMÍNGUEZ-VARA IA

3




Salud Animal).




3. Departamento de producción animal FMVZ-UAEM. Cuerpo Académico en Producción

Animal.


Resumen

La creciente demanda de carne de conejo requiere de una alta producción de carne para

consumo humano. El uso de promotores de crecimiento contribuye a la ganancia de

peso y disminuye costos de producción. Algunos promotores como el laurato de

nandrolona y el clenbuterol muestran restricciones sanitarias y de inocuidad para su

administración. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los parámetros ganancia de peso

total (GPT) y conversión alimenticia (CA) en conejos, administrando laurato de

nandrolona y clenbuterol como promotores de crecimiento. Se formaron tres grupos

experimentales de 3 conejos. Los grupos fueron T1 con clenbuterol 16 mg/kg vía oral

por día, T2 con laurato de nadrolona inyectado 1 mg/kg cada 20 días y T3 control, el

experimento duro 30 días. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante la prueba ANOVA

con una significancia de P < 0.05 comparando las unidades experimentales sometidas a

tratamiento. Los resultados obtenidos por tratamiento fueron: T1: GPT 1.53, CA 9.94

kg, T2: GPT 1.335, CA 10.72kg y T3: GPT 1.188, CA 13.40 kg respectivamente. La

comparación entre los promotores de crecimiento mostró una ganancia de peso y

conversión alimenticia significativa en el T1 y T2, obteniendo un mejor índice de

beneficio- costo para la producción.



Sin embargo el uso de laurato de nandrolona y el clembuterol, además de afectar a la

salud pública, es un fármaco prohibido bajo las normas sanitarias federales en la

producción pecuaria. Por lo anterior no se recomienda el uso de la nandrolona y el

clenbuterol como promotores de crecimiento.

Palabras clave: laurato de nandrolona, clorhidrato de clenbuterol, ganancia de peso,

conversión alimenticia, inocuidad alimentaria

68

Introduction

Animal protein consumption is necessary for healthy human feeding, therefore the

interest on increasing meat production from traditional species (hen, beef, pork and

sheep) as well as other not so common species such as rabbit, duck or ostrich.

Regarding rabbits, they have numerous advantages due to their easy handling and high

reproductive efficiency, as well as their elevated productivity rate when compared to

other species. Moreover, rabbit meat is high in protein and low in sodium, fat and

cholesterol which makes it an excellent choice for human diet due to its high nutritional

content (Santos et al., 2010). Food additives allow the improvement of production and

reproductive efficiency in farms. Nevertheless, they do not improve productivity when

there is defficiency on productive handling and feeding and genetics of species meant

for meat production (Chávez et al., 2012). Recently, anabolic and promoter use in

animal production have had serious consequences in public health (Bandala et al.,

2007). Moreover, when sanitary regulations as well as good production practices are not

followed, health, animal welfare and food safety may be compromised. The lack of

technical and economical information for producers, make them susceptible of mistakes

in sanitary handling and poor production practices that may have legal implications

(Ley Federal de Sanidad animal, 2012; Directive 64/433/EEC). The use of food

additives and growth promoters are classified as risky in several countries (Directive

64/433/EEC). Clenbuterol has been employed as growth promoter, but its use is banned

in Mexico (NOM-065-ZOO-2003). Nandrolone laurate is used to improve beef meat

quality. It should be retired in a rigorous period of time (NOM-004-ZOO-1994). The

last improves weight gain and as well as clenbuterol may diminish production costs in

production units (Morales et al., 2010). Nandrolone is an steroidal androgenic

anabolizer which promotes growth, with no collateral effects, that stimulates weight

gain, bone formation and improvement of body condition. It stimulates the formation of

muscle, by retaining nitrogen and promotes calcium and phosphate retention and at the

same time, stimulates and maintains sodium and potassium levels without water

retention and fat in tissues (Veloz, 2005). Clenbuterol is an adrenergic β-agonist which

was first used as drug in animals due to its bronchodilating and tocolytic action.

Afterwards, it was discoved that when used at ten times more than therapeutical dosis, it

showed an anabolizing action, favouring protein synthesis and diminishing fat, which

gave their name as energy share out agents. This effect was proven in different species



such as bovines, ovines and pigs (Olaya, 2012). Due to its effect as growth promoter, its

illegal use has increased because it speeds up production with lower resource use

(Chávez et al., 2012). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of NL and

CBL on total weight gain (TWG) and food conversion (FC) in rabbits used for human

consumption by following meat production regulations.

Material and Methods

Fifteen hybrid, thirty days old, male and female rabbits with an average live weight of

0.600 Kg were used. Each rabbit was individually penned and identified. Commercial

food containing 17% crude protein, 15% crude fiber, 2% crude fat, 12% moisture, 8%

ashes and 46% nitrogen free extract as well as drinking water was given ad libitum for

thirty days. Three experimental groups were formed divided into two treatment groups

(n=5 each): T1 (0.20μg/kg NL intramuscularly (IM) administered every 20 days); T2 (16

μg/kg/d CBL orally administered in drinking water); and a control group (CG) which

received 1 mL IM saline solution as placebo every 15 days. Rabbits were weighed evey

week to measure weight gain and the relationship between treatents and humanitarily

sacrificed following NOM-033-ZOO-1995 protocol. To determine total weight gain

(TWG), rabbits were weekly weighed using a digital toploading balance. Food

consumption was undertaken by weighing the daily food amount divided by the number

of rabbits per group, as a follow up to growth promoter administration. Food conversion

(FC) was calculated based on daily consumption and the weekly increase using the

formula: Food consumed/Weight gain. Results were analyzed using analysis of

variance (P<0.05) in a random block experimental design using Megastat for Microsoft

Office Excell 2007.

Results and Discussion

TWG and FC according to the treatments were: T1 1.335 kg and 10.72; T2 1.535 kg and

9.94 and for CG 1.188 kg and 13.40 respectively, demonstrating that in rabbits there is

not an adequate weight gain when using CBL and NL. Carcass at slaughter did not

show weight or volume increase. Nevertheless, there was less fat deposition in animals

when CBL was used, when compared to T2 and CG. There are no reports of the use of

these promoters in rabbits, which are widely used in bovines with significant anabolic

70

effect, but representing a food safety and health problem nowadays because the dosis

used are unknown. There was no growth promotion effect shen using CBL and NL in

rabbits in the evaluated parameters, which could be associated to the rabbit’s physiology

and maybe due to hepatic and other systemic alterations. It would be important to

evaluate functional parameters and correlate them to dilucidate what is happening in

species where these anabolic are commonly used (Chávez et al., 2012).

Conclusion

It is concluded that the use of nandrolone laurate and clenbuterol clorhydrate did not

show effect on total weight gain and food conversion. The use of these additives as

growth promoters is unnecessary for intensive rabbit production because it represents an

important risk in food safety

References

Bandala A.C., Valladares C.B., Villeda M.C.U., Toral P.Y., Velázquez O.V., Pedraza

S.F. Zamora E.J.L., Castro M.J. 2007. Alteraciones histológicas y niveles de de

clorhidrato de clenbuterol inducidos experimentalmente en perros. XVI congreso

nacional de patología veterinaria. Mazatlán Sinaloa pp434-48

Chávez A.L., Díaz O.J., Pérez C.B., Alarcon R.M. 2012. Tendencia de 2005 a 2010 de

los niveles de Clenbuterol en muestras de bovinos en Guerrero.Rev. Cienc. Pec.,

3(4):449-458.

Ley Federal de Sanidad Animal. 2012. Secretaria de Agricultura, Ganadería, Desarrollo

Rural, Pesca y Alimentación.

Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-033-ZOO-1995, Sacrificio humanitario de los animales

domésticos y silvestres.

Morales A., Sánchez V., García F., Coronado R., Latouche O., Rivero L., Leal L.,

López P., Rodríguez C. 2010. Hipersensibilidad Tipo I asociada a la administración de

nandrolona, boldenona y dexametasona en un equino pura sangre de carrera. Arch. Ven.

De Farmacol y Ter., 29 (2): 25-27.

Norma Oficial Mexicana PROY-NOM-065-ZOO-2003. Especificaciones técnicas para

la erradicación del uso de betaagonistasno autorizados en los animales. 2004.

Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-004-ZOO-1994, Grasa, hígado, músculo y riñón en

aves, bovinos, caprinos, cérvidos, equinos, ovinos y porcinos. Residuos tóxicos. Límites

máximos permisibles y procedimientos de muestreo.

Official Journal of the European Communities 2001. Directive 64/433/EEC on health

conditions for the production and marketing of freshmeat. L 165/48.



Official Journal of the European Communities. 2001. Directive 71/118/EEC on health

problems affecting the production and placing on the market of fresh poultry meat. L

165/48.

Olaya F.E. 2012. Residuos de Clenbuterol en tejidos comestibles de bovino.

Departamento de enseñanza, investigación yservicio. En zootecnia. Chapingo, Estado

de México.

http://portal.chapingo.mx/produccionanimal/index.php/investigacion?view=thesis&task

=show&id=137. (04/04/2014).

Olivares P.R, Gómez C. M., Schwentesius R.R. 2009. Alternativas a la producción y

mercadeopara la carne de conejo en Tlaxcala, México.

Santos L.E.M., Jiménez S.P., Sánchez O.I., Castro R.J., Zúñiga E.A. 2010. Aplicación

de Sales de Ácidos Orgánicos en la Conservación de Carne de Conejo. XII Congreso

Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos. Guanajuato, Gto.

Veloz I.R.L. 2005. Evaluación del Efecto del Laurato de Nandrolona (Laurabolin) en el

Crecimiento y Engorde de Cuyes Machos (Cavia Porcellus). Proyecto de Investigación.

Escuela Politécnica del Ejército Facultad De Ciencias Agropecuarias IASA “Grad

Carlomagno Andrade Paredes” Sangolquí - Ecuador

72

SAIDJ D*1, AINBAZIZ H

1, DAHMANI Y

1, ILES I

1,

BENALI N1, CHIRANE M

1, MOULA N

2

1 Research Laboratory “Animal Health and production”, High National Veterinary School, El-

Harrach PB 161, 16200, Algiers, Algeria 2Départment of Animals Productions, Faculty of veterinary Medicine, University of Liège,

Boulevard de Colonster, 20 bâtiment B43, 4000 Liège, Belgium.


Abstract

The influence of diet protein content on reproductive performance and milk production

was studied in forty six local rabbit does with effect on their litters during the second

lactation. Does were divided into three groups offered one of three diets formulated to

give the same digestible energy (DE) content (2600 kkal) and different digestible

protein (DP) content (15, 17 and 19 % DP for diet T, A and B respectively). Diets were

supplied ad libitum between parturition and weaning.

The use of high protein diets don’t show effect in does weight at partum and between

partum and weaning, consecutively does’ weight gain during second lactation.

Does given B diet showed significantly higher protein intake a day at lactation (58.08g

for group B vs 52.94g for group A vs 44.34g for group T) (p<0.01), but no difference

was detected in the digestible energy intake a day and the feed intake a day between

partum and weaning (294.5g for group T vs 311.1g for group A vs 305.8g for group B).

The litters size and weight at partum and at weaning were not affected by the diets but

the effect of litter size in milk production during 21 days post partum (three weeks of

second lactation) was cleared in the three diets (p<0.0001). There was no significant

difference on milk production between the three diets.

Key words: Rabbit doe, local population, diet, digestible protein, reproductive

performance

EFFECT OF DIETARY PROTEIN CONTENT ON SECOND

REPRODUCTION CYCLE OF LOCAL RABBIT DOES

AND THEIR LITTERS




EFECTO DEL CONTENIDO DE PROTEÍNA EN LA DIETA EN EL

SEGUNDO CICLO DE REPRODUCCIÓN DE

CONEJAS LOCALES Y SUS CAMADAS

SAIDJ D*1, AINBAZIZ H

1, DAHMANI Y

1, ILES I

1, BENALI N

1,

CHIRANE M1, MOULA N

2

1 Research Laboratory “Animal Health and production”, High National Veterinary School, El-

Harrach PB 161, 16200, Algiers, Algeria 2Départment of Animals Productions, Faculty of veterinary Medicine, University of Liège,

Boulevard de Colonster, 20 bâtiment B43, 4000 Liège, Belgium.


Resumen

En el presente trabajo se estudió la influencia del contenido de proteína en la dieta en el

desempeño reproductivo y producción de leche en cuarenta y seis conejas y su efecto en

las camadas durante la segunda lactación. Las conejas se dividieron en tres grupos de

acuerdo con la formulación de la dieta, que contenía la misma energía digerible (DE,

2600 kcal) y diferente contenido de proteína digerible (DP: 15, 17y 19 % DP para las

dietas T, A y B respectivamente). Las dietas se suministraron ad libitum entre el parto y

el destete.

El uso de dietas altas en proteína no muestró efecto en el peso de la coneja al parto ni

entre el parto y destete, y en consecuencia tampoco durante la segunda lactación.

Las conejas del grupo de la dieta B mostraron el mayor consumo de alimento diario

durante la lactación (58.08 g para el grupo B, 52.94 g para el grupo A y 44.34 g para el

grupo T) (p<0.01), sin diferencia detectable en cuanto al consumo diario de energía

digerible y el consumo diario durante el parto y destete (294.5 g para el grupo T, 311.1

g para el grupo A y 305.8 g para el grupo B). Las dietas no tuvieron efecto sobre el

tamaño de la camada ni el peso al parto y destete, pero el efecto del tamaño de la

camada con respecto a la producción de leche durante 21 días postparto (tres semanas

de la segunda lactación) fue claro en las tres dietas (p<0.0001). No existe diferencia

significativa en la producción de leche con respecto a las dietas ofrecidas.

Palabras clave: Coneja, población local, dieta, proteína digerible, desempeño

reproductivo


74

SAIDJ D1*, AINBAZIZ H

1, SALHI O

1, BENALI N

1, LEROY P

2, MOULA N²

1.-

Research Laboratory “Animal Health and production”, High National Veterinary School, El-

Harrach PB 161, 16200, Algiers, Algeria

2.- Départment of Animals Productions, Faculty of veterinary Medicine, University of Liège,

Boulevard de Colonster, 20, bâtiment B43, 4000 Liège, Belgium.


Abstract

Sixty one (61) nulliparous local rabbit does were used to study the effect of different

energy content in diet and his interaction with parity on their performances and their

litters at the first and second lactation. Does were received one of the three experimental

diets with the same protein content (15% CP) and different digestible energy content

(2300, 2450 and 2600 kcal/kg) for T, A and B diets respectively. Weight of rabbit does

and their litters were controlled at parturition and each week post partum. Weaning was

done at 28 days of age. Diets were supplied ad libitum between parturition and weaning.

Rabbit does were submitted to mating at 10 days post partum for second parturition.

The use of high energy diets didn’t show effects in does live weight between

parturitions and weaning, does live weight gain at lactation and their milk yield, but diet

with higher energy content decrease significantly (p<0.0001) feed intake at lactation

and daily feed intake. There was no significant differences between diets for size and

litter weight from birth to weaning, against by, interaction between diet and parity was

significant (p<0.05). Mortality at partum and at birth to weaning didn’t differed

significantly (p<0.05). There was significant difference between parities on the main

parameters of reproduction (p<0.05).

Key words: Rabbit doe, diet, energy, reproductive performance

EFFECTS OF INTERACTION BETWEEN ENERGY CONTENT OF

DIET AND PARITY ON PERFORMANCE OF

LOCAL RABBIT DOES




EFECTOS DE LA INTERACCIÓN ENTRE EL CONTENIDO DE

ENERGÍA EN LA DIETA Y LA PARIDAD SOBRE EL DESEMPEÑO

REPRODUCTIVO DE LA CONEJA LOCAL

SAIDJ D1*, AINBAZIZ H

1, SALHI O

1, BENALI N

1, LEROY P

2, MOULA N²

1.-

Research Laboratory “Animal Health and production”, High National Veterinary School, El-

Harrach PB 161, 16200, Algiers, Algeria

2.- Départment of Animals Productions, Faculty of veterinary Medicine, University of Liège,

Boulevard de Colonster, 20, bâtiment B43, 4000 Liège, Belgium.


Resumen

Sesenta y un (61) conejas nulíparas locales se utilizaron para estudiar el efecto de

diferentes contenidos de energía en la dieta y su interacción con la paridad en su

desempeño reproductivo y sus camadas en la primera y segunda lactancia. Las hembras

recibieron una de las tres dietas experimentales con el mismo contenido de proteína

(15% PC) y diferente contenido de energía digestible (2300, 2450 y 2600 kcal / kg) para

dietas T, A y B, respectivamente. El peso de las conejas y sus camadas fueron evaluados

en el parto y cada semana después del parto. El destete se realizó a los 28 días de edad.

Las dietas se suministraron ad libitum entre el parto y el destete. Se realizaron los

apareamientos de las conejas a los 10 días post-parto para el segundo parto. El uso de

dietas de alta energía no mostraron efectos entre el peso vivo, entre partos y destete, ni

entre la ganancia de peso vivo en la lactancia y la producción de leche de las conejas,

pero la dieta con el más alto contenido de energía disminuyó significativamente (p

<0,0001) el consumo de alimento durante la lactancia y el consumo de alimento diario.

No hubo diferencias significativas entre las dietas para el tamaño y peso de la camada

desde el nacimiento hasta el destete, al contrario, la interacción entre la dieta y la

paridad fue significativa (p <0,05). La mortalidad al parto y del nacimiento a destete no

difirieron significativamente (p <0,05). Hubo diferencia significativa entre las

paridades de los principales parámetros de la reproducción (p <0,05).

Palabras clave: coneja local, dieta, energía, desempeño reproductivo


76

CALIDAD DE LA CARNE E

INOCUIDAD ALIMENTARIA

MEAT QUALITY SAFETY &

DINING

78

*1SÁNCHEZ AP,

2FLORES PCS,

3MERCADO MC,

1MORA VJM,

4CORTES AJL

1.-Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Bioterio del Hospital Veterinario para

pequeñas especies, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México- UAEMex. México.

2.-Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Departamento Ciencias Pecuarias, UNAM.

México.

3.-Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Departamento Ciencias Pecuarias, Unidad de

Aislamiento y Bioterio. UNAM. México.

4.-Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. UNAM., México.


Abstract

Probably the rabbit is the domestic mammal has the highest production potential for the

supplying of meat, being this lean and with a high percentage of polyunsaturated oils.

The composition of meat varies according to age of the animal and the feed system.

However, it has not evaluated the effect of breed on the morphometry and carcass yield

in adult rabbits. For that reason, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of

breed on morphometry, carcass yield and meat-fat-bone ratio in New Zealand vs.

California rabbits. The experiment was performed in the meat workshop of Center

Teaching Faculty of Cuautitlán, UNAM. 30 rabbits of New Zealand breed and 30 of the

California breed were used, the rabbits were sacrificed upon reaching 77 days. For the

experiment was taken slaughter weight, hot carcass weight and cold carcass weight of

the rabbits of the two respective breeds: 15-18 h post-slaughter and refrigerated at 2±2

°C. The rabbits were desensitized, disjointed cervically and then sacrificed by

exsanguination according to NOM-033-ZOO-1995. After slaughters the rabbits were

deboned manually, weighing meat bone and fat and carcasses were evaluated

separately, and the values were recorded. Findings from the experiment indicate that the

rabbits of the New Zealand line have better carcass weight hot and cold when compared

with the California breed. The commercial performance in this genetic line also happens

to be greater, with an interesting feature that in the thoracic region is the site where most

meat is deposited.

Key words: Morphometrics, Performance, Carcass, Rabbits.

EFFECT OF GENETIC LINE ON CARCASS FEATURES

IN NEW ZEALAND vs. CALIFORNIA RABBITS



EFECTO DE LA LÍNEA GENÉTICA EN FUNCIÓN DE LA CANAL

EN CONEJOS NUEVA ZELANDA vs CALIFORNIA

*1SÁNCHEZ AP,

2FLORES PCS,

3MERCADO MC,

1MORA VJM,

4CORTES AJL

1.-Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Bioterio del Hospital Veterinario para

pequeñas especies, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México- UAEMex. México.

2.-Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Departamento Ciencias Pecuarias, UNAM.

México.

3.-Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Departamento Ciencias Pecuarias, Unidad de

Aislamiento y Bioterio. UNAM. México.

4.-Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. UNAM., México.


Resumen

Probablemente, el conejo es el mamífero doméstico tiene el potencial de producción

más alta para el abastecimiento de carne, siendo este delgado y con un alto porcentaje

de aceites poliinsaturados. La composición de la carne varía según la edad del sistema

de alimentación y. Sin embargo, no ha evaluado el efecto de la raza sobre la

morfometría y rendimiento en canal en conejos adultos. Por esa razón, el propósito de

este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la raza en la morfometría, rendimiento de la canal y

la relación carne-grasa-hueso en conejos Nueva Zelanda vs. California. El experimento

se realizó en el taller de la carne de Centro Docente Facultad de Cuautitlán, UNAM. Se

utilizaron 30 conejos de la raza Nueva Zelanda y 30 de la raza California, los conejos

fueron sacrificados al llegar a 77 días. Para el experimento se tomó el peso masacre,

peso de la canal caliente y peso de la canal fría de los conejos de las dos razas

correspondientes: 15-18 h después de la masacre y refrigerado a 2 ± 2 ° C. Los conejos

fueron insensibilizados, desarticulado cervical y luego sacrificados por desangramiento

de acuerdo a la NOM-033-ZOO-1995. Después de matanzas los conejos fueron

deshuesados manualmente, con un peso de hueso y grasa de la carne y las canales se

evaluaron por separado, y se registraron los valores. Los resultados del experimento

indican que los conejos de la línea de Nueva Zelanda tienen mejor peso de la canal

caliente y fría en comparación con la raza California. El rendimiento comercial en esta

línea genética también pasa a ser mayor, con una característica interesante que en la

región torácica es el sitio donde se deposita la mayor parte de la carne.

Palabras clave: morfometría, desempeño, canal, conejos.

80

Introduction

Probably the rabbit is the domestic mammal with higher potential for self-sufficiency in

meat, this being lean and with a high percentage of polyunsaturated oils (Shimada,

2003). The composition of meat varies with the age of the animal and the feeding

system (Sandford, 1988). Despite these favorable characteristics, the popularity of the

species is very low especially in developing countries that have a high percentage of

rural population. In Latin America there are some commercial farms producing

moderate volumes of meat and skins. n the United States breeding stock produced to be

designed as companion pet while in backyard waste are utilized as fertilizer for planting

fields (Shimada, 2003).

Due to the characteristics of its production, raising rabbits could be the answer to the

problems of hunger, malnutrition and rural poverty in developing countriesbecause it is

possible to obtain more than 50 kg of meat in a year with only one pup rabbit. Habits in

consumption of rabbit meat are still rising in countries where it is not traditionally

consumed, due, among other factors, the demand for meat with improved nutritional

characteristics, this may represent potentially the opportunity to increase consumption

this type of meat as a healthy food (Ramírez, 2004).

In Mexico it is common to market entire rabbit carcass moreover rabbit meat is not

marketed in pieces so it has not arisen interest in assessing the various parts of the

carcass (Flores-Peinado, 2009). The carcass assessment can be obtained by the chemical

composition, for classification. The classification of the carcass determines the

productive efficiency of rabbits during the growth phase and its correlation with

environmental factors to determine their influence on the performance of the various

parts of the carcass (Barrón y Zamora 2004). The objective was to assess the effect of

race on the morphometry, carcass yield and meat-fat-bone in rabbits slaughtered at 77

days of age (New Zeland vs California).




The present study was performed in rabbits in the Meat Workshop module located in

the Agricultural Education Centre School of Advanced Studies Cuautitlán (FES-C, field

4) in the State of Mexico.

Number of animals and location

The cunicultura module had 40 breeding does, 20 of the New Zealand line and 20 of the

California line. All females were gestated and pups to their growth rate was performed 8

days after the birth. at 30 days of age, a total of 80 rabbits were separated from their

mothers. the rabbits were brought to feedlots area, where given food type fattening.

Throughout the experiment, animals were kept in cages ladder style California.

With the aim to differentiate immediately between 2 genetic lines, 2 colors of boxes and

paper labels were used. The rabbits of both strains were fed with the same food and

similar amounts. During fattening, death of 20 animals was reported, 10 New Zealand

genetic line and 5 of the California line, causes of deaths were parasitic, otitis and

cannibalism. 5 more animals were excluded from the study for to have the same number

of animals in the study. At the end of 77 days of age, the slaughter of 60 animals was

performed (30 New Zealand, 30 California).

Procedure

During the experimental phase control birth dates, birth, end the growth stage was

performed sacrifice, trying to bring a synchrony during the execution of the experiment

to the fattening and slaughter dates fall in the same season exist and prevent the least

amount of factors that could affect the results of the project.

The animals under study were brought to the slaughter room. Initially, the live weight of

pre-slaughter animal was assess in a digital scale (Tor Rey tipo PCL, México, capacity

of 20 kg). Subsequently the animals were scored into the left ear with the help of a

permanent marker and numbering was consecutive from 1 to 60, the numbers 1 to 30

correspond to the race of New Zealand and 31 to 60 correspond to California breed.

82

Slaughter

The rabbits were desensitized by the method of the dismantling of cervical vertebrae

and subsequently killed by a process of exsanguination in accordance with the

provisions of the Official Mexican Norm (NOM-033-ZOO-1995) which refers to the

domestic animals Slaughter.

The 4 limbs were removed, skinning and gutting was done, leaving only carcass

attached to the kidneys and liver. The hot carcass weight was obtained at that time and

using the same digital scale. Moments later a plastic plate was placed at each of the

carcass at the level of the tibia and fibula allowing the identification of breed, kept order

in the slaughter line.

Morphometry of the carcass

Carcasses were washed, placed approximately 10 minutes at room temperature and

mobilized to a cooling chamber with controlled temperature ± 2 °C. The carcasses were

placed in stainless steel tables and covered with plastic. During 24 hours, the carcasses

were brought to a cold room under the same conditions of temperature to obtain the

weight of the carcass in cold and morphometric measures between which they

emphasize the length of the channel (LC = anterior border of the isqueo first rib to the

symphysis), chest depth (PT = the lower part of the sternum to the middle of the back)

and roundness of the right ham (RJ = determined at the widest part of the leg or height

of the femoral-tibial-patellar joint). All morphometric mediated were performed with

the help of a measuring tape and plastic vernier, according to the provisions of the

methodology previously described by Becerril (2004).

Relationship Fat-Meat-Bone

The separation of the head, liver and kidney was performed, then its weight was

obtained individually. The carcass was cut in 3 fractions the first region included the

neck, forelegs and rib 1 to 8, the second fraction only included the trunk, and the third

fraction hindlimbs and pelvic region.



Results

The results indicate that the weight of the slaughtering G1 and G2 showed no

statistically significant differences. In this sense, after performing the slaughter process,

it was identified that the hot carcass weight was statistically higher in New Zealand line

rabbits (G1) on the California line rabbits (G2). The same trend was observed when the

weight of cold carcass was obtained. During the cooling process of the channels which

arises immediately after the slaughter process, the study has shown that California line

rabbits lose more weight, same to be related to the loss of water by oreo. It is

appreciated that the rabbits of the New Zealand line have a higher carcass yield (P

0.0226) compared with the California Online rabbits.

Discussion

For weight of hot carcass it was observed that rabbits of New Zealand breed was higher

than in the California breed, Dalle describe (2002) that one of the principles factors

affecting carcass weight and quality of the caraṇe rabbit is the adult weight which is

very important in the growth rate, earlier maturity and body composition of rabbit. This

explains the higher carcass weight from the New Zealand because this breed has the

highest adult weight. And which states that the carcass weight (CW) was different

between genotypes, results that are similar to the effect of genotype observed by Ouyed

and Brun (2008) they reported CW similar between pure New Zealand rabbits and

genotypes ZL-F1 and NZ-CH CL CN 1235.2G 1242.7 And 1207.6g respectively.

Larzul et al (2005) found that the genetic group was important to determine the CW in

rabbits. For the weight of the cold channel effect observed differences between

genotype, New Zeland again between genotypes were higher than those of the genotype

California. The difference in cooling rate between genotypes losses probably due to

differences in the proportion of type I and type II fibers between breeds of rabbits, the

increase in the percentage of fibers II has been associated with changes in

characteristics oganoleptics flesh as best conservcion time, lighter meat color, less water

retecion less tenderness, among others (Arnal and Lopez 2001).

84

Greater efficiency in the New Zeland line (P 0.0226) compared to californa was

observed. Suarez (2009) observed difference due to genotype and age, results that are

similar to those observed by Evans et al (1997) who found differences in carcass yield

between genetic groups of two lines of rabbits. Some authors propose a classification in

which the carcass with a yield of 55% are considered of good quality, which derive

more than 60%, are of excellent quality (Ortiz 2001), so that under these criteria

carcasses analyzed in this study would be within the high range selection as similar

yields were obtained.

As for the morphometric cracteristicas was observed that the New Zealand breed has a

greater depth of chest this because in their phenotypic selection reflected by the external

formation earliness of development, developing a good production of meat body shape,

short neck , chest deep and long, well developed back, muscular, glossy hair and a full

sexual development. In short, present an adequate standard morphological (Roca, 2008).

References

Shimada, M. A. 2003. Nutrición Animal. México. Primera Edición. Editorial Trillas.

267 p.

Sandford, J. C. 1988. El Conejo Doméstico: Biología y Producción. Zaragoza: Primera

Edición. Editorial Acriba. pp. 203.

Ramírez, T. J. A. 2004. Tesis Doctoral: Características bioquímicas del músculo,

calidad de la carne y grasa de los conejos seleccionados por velocidad de

crecimiento. España .Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona.

Flores, Peinado. Salvador. 2009. Tesis de Maestria: Efecto del periodo de ayuno y

método de aturdimiento sobre el bienestar y características físico-químicas de la

carne de conejo. México. FES-C.

Barrón, G. M., Zamora. M. 2004. Características de la canal de tres razas de conejos

Revista FES-C. Divulgación científica multidisciplinaria. 4(11): 7-12.

Becerril, H. M. 2004. Tesis de Maestría: Crecimiento y calidad de la canal de cerdos

Pelón Mexicano y York-Landrace en confinamiento y pastoreo. FMVZ-UNAM.



Dalle, Z. A. 2002. Perception of rabbit meat quality and major factors influencing the

rabbit carcass and meat quality. Livest. Prod. Sci. 75: 11-32.

Ouyed A., and Brun J.M..2008. Comparison of growth performances and carcass

qualities of crossbred rabbits from four sire lines in quebec. Proceedings of 9ª World

Rabbit Congreso. June 10-13 Verona, Itly.

Larzul, C. Y. Rochambeau, H. de 2005. Selecction for residual feed consumption in the

rabit. Livestocck Productio Science, 95: 67-72

Arnal, C. y López, M. 2001. Efecto de la raza y de la edad sobre el porcentaje de fibras

musculares en el Conejo: resultados preliminares IX jornadas sobre producción

animal. ITEA. Vol. Extra No. 22 Tomo II 685-687.

Suarez, J. R. 2009. Tesis Doctoral. Calidad de los Alimentos Comerciales y Genotipos

de Conejo para la producción de Carne en México. Mexico Campus Montecillo.

Colegio de Postgraduados.

Espinoza, F.F., Espnoza, V.J., Pró, M.A., Becerril, P.C. y Torres, H.G. 1997.

Postweaning performance of two New Zelanda Whuite lines an their reciprocal

crosses fed a high forage diet. World Rabbit Science. 1997 Vol. 5 (4) 149-154.

Ortiz-Hernández, S. A., y Rubio-Lozano, M.S. 2001 Effect of reed and sex on rabit

carcass yield and meat quality. World Rabbit Science, 9 (2), 51-56.

ROCA, T. 2008 Razas de conejos (en linea) http://www.conejos-

info.com/articulos/razas-de-conejos.

http://www.conejos-info.com/articulos/razas-de-conejos

http://www.conejos-info.com/articulos/razas-de-conejos

86

*LAMANNA ML, COSSU ME, PICALLO A, GAMBETTI P Y TORASSO P

Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires.

Av. San Martín 4453. CABA. Bs.As. Argentina.


Abstract

Rabbits allow through changes in diet, get changes in the lipid profile of meat. Different

strategies are used to achieve an improvement in the content of omega 3 fatty acids and

the omega-6/3 ratio (use of flax, chia, fish oil) modifying its physical, chemical and

sensory quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate sensory and physical quality of

rabbit loin using different periods of supplying a diet with fish oil to modify the lipid

profile. Thirty (30) rabbits (NZxC,45 days age) were bred for 30 days

(10animals/treatment). Two diets were used, commercial feed and the same diet with

addition of fish oil (1.8%). Treatments were: control (C) commercial feed; initial fish

(IF), fish oil dietprovided from 45 to 60 days of age + C diet from 60 to 75 days age,

and final fish treatment (FF) conversely to previous. After slaughtering (24h) loin

muscle were used to determinate pH (Testo230), color (CIELAB system,

MinoltaCR300) and fatty acid composition. Loins were cooked in a double contact grill

(71ºC±1ºC in the centre of the sample). Samples were analyzed by an analytical panel

of 8 trained assessors. The following descriptors were evaluated: overall color; intensity

and typicity of odor/flavor; fat taste and juiciness, using an unstructured linear scale of

10cm. Statistical analysis was performed using the Proc Mixed of SAS (2004) for

unvariete ANOVA. Differences between treatments were analyzed by Tukey test

(p<0.05). No differences were found for productive parameter, slaughter weight and

carcass yield (%), nor pH and color parameters (p>0.05). Sensory results were similar

for color, odor, off-odor and characteristic odor, but smell-taste variables like

characteristic flavor and off-flavor were influenced by diets.

DIFFERENT TIMES OF SUPPLYING A DIET RICH IN FISH OIL

IN FATTENING RABBITS AND HIS IMPLICATION

ON MEAT QUALITY



Control diet had higher ‘rabbit flavor’, followed by IF but they were not different on

off-flavor parameter (p>0.05). FF had more off-flavor and less characteristic flavor.

Treatments with fish oil (IF and FF) had a lower ratio n6/n3 with higher content of EPA

and DHA than control. The early assignation of fish diet improved the n6/n3 ratio

without negative effects on the sensory and physical meat quality, neither the productive

parameters.

Key words: ratio n6/n3, sensory, EPA, DHA.

88

DIFERENTES TIEMPOS DE SUPLEMENTACIÓN DE ACEITE DE

PESCADO EN DIETAS DE CONEJOS EN ENGORDE Y SU

IMPLICANCIA SOBRE LA CALIDAD DE CARNE

*LAMANNA ML, COSSU ME, PICALLO A, GAMBETTI P, TORASSO P


Av. San Martín 4453. CABA. Bs.As. Argentina.

*Autor Correspondiente: [email protected]

Resumen

Los conejos permiten, a través de cambios en la dieta, mostrar cambios en el perfil

lipídico de la carne. Diferentes estrategias pueden ser utilizada a fin de lograr una

mejora en el contenido de ácidos grasos omega 3 y en la relación omega-6/3 (uso de

lino, chía, aceite de pescado) modificando sus propiedades físicas, químicas y de

calidad sensorial. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la calidad sensorial y física de

lomos de conejo utilizando diferentes períodos de suministro de una dieta con aceite de

pescado usada para modificar el perfil lípico. Treinta (30) conejos (NZxC, 45 días de

edad) fueron criados durante 30 días (10animals / tratamiento). Se utilizaron dos dietas,

alimentación comercial y la misma dieta con adición de aceite de pescado (1,8%). Los

tratamientos fueron: control (C) alimento comercial; Pescado inicial (SI), dieta con

aceite de pescado provista de 45 a 60 días de edad + dieta C de 60 a 75 días de vida, y el

tratamiento Pescado final (FF) con tiempos de suministro contrario al anterior. Después

del sacrificio (24h) se extrajeron los lomos para determinar el pH (Testo230), color

(sistema CIELAB, MinoltaCR300) y la composición de ácidos grasos(GC Shimatzu

14B). Los lomos se cocinaron en una parrilla de doble contacto (71°C ±1°C en el centro

de la muestra). Las muestras fueron analizadas por un panel analítico de 8 asesores

entrenados. Se evaluaron los siguientes descriptores: color general; intensidad y

tipicidad de olor/sabor; sabor a grasa y jugosidad, usando una escala lineal no

estructurada de 10 cm. El análisis estadístico se realizó utilizando el Proc Mixed de SAS

(2004) para ANOVA univariada. Las diferencias entre los tratamientos fueron

analizadas por test de Tukey (p <0,05). No se encontraron diferencias para los

parámetros productivos, peso a faena y rendimiento de la canal (%), ni para el pH y los

parámetros de color (p> 0,05). Los resultados sensoriales fueron similares para el color,

olor, off olor y olor característico, pero las variables olfativas-gustativas como el sabor

característico y el sabor fueron influenciados por las dietas.



La dieta control mostró mayor ‘sabor a conejo', seguido por IF pero no fueron diferentes

en el parámetro de sin sabor (p> 0,05). La dieta FF mostró más sin sabor y menor sabor

característico. Los tratamientos con aceite de pescado (IF y FF) tuvieron una menor

relación n6/n3 con mayor contenido de EPA y DHA respecto al tratamiento control. En

conclusión, la asignación temprana de la dieta de pescado mejora la relación n6/n3 sin

efectos negativos sobre la calidad física y sensorial de la carne, ni sobre los parámetros

productivos.

Palabras clave: relación n6/n3, sensorial, EPA, DHA.

90

Introduction

It is widely recognized the beneficial effects of omega-3 family fatty acids in human

health. In animal nutrition, different sources of omega-3 are used to achieve a favorable

change in the meat lipid profile (flaxseed, chia seed, oil fish, fish and algae meals). The

lipid composition of rabbit meat greattly affects its organoleptic propieties by modifying

flavour and juiciness (Ouhayoun et al., 1987, Cambero et al., 1991, Parigi Bini et al.,

1992).

Also, diet supplementation with sources of omega 3 fatty acids represent an increase in

the cost such affect the sustainability of production. One alternative could be the

supplying of an enriched omega 3 diet for short periods of time. Barro et al. (2006)

found that the minimum feeding time required to achieve substantial fatty acid (FA)

modification in thigh and loin meat was one and two weeks before slaughtering

respectively. In pigs, only twenty days were required to increase significantly the

amounts of omega 3 FA into animal’s products (Romans et al., 1995; Kouba et al.,

2003). These studies showed that short term diet manipulation can be a practical reality

for meat industry.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensory and physical quality of rabbit loin

using different periods of supplementation of a diet with fish oil, intended to modify the

lipid profile.


Thirty rabbits (New Zeeland x Californian, 40 days aged) were placed in individual

cages at the experimental Unit of the Animal Production Department of the Faculty of

Agronomy, UBA. Two different diets were used, Control (C; commercial diet) and Fish

(F; commercial diet + 1.8% of oil fish) randomly distributed in three treatments: Control

(C) commercial diet from 40 to 75 days of age; Initial Fish (IF): fish oil diet provided

from 45 to 60 days of age + C diet from 60 to 75 days of age, and Final Fish (FF),

conversely to previous.

At 75 days of age rabbits were weight and slaughtered and the carcasses carcass yield

was estimated. After 24 hours of refrigeration (chamber, 4±1ºC) carcasses were

transferred for analyses to the Meat Quality Laboratory of FAUBA. The pH value



(Testo 230) and color parameters (L* (lightness), a* (redness), b* (yellowness) and C*

as (a*2 + b*2), Minolta Chroma Meter-CR300) were determined on right loin. The

fatty acid composition was analyzed by gas chromatography (Shimatzu 14B, flame

ionization detector, fused-silica capillary column Restek SP 2560).

Left loins were cooked in a double contact grill (71ºC±1ºC in the centre of the sample).

Samples were analyzed by an analytical panel of 8 trained assessors using an

unstructured linear scale of 10cm. The following descriptors were evaluated: overall

color; intensity and typicity of odor/flavor; fat taste and juiciness.

Statistical analysis was performed using the Proc Mixed of SAS (2004) for univariate

ANOVA. Differences between treatments were analyzed by Tukey test (p<0.05).


Table 1 presents the effect of treatments on carcasses yield (%) and meat quality

parameters. Not differences were found on carcasses yield for the different treatments

(p<0.05), and the values were similar to those shown by Gigaud and Combes (2008).

Also meat quality parameters, pH and color, were similar for C, IF and FF. These

results would suggest similar physical quality of meat for the two diets and showed no

differences due to the treatments.

Table1: Effect of treatments on rabbit carcass yield (%) and meat quality parameters of loin

Treatments Prob. DSM R 2

C IF FF

Carcass

Yield %

57.7 56.5 57.1 NS 2.05 0.09

pH 5.80 5.74 5.67 NS 0.24 0.06

Color

L* 52.7 53.4 53.6 NS 1.93 0.06

a* 5.91 5.03 5.73 NS 1.23 0.12

b* -1.09 -1.61 -0.39 NS 1.88 0.09

C 6.19 5.46 5.92 NS 1.42 0.06

92

Table 2 showed the fatty acid profile of right loin rabbits according with the three

treatments The C14:0, C18:1 (cis9) and MUFA content (% FA tot) were not

significantly different. The PUFA content was higher (p <0.0001) in the two diets with

fish oil (IF and FF treatments) compared to the control while SFA concentration was

higher in the control diet (p <0.0001).

Moreover, fish oil treatments showed lower trombogenic index respect control diet

(0.75 vs 0.88 respectively), due to the higher omega 3FA concentration. Similar results

were found for Dal Bosco et al. (2004) using flaxseed in rabbit’s diets.

Treatments including fish oil achieved higher PUFA and omega 3 FA and lower n-6/n-3

ratio than the control treatment. The highest concentration of omega 3 family fatty

acids was not due to changes in the level of linolenic acid (18:3 n-3), but was due to

increases in the content of EPA and DHA, supplied already performed by fish oil . No

differences were found according to the feed time of the diet with fish oil. Gigaud and

Combes (2008), obtained similar results when the omega 3 enriched diets were fed only

in the finish period; in this case, the only fifteen days supplementation was enough to

increase omega 3 FA concentration in rabbits meat, regardless of the time of supply.



Table 2. Level of fatty acids (% of total fatty acids) in muscle tissue of right loin.

Item Treatments Prob. DSM R2

C IF FF

C14:0 1.76 1.82 1.78 NS 0.32 0.01

C16:0 25.3 b 23.1 a 23.8 ab 0.0046 1.46 0.4

C18:0 7.02 b 6.01 a 6.64 ab 0.0145 0.80 0.33

C18:1 cis9 24.2 23.8 22.5 NS 2.36 0.14

C18:2 n-6 28.5 a 31.6 b 29.2 a 0.0071 2.35 0.38

C18:3 n-3 2.28 2.68 2.38 NS 0.41 0.24

C20:4 n-6 2.45 ab 1.76 a 2.59 b 0.0275 0.77 0.29

C20:5 n-3 0.33 a 0.57 b 0.75 c <0.0001 0.18 0.62

C22:6 n-3 0.25 a 1.19 b 1.38 b <0.0001 0.30 0.84

SFA 34.2 a 30.9 a 32.2 ab <0.0001 1.10 0.73

MUFA 28.7 28.78 27.7 NS 1.62 0.14

PUFA 34.0 a 38.7 b 36.7 c <0.0001 1.60 0.72

n-6 31.0 a 33.6 b 31.0 a <0.0001 1.89 0.43

n-3 2.95 a 4.45 b 4.58 b <0.0001 0.56 0.76

n-6 / n-3 10.7 a 7.62 b 6.8 b <0.0001 1.32 0.75

Trombogenic

index

0.88 a 0.7 b 0.75 b <0.0001 0.06 0.78

SFA: Saturated Fatty Acid. MUFA: Monounsaturated Fatty Acid, PUFA: Polyunsaturated fatty acid.

Means with different letters differ significantly at p<0.05.

In the sensory analysis, were not found any differences (p <0.05) on color, odor, rabbit

typical odor, rabbit typical flavor, juiciness and fat taste parameters (table 3) but

Control diet flavor intensity was higher than in fish oil diets (p < 0.05). The fish oil

addition in diets resulted in more off flavor only in the FF treatment while IF treatment

was similar to the Control diet.

94

Table 3. Sensory analysis of rabbit meat, with oil fish diets

Treatments Prob. DSM R 2

C IF FF

Color 4.33 3.33 4.1 NS 1.42 0.17

Odor intensity 6.06 5.87 4.78 NS 1.98 0.05

Rabbit typical

Odor

3.97 2.83 4.13 NS 1.79 0.19

Rabbit typical

flavor

0.73 1.23 1.41 NS 1.68 0.06

Flavor intensity 5.4 a 3.7 b 3.13 b 0.0226 1.96 0.12

Off flavour 0.64 a 0.65 a 2.95 b 0.0022 2.23 0.12

Juiciness 3.6 5.46 4.61 NS 2.56 0.16

Fat taste 1.5 1.74 0.81 NS 1.56 0.12

The strategy of supplementation with fish oil diets at the beginning of the fattening

period resulted in meat with a higher content of omega 3 FA and less omega 6/3 ratio

(30% less) respect to the control, without negative effects on sensory evaluation.

Conversely, the supplementation at the end of the fattening period, also allowed to

improve the lipid profile but with greater presence of off flavor, significantly

compromising its sensory quality.

Conclusions

The results obtained suggest that 15 days supplementation was enough to achieve an

improvement in the meat fatty acids profile, reducing the omega 6/3 ratio, without

affecting the physical quality of meat or productive performance. As the time of supply

of the enriched diet could modify the sensory quality of the meat, seem advisable to

offer the diet in the first phase of the fattening period.



Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the staff from ‘Three balance’ producer group for his

unconditional cooperation. This project received financial support from UBACyT 2011-

14 00958.

References

Barroeta, A. C. "Nutritive value of poultry meat: relationship between vitamin E and

PUFA." World's Poultry Science Journal 63.02 (2007): 277-284.

Cambero, Maria I., et al. "Lipid and fatty acid composition of rabbit meat: Part 2.—

Phospholipids." Meat science 29.2 (1991): 167-176.

Dal Bosco, A., Castellini, C, Bianchi, L., Mugnai, C. Efect of dietary α-linolenic acid

and vitamin E on the fatty acid composition, storage stability and sensory traits of

rabbit meat. Meat Science 6, (2004), 407-413.

Gigaud, V. and Combes, S. The effect of decresing omega 6/omega 3 ratio in feed on

fatty acid content of rabbit meat to meet human dietary recommendations. 9th World

Rabbit Congress, June 2008, Verona, Italy.

Kouba, M., et al. "Effect of a high-linolenic acid diet on lipogenic enzyme activities,

fatty acid composition, and meat quality in the growing pig." Journal of Animal Science

81.8 (2003): 1967-1979.

Ouhayoun, J., Kopp, J. Bonnet, M., Demarne, Y. and Delmas, D. Sciences des

Aliments, 7 (1987), p. 521

Parigi-Bini, R., et al. "Energy and protein utilization and partition in rabbit does

concurrently pregnant and lactating." Animal Production 55.01 (1992): 153-162.

Romans, John R., et al. "Effects of ground flaxseed in swine diets on pig performance

and on physical and sensory characteristics and omega-3 fatty acid content of pork: I.

Dietary level of flaxseed." Journal of Animal Science 73.7 (1995): 1982-1986.

96

MARTÍNEZ YR1, 3

, MAGAÑA RJJ1, GUERRERO CEM

1,

ALBERTOS APJ 1

, PARADA HR2.


2.-Centro Nacional de Cunicultura, México.


Abstract

Rabbit carcass index from animals at the Centro Nacional de Cunicultura (CNC,

México) was evaluated comparatively. According to CNC managers, no new breeder

animals have been introduced in the last 20 years, due this mainly as a result of sanitary

barriers that have occurred during these years. Therefore, it is important to conduct

performance evaluations of animals and carcass index evaluations. The evaluated breeds

were New Zealand white, California, Chinchilla and Black Aztec; the evaluations were

conducted in the CNC, Mexico’s premises. 240 just weaned rabbits (35 d) were used, 60

rabbits per breed, 50 % females and 50 % males, which were individually tattooed for

identification, all were kept in American traditional type cages (6 specimens per cage

).Carcass weight and yield, and quartering hot carcass weight (forelimbs, hind limbs,

loin and head) were evaluated. The live weight values for California, New Zealand,

Chinchilla and Black Azteca were 1.801 ± 0.023, 1.800 ±0.023, 1.776 ± 0.025 y 1.598 ±

0.024 g (mean ± SE) , respectively. The carcass yield values were for New Zealand

55.40 ± 0.27 %, Chinchilla 55.21 ± 0.27 %, Black Aztec 55.04 ± 0.24 % and 53.47 ±

0.24 % for California. For the quartered, the values by breed were, New Zealand,

California, Chinchilla and Black Aztec respectively forelimbs: 315.09 ± 5.04, 287.45 ±

6.43, 284.40 ± 6.38 and 284.43 ± 5.39, hind limbs: 359.09 ± 6.14, 326.66 ± 6.03, 314.61

± 6.92 and 320.66 ± 5.67. On the loin: 265.00 ± 5.71, 252.80 ± 5.74, 239.61 ± 6.12 g

and 235.56 ± 4.64 g head weight: 140.72 ± 1.96, 142.89 ± 2.04, 129.13 ± 2.17 and

129.05 ± 1.93 g. It is necessary further research on the Black Aztec breed which showed

a good carcass index. California breed scored the lowest carcass index data.

Keywords: Carcass yield, hot carcass weight, quartering.

CARCASS INDEX OF NEW ZEALAND WHITE, CALIFORNIA,

CHINCHILLA AND BLACK AZTEC AT CENTRO NACIONAL DE

CUNICULTURA, MEXICO




PRODUCCIÓN DE CANAL DE LAS RAZAS NUEVA ZELANDA,

CALIFORNIA, CHINCHILLA Y AZTECA NEGRO DEL CENTRO

NACIONAL DE CUNICULTURA.

MARTÍNEZ YR1, 3

, MAGAÑA RJJ1, GUERRERO CEM

1,

ALBERTOS APJ 1

, PARADA HR2.




Resumen

En el Centro Nacional de Cunicultura y Especies Menores (CNCG, México), se evaluó

de forma comparativa el rendimiento a la canal de los animales del mismo CNCG. De

acuerdo a los directivos CNCG, desde hace 20 años no se han introducido nuevos

animales como reproductores. Por lo cual, es importante realizar evaluaciones del

performance de los animales. Las razas evaluadas fueron Nueva Zelanda variedad

blanco, California, Chinchilla y Azteca Negro y fue realizado en las instalaciones del

CNCG. Se utilizaron 240 gazapos destetados (35d), 60 gazapos por cada raza, 50%

hembras y 50% machos, estos fueron tatuados e identificados individualmente y

alojados en jaulas tipo tradicional americano (6 especímenes por jaula). Los animales

fueron sacrificados a los 70 días de edad. Se evaluó peso, rendimiento de canal, peso

canal caliente y troceado (miembros anteriores, miembros posteriores, lomo y cabeza).

Para el peso vivo los valores fueron para California, Nueva Zelanda, Chinchilla y

Azteca Negro de 1.801 ± 0.023, 1.800 ±0.023, 1.776 ± 0.025 y 1.598 ± 0.024 g (media

± EE), respectivamente. Para rendimiento de canal Nueva Zelanda 55.40 ± 0.27 %,

Chinchilla 55.21 ± 0.27 %, Azteca Negro 55.04 ± 0.24 % y California 53.47 ± 0.24 %.

En despiece, los valores son de acuerdo a la raza, Nueva Zelanda, California, Chinchilla

y Azteca Negro, respectivamente, miembros anteriores: 315.09 ± 5.04, 287.45 ± 6.43,

284.40± 6.38 y 284.43 ± 5.39, miembros posteriores: 359.09 ± 6.14, 326.66 ± 6.03,

314.61 ±6.92 y 320.66 ± 5.67. En el lomo: 265.00 ± 5.71, 252.80 ± 5.74, 239.61 ± 6.12

g y 235.56 ± 4.64 g y peso de la cabeza: 140.72 ± 1.96, 142.89 ± 2.04, 129.13 ± 2.17 y

129.05 ± 1.93 g.


98

Es necesario seguir realizando investigación en la raza Azteca Negro al mostrar un buen

rendimiento de canal. La raza California obtuvo los datos más bajos de rendimiento de

canal.

Palabras Clave: Rendimiento de canal, Peso canal caliente, Troceado.



Introduction

At the Centro Nacional de Cunicultura (CNC) posts weaning growth and carcass yield

for hybrid animals have been previously comparatively evaluated in animals obtained

from the CNC. According to the directors of the CNC, no new breeder animals have

been introduced for 20 years, as a result of sanitary barriers that have arisen in recent

years for importing animals; this suggests the need for new assessments to determine if

it has emerged in improving of the CNC animals. The breeds that are counted are New

Zealand White (NZ), Californian (Ca), Chinchilla (Ch), Azteca Black (AN), English

Spot and Rex, being the subject of this work the first four breeds. Because of its

composition, consumption of rabbit meat plays an important role in the control of

cardiovascular and chronic diseases because compared with other species contains less

cholesterol and high levels of protein with essential amino (Dalle, 2011; Martínez,

2004), due to the increasing demand for food that will improve the life quality,

containing low amount of cholesterol and high in protein, rabbit is an excellent choice,

because if this, it is necessary to evaluate breeds to identify which gives us more meat in

the shortest possible time with maximum weight gains and carcass yield (Flores, 2013).

Material

This experiment was conducted at the CNC premises located on the Irapuato-Salamanca

road Km 4, Colonia Rafael Galván in the city of Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico. A total

of 240 just weaned rabbits 5 weeks old, 60 rabbits per breed (50% female and 50%

male) were used. All of them were kept in traditional American type galvanized cages

(60 x 90 cm).

Methodology

All rabbits were individually tattooed for identification, and kept 6 specimens per cage.

Daily (9:00 am), 1 Kg of commercial rabbit feed was supplied per cage (88% Dry

Matter, Crude Protein 16%, Crude Fat 2% Crude Fiber 15% and 13% ash), removing

the following morning the remnant and providing again one kg of fresh feed. Water was

provided ad libitium. All animals were humanely slaughtered, being desensitized using

electric shock. Final weight (70 days fattening), carcass yield, hot carcass weight, liver

weight and cutting (forelimbs, hind limbs, loin and head) were evaluated.

100

Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, after review of homogeneity of variances

and the difference between means with a Tukey test.

Results y Discussion

For weight at 70 days, the Ca breed obtained a value of 1.801 ± 0.023 kg which is

higher than reported by Zuñiga (2009), followed by the NZ race with 1,800 ± 0.023 kg,

the Ch breed with 1.776 ± 0.025 kg and AN with 1.598 ± 0.024 kg was the breed with

the lower weight. NZ breed showed a lower value than reported in 2009, however, for

Ca and AN breeds an improvement in the 70 d weight has been shown. The final weight

value is lower in all breeds compared with the Egypt V-line rabbit used by Elmaghraby

(2011), however the final weight reported by this author was at 77 d of age while in this

study CNC breeds slaughter weight is at 70 d of age. The highest carcass yield was the

NZ breed with a value of 55.40 ± 0.27%, followed by the Ch breed with 55.21 ± Ch

0.27%, AN 55.04 ± 0.24% being the lowest value Ca with 53.47 ± 0.24%. As for the

carcass weight, the heavier breed was NZ ith 1025.27 ± 17.99 g, followed by Ca with

946.22 ± 17.97 g, for Ch 921.63 ± 20.07g and AN with 917.26 ± 15.31 g. The Ca

despite having obtained the second highest value for weight at 70 d showed a lower

carcass yield having an approximate 53%yield when the other breeds regardless of

weight at 70 d obtained yields close to 55%. In carcass cuts the forelimbs obtained

weights of 315.09 ± 5.04g, 287.45 ± 6.43g, 284.43 ± 5.39 g and 284.40 ± 6.38 g; hind

limbs values of 359.09 ± 6.14g, 326.66 ± 6.03g, 320.66 ± 5.67 g and 314.61 ± 6.92 g for

NZ, Ca, AN and Ch, respectively. For loin weights were 265.00 ± 5.71 g for NZ, 252.80

± 5.74 g for Ca, Ch with 239.61 ± 6.12 g and for AN 235.56 ± 4.64 g. Weight of the

head showed the highest weight for Ca with 142.89 ± 2.04 g, followed by NZ with

140.72 ± 1.96 g, Ch with 129.13 ± 2.17 g and AN with 129.05 ± 1.93 g. In a study

conducted by Flores (2013), in which hybrids rabbits were used mentioned data are

higher than those obtained in this work, showing the carcass yields 57.22%, hid limbs

weight of 373.66 ± 10.69 g. Standing out the NZ breed with the highest carcass yield

percentage and carcass cuts weight. AN breed despite a lower weight at 70 d showed a

carcass yield higher than 55% similar to the NZ and Ch breeds behavior. Ca breed

showed a lower behavior than NZ in carcass cuts, but higher than Ch and AN breeds

despite having a lower carcass yield.



Conclusion

Further research is needed in AN breed which showed good performance in the carcass

yield despite a lower weight. It is possible that Ca breed requires a diet change and

research the effect of it, due to the differences found between carcass yield and weight

at 70 d, probably a higher viscera volume is formed.

References

Dalle, Z.A., Szendrő, Z. 2011. The role of rabbit meat as functional food. Meat Science

319-331

Elmaghraby, M.M.A. 2011. Effect of restricted Access to drinking wáter on growth,

feed efficiency and carcass characteristics of fattening rabbits. Asian Journal of Animal

Sciences 5 (2): 136-144

Flores, P.S.C. 2013. Efecto del género en el rendimiento y calidad instrumental de la

carne de conejo. UNAM.

Martínez, C.M.A. 2004. Cunicultura Segunda edición. México, D.F. Editorial UNAM-

FMVZ. Pp: 3-24

Zúñiga, M.A.M. 2009. Estimación de algunos efectos genéticos en el conejo doméstico

presentes al realizar un cruzamiento dialélico completo de cuatro razas. Tesis de

Licenciatura. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Pp: 2-12.

102

PRODUCCIÓN DE CANAL DE LAS RAZAS NUEVA ZELANDA,


NACIONAL DE CUNICULTURA

MARTÍNEZ YR

1, 3, MAGAÑA RJJ

1, GUERRERO CEM

1,

ALBERTOS APJ 1

, PARADA HR2


2.-Centro Nacional de Cunicultura, México


Introducción

En el Centro Nacional de Cunicultura y Especies Menores (CNCG, México) se ha

evaluado de forma comparativa el crecimiento posdestete y rendimiento a la canal de

animales híbridos obtenidos del CNCG. De acuerdo a los directivos CNCG, desde hace

20 años no se han introducido nuevos animales como reproductores, esto como

resultado principalmente de los cercos sanitarios que se han presentado en los últimos

años para la exportación de animales. Esto sugiere la necesidad de realizar nuevas

evaluaciones para determinar si se ha trascendido en el mejoramiento de los animales

del CNCG, las razas con las que se cuentan son Nueva Zelanda variedad blanco (NZ),

California (Ca), Chinchilla (Ch), Azteca Negro (AN), Mariposa y Rex, siendo objeto de

evaluación de este trabajo las cuatro primeras razas. Por su composición, el consumo de

carne de conejo juega un papel importante en el control de enfermedades

cardiovasculares y crónicas debido a que en comparación con otras especies contiene

menos colesterol y altos niveles de proteínas con aminoácidos esenciales (Dalle, 2011;

Martínez, 2004), debido a la creciente demanda de alimentos que mejoren la calidad de

vida, que contengan baja cantidad de colesterol y altos niveles de proteína, el conejo es

una excelente opción, debido a esto es necesario evaluar las razas para identificar cual

nos aporta mayor cantidad de carne en el menor tiempo posible, con máximas ganancias

de peso y alto rendimiento a la canal (Flores, 2013).

Material

El presente experimento se realizó en las instalaciones del CNCG, ubicado en la

carretera Irapuato-Salamanca Km. 4 Colonia Rafael Galván, en la ciudad de Irapuato,

Guanajuato, México. Se utilizaron 240 gazapos de 5 semanas de edad, 60 gazapos por




cada raza (50% hembras y 50% machos). Se utilizaron jaulas galvanizadas tipo

tradicional americano (60 x 90 cm).

Metodología

Los conejos fueron tatuados e identificados individualmente, y alojados a razón de 6

especímenes por jaula. Diariamente (9:00 am), fue suministrado un kg de alimento

comercial específico para la especie (Materia Seca 88%, Proteína Cruda 16%, Grasa

Cruda 2%, Fibra Cruda 15% y Cenizas 13%) por jaula, retirándose al día siguiente el

remanente y suministrando nuevamente un kg de alimento nuevo. El agua se

proporcionó ad libitium. Los animales fueron matados de forma humanitaria, siendo

insensibilizados con choque eléctrico. Se evaluó peso final (70 días de engorda),

rendimiento de canal, peso canal caliente, peso del hígado y troceado (miembros

anteriores, miembros posteriores, lomo y cabeza). Los datos fueron analizados por

medio de un ANOVA de una vía, previa revisión de homogeneidad de varianzas y la

diferencia entre medias con una prueba de Tukey.

Resultados y Discusión

Para el peso a los 70 días, la raza Ca obtuvo un valor de 1.801 ± 0.023 kg el cual es

superior a lo reportado por Zuñiga (2009), seguido por la raza NZ con 1.800 ±0.023 kg,

la raza Ch obtuvo 1.776 ± 0.025 y la AN 1.598 ± 0.024 kg fue la raza con menor peso.

La raza NZ mostró un valor inferior al existente en 2009, sin embargo, para las razas Ca

y AN se observa una mejora en el peso a los 70 d. El valor de peso final es inferior en

todas las razas comparadas, con la Linea V egypt utilizadas por Elmaghraby (2011), el

peso final no se puede considerar superior a las razas NZ y Ca ya que el peso es

considerado a los 77 d de edad mientras que en las razas del CNCG el peso al sacrificio

es a los 70 d. El rendimiento a la canal más alto fue de la raza NZ con un valor de 55.40

± 0.27 %, seguido de la raza Ch con 55.21 ± 0.27, AN 55.04 ± 0.24 siendo la del valor

más bajo Ca con 53.47 ± 0.24 %. En cuanto a la canal, la raza de mayor peso fue NZ

con 1025.27 ± 17.99 g, seguido de Ca con 946.22 ± 17.97 g, para Ch 921.63 ± 20.07 y

la AN 917.26 ± 15.31 g. La Ca a pesar de haber obtenido el valor más alto para peso a

los 70 d muestra un rendimiento a la canal inferior teniendo un rendimiento aproximado

al 53% cuando las otras razas independientemente del peso a los 70 d obtuvieron

104

rendimientos cercanos al 55%. En el despiece los miembros anteriores obtuvieron un

peso de 315.09 ± 5.04, 287.45 ± 6.43, 284.43 ± 5.39 y 284.40± 6.38 g y los valores de

miembros posteriores 359.09 ± 6.14, 326.66 ± 6.03, 320.66 ± 5.67 y 314.61 ±6.92 g

para NZ, Ca, AN y Ch, respectivamente. Para la parte de lomo los pesos fueron 265.00

± 5.71 g para NZ, 252.80 ± 5.74 g para Ca, para Ch 239.61 ± 6.12 g y para AN 235.56 ±

4.64 g. Para el peso de la cabeza el Ca presentó mayor peso con 142.89 ± 2.04 g,

seguido de NZ con 140.72 ± 1.96 g, para Ch 129.13 ± 2.17 g y AN 129.05 ± 1.93 g. En

un trabajo realizado por Flores (2013), en donde se utilizaron conejos híbridos

menciona datos que son superiores a los obtenidos en este trabajo, mostrando

rendimientos a la canal de 57.22% un peso para piernas de 373.66 ± 10.69 g. Destaca la

raza NZ debido a que presenta el % más alto para rendimiento a la canal y pesos para

troceado. La raza AN, a pesar de obtener un menor peso a los 70 d mostró un

rendimiento a la canal superior al 55% teniendo un comportamiento similar al de la raza

NZ y Ch. La raza Ca mostró en la parte de troceado un comportamiento inferior a la

raza NZ pero superior a las razas Ch y AN a pesar de tener un rendimiento a la canal

menor.

Conclusión

Es necesario seguir realizando investigación en la raza AN ya que mostró un buen

rendimiento a la canal a pesar de menor peso. Es posible que la raza Ca requiera un

cambio de dieta e investigar el efecto de ésta, probablemente se forme mayor cantidad

de vísceras, debido a las diferencias encontradas entre el rendimiento a la canal y su

peso a los 70 d.



Bibliografía


319-331



Sciences 5 (2): 136-144




FMVZ. Pp: 3-24




106

*LAMANNA ML, COSSU ME, PICALLO A, GAMBETTI P,

CUMINI ML, GRIGOLI MC


Av. San Martín 4453.BsAs. Argentina.


Abstract

As consumers are becoming conscious of their diets and the impact on their health,

there has been a shift to eating white meat by its lower fat content. Meat from rabbits

fed commercial diets show a greater n6/n3 ratio than those of health recommendations

(n6/n3<5); a tool to improve the lipid quality is to add fish oil, rich in n-3FA, these

changes can affect consumer acceptability as nutrition influence the sensory quality of

meat. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of adding fish oil and two

types of antioxidants in fattening rabbit diets on sensory quality of loin and thigh meat.

Eighty NZxC rabbits were fed ad libitum(35-70d) with 4 diets: ‘C’, commercial diet;

‘F’, fish diet with addition of 1.8% of oil fish; ‘V’, vitamin diet (F+200ppm vit.E as an

industrial antioxidant) and ‘A’, algae diet (9% dry algae as a natural antioxidant). After

24hs of slaughter (2,5kg live weight; chilling chamber, 2±0.5ºC), loin and thigh portions

were removed and cooked in a double contact grill (71ºC±1ºC) after deboning. Samples

were analyzed by an analytical panel of 8 trained assessors for overall color; intensity

and typicity of odor/flavor; fat taste and juiciness, using an unstructured linear scale of

10cm, without anchorage (lower limit: 0; upper limit: 10). Statistical analysis of data

was performed using the Proc Mixed (SAS, 2004). Differences among treatments were

analyzed by Tukey test (p<0.05).For both the loin and the thigh, only smell-taste

variables as the characteristic odor, off odor and off flavor were influenced by diets;

Control diet had higher ‘rabbit odor’ and less off odor / flavor compared to diets with

added fish oil (p<0.05).

SENSORY MEAT QUALITY: INFLUENCE OF DIET

SUPPLEMENTED WITH OIL AND ANTIOXIDANTS IN

FATTENING RABBITS



For both cuts of meat, between experimental diets, the presence of algae determined

quantitatively higher values of off odor/flavor but no differences in characteristic odor

while diets F and V were similar. In conclusion the fish oil and antioxidants addition in

fattening rabbit diets, provides meat with same color, flavor, juiciness and untuosity

respect a commercial diet, but more presence of off odor/flavor, being stronger in thigh

than loin and especially for algae’s diet.

Key words: fish oil, algae, vit.E, sensory parameters

108

CALIDAD SENSORIAL DE LA CARNE: INFLUENCIA DE LA DIETA

SUPLEMENTADA CON ACEITE DE PESCADO Y ANTIOXIDANTES

EN CONEJOS DE ENGORDE

*LAMANNA ML, COSSU ME, PICALLO A, GAMBETTI P,

CUMINI ML, GRIGOLI MC



*Autor corrspondinete: [email protected]

Resumen

Dado que los consumidores están tomando conciencia del impacto de sus dietas sobre la

salud, se ha producido un cambio hacia el consumo de carnes blancas por su menor

contenido de grasa. La carne de conejos alimentados con dietas comerciales muestran

una proporción n6/n3 mayor que la recomendada para la salud humana (n6 / n3 <5); una

herramienta para mejorar la calidad de los lípidos es agregar aceite de pescado, rico en

ácidos grasos n-3; estos cambios pueden afectar la aceptabilidad del consumidor debido

a que la nutrición influye en la calidad sensorial de la carne. El objetivo de este estudio

fue comparar el efecto de la adición de aceite de pescado y dos tipos de antioxidantes en

la dieta de conejos de engorde sobre la calidad sensorial de lomos y muslos. Ochenta

(NZxC) conejos fueron alimentados ad libitum de 35 a 70 días de edad, con 4 dietas (20

animales / tratamiento): ‘C’, dieta comercial; ‘F’, dieta pescado con adición de 1,8% de

aceite de pescado; ‘V’, dieta vitamina (F + 200 ppm vit E como antioxidante industrial)

y ‘A’, dieta 'algas' (9% de algas Macrocystis, secas como antioxidante natural). Después

de 24 horas de la faena (2,5kg de peso vivo; cámara refrigerada 2±0.5ºC), se extrajeron

los lomos y los muslos derechos (deshuesados) y se cocinaron en una plancha de doble

contacto (71ºC±1ºC). Las muestras fueron analizadas por un panel entrenado de 8

evaluadores, para el color global; intensidad y tipicidad de olor / sabor; gusto a grasa y

jugosidad, utilizando una escala lineal no estructurada de 10 cm, sin anclaje (límite

inferior: 0; límite máximo: 10). El análisis estadístico de los datos se realizó utilizando

el Proc Mixed (SAS, 2004). Las diferencias entre tratamientos fueron analizadas por el

test de Tukey (p <0,05). Tanto para lomo como para muslo, sólo las variables olfativas

como el olor característico y los olores/flavores anómalos fueron influenciados por la

dieta; la dieta Control mostró mayor 'olor a conejo' y menor off olor/flavor en

comparación con las dietas con adición de aceite de pescado (p <0,05).



Para ambos cortes de carne, entre las dietas experimentales, la presencia de algas

determinó los valores más altos de off olor/flavor, pero sin diferencias en el olor

característico, mientras que las dietas F y V resultaron similares. En conclusión, la

adición de aceite de pescado y antioxidantes en las dietas de conejo en engorde, proveen

carnes con el mismo color, sabor, jugosidad y untuosidad respecto de la dieta comercial,

pero con mayor presencia de off olor/flavor, siendo más apreciable en el muslo que en

lomo y especialmente para la dieta con algas.

Palabras clave: aceite de pescado, algas, vit. E, parámetros sensoriales

110

Introduction

Today's consumers are more concerned with the qualitative characteristics of food,

causing a growing demand for more selective food and an increasing need of its

differentiation. As consumers are becoming conscious of their diets and the impact on

their health, there has been a shift to eating white meat by its lower fat content. Meat

from rabbits fed commercial diets show a greater n6/n3 ratio than those of health

recommendations (n6/n3<5; British Nutrition Foundation 1992); a tool to improve the

lipid quality is to add fish oil, rich in n-3 fatty acids (n-3FA). These dietary changes can

affect consumer acceptability as nutrition influence the physico-chemical and sensory

quality of meat.

By the high proportion of PUFA, the enriched rabbit meat will be more susceptible to

lipid oxidation. From the sensory point of view, color stability, taste and smell, by the

presence of volatile compounds, will be the most affected parameters. In order to limit

the presence of oxidized compounds, several studies were performed with the addition

of antioxidants in diets (‘natural’ as fresh fodder and ‘artificial’ as vitamin E), achieving

extend shelf life and the retardation of oxidation (Corino et al., 1999; Dal Bosco, et al., 2004;

Álvarez et al., 2006; Hernández et al., 2007, Cossu et al., 2008). The addition of natural

antioxidants would have better consumer acceptance regarding artificial sources.

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of adding fish oil and two types of

antioxidants (natural and artificial) in fattening rabbit diets on sensory quality of loin

and thigh meat.


The experimental work was performed in the rabbit Unit of the Animal Production

Department of Faculty of Agrony, UBA. Eighty New Zeeland x Californian

rabbits were fed ad libitum (35 to 70 days of age) with 4 diets (20 animals/treatment):

one control diet with vegetable oil and 3 experimental diets containing fish oil and

with/without presence of antioxidants. Treatments were randomized and named as ‘C’,

commercial diet; ‘F’, fish diet with addition of 1.8% of oil fish with 35% of HPUFA

(replacing commercial diet corn oil); ‘V’, vitamin diet (‘F’+200 ppm tocopherol, as an

industrial antioxidant) and ‘A’, algae diet (‘F’ + 10% of dry Macrocystis algae as a

natural antioxidant (partially replacing the alfalfa meal). All diets were isoproteic (20

%) and isoenergetic (4050 Mcal /Kg)



Animals were slaughtered at commercial weight (2,5 kg live weight). After 24 hours of

slaughter (chilling chamber, 2±0.5◦C), loin and thigh portions were removed. The meat

was cooked in a double contact grill to reach 71ºC ± 1ºC in the centre of the sample

(cold point, monitored by thermocouples) after deboning.

Samples were analyzed by an analytical panel of 8 trained assessors according to

international standards and experience in sensory analysis of meat (ISO 1987, 1992,

1994). Each assessor received the samples (cubes: 1x1x1cm) in Petri dishes coded with

three-digit, randomized numbers. The following descriptors were assessed: overall

colour; intensity and typicity of odour/flavour; fat taste and juiciness, using an

unstructured linear scale of 10cm, without anchorage where the ends of the scales

corresponded to the intensity of the attribute: light pink, extremely soft, dry, not oily

(lower limit: 0) and red, extremely strong (intense), juicy, very oily (upper limit: 10).

Statistical analysis of data was performed using the Proc Mixed of SAS (2004)].

Differences among treatments were analyzed by Tukey test (p < 0.05).

Result and discussion

The influence of diets on rabbit meat sensory parameters is shown in Table 1. Although

each cut own intrinsic characteristics, sensory parameters measured on loin and thigh

showed a similar response in both diets. Evaluating fresh meat, the color, the odor

intensity and juiciness were not altered and, as more important fact, the fishy taste and

fat taste was not transmitted. Comparing loin and thigh, the thigh was evaluated with

more color, typical flavor and juiciness respect rabbit loin but they showed no

differences for the intensity of smell and taste to fat.

112

Table 1. Influence of fish oil diets, with or without adding antioxidants, on rabbit loin and thigh

sensory parameters

Parameters Treatments: diets probability error

control Fish Vitamin algae

Loin

Color 4,74 5,29 5,95 5,35 0,3765 1,60

Odor

intensity

5,85 4,90 6,00 5,62 0,4001 1,69

Rabbit

typical Odor

5.52 a 3.49b 3.32b 3,73b 0.0023 1,41

Off odor 0,85a 1,68ab 2,51bc 3,20c <.0001 1,10

Rabbit

typical

flavor

4,75 5,22 4,97 5,79 0,4567

1,57

Off flavor 1.63a 3,16ab 2,70ab 3,74b 0,0191 1,54

Juiciness 3,29 2,59 3,11 2,96 0,6591 1,34

Fat taste 2,81 2,98 3,93 3,90 0,0501 1,85

Thigh

Color 5,27 5,98 6,33 6,88 0,0662 1,46

Odor

intensity

5,23 6,05 6,06 4,52 0,3696 1,50

Rabbit

typical Odor

5,17 a 2,68b 3,07b 3,17b 0,0021 1,62

Off odor 1,52a 3,27b 3,91b 6,23b 0,0002 1,54

Rabbit

typical

flavor

5,65 6,53 6,18 6,20 0,5042 1,42

Off flavor 0,38a 4,41b 4,44b 6,00b <,0001 1,62

Juiciness 3,98 3,68 3,73 2,88 0,2929 1,46

Fat taste 3,32 4,34 4,04 3,24 0,2021 1,48 a, b: p<0,01

For both the loin and the thigh, only smell-taste variables as the characteristic odor, off

odor and off flavor were influenced by diets; Control treatment had higher ‘rabbit odor’

and less off odor / flavor compared to diets with added fish oil with or without

antioxidants (p<0,05).

For both cuts of meat, between experimental diets, the presence of algae determined

quantitatively higher values of off odor / flavor but no differences in characteristic

odour regarding diets F and V. From the sensory characteristics point of view, analyzed

in fresh meat, the addition of an antioxidant in the form of vit. E, seem not to be

necessary because both diets, F (fish oil addition) as diet V ( fish oil addition + vitamin

E) show the same results. Evidently the normal amount of vitamin E present in the

vitamin-mineral nucleus of the diet would be sufficient to control oxidative processes

when meat is consumed before 3 days post slaughter.



The presence of algae as an antioxidant, it would not be necessary either if the meat is

eaten fresh and, as a negative factor, transmitted odor/flavor not typical.

Conclusions

In conclusion the fish oil and antioxidants addition in fattening rabbit diets, supplied in

order to increase the content of omega 3 fatty acids, provides meat with same color,

flavor, juiciness and untuosity respect a commercial diet, but more presence of off

odor/flavor (but still acceptable for consumption), being stronger in thigh than loin and

especially for algae’s diet.

Acknowledgments



14 00958.

References

Álvarez L., Cañeque, V., De La Fuente, J., Álvarez, S., Pérez, C., Lauzurica, S. and

Silva, M.T., (2006). Effect of vitamin E supplementation on evolution of meat fatty acid

composition during storage in high oxygen packs. 52 rd

ICOMST

Corino C., Oriani G., Pastorelli G., Pantaleo L. and Pizzuti G. and Salvatori G. (1999).

Effects of dietary vitamin E on the colour stability of rabbit meat. Simposio Intern. della

Soc. per il Progresso della Zootecnia. Milano, 29 sett-10H.

Cossu, M.E., Lamanna, M.L., Picallo, A., Cumini, M.L.,Cervini, L., Coste, B. y

Lazzari, G., (2008) Vida útil de hamburguesas de carne de conejo proveniente de

distintos sistemas productivos. 33º AAPA, Mendoza. Argentina

Dal Bosco,A., Castellini,C., Bianchi,L. and Mugnai,C.,(2004).Effect of dietary α-

linolenic acid and vitamin E on the fatty acid composition, storage stability and sensory

traits of rabbit meat. Meat Sci.66: 407-413.

Hernández,P., Cesari,V .and Pla,M.,(2007).Effect of the dietary fat on fatty acid

composition and oxidative stability of rabbit meat. 53 rd

ICOMS

ISO5496 : 1992. Sensory Analysis Methodology Initiation and training of assessors in

detection-recognition of odors

114

ISO 4121:1987. Sensory Analysis - Methodology - Evaluation of products by methods

using scales.

ISO 11036:1994 Sensory analysis. Methodology. Texture Profile.

116

*LAMANNA ML, COSSU ME, GAMBETTI P, GRIGOLI MC,

IGLESIAS MF

Departamento de producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires.



Abstract

The current search for food of high nutritional value is growing; consumers are aware to

new products that help to improve the healthy lifestyle. Nowadays diets are unbalanced

in fatty acid omega 6 and 3. One way of approaching the recommended ratio (n6/n3<5)

is include omega 3 fatty acid on animal feed. Particularly, the most bioactive

compounds for human system are EPA and DHA but the elongation capacity of

linolenic fatty acid on over 20 carbons polyunsaturated FA is limited. The aim of this

work was to increase EPA and DHA in rabbit meat with a low n6/n3 ratio, according

with health recommendations. Eighty (80) growing rabbits (New Zeeland x Californian)

were fed ad libitum from 35 to 70 days old, with four diets (20 animals/treatment),

commercial diet (C) and three diets whit addition of 1.8% of oil fish: diet ‘fish’ (F), diet

‘vitamin’ (V: F+200 ppm vit. E) and diet ‘algae’ (A: 10.0%dry Macrocystis algae). The

final weight and carcass yield were determined at slaughter time (2.5 kg live weight).

After of 24 hours of slaughter, the measurements of pH (Testo 230), color (CIELAB

system, Minolta-CR300), lipid oxidation (TBARS) and fatty acids profile (by GC) were

determined on the right loins. Statistical analysis was performed using the Proc Mixed

of SAS (2004) for univariate ANOVA; differences between treatments were analyzed

by Tukey test (p<0.05). The slaughter weight was heavier for the control and fish

treatments (P<0.05) but not differences were found in carcasses yields (mean 59.3%).

The carcass traits, pH and color did not differ significantly according to diets, as well

as TBARS values.

EFFECT OF DIETARY OIL FISH AND VITAMIN E ON THE FATTY

ACID COMPOSITION AND MEAT QUALITY




The use of fish oil determined a lower n6/n3 ratio (4.5 for F, V and A) respect the

control diet (15.1), in accordance to the limits recommended for human consumption.

Furthermore, higher content of EPA (mean 1.09%) and DHA were found on F, V and A

(3.38, 3.37 and 4.54 %FAtot, respectively). In conclusion, the use of fish oil addition in

fattening diets of rabbits, provides high content of n-3 in meat, particularly of EPA and

DHA FA content and lipid oxidation in fresh meat is not observed.

Key words: Algae, oxidation, omega 3, EPA, DHA

118

EFECTO DEL AGREGADO DE ACEITE DE PESCADO Y VITAMINA E

EN LA DIETA SOBRE LA COMPOSICIÓN DE ÁCIDOS GRASOS Y

CALIDAD DE CARNE

*LAMANNA ML, COSSU ME, GAMBETTI P, GRIGOLI MC,

IGLESIAS MF

Departamento de producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires.



Resumen

Los consumidores son conscientes de la existencia de nuevos productos que ayudan a

mejorar un estilo de vida saludable; la búsqueda de alimentos de alto valor nutricional

es cada vez mayor. Hoy en día las dietas están desequilibradas en su relación entre

ácidos grasos omega 6 y 3 Una forma de aproximarse a los valores recomendados (n6 /

n3 <5) es incluir ácidos grasos omega 3 en la alimentación animal. En particular, los

compuestos más bioactivos para el sistema humano son el EPA y el DHA pero la

capacidad de elongación del ácido graso linolénico en ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de

más de 20 átomos de carbono es limitada. El objetivo de este trabajo fue incrementar el

contenido de EPA y DHA en la carne de conejo con una menor relación n6 / n3, de

acuerdo con las recomendaciones para la salud. Ochenta (80) conejos en crecimiento

(Nueva Zelanda x California) fueron alimentados ad libitum de 35 a 70 días de edad,

con cuatro dietas (20 animales / tratamiento), dieta comercial (C) y tres dietas con

adición de 1,8% de aceite de pescado: dieta 'pescado' (F), la dieta 'vitamina' (V: F + 200

ppm vit e.) y la dieta 'algas' (A: 9% de algas Macrocystis secas). El peso de la canal y

rendimiento de res se determinó en el momento de faena (2,5 kg de peso vivo). Después

de 24 horas de la faena, se determinó el pH (Testo 230), color (sistema CIELAB,

Minolta-CR300), la oxidación lipídica (TBARS) y el perfil de ácidos grasos (GC) sobre

los lomos derechos. El análisis estadístico se realizó utilizando el Proc Mixed de SAS

(2004) para ANOVA univariado; las diferencias entre los tratamientos fueron analizadas

por el test de Tukey (p <0,05). El peso a faena resultó mayor para los tratamientos

control y pescado (P <0,05), pero no se encontraron diferencias en los rendimientos de

las canales (media 59,3%). Las características de la canal, el pH y el color no difirieron

significativamente de acuerdo a las dietas, así como tampoco los valores de TBARS.



El uso de aceite de pescado determinó una menor relación n6/n3 (4,5 para F, V y A)

respecto a la dieta control (15.1), de acuerdo con los valores recomendados para el

consumo humano. Por otra parte, se encontró un mayor contenido de EPA (media

1,09%) y DHA en F, V y A (3,38, 3,37 y 4,54% AGtot, respectivamente). En

conclusión, la adición de aceite de pescado en las dietas de engorde de conejos,

proporcionó un alto contenido de n-3 en la carne, en particular de ácidos grasos EPA y

DHA, sin aparición de oxidación lipídica en carne fresca.

Palabras clave: Algas, oxidación, omega 3, EPA, DHA

120

Introduction

Meats with functional properties take more importance in today's market, comprising

consumers demanding healthy products or with nutritional characteristics that provide

some kind of health benefit.

At present, many studies have shown that consumption of unsaturated fatty acids may

play a role in protecting against obesity, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and

diabetes. Besides PUFA content, it’s also important the ratio between the omega 6/3’s

family fatty acids; recommendations lean toward of 5:1 ratio (Simopoulus, 2009). In the

omega-3 family of fatty acids, the most bioactive compounds the high PUFA fatty acids

(EPA y DHA) and their supply is of great importance due to the low capacity of 18:3

elongation to EPA and DHA in the human body (17:1) (Dalle zotte and Szendro 2011,

Barceló-Coblijn and Murphy 2009).

Different strategies have been applied to manipulate the meat lipid profile, such as the

use of flax or chia seeds in diets (Bernardini et al. 1999, Dal Bosco et al., 2004, Peiretti

and Meineri, 2008) in order to obtain meats reach in omega 3 fatty acids and an omega

6/3 ratio closer to the nutritional recommendations for humans. Another strategy for

manipulating the meat lipid profile aimed at increasing long-chain fatty acids (EPA and

DHA) by use of fish oil or algae, where already been performed (Navarrete et al., 2007).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the productive results, carcass and meat quality of

animals fed fattening diets rich in omega 3 long-chain fatty acids, and the effect of the

addition of artificial ( tocopherol) and natural (algae) antioxidants, on the oxidative

stability of the loins.




The experimental work was performed in the rabbit Unit of the Animal Production

Department of Faculty of Agronomy, UBA.

Eighty New Zeeland x Californian rabbits, individually housed, were fed ad libitum (35

to 70 days of age) with 4 diets (20 animals/treatment): one control diet with vegetable

oil and 3 experimental diets containing fish oil and with/without presence of

antioxidants. Treatments were randomized and named as ‘C’, commercial diet; ‘F’, fish

diet with addition of 1.8% of oil fish with 35% of HPUFA (replacing commercial diet

corn oil); ‘V’, vitamin diet (‘F’+200 ppm tocopherol, as an industrial antioxidant) and

‘A’, algae diet (‘F’ + 10% of dry Macrocystis algae as a natural antioxidant (partially

replacing the alfalfa meal). All diets were isoproteic (20%) and isoenergetic

(4050Mcal/Kg).

Individual live weights of each rabbit were evaluated weekly in order to control the

normal growth, health status of the animals and the occurrence of enteric disturbances.

The slaughter was performed at a commercial weight without fasting (2,5 kg live

weight) following the scientific recommendations (Blasco and Ouhayoun, 1996). The

chilled carcasses (24h post slaughter, 4-5°C) were transferred to the Meat Laboratory of

the Faculty of Agronomy for its qualitative analysis.

On the right loin, color (CIELAB System, L* (lightness), a* (redness), b* (yellowness)

and C* as (a*2 + b*

2); Minolta Chroma Meter-CR300), pH (Testo 205) and lipid

oxidation (TBAR’s index; µg of malonaldehyde/g meat; Robards et al., 1988) were

determined. Fatty acids were extracted (Folch et al, 1957) and analyzed as methyl esters

by gas chromatography (Shimatzu 14-B, capillary column Restec SP2560).

Productive performance, carcass and meat quality traits data were analyzed by

univariete ANOVA (GLM, SAS 2004). Differences between treatments were analyzed

by Tukey test (p < 0.05).

122


Table 1 showed the effect of diets on rabbit slaughter weight and loin characteristics.

The addition of fish oil in the ‘P’ diet did not affect final weight of the animals, while

treatment ‘V’ (P diet with added vitamin E) showed lower growth rates, differing

significantly from the control treatment (p> 0.05 ). The same grow ratio of ‘P’ indicated

that there were not negative effects in the preference of diets with oil fish for animal

intake.

The growth performance of rabbits fed diet A was seen strongly committed, being the

group with the lowest final weight and higher morbidity (60%), probably due to the size

of the ground dried algae that affect the digestive system causing enteric problems.

The carcass yield was not significantly different for the treatment and was similar to that

found by other authors (Dal Bosco et al., 2004).

Respect to the meat quality, the pH value, the chroma and the level of oxidation of loins

were not significantly different, with similar physical and chemical characteristics for

the four treatments. In fresh meat, the effect of added antioxidants was not evident.

Table 1. Effect of diet on final live weight and loin meat quality of rabbits

Diet Root

MSE

P-value

* C P V A

Slaughter weight

(g)

2335 a 2300 ab 2155 b 2069 cb 196.0 *

Carcass yield

(%)

59.3 59.6 60.1 58.5 2.429 ns

pH 5.73 5.81 5.73 5.80 0.085 ns

C* 6.64 6.33 6.53 5.94 0.885 ns

TBARs 0.11 0.10 0.11 0.12 0.042 ns

Means with different letters on the same line differ significantly, *=P<0.05 ,**=P<0.0001

In table 2, the effect of fish oil added diets, with o without antioxidants, on fatty acid

profile of rabbit loin, was shown. Both the content of saturated fatty acids as the

thrombogenic index (IT, According to Ulbricht and Sothgate 1991) of the experimental

diets were significantly different (p <0.05) from the control. The IT, associated with

cardiovascular disease risk factor, was favorably reduced in the case of P, V and A

diets; similar results were obtained with the use of chia seeds (Peiretti and Meineri,

2008).



Table 2. Effect of fish oil added diets on fatty acid profile of rabbit loin (% of total acids)

Diet Root

MSE

P-

value

*

C P V A

Saturated FA % 33.9 a 33.5 a 34.3 a 35.6 b 1.015 **

MUFA % 23.1 23.3 24.1 23.0 1.348 ns

PUFA % 40.4 40.5 38. 8 39.8 1.448 ns

EPA (C20:5) % 0.32 a 1.13 b 0.99 b 1.16 b 0.84 **

DHA (C22:6) % 0.20 a 3.38 b 3.36 b 4.54 c 0.89 **

Omega 3 % 2.48 a 6.64 b 6.37 b 7.36 c 0.720 **

Omega 6 % 36.8 a 32.8 b 30.7 c 31.1 c 1.335 **

omega 6/3 ratio 15.1 a 4.86 b 4.63 b 4.04 b 0.970 **

IT 0.85 a 0.65 b 0.69 b 0.67 b 0.825 **

Means with different letters on the same line differ significantly, *=P<0.05,**=P<0.0001

The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was not significantly different

between treatments; Gigaud and Combes (2008) and Peiretti and Meineri (2008) using

vegetable sources to modify the lipid profile of the meat, obtained an increase in the

content of PUFA due to experimental diets, although in both cases, the quantity of

PUFA in control diets was lower than that obtained in this work for diet C.

The largest significant differences were evident in the content of omega 3 and omega 6

in the enriched with fish oil treatments. These changes in the concentration of omega-3

were mainly due to the increase in the content of EPA and DHA (3:1 for EPA and 16:1

in the case of DHA for P, V and A vs C). In particular, the loins from treatment A

showed the highest content of DHA (4.54%) compared to the other treatments with the

addition of fish oil; this response could be due to the additional contribution of HPUFA

by algae (Dantagnan et al., 2009).

Regarding the omega-6/3, it was significantly lower (p <000.1) in the case of diets were

included fish oil respect C diet, reaching the nutritional recommended values for human

(Barceló-Cobijn and Murhy 2009).

124

Conclussion

The addition of fish oil in the diet allows obtaining nutraceutical meat by the highest

content of omega-3 and the omega 6/3 ratio value according to medical

recommendations, without affecting the parameters of growth and carcass yield. For

fresh consumption, the addition of antioxidants would not be necessary. The sensory

evaluation of the obtained products, in order to ensure the absence of off flavors that

condition consumer acceptance, should be done.

Acknowledgments



14 00958.

References

Barceló-Coblijn G, Murphy EJ. Alpha-linolenic acid and its conversion to longer chain

n-3 fatty acids: benefits for human health and a role in maintaining tissue n-3 fatty acid

Prog Lipid Res. 2009 Nov;48(6):355-74. doi: 10.1016/j.plipres.2009.07.002. Epub 2009

Jul 18.

Bernardini, M., Dal Bosco, A., Castellini, C. Effect of dietary n3/n-6 ratio on faty acid

composition of liver, maet and perirenal fat in rabbits. Animal Science 68, (1999), 647-

654.

Dal Bosco, A., Castellini, C, Bianchi, L., Mugnai, C. Efect of dietary α-linolenic acid

and vitamin E on the fatty acid composition, storage stability and sensory traits of rabbit

meat. Meat Science 6, (2004), 407-413.

Blasco, A., and J. Ouhayoun. "Harmonization of criteria and terminology in rabbit meat

research. Revised proposal." World Rabbit Sciences 4.2 (1996): 93-100.

Dalle Zotte, A. and Szendrö Z. The role of rabbit meas as functional food. Meat

Science 88 (2011), 319-331.

Dantagnan, P., Hernandez, A, Borquez, A. and Mansilla, A. Inclusion of macroalgae

meal (Macrocystis pyrifera) as feed ingredient for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus

mykiss): effect on flesh fatty acid composition.Aquaculture Research, 2009, 41, 87-94.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Barcel%C3%B3-Coblijn%20G%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=19619583

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Murphy%20EJ%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=19619583

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19619583



Gigaud, V. and Combes, S. The effect of decresing omega 6/omega 3 ratio in feed on

fatty acid content of rabbit meat to meet human dietary recommendations. 9th World

Rabbit Congress, June 2008, Verona, Italy.

Navarrete, C., Martínez, E., Ródenas, L., Moya, V. J., Pascual, J. J., Blas, E., &

Cervera, C. (2007). Empleo de destilados de palma y de aceites de pescado en piensos

de conejo. In Proc. II Congreso Ibérico de Cunicultura, 2007 May, Vila-Real, Portugal,

173 (Vol. 181).

Peiretti, P.G and Meineri, G. Effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics,

and the fat and meat fatty profile of rabbit fed diets with chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seed

supplements. Meat Science 80 (2008) 1116-1121.

Simopolus, A, P. The Importance of the Omega-6/Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratio in

Cardiovascular Disease and Other Chronic. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2008 233: 674,

DOI: 10.3181/0711-MR-311.

Ulbricht, T. L. V., and D. A. T. Southgate. "Coronary heart disease: seven dietary

factors." The Lancet 338.8773 (1991): 985-992.

126

GARCÍA SEGURA F*., VILLARREAL ESPINO BARROS O.A.,

HERNÁNDEZ HERNÁNDEZ J., BECERRA CASTRO E.

Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia

Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla.


Abstract

The aim of this project was to detect the B1 Aflatoxin, in balanced food for rabbits,

distributed by different commercial brands, using as method of investigation the

chromatography in fine layer, by means of the use of acetonitrilo to obtain the

substratum of the food. Once prepared one preceded the plate, it was immersed in a

mixture of 98 ml of Tetrachloride of Carbon (CHCl3) + 2 ml of Methanol (Ac2O). It

was done by the ascending method, this allows that the thinner ascend for the plate

almost vertically for the action of capillarity. The plate was revealed by a lamp of

ultraviolet light to a wave of excitation of 254 nm.

Observing the plate, the results obtained in the first 6 points, the B1 aflatoxin appeared

since they were exposed to different concentrations of B1 aflatoxin, in order that they

were serving us as witnesses and in the last three points that correspond to our samples

there was not the B1 aflatoxin.

Therefore, our results were negative to B1 aflatoxin for three different commercial

brands of balanced food for rabbit that were analyzed.

Key words: Aflatoxin, balanced food, rabbit, chromatography in fine layer, ultraviolet

light.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE SAFETY OF MEAT RABBIT WITH THE

DETECTION OF AFLATOXIN B1 IN BALANCED FOOD FOR

RABBITS



CONTRIBUCIÓN A LA SEGURIDAD DE LA CARNE DE CONEJO

CON LA DETECCIÓN DE AFLATOXINA B1

EN ALIMENTO BALANCEADO PARA CONEJOS

GARCÍA SEGURA F*, VILLARREAL ESPINO BARROS OA,

HERNÁNDEZ HERNÁNDEZ J, BECERRA CASTRO E

Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia

Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla.


Resumen

El objetivo de este proyecto fue detectar la aflatoxina B1, en alimento balanceado para

conejos, distribuidos por las diferentes marcas comerciales, utilizando como método de

investigación de la cromatografía en capa fina, mediante el uso de acetonitrilo para

obtener el sustrato de la comida. Una vez preparada se precedió a la placa, se sumergió

en una mezcla de 98 ml de tetracloruro de carbono (CHCl3) + 2 ml de metanol (Ac2O).

Fue hecho por el método ascendente, esto permite que el ascenso a la capa más delgada

para la placa sea casi verticalmente por la acción de capilaridad. La placa se reveló por

una lámpara de luz ultravioleta a una onda de excitación de 254 nm.

En la observación de la placa, los resultados obtenidos en los primeros 6 puntos, la

aflatoxina B1 aparecieron desde que fueron expuestas a diferentes concentraciones de

aflatoxina B1, con el fin de que nos estaban sirviendo como testigos y en los últimos

tres puntos que corresponden a nuestras muestras no había la aflatoxina B1.

Por lo tanto, nuestros resultados fueron negativos a la aflatoxina B1 para tres diferentes

marcas comerciales de alimento balanceado para conejos que fueron analizadas.

Palabras clave: aflatoxinas, comida equilibrada, de conejo, de cromatografía en capa

fina, la luz ultravioleta.

128

Introduction

It is mentioned in some studies that rabbit meat is a meat lower levels of mycotoxins

because the food is balanced primarily forage and lipids, starches are substrates for

fungal growth, and the possibility of its presence is low and sometimes null. But there

are few studies to investigate the safety, and order to verify the absence of

contamination by mycotoxins in this species, this study aimed to conduct a study to

determine the state of Aflatoxin B1 contamination in feed in using different proprietary

chromatography method thin layer for detection (DIRECTIVE 2002/32/EC).

Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced by some of the Aspergillus species that

grow in food products, and which in turn consumption can affect the metabolism of

almost all living things. the Aflatoxins are considered as the most potent carcinogen

produced in nature and are also considered mutagenic agents, teratogenic and

hepatotoxic for many living species including both humans and animals, so we need to

be protected maximum consumption or contact with these mycotoxins (Mariscal 1997

Q. Jaime Cornejo, 2004).

Aflatoxins have been associated with various diseases, such as aflatoxicosis in

livestock, domestic animals and humans. the Aflatoxins have received more attention

than any other mycotoxicosis due to its potent carcinogenic effect, which was found in

susceptible laboratory animals and their acute toxicological effects in humans human

(primary liver cancer) (Avila. 2000).

There are four major aflatoxins: B1, B2, G1, G2. Aflatoxin B1 is the most potent agent

among all carcinogenic aflatoxins; most available toxicological data related to

Aflatoxin B1 (Alberto G., 2009).

The objective of this study was to determine by thin layer chromatography the presence

of aflatoxin B1 contaminating the feed for rabbits, in different brands of commercial

meals distributed in the region.



Justification

In rabbits mentioned that rabbit meat is the healthiest because it has not klenbuterol and

mycotoxin-free food is still the most reliable in meat products for this reason this

research was designed to determine the level of contamination by aflatoxin B1 in

commercial rabbit feed.


The method is based respecting the Mexican Official Standard NOM-188-SSA1-2002

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. AFLATOXINS IN CONTROL GRAINS FOR

HUMAN AND ANIMAL CONSUMPTION. Specifications health. (5).

We went to commercial establishments located in Tehuacan Puebla, to buy 5kg bags of

rabbit feed, in order to collect the amount of different trademarks that offer balanced

rabbit feed.

Figure 1. Local Animal Food Markets.

In our gathering we obtained different trademarks; NUTREL,

PABSA and PURINA. Following the collection of the samples was carried out to

prepare to do the technique of thin layer chromatography.

Sale of food for rabbits

Sale of food for rabbits

130

Sample Preparation

The samples were ground until they were fully powder 50 g was weighed. of each

sample and ground, they added 200 ml acetonitrile as a solvent, perfectly mixed, and the

mixtures were filtered to obtain the extracts. This procedure was repeated exactly in

triplicate and the three samples of each food.

Figure 2. Samples of feed and filtrate

Preparation of plates

On each plate we proceeded to make a line on the bottom line and divide by 9 points, as

shown in the picture. The nine points were identified

Figure 3. Points Board

Figure 4. Marc to 9 points



At points 1, 2 and 3 are placed with a micro syringe extract Nutrel sample of Purina +

Pabsa and 20 ng of aflatoxin B1 respectively.

In paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 were placed with a micro syringe 30 ng, 20 ng and 10 ng

aflatoxin B1 respectively.

In paragraphs 7, 8 and 9 are placed with a micro syringe extract Nutrel sample of

Purina Pabsa and respectively.

Figure 5. Application to board balanced food

Once prepared, it was plaque proceeded to immerse into a mixture

comprises from 98ml of carbon tetrachloride (CHCl3) + 2 ml of methanol (Ac2O) was

performed by the rising method, that is to allow the diluent ascend plate almost

vertically by capillary action.

Figure 6. Plates immersed in CHCl3

132

Read plates Subsequently the plates get thinner, the reading was done by

developing the ultraviolet (UV) at an excitation wavelength of

254 nm.

Figure 7. Revealed plates with ultraviolet light

The development was carried out in a dark room watching aflatoxin B1, which

is in our interest, which is observed in a blue color.

Results

Looking at the plate have resulted in the first 6 points, ran aflatoxin B1, as these points

were exposed to concentrations of aflatoxin B1 and the last three points correspond to

our samples, ran no aflatoxin. Therefore, our result is negative for the different

Aflatoxin B1 trademarks of balanced rabbit food analyzed thin layer chromatography.



POINT CONTAINS RESULTS

1 Nutrel + 20 ng of Aflatoxin B1 Positive

2 Pabsa + 20 ng of Aflatoxin B1 Positive

3 Purina + 20 ng of aflatoxin B1 Positive

April 30 ng of aflatoxin B1 Positive

May 20 ng of aflatoxin B1 Positive

June 10 ng of aflatoxin B1 Positive

7 Nutrel Negative

8 Pabsa Negative

9 Purina Negative

Figure 9. Results and revealed

Discussion

The above table shows that there are no studies of aflatoxin B1 in food for rabbits, for

that reason this study was conducted, and rabbit meat is an alternative for human

consumption.

SPECIES (µg / kg) micrograms / kg

LATIN

AMERICA

SHEEP GOAT CHIKEN PIG MILK

BOVINE

MEAT

BOVINE

TERNE

RAS

RABBITS

El Salvador 20 20 20 20 20 20 _ ?

Chile 10 30 30 10 10 30 _ ?

Colombia _ _ 20 50 50 50 _

MEXICO _ _ _ 200 _ 200 _ ?

NORMA

OFICIAL

MEXICANA

NOM-188-

SSAI-2002

_ _ 100

Except

o

pollos

de

engord

a

25-45

kg.

100

Mayor

45

kg. 200

Reprod

uct

ores

100

_ Maduros

destinados

a

reproducto

res

100

De

engorda en

etapa de

finalizació

n 300

_ ?

134

Conclusion

According to the rules, regulations and consulted research made reference to the

concentration of aflatoxin B1 in balanced feed for rabbit, it is concluded that Nutrel,

Pabsa and Purina brands, which were analyzed by the method of thin layer

chromatography are free of aflatoxin B1.

References

AVILA. Organic Chemistry: Experiments with an ecological approach. UNAM, 2000:

http://depa.pquim.unam.mx/ ~ fercor/dqo/manuales/1311/p7.pdf

Jaime Cornejo, Villarroel Orialis: General background on aflatoxins and other

Mycotoxins and elements to consider in the design of good practices

cultivation and processing of nuts: 2004:

http://www.minsal.gob.cl/portal/url/item/72fd6274dad8792ee04001011f0109e4.pdf

Alberto Gimeno. Veterinary Albéitar 2009 MERGER REVIEW

Maximum tolerable MYCOTOXIN IN FOR CERTAIN FOOD

Expert in the field of mycotoxins, technical consultant Special Nutrients, Inc.,

2766 Douglas Road, Miami, Florida, 33133 USA.

DIRECTIVE 2002/32/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

OF 7

May 2002 on undesirable substances in animal feed: 2002:

http://www.knowmycotoxins.com/es/regulations.htm

Monica G. Mariscal Quintanar, Rosa Garcia Escamilla Ma: Effects of ingestion

inoculum of A. flavus and F. moniliforme citomorfologuia in blood, marrow

bone and concentration of serum albumins and globulins in rabbits: 1996:

http://www.medigraphic.com/pdfs/vetmex/vm-1997/vm972a.pdf

Official Mexican Standard NOM-188-SSA1-2002, Goods and Services. Control

aflatoxins in cereals for human and animal consumption. Sanitary specifications:

2002 http://www.salud.gob.mx/unidades/cdi/nom/188ssa12.html

136

TLC: http://goo.gl/IBFODO

1,2

TRIGO MS, 1BORRÁS MM,

1CORDIVIOLA CA,

1,2ANTONINI AG,

3CUMINI ML,

3COSSU ME

1. Curso de Introducción a la Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales,

UNLP. 60 y 119, La Plata, Argentina.

2. IGEVET, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNLP. 60 y 118, La Plata, Argentina.

3. Dpto. de Producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía, UBA. Av. San Martín 4453, Bs. As.

Argentina.


Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of an alternative protein source (feather

meal instead of meat meal) and the inclusion levels (170 and 140 g CP) on meat quality

traits in rabbits. The trial was conducted in the Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry

Sciences, National University of La Plata, Argentina. Forty New Zealand x Californian

rabbits, weaned at 28 days of age, were used. Animals were randomly distributed into

individual cages. The experimental design was a 2x2 factorial: two sources of animal

protein (MM = meat meal as the control diet and FM = hydrolyzed feather meal) and

two levels of crude protein (17% and 14% as ‘control’ and alternative lower protein

requirement in the finishing period). All diets had equal energy content (DE=

2,500kcal/kg). Food was supplied ad-libitum. At 75 days of age, the rabbits were

slaughtered, following the standard procedures of rabbit slaughter and carcass dissection

by Blasco and Ouhayoun (1996); the weight of the hot carcass (30 'post-mortem) was

determined. On the longissumus muscle of refrigerated carcasses (24h post-slaughter,

4±1° C), the pH value (pH-meter Hanna, Ingold 406 M3) and Colour (L*, a*, b*; CR-

300 Minolta Chromameter) were measured; the Chroma was calculated as

C=(a*)2+(b*)

2. Left Longissimus muscle weight (%cold carcass), cooking losses

(water bath, 50’ at 70°C), hardness (Warner-Bratzler on Instron 1114), were

determined. Collected data were analyzed by ANOVA using the GLM procedure of

SAS (2004) for a factorial model (sources and levels of protein and their interaction).

Mean differences between treatments were compared using the Tukey test (P<0.05).

MEAT QUALITY OF RABBITS FED FEATHER MEAL



The protein level of diet significantly influenced slaughter weight, % hot carcass,

parameters a*, b* and C*, and cooking losses. The protein source of diet had less

influence, and only affected the meat/bone ratio. In conclusion, the protein level was

significant in the development of the rabbits while the inclusion of hydrolyzed feather

meal did not affect the meat performance traits. Therefore the inclusion of feather meal

in rabbit finishing diets is conditioned by the cost and availability of this by-product.

Key words: rabbits, protein source, protein level, meat quality

138

CALIDAD DE LA CARNE DE CONEJOS ALIMENTADOS CON

HARINA DE PLUMAS

1,2TRIGO MS,

1BORRÁS MM,

1CORDIVIOLA CA,

1,2ANTONINI AG,

3CUMINI ML,

3COSSU ME

1. Curso de Introducción a la Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales,

UNLP. 60 y 119, La Plata, Argentina.

2. IGEVET, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNLP. 60 y 118, La Plata, Argentina.

3. Dpto. de Producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía, UBA. Av. San Martín 4453, Bs. As.

Argentina.


Resumen

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de una fuente alternativa de proteína

(harina de plumas en lugar de harina de carne) y los niveles de inclusión (170 y 140 g

CP) sobre la calidad de la carne de conejos. El ensayo se realizó en la Facultad de

Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina.

Cuarenta conejos Nueva Zelanda x California, destetados a los 28 días de edad, se

utilizaron. Los animales se distribuyeron al azar en jaulas individuales. El diseño

experimental fue un factorial 2x2: dos fuentes de proteína animal (MM = harina de

carne como la dieta de control y FM = harina de plumas hidrolizadas) y dos niveles de

proteína cruda (17% y 14% como "control" y requerimiento de proteína inferior

alternativa en el período de finalización). Todas las dietas tuvieron contenido de energía

equivalente (DE = 2,500kcal / kg). La comida fue suministrada ad-libitum. A los 75 días

de edad, los conejos fueron sacrificados, siguiendo los procedimientos estándar de

sacrificio de conejo y la disección de la canal por Blasco y Ouhayoun (1996); se

determinó el peso de la canal caliente (30 'post-mortem). En el músculo longissumus de

las canales de refrigeración (24 horas post-sacrificio, 4 ± 1 ° C), el valor pH (pH-metro

Hanna, Ingold 406 M3) y de color (L *, a *, b *; CR-300 de Minolta Chromameter ) se

midieron; el Chroma se calculó como C = (a *) 2 + (b *) 2. Peso Izquierda músculo

Longissimus (% de la canal fría), pérdidas por cocción (baño de agua, 50 'a 70 ° C),

dureza (Warner-Bratzler en Instron 1114), se determinaron. Los datos recogidos fueron

analizados por ANOVA utilizando el procedimiento GLM de SAS (2004) para un

modelo factorial (fuentes y niveles de proteínas y su interacción).



Las diferencias medias entre tratamientos se compararon mediante la prueba de Tukey

(P <0,05). El nivel de proteína de la dieta influyó significativamente sobre el peso al

sacrificio, % de la canal caliente, los parámetros a *, b * y C *, y las pérdidas de

cocción. La fuente de proteínas de la dieta tuvo menos influencia, y sólo afectó la

relación carne / hueso. En conclusión, el nivel de proteína fue significativa en el

desarrollo de los conejos mientras que la inclusión de la harina de plumas hidrolizada

no afectó a las características de rendimiento de carne. Por lo tanto, la inclusión de la

harina de plumas en las dietas de finalizado está condicionado por el costo y la

disponibilidad de este subproducto.

Palabras clave: conejos, fuente de proteína, nivel de proteína, calidad de la carne

140

ETOLOGÍA, ALOJAMIENTO Y

BIENESTAR ANIMAL

ETHOLOGY, HOUSING & WELFARE

http://world-rabbit-science.com/WRSA-Proceedings/Congress-2012-Egypt/Egypt-2012-a.htm#welfare

142

1MACHADO LC*,

2RIBEIRO BPVB,

1GERALDO A,

3HEKER MM,

1NORONHA CMS,

2PIMENTEL FE,

2SILVA IM

1. Professor Minas Gerais Federal Institute - Bambuí Campus – Brazil

2. Student of Animal Science at Minas Gerais Federal Institute - Bambuí Campus – Brazil

3. Ph.D. Student from São Paulo State University (UNESP), Aracatuba Campus - Brazil

*Correspondig author: [email protected]

Abstract

Nowadays animal welfare is becoming a major concern for society. Pet rabbit breeding

is expanding in Brazil and no type of enclosed environment that provides comfort and

welfare for these animals is available. If loose, rabbits can dig holes, chew on furniture,

eat plants and urinate/defecate in inappropriate places. This paper describes the

development of an enclosed environment (intelligent cage) for growing or adult male

rabbits and presents results from a study of their behavior. The cage was built with

dimensions 0,90 x 0.78 m (0.70 m2). For environmental enrichment, a PVC pipe, a

platform, a wood swing, a hanging plate, some dangling chains and a place for treats

were added. The cage was set 1.20m above the ground, with a bottom easily sliding out

tray o allow cleaning and scrubbing when needed. A camera with infrared light was

used to monitor the animals for 24 hours for 50 minutes periods during seven days so

that all 24 hours were registered. A Fuzzy Lop male was observed every 30 seconds,

with a total of 2400 records. To observe the animal's preference in the cage, eight

separate locations were named and eighteen different types of behavior were

considered. For statistical analysis, each six-hour shift (00:00-06:00, 06:00-12:00,

12:00-18:00 and 18:00-24:00) was considered as treatment and each week day consisted

of a replicate. A high frequency of playful and exploratory behavior was observed in

addition to interaction with environmental enrichment. The most frequent behavior was

to lie down (41.47%) and the most popular places in the cage were: the sides of the cage

(61.70%) and treat region (12.58%). Considering the shifts, a higher incidence of

licking/scratching behavior was observed in the morning (06:00-12:00).

INTELLIGENT CAGE FOR GROWING OR ADULT

MALE PET RABBITS




The animals moved around, more frequently, during the morning (00:00-06:00) and

evening (18:00-24:00) and gnawed the cage bars more frequently in the morning

(00:00-06:00), probably due to the expected human presence. Studies with intelligent

cages should be improved to provide greater comfort and convenience for the animals.

Keyword: Pet rabbits, welfare, rabbit breeding

144

JAULA INTELIGENTE PARA CONEJOS MASCOTA

EN CRECIMIENTO O ADULTOS

1MACHADO LC*,

2RIBEIRO BPVB,

1GERALDO A,

3HEKER MM,

1NORONHA CMS,

2PIMENTEL FE,

2SILVA IM





Resumen

Hoy en día el bienestar animal se está convirtiendo en una gran preocupación para la

sociedad. La cunicultura de mascotas se está expandiendo en Brasil y ningún tipo de

ambiente cerrado que proporciona comodidad y el bienestar de estos animales está

disponible. Si está suelto, los conejos pueden cavar hoyos, masticar muebles, comer

plantas y orinar / defecar en lugares inapropiados. En este trabajo se describe el

desarrollo de un ambiente cerrado (jaula inteligente) para conejos machos en

crecimiento o adultos y se presentan los resultados de un estudio de comportamiento. La

jaula estaba construida con dimensiones 0,90 x 0,78 m (0,70 m2). Para el

enriquecimiento del medio ambiente, se añadieron un tubo de PVC, una plataforma, un

columpio de madera, una placa colgante, algunas cadenas colgantes y un lugar para los

premios. La jaula se colocó a 1,20m por encima del suelo, con una parte inferior

fácilmente deslizable fuera de la bandeja y permitir la limpieza y lavado cuando sea

necesario. Una cámara con luz infrarroja se utilizó para controlar los animales durante

24 horas por periodos de 50 minutos durante los siete días, se registraron todas las 24

horas. Un macho Lop Fuzzy se observó cada 30 segundos, con un total de 2.400

registros. Para observar la preferencia del animal en la jaula, ocho lugares separados

fueron nombrados y se consideraron dieciocho tipos diferentes de comportamiento. Para

el análisis estadístico, cada turno de seis horas (00: 00-06: 00, 06: 00-12: 00, 12: 00-18:

00 y 18: 00-24: 00) fue considerado como el tratamiento y cada día de la semana

consistió en una réplica. Se observó una alta frecuencia de comportamiento lúdico y

exploratorio, además de la interacción con el enriquecimiento ambiental. El

comportamiento más frecuente fue a acostarse (41,47%) y los lugares más populares de

la jaula fueron: los lados de la jaula (61.70%) y la región de los premios (12,58%).



Teniendo en cuenta los cambios, una mayor incidencia del comportamiento de

lamido/rascado se observó por la mañana (06: 00-12: 00). Los animales se movían

alrededor, más frecuentemente, durante la mañana (00: 00-06: 00) y por la tarde (18: 00-

24: 00) y mordían los barrotes de la jaula con mayor frecuencia por la mañana (00: 00-

06: 00), probablemente debido a la presencia humana esperada. Los estudios con jaulas

inteligentes deben ser mejorados para proporcionar un mayor confort y conveniencia

para los animales.

Palabras clave: conejos de mascotas, bienestar, cunicultura

146

Introduction

Research evaluating the behavior and welfare of rabbits are very important to ensure the

improvement of life in environments different from the natural habitat. In Brazil, these

studies are recent. Barros et al. (2012), realized that environmental enrichment

improved play behavior and reduces the incidence of fights. Heker (2013) found that

young rabbits with tactile stimulation perform more activities, are more cooperative and

docile , show less fear and deal easier with new situations. Rabbits respond well to

external stimuli as well as the introduction of environmental enrichment.

In Brazil the use of rabbits as pets has grown, with shortages of specific materials and

equipment. If kept loose the rabbits dig holes, chew furniture, can eat poisonous plants

and urinate / defecate in inappropriate locations. Moreover, there are no cages suitable

for rabbits in the Brazilian market that provides space and activities, this contributes to

laziness, therefore the development of new technologies in this area, becomes essential

(Machado, 2012).

Objective

This paper aimed to develop and evaluate a cage for growing or adult male rabbits

which associates comfort and welfare as well as identifies the behavior of the animal in

these conditions.


The intelligent cage was built with internal dimensions of 90 cm x 78 cm x 50 cm. For

environmental enrichment, a steel chain, an enameled plate and wooden swing, a raised

platform, a basket to offer hay, a place for treats and a PVC pipe of 150 mm diameter

for hiding were added. The cage was placed on a steel base with 120 cm of height with

a tray lined with sawdust to collect excreta. Observations of behavior were made in a

restricted room at IFMG -. Campus Bambuí, Brazil, from June to July 2013 The room

temperature recorded was 26.9 ° C (maximum) and 11.7 ° C (minimum). To ensure the

brightness of the room, the windows were opened during the day. To monitor the

behavior of the rabbit an infrared camera (with night vision) was installed. A year old

Fuzzy Lop male was the subject of the research. Daily, three periods of 50 minutes each

were evaluated for eight days, totaling 24 periods. The views were made every 30

seconds, resulting in 100 views per period giving a total of 2400 views. The regions of



the cage considered were: feeder / drinker, inside the pipe, side of the cage, treat area,

on the platform, beneath the platform and toy area. The behaviors considered were:

walking, playing with the chain, playing with the swing, running, drinking, gnawing the

cage, the pipe, binky (happiness leap), standing, stretching, sniffing, having treats,

cecotrophy, digging the cage, eating, lying, licking/scratching and siting.

The day was divided in four periods, from 00:00-06:00, 06:00-12:00, 12:00-18:00 e

18:00-24:00. The data was evaluated descriptively and comparisons were made

between the four shifts considered, using the resources of the computer program MINI

TAB, with comparisons made by the nonparametric Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney

tests.


The most frequent behaviors were lying and siting, which shows that mosto f the time,

the rabbit remained at rest, this result was also observed by Gunn e Morton (1995) that

found 56% of inactivity. It was found that the animal stayed on top of the platform hen

he licked himself. A behavior that suggests stress or anxiety, gnawing on the cage/pipe,

was observed only at 0,80% of the time, which may suggest that there is satisfaction of

the animal in relation to the environment, this value, was considerably lower than the

one observed by Schepers et al. (2009), which was of 17%.

Attention is drawn to the high frequency of "binky", behavior which suggests sufficient

space for the act. Exploratory behaviors such as sniffing the environment and standing

were observed in 2.84% which suggests high curiosity of the animal in relation to the

environment. It was noticed that there was a great variety of behaviors in the intelligent

cage.

148

Table 01 - Fuzzy Lop rabbit behavior in smart cage

Behavior (%) behavior (%) behavior (%)

Walking 1,66 Sniffing 2,27 Stretching 0,66

Playing with chain 0,21 Eating treats 3,05 Standind 0,57

Playing with swing 0,11 Cecotrophy 0,08 “Binky” 0,21

Playing with plate 0,04 Digging the

cage

0,04 Lickimg 30,38

Drinking 0,26 Eating 3,13 Siting 14,87

Gnawing cage/pipe 0,80 Lying 41,47 Running 0,19

Regarding the shifts, significant differences (P <0.05) were observed in some behaviors.

The animal has lower frequency of licking / scratching behavior in the 18:00-00:00

period, he walked more in the morning (06:00 to 12:00) and evening (18:00-00:00)

and bit more the cage / pipe in the period 06:00 to 12:00, this might have occurred due

to anxiety, waiting for human presence to open the windows, the rabbit presented

restlessness after his presence.

The area most frequented by the animal was the side of the cage (61.70%), but one must

draw attention to the time the animal spent on the platform (13.53%) licking himself.

The region of toys was visited 2.11% and the animal remained in the pipe only in

0.90% of views. Significant difference was observed between shifts in relation to the

toy region, in the afternoon (12:00 to 18:00) the rabbit did not use this area, probably

because it is a time to rest, which results in less activities. It was noticed that the rabbit

explored every area of the intelligent cage, but showed preference for the sides of the

cage.

Conclusions

The way in which the cage was built contributed to the rabbit’s interaction with the

structure as well as environmental enrichment, a great variation in exploratory behavior

and entertainment was observed. Furthermore, the rabbit visited every area of the cage,

showing preferences for the sides.



Other studies need to be done to better understand the behavior of these animals in

environmental friendly conditions.

References

Barros, T. F. M., Moura A. S. A. M. T., Fernandes S., Oliveira L. V. D., Siqueira E. R.

2012. Comportamento em bem estar de coelhos em gaiolas enriquecidas. In: Proc. 49th

Reunião Anual da SBZ, Brasília, Brasil, CD-Rom.

Gunn, D., Mortan, D. B. 1995. Inventory of the behaviour of New Zealand White

rabbits in labboratory cages, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 45, 277-292.

Heker, M. M. Estimulação tátil em coelhos do grupo genético Botucatu e seus efeitos

no desempenho, temperamento e reprodução. Dissertação, Mestrado em Zootecnia.

Jaboticabal, 2013, 97p.

Machado, L. C. Opinião: Panorama da Cunicultura Brasileira. Revista Brasileira de

Cunicultura, v. 2, n. 1, 2012. Disponível em:

<http://www.rbc.acbc.org.br/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63&Ite

mid=71>.

Schepers, F.; Koene, P.; BeerdA, B. 2009. Welfare assessment in pet rabbits. Animal

Welfare, 18, 477-485.

150


OF PREGNANT DOES

OLIVEIRA MC1, MESQUITA SA

1, SILVA TR

1, LIMA SCO

1*, MACHADO LA

1,

OLIVEIRA HC1, OLIVEIRA JC

2, OLIVEIRA ES

1

1. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Rio Verde, Rio Verde, GO, 75.901-910.

Brazil.

2. Federal Center of Technological Education of Minas Gerais, Divinópolis, MG, 35503-822.

Brazil. *Scientific Initiation Fellow from CNPq.


Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the pregnant doe nest characteristics with

different bedding material and its effect on the litter size and weight at the birth and the

weaning and on the nest material use by the doe. Thirty does were used in a randomized

block design with three treatments and ten replicates each. The treatments consisted of

the nest bedding with wood shavings (280 g), Tifton hay (220 g) and chopped

newspaper (200 g). The nest state was evaluated in relation to the material mixture level

with the fur, to the fur presence and to the preservation of the original material put in the

nest, beyond the litter size and weight at the birth and weaning. There was not effect

(P>0.05) of the bedding material type on the litter size and weight at the birth and

weaning and on the mixture level with the fur, the fur amount in the nest and on the

preservation of the original material put in the nest. It was concluded that the Tifton hay

and chopped newspaper may be used as bedding nest to pregnant does replacing the

wood shaving without impairing the litter performance.

Keywords: doe behavior, nest for does, rabbit production


OF PREGNANT DOES




USO DE DIFERENTES MATERIALES PARA LA CAMA DE CRÍA DE

CONEJAS GESTANTES

OLIVEIRA MC1, MESQUITA SA

1, SILVA TR

1, LIMA SCO

1*, MACHADO LA

1,


2, OLIVEIRA ES

1


Brazil.




Resumen

Este estudio se llevó a cabo para evaluar las características de los nidos de las conejas

gestantes con diferente material de cama y su efecto sobre el tamaño de la camada y el

peso al nacimiento y destete y el uso del material de los nidos por la coneja. Treinta

conejas fueron utilizadas en un diseño de bloques al azar con tres tratamientos y diez

repeticiones cada una. Los tratamientos consistieron en construcción de la cama del

nido con virutas de madera (280 g), heno Tifton (220 g) y periódico picado (200 g). El

estado del nido se evaluó en relación con el nivel de mezcla de material con el pelo, la

presencia de pelo la preservación del material original puesto en el nido, además del

tamaño de la camada y el peso al nacimiento y destete. No hubo efecto (P> 0,05) del

tipo de material de cama sobre el tamaño de la camada y el peso al nacimiento y el

destete en el nivel de mezcla con pelo, la cantidad de pelo en el nido y en la

preservación del material original puesto en el nido. Se concluyó que el heno Tifton y el

periódico picado se pueden usar como material de cama para el nido para conejas

gestantes, sustituyendo la viruta de madera sin perjudicar los parámetros de la camada.

Palabras clave: comportamiento de conejas, nido para conejas, producción de conejos


152

Introduction

Rabbits have the habit of nest building and the doe use to visit the nest, after the birth,

to nurse the kits (Baumann et al., 2005). The nest is also a favorable environment to

newborn development, since they still not have thermoregulation ability. Thus, the nest

material should provide comfort to the doe and kits, minimize ammonia production and

must not be a powder (Lanteigne & Reebs, 2006), as the powder can irritate nostrils and

eyes of the doe and kits.

Wood shavings is the most used material for nest bedding in Brazil, but due its scarcity

in some regions, it is necessary the study of other materials that can be used with no

negative effects on the kits performance. In addition, it is possible that there is a doe

preference for some materials, since they will use the nest for several days.

Thus, this study was carried out to evaluate the characteristics of nest for pregnant does,

lined with different materials and its effect on the kit size and weight at birth and

weaning, and on the nest material use by the doe.


Thirty rabbit does were housed in cages that contained beside the nest, a feeder and a

drinker, both made from ceramic. The animals were five months old and primiparous.

The experiment was carried out in randomized blocks design, with three treatments and

ten replicates each one. Treatments consisted of the nest bedding based on wood

shavings (280g), Tifton hay (220g) and chopped newspaper (200g).

Nests were made from wood and the measures were 34 x 40 x 30 cm in height, length

and width, respectively. They were placed in the cages three days before the expecting

birth and were taken out at 20 days after the birth (Figure 1).



(a) (b) (c) Figure 1: Nest lined with wood shavings (a), Tifton hay (b) and chopped newspaper (c) on

the day that were placed in the cages.

Since the nest placement in the cages, its status was determined by one observer twice a

day (8:30 and 16:30 h, to evaluate the nest as close as possible to the birth moment).

The evaluation of the nest status consisted of qualitative analysis, as follow (Blumetto et

al., 2010):

- mixture of the material and rabbit fur (1 – with no mixture, 2 = a little bit of mixture

and 3 – almost all the material mixed with the fur);

- presence of fur (1 – there was no fur in the nest, 2 – more than 50% of the nest still

had visible material, 3 – more than 50% of the nest had material covered by the fur and

4 – only fur were seen on the material);

- preservation of the original material placed in the nest (1 – less than 30% was kept, 2 –

between 30 and 60% was kept and 3 – more than 60% was kept).

These evaluations were finished when the birth occurred, since the nest building ceases

after the birth (Hudson et al., 2000). Kit size and weight were recorded after the birth,

and they were weighed again at 35 days of age, in order to obtain the weaning weight.

The average initial body weight was 53.93 ± 1.28g.

Data were submitted to analysis of variance, and kit size and weight means at the birth

and at the weaning were compared by t test, and the nest evaluation means were

compared by the Kruskal-Wallis test, both at 5% of probability. The newborn number

was used as a co-variable to the statistical analysis of the birth and weaning weight.

154


There was no effect (P>0.05) of the bedding material type on the kit size and weight at

the birth and at the weaning (Table 1), what indicates that all the materials provided

appropriate conditions to the nest for the kit rearing since the birth up to the 35th

day of

age, when they were weaned.

There was no effect (P>0.05) of material type on the mixture level with the fur, on the

fur amount in the nest, and on the preservation of the material placed in in the nest

(Table 2), however, the smaller fur amount was noted in the nest lined with chopped

newspaper, possibly due the its softness, providing a higher comfort level to the doe.

Table 1: Size and weight, at the birth and at the weaning, of kits reared in nest lined with different

material types

Nest bedding material CV

Parameter Wood shavings Tifton hay Chopped newspaper (%)1

Kit size at the birth 8.87 9.50 8.10 6.14

Kit weight at the birth (g) 56.02 52.65 52.84 5.52

Kit size at the weaning 7.50 8.12 7.50 6.65

Kit weight at the weaning (g) 733 756 750 5.10

1CV = coefficient of variation.

Table 2: Nest bedding material evaluation at the birth day

Nest bedding material

Parameter Wood shavings Tifton hay Chopped

newspaper

Fur and material mixture level 2.28 2.14 2.11

Fur presence in the nest 2.43 2.57 2.00

Preservation of the material placed in the

nest

2.71 2.28 2.89



At the day of birth, nest lined with Tifton hay showed a smaller original material

amount. These results may indicate that the Tifton hay has been, probably, the less

comfortable to the rabbit doe, and this material was ingested or thrown out of the nest in

a higher amount than the wood shavings and chopped newspaper.

These results are similar to Blumetto et al. (2010). These authors evaluated the straw

and wood shaving use in the nests, and did not noted differences on the kit size and

weight at the birth and at the weaning, and on the material and fur mixture level, fur

presence in the nest and preservation of the original material placed in the nest.

Conclusion

Tifton hay and chopped newspaper may be used as nest bedding for pregnant rabbit

does replacing the wood shavings without impairing to the kit performance since the

birth up to the weaning age.

References

Baumann P., Oester H., Stauffacher M. 2005. Effects of temporary nest box removal on

maternal behavior and pup survival in caged rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Appl.

Anim. Behav. Sci., 91, 167-178.

Blumetto O., Olivas I., Torres A.G., Villagrá A. 2010. Use of straw and wood shavings

as nest material in primiparous does. World Rabbit Sci., 18, 237-242.

Lanteigne M., Reebs S.G. 2006. Preference for bedding material in Syrian hamster. Lab.

Anim., 40, 410-418.

Partridge G.G., Foley S., Corrigall W. 1981. Reproductive performance in purebred and

crossbred commercial rabbits. Anim. Prod., 32, 325−331.

156

1MACHADO LC*, 2RIBEIRO BPVB,

1GERALDO A,

3HEKER MM,

1NORONHA CMS,

2PIMENTEL FE,

2SILVA IM


2. Student of Animal Science at Minas Gerais Federal Institute - Bambuí Campus –

Brazil



Abstract

In Brazil, mini rabbit breeding is expanding. It is important to investigate their welfare

in cages. The cages available in the market are small, without attraction, which leads the

animals to laziness. If loose they can make holes in the ground. Moreover, in Brazil,

there are no nests that simulate the natural conditions. This work describes the

development of an enriched environment (intelligent cage) for rabbits, identifies

behaviors and verifies the possibility of a nesting chamber. The cage was built using

materials easily found in the market, with dimensions 1.20 x 0.80m (0.96 m2). For

environmental enrichment, a PVC pipe, a platform, a wood swing, a hanging plate,

some dangling chains and a place for treats were added. Before the doe's due date, a

nesting chamber was included. An infrared light camera was used to monitor the

animals for 24 hours during seven days, for 50 minutes periods, so that all 24 hours

were registered. A Mini Lion head female was observed every 30 seconds, with a total

of 2400 records. To observe the animal's preference in the cage, eight separate

locations were named and sixteen different types of behavior were considered. For

statistical analysis, each six-hour shift (00:00-06:00, 06:00-12:00, 12:00-18:00 and

18:00-24:00) was considered as a treatment and each week day consisted of a replicate.

The use of the nesting chamber was monitored for four consecutive births. A high

frequency of exploratory behavior was observed in addition to interaction with

environmental enrichment. The animal remained lying almost half of the time and

presented higher incidence of licking/scratching at the 06:00-12:00 period.

The animal remained in the sitting position more frequently in the morning (06:00-

12:00) and evening (18:00-24:00). Regarding the use of the nesting chamber, in the first

INTELLIGENT CAGE WITH NESTING CHAMBERS FOR DOES



parity, although the doe prepared the nest, the parturition occurred in the cage, a normal

behavior in young does (first labor). In the second, third and fourth parities, the doe

prepared the nest and gave birth inside it. New experiments involving intelligent cages

should be performed to improve welfare technology for these animals.

Keyword: rabbit pets, welfare, rabbit breeding

158

JAULA INTELIGENTE CON CÁMARA DE NIDO PARA CONEJAS

1MACHADO LC*,

2RIBEIRO BPVB,

1GERALDO A,

3HEKER MM,

1NORONHA CMS,

2PIMENTEL FE,

2SILVA IM





Resumen

En Brasil, la cría de conejos miniatura se está expandiendo. Es importante investigar su

bienestar en jaulas. Las jaulas disponibles en el mercado son pequeñas, sin atracción, lo

que lleva a los animales a la pereza. Si los sueltas que pueden hacer agujeros en el

suelo. Por otra parte, en Brasil, no hay nidos que simulen las condiciones naturales. Este

trabajo describe el desarrollo de un ambiente enriquecido (jaula inteligente) para los

conejos, identifica comportamientos y verifica la posibilidad de una cámara de

anidación. La jaula fue construida con materiales fáciles de encontrar en el mercado,

con dimensiones de 1,20 x 0,80 m (0,96 m2). Para el enriquecimiento del medio

ambiente, se añadieron un tubo de PVC, una plataforma, un columpio de madera, una

placa colgante, algunas cadenas colgantes y un lugar para los premios. Antes de la fecha

de parto de la coneja, se incluyó una cámara de anidación. Una cámara de luz infrarroja

se utilizó para monitorear a los animales durante 24 horas durante siete días, por

periodos de 50 minutos, por lo que se registraron las 24 horas. Una hembra Mini cabeza

de León se observó cada 30 segundos, con un total de 2,400 registros. Para observar la

preferencia del animal en la jaula, ocho lugares separados fueron nombrados y se

consideraron dieciséis tipos diferentes de comportamiento. Para el análisis estadístico,

cada turno de seis horas (00: 00-06: 00, 06: 00-12: 00, 12: 00-18: 00 y 18: 00-24: 00)

fue considerada como un tratamiento y cada semana día consistió en una réplica. El uso

de la cámara de anidación se controló durante cuatro nacimientos consecutivos. Se

observó una alta frecuencia de la conducta exploratoria, además de la interacción con el

enriquecimiento ambiental. El animal permaneció acostado casi la mitad del tiempo y

presentó mayor incidencia del comportamiento de lamido/arañando en el periodo de las

00: 00-12:00. El animal se mantuvo en posición sentada con mayor frecuencia por la

mañana (06: 00-12: 00) y por la tarde (18: 00-24: 00).



En cuanto al uso de la cámara de anidación, en el primer parto, aunque la coneja preparó

el nido, el parto se produjo en la jaula, un comportamiento normal en animales jóvenes

(primerizas). En el segundo, tercero y cuarto parto, la hembra preparó el nido y dio a luz

en su interior. Nuevos experimentos con jaulas inteligentes se deben realizar para

mejorar la tecnología de bienestar de estos animales.

Palabras clave: animales domésticos conejo, el bienestar, la cunicultura

160

Introduction

In Brasil, few are the studies in lodging, behavior and rabbit welfare, and there is a lapse

of equipments and utensils specific for pet rabbits. The presence of this animal as pets

grew a lot recently and if the rabbits are loose around the house, many are the

inconveniences related to wellbeing. For example, the existing cages are small and

without attractions for the rabbits which leads to laziness, reduction in life’s quality and

duration. The lack of nesting chambers, which would be placed below the cages’ floor,

would be a situation more similar to the natural scenery.

Good results were verified by Barros et al. (2012) and Heker (2013) when different

techniques to improve welfare and comfort for rabbits were adopted.

Objective

In this paper, the development of a different cage for reproductive does, that provides

comfort, entertainment and welfare, that includes a nesting chamber and the

identification of behavior of the does in this condition was done.


The intelligent Cage has internal dimensions of 120 cm x 80 cm x 50 cm. The

environment was enriched with, a metal chain, a hanging plate, a wood swing, an

elevated platform was added, a basket for hay, a place for treats and a OVC tube with

diameter of 150 mm for hiding. The cage was placed on a steel base with 120cm of

height, with a tray containing wood chips to collect excrete. The nesting chamber was

made with 30 cm of diameter, 48 cm of length and four steps.

The behavior observations were made at a restricted room from IFMG - Campus

Bambuí – Brazil, from June to July of 2013, and the windows were opened during the

day. The environmental temperature was of 27,0º C (maximum) e 11,6º C (minimum).

To monitor the behavior filming equipment with night vision was installed.



A female Mini Lion Head rabbit, with 14 months of age was evaluated daily for three

periods of 50 minutes, during eight days, in a total of 24 periods. The visualizations

were made at every 30 seconds, resulting in 100 visualizations in each period which led

to 2400 in total. Various regions in the cage were considered such as: feeder/ drinking

area, inside the pipe, cage sides, treat area, on the platform, in the nesting chamber,

under the platform and toys. The behaviors considered were: walking, playing with the

chain, playing with the swing, running, drinking water, biting the cage/tube; binky

(happiness leap), standing, stretching, sniffing, eating treats, pulling out fur, making the

nest, cecotrophy, digging the cage, eating, lying, licking/scratching and sitting. The day

was divides in four shifts as follows: 00:00-06:00, 06:00-12:00, 12:00-18:00 and 18:00-

24:00. To verify the use of the nest by the doe, the four first parities were considered,

being the last three observed after the period of the research. To the data descriptive

evaluations were made as well as non parametric comparisons using Kruskal Wallis and

Mann Whitney’s tests.


The most frequent behavior were lying and sitting, which shows thar during mosto f the

period the doe remained resting, this result was also found by Gunn and Morton (1995)

Who identified 56% of inactivity. Behaviors such as “binky”, biting the cage/tube,

running or digging the cage were not observed. Exploratory behaviors such as sniffing

and standing were observed in 3,07% of the time, which suggests high curiosity of the

animal in relation to the environment. One can see that 0,62% of the time the doe played

with the items added for environmental enrichment. A variety of behaviors was noted

(Table 1) in the intelligent cage.

162

Table 01 – Behavior of the Mini Lion Head doe in the intelligent cage.

Behavior (%) Behavior (%) Behavior (%)

Walking 3,58 Sniffing the environment 1,97 Streching 0,57

Playing with chain 0,28 Eating treats 1,57 Standing 1,10

Playing with swing 0,13 Cecotrophy 0,34 “Binky” 0,00

Playing with plate 0,21 Digging the cage 0,00 Licking 12,65

Drinking 0,74 Eating ration 4,51 Siting 20,86

Biting the Cage/tube 0,00 Lying 47,77 Running 0,00

Pulling out fur 0,40 Preparing the nest 3,10 -

The doe remained seated for the longest time (P< 0,05) during the periods of 00:00-

06:00h and 18:00-24:00h and licked herself with more frequency during the period of

06:00-12:00h.

Regarding the usage of the nesting chamber, the pregnant doe used it 3,10% of the time

to prepare the nest. It was observed that during the first labor, it happened out side of

the nest, a normal behavior at first labor (Ferreira et al., 2012). During the second, third

and fourth labor, the doe prepared the nest and gave birth in it. At 18 days the babies

started to leave the nest and showed preference for PVC tube.

The does preference for the platform was verified, since she remained there 45,57% of

the time, which shows the importance of a second plan (Hoy, 2008). The doe remained

15,10%, below the platform, 12,87% in the eating/drinking area 11,39% at the sides of

the cage, 7,45% in the toy reagion, 3,85% in the treat region and 0,66% inside the PVC

tube. The doe explored all the regions of the intelligent cage, maintaining the preference

for the elevated platform.



Conclusion

The way in which the Cage was built, helped the doe to get interested with the structure

as well as the environmental enrichment, being observed great variation of exploratory

behaviors. The doe visited all the places in the cage, showing higher preference for the

platform in the second plane (second floor). The nesting chamber was well prepared and

used by the doe. Other studies must be developed for better comprehension of the

behavior of the animals in these conditions.

References

Barros, T. F. M., Moura A. S. A. M. T., Fernandes S., Oliveira L. V. D., Siqueira E. R.

2012. Comportamento em bem estar de coelhos em gaiolas enriquecidas. In: Proc. 49th

Reunião Anual da SBZ, Brasília, Brasil, CD-Rom.

Ferreira W. M., Machado L. C., Jaruche Y. G., Carvalho G. G., Oliveira C. E. A., Souza

J. D. S., Caríssimo A. P. G. 2012. Manual Prático de Cunicultura,75p.

Gunn, D., Mortan, D. B. 1995. Inventory of the behaviour of New Zealand White

rabbits in labboratory cages. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 45: 277-292.

Heker, M. M.2013. Estimulação tátil em coelhos do grupo genético Botucatu e seus

efeitos no desempenho, temperamento e reprodução. Dissertação, Mestrado em

Zootecnia. Jaboticabal, 97p.

Hoy, St. 2008. Guidelines for minimum standards on rabbit housing in Germany. In:

Proc. 9th

World Rabbit Congress, Verona, Ilaty, 1183-1188.

164

ANA SILVIA AMT MOURA, THAIS FM BOZICOVICH, SIMONE

FERNANDES, EDSON R DE SIQUEIRA

Departamento de Produção Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, UNESP,

CEP: 18618-970, Botucatu, SP, Brasil (Financial support: FAPESP and CNPq)


Abstract

The objective was to investigate if an environmental enrichment and the composition of

social group would affect the frequency of maintenance and comfort behaviors in

growing rabbits. The experiment was initiated at weaning with five weeks and finished

at 11 weeks of age, involving 144 rabbits from the Botucatu genetic group, 72 males

and 72 females. The animals were assigned to a completely randomized design, in a 2 x

3 factorial arrangement (with or without cage enrichment and three compositions of

social groups – males, females, or mixed genders) with repeated measures (weeks) and

four replicates. Stocking density was six rabbits per cage (0.48 m2). Two eucalyptus

sticks were hanged to the cage ceiling in enriched cages. Six cameras were used for

image recording during 24 h, once a week, on weeks 7, 10 and 11. The behavioral

activities were “feeding” (eating or drinking), “resting” (sitting, lying or sleeping) and

“grooming” (licking, scratching or nibbling of the body). Cages were scanned once

every 20 minutes for registration of these behaviors. The numbers of occurrences per

day were summed up on a cage basis. A social group x age interaction effect was found

on feeding: on week 7, female groups showed higher frequency of feeding behavior

than male and mixed groups; this difference disappeared on weeks 10 and 11.

INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT,

COMPOSITION OF THE SOCIAL GROUP AND AGE ON

MAINTENANCE AND COMFORT BEHAVIORS IN GROWING

RABBITS




An enrichment x age interaction effect was found on grooming: on weeks 10 and 11

rabbits in enriched cages showed lower frequency of grooming, but this difference was

absent on week 7. As age progressed, feeding decreased and grooming increased.

Resting was more frequent on week 10 than on weeks 7 and 11. Environmental

enrichment and composition of the social group changed maintenance and comfort

behaviors in growing rabbits.

Keywords: behavior, environmental enrichment, feeding, grooming, resting, welfare

166

INFLUENCIA DE ENRIQUECIMIENTO AMBIENTAL,

COMPOSICIÓN DEL GRUPO SOCIAL Y EDAD EN LAS CONDUCTAS

DE MANTENIMIENTO Y CONFORT EN CONEJOS EN

CRECIMIENTO

ANA SILVIA AMT MOURA, THAIS FM BOZICOVICH, SIMONE

FERNANDES, EDSON R DE SIQUEIRA


CEP: 18618-970, Botucatu, SP, Brasil (Financial support: FAPESP and CNPq)


Resumen

El objetivo fue investigar si un enriquecimiento ambiental y la composición del grupo

social afectarían la frecuencia de las conductas de mantenimiento y confort en conejos

en crecimiento. El experimento se inició en el destete con cinco semanas y terminó a las

11 semanas de edad, con la participación de 144 conejos del grupo genético Botucatu,

72 machos y 72 hembras. Los animales fueron asignados a un diseño completamente al

azar, en un arreglo factorial 2 x 3 (con o sin enriquecimiento jaula y tres composiciones

de grupos sociales – machos, hembras o grupos mixtos) con medidas repetidas

(semanas) y cuatro repeticiones. La densidad de población era de seis conejos por jaula

(0,48 m2). Dos palos de eucalipto fueron colgados en el techo de la jaula en jaulas

enriquecidas. Seis cámaras se utilizaron para la grabación de imágenes durante 24 h,

una vez a la semana, en la semana 7, 10 y 11. Las actividades de comportamiento

fueron "alimentación" (comer o beber), de "reposo" (sentado, acostado o durmiendo) y

"acicalamiento" (lamer, arañar o mordisquear del cuerpo). Las jaulas fueron escaneadas

una vez cada 20 minutos para registro de estos comportamientos. El número de

apariciones por día fueron resumidos en forma de jaula. El efecto de interacción de un

grupo social por edad fue encontrado en la alimentación: en la semana 7, los grupos de

hembras mostraron una mayor frecuencia de la conducta alimentaria que los grupos

masculinos y mixtos; esta diferencia desapareció en las semanas 10 y 11. Un efecto de

interacción por edad debido al enriquecimiento fue encontrado en el aseo: en las

semanas 10 y 11 los conejos en jaulas enriquecidas mostraron una menor frecuencia de

arreglarse, pero esta diferencia estuvo ausente en la semana 7.




A medida que avanzaba la edad, la alimentación disminuyó y el acicalamiento aumentó

Descansar fue más frecuente en la semana 10 que en las semanas 7 y 11. El

enriquecimiento ambiental y composición del grupo social cambió las conductas de

mantenimiento y confort en los conejos en crecimiento.

Palabras clave: comportamiento, enriquecimiento ambiental, alimentación, aseo,

descanso, bienestar

168

THAIS FM BOZICOVICH, PAMELA A GELIER, SIMONE FERNANDES,

EDSON R SIQUEIRA, ANA SILVIA AMT MOURA


CEP: 18618-970, Botucatu, SP, Brasil, (Financial support: FAPESP and CNPq)


Abstract

The level of adaptation of growing rabbits to housing and management conditions may

be evaluated through their behavioral response to reactivity tests, in which their reaction

to and fear of a new environment are assessed. This study aimed to evaluate the anxiety

of rabbits that had (or not) access to an enriched environment. A total of 32 male rabbits

from the Botucatu genetic group were involved from weaning at 35 days up to 79 days

of age. The animals were assigned to a completely randomized design with two

treatments (with or without access to environmental enrichment) and allocated to eight

wire cages, four animals per cage. Two eucalyptus sticks (15 x 3 x 3 cm) hanging from

the cage ceiling were used as enrichments. Anxiety-related (freezing) and locomotion

behaviors were evaluated using the elevated plus-maze, in which the animals were

allowed to explore two elevated open and two elevated closed arms. Two observations

of 5 min each, at 49 and 79 days of age, were carried out. At the beginning of the test,

each animal was placed in the center of the apparatus. The latency time to enter the

open and closed arms, the number of entries and the time spent in open and closed arms,

the frequency of head dipping and of standing up were registered. Growth performance

of animals was recorded from 35 to 77 days of age. On day 49, the latency to the first

open arm entry was shorter in animals from enriched cages. On day 79, the animals

from non-enriched cages stayed longer in the open arms and showed higher frequency

of head dipping than the animals in enriched cages. The animals in enriched cages, on

the other hand, stayed longer in the closed arms.

EVALUATION OF ANXIETY OF GROWING RABBITS

IN ENRICHED CAGES




Feed conversion was poorer in enriched than in non-enriched cages (2.91±0.06 vs.

2.64±0.06, P=0.03), other performance traits (final weight, average daily gain and feed

consumption) did not differ between groups. The environmental enrichment had a

positive effect on the behavior of young rabbits by reducing their anxiety.

Keywords: behavior, elevated plus maze, environmental enrichment, performance,

welfare

170

EVALUACIÓN DE LA ANSIEDAD EN CONEJOS EN CRECIMIENTO

EN JAULAS ENRIQUECIDAS

THAIS FM BOZICOVICH, PAMELA A GELIER, SIMONE FERNANDES,

EDSON R SIQUEIRA, ANA SILVIA AMT MOURA


CEP: 18618-970, Botucatu, SP, Brasil, (Financial support: FAPESP and CNPq)


Resumen

El nivel de adaptación de la crianza de conejos a las condiciones de vivienda y de

gestión se puede evaluar a través de su respuesta conductual a pruebas de reactividad,

en el que su reacción ante y el miedo a un nuevo entorno se evalúan. Este estudio tuvo

como objetivo evaluar la ansiedad de conejos que tenían (o no) el acceso a un ambiente

enriquecido. Un total de 32 conejos machos del grupo genético Botucatu estuvieron

involucrados desde el destete a los 35 días hasta 79 días de edad. Los animales fueron

asignados a un diseño completamente al azar con dos tratamientos (con o sin acceso al

enriquecimiento ambiental) y asignado a ocho jaulas de alambre, cuatro animales por

jaula. Dos palos de eucalipto (15 x 3 x 3 cm) que cuelgan del techo jaula fueron

utilizados como enriquecimientos. Comportamientos relacionados con la ansiedad

(congelación) y locomoción se evaluaron utilizando el laberinto elevado, en el que se

permitió a los animales explorar dos laberintos elevados abiertos y dos elevados

cerrados. Dos observaciones de 5 min cada uno, en 49 y 79 días de edad, se llevaron a

cabo. Al comienzo de la prueba, cada animal fue colocado en el centro del aparato. El

tiempo de latencia para introducir los brazos abiertos y cerrados, el número de entradas

y el tiempo pasado con los brazos abiertos y cerrados, la frecuencia de mojar la cabeza y

de pie se registraron. El crecimiento de los animales se registró 35 a 77 días de edad. El

día 49, la latencia a la primera entrada con brazos abiertos fue menor en los animales de

las jaulas enriquecidas. En el día 79, los animales de las jaulas no enriquecidas

permanecieron más tiempo con los brazos abiertos y mostraron una mayor frecuencia de

inmersión cabeza que los animales en jaulas acondicionadas. Los animales en jaulas

acondicionadas, por otro lado, se quedaron más tiempo con los brazos cerrados.




La conversión alimenticia fue peor en jaulas enriquecidas que en jaulas no enriquecidas

(2,91 ± 0,06 vs. 2,64 ± 0,06, p = 0,03), otros rasgos de comportamiento (peso final,

ganancia diaria de peso y consumo de alimento) no difirió entre los grupos. El

enriquecimiento ambiental tuvo un efecto positivo en el comportamiento de los gazapos

al reducir su ansiedad.

Palabras clave: comportamiento, laberinto más elevado, enriquecimiento ambiental,

rendimiento, bienestar

172

OLIVEIRA MC, SILVA TR, LIMA SCO*, SILVA JA, MESQUITA SA,

MACHADO LA, OLIVEIRA JC, OLIVEIRA ES


Brazil.




Abstract

Wood shavings is the most used material for nest bedding, however, it had become

scarce in some regions, resulting in a need for studies about alternative materials for

nest bedding. Since the rabbits born in an immature state and with a low

thermoregulatory ability, the comfort and the body temperature maintenance are related

to the quality of the material placed in the nest, and it will interfere on the kit survival

during the lactation period. Due the lack of information about the different materials use

as bedding nest, this study was carried out to evaluate the performance of kits reared in

nests lined with different materials, since the birth until the weaning. Thirty rabbit does

were used in a randomized block design, with three treatments and ten replicates each.

The treatments consisted of the nest lining with wood shaving (280 g), Tifton hay (220

g) and chopped newspaper (200 g). Body weight, daily weight gain and survival rate

were weekly evaluated from the birth to the weaning. There was no effect (P>0.05) of

the material type used as nest bedding on the body weight, daily weight gain and

survival rate. It suggest that both, Tifton hay and chopped newspaper, may be used for

replacing the wood shavings for bedding nest, by offering similar comfort to the kits,

from birth up to their weaning.

PERFORMANCE OF RABBITS BORN IN NESTS LINED WITH

DIFFERENT MATERIALS




The survival rate was not affected (P>0.05) by the treatments, but it was observed that

the mortality occurred until the third week of life in the nests lined with wood shavings

and Tifton hay, and until the second week of life in the nests lined with chopped

newspaper, possibly because the chopped newspaper provided a more comfortable and

warmer environment for the kits. It was concluded that the Tifton hay and the chopped

newspaper may be used replacing the wood shaving with no negative effect on the litter

performance.

Keywords: building nest, doe in lactation, kit growth

174

DESEMPEÑO DE LOS CONEJOS NACIDOS EN NIDOS CON

DIFERENTES MATERIALES DE CAMA

OLIVEIRA MC1, SILVA TR

1, LIMA SCO

1*, SILVA JA

1, MESQUITA SA

1,

MACHADO LA1, OLIVEIRA JC

2, OLIVEIRA ES

1


Brazil.




Resumen

La viruta de madera es el material más utilizado como material de cama para los nidos,

sin embargo, en algunas regiones se escasea, resultando en la necesidad de estudiar

materiales alternativos para la cama de los nidos. Dado que los conejos nacen en un

estado inmaduro y con una baja habilidad para la termorregulación, la comodidad y el

mantenimiento de la temperatura están relacionados con la calidad del material

colocado en el nido, y tendrá influencia sobre la sobrevivencia de los gazapos durante el

periodo de lactancia. Debido a la falta de información acerca de los diferentes

materiales utilizados para la cama de los nidos, este estudio fue realizado para evaluar el

desempeño de los gazapos criados en nidos con camas de diferentes materiales, desde el

nacimiento hasta el destete. Se utilizaron treinta conejas en un diseño de bloques al azar,

con tres tratamientos y diez repeticiones cada uno. Los tratamientos consistieron en

proporcionar el material de cama para nidos con viruta (280 g), heno Tifton (220 g) y

periódico picado (200 g). El peso corporal, ganancia diaria de peso y tasa de

sobrevivencia fueron evaluadas semanalmente desde el nacimiento al destete. No hubo

efecto (P> 0,05) del tipo de material utilizado como cama para el nido sobre el peso

corporal, ganancia diaria de peso y el índice de supervivencia. Se sugiere que ambos,

heno Tifton y periódico picado, se pueden utilizar para sustituir las virutas de madera

para cama del nido, ofreciendo comodidad similar a los gazapos, desde su nacimiento

hasta su destete.




La tasa de supervivencia no se vio afectado (P> 0,05) por los tratamientos, pero se

observó que la mortalidad se produjo hasta la tercera semana de vida en los nidos

alineados con virutas de madera y heno Tifton, y hasta la segunda semana de vida en los

nidos forrados con periódico picado, posiblemente porque el periódico picado

proporciona un entorno más cómodo y cálido para los gazapos. Se concluyó que el heno

Tifton y el periódico picado se pueden utilizar en sustitución de la viruta de madera sin

ningún efecto negativo en el rendimiento de la camada.

Palabras clave: la construcción del nido, conejas en lactancia, gazapos en crecimiento.

176

1CORDIVIOLA CA*,

1CALONGE FS,

1TRIGO MS,

1ARIAS RO,

3MARTINO P,

2ANTONINI AG

1. Introducción a la Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales,

Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Calle 60 y 119, La Plata. Argentina

2. Instituto de Genética Veterinaria. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad Nacional de La Plata.

Argentina. Calle 60 y 119, La Plata. Argentina.

3. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Calle 60 y 119. La Plata. Argentina.


Abstract

Rabbit production is highly influenced by weather conditions (Cabrero Saenz et al.,

1982). Production parameters such as milk production and reproductive efficiency are

often affected. (Baltazar, 2012; Cordiviola et al, 2014). The aim of this research was to

evaluate weather factors upon meat rabbit performance. In this study, parameters as

weight and age in days for slaughter were analyzed, including temperature measures,

averaged temperature, maximum and minimum and relative humidity. Data was

analyzed by statistical analysis (ANOVA) and simple regression of temperatures. Also,

comparisons of correlation coefficient of temperatures were made. Moreover, months

were separated by average temperature according to rabbit comfort temperature in

hyperthermic (> 20°C), isothermal (18°C-20°C) and hypothermic (<20°C) and analyzed

by ANOVA. This month separation was determinate according to Cervera et al, 1998.

Data was recorded at experimental barn of rabbit breeding in Facultad de Ciencias

Agrarias y Forestales of Universidad Nacional de La Plata, recording 920 newborn and

slaughtered rabbits in one year, mix of breeding between Californian and New Zealand

crosses. Weather data was provided by climatic station situated in experimental field

“Julio Hirschhorn” of Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales of Universidad

Nacional de La Plata, located 10 kilometers away from experimental barn. Results

indicated that average temperature was the most influential than minimum and

maximum temperature; relative humidity was not influential. Besides, isothermal and

hypothermic months not revealed significant differences. Nonetheless, hyperthermic

months revealed significant differences.

ANALISYS OF SEASON EFFECTS ON WEIGHT GAIN

ON MEAT RABBITS



This study proved that rabbit production is most influenced by weather factors as heat

rather than frosting environments. Also, relative humidity resulted not influential due to

averaged values and the absence of epidermal diseases. This results are according to

local weather conditions in this region (Lat. 34º54’31,09’’S Long. 57º55’56,37’’W).

Keywords: weather, days to slaughter, averaged temperature, rabbit breeding.

178

ANALISIS DE LOS EFECTOS ESTACIONALES SOBRE LA GANANCIA

DE PESO EN CONEJOS DE CARNE

1CORDIVIOLA CA*,

1CALONGE FS,

1TRIGO MS,

1ARIAS RO,

3MARTINO P,

2ANTONINI AG

1. Introducción a la Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales,

Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Calle 60 y 119, La Plata. Argentina

2. Instituto de Genética Veterinaria. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad Nacional de La Plata.

Argentina. Calle 60 y 119, La Plata. Argentina.

3. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Calle 60 y 119. La Plata. Argentina.


Resumen

La producción de conejos está muy influenciada por las condiciones climáticas (Cabrero

Sáenz et al., 1982). Los parámetros de producción, tales como la producción de leche y

la eficiencia reproductiva son a menudo afectadas. (Baltazar, 2012; Cordiviola et al,

2014). El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el efecto de los factores climáticos

sobre la producción de carne de conejo. En este estudio, se analizaron parámetros como

el peso y la edad en días al sacrificio, incluidas las medidas de temperatura, la

temperatura promedio, máxima y mínima, y humedad relativa. Los datos se analizaron

mediante un análisis estadístico (ANOVA) y la temperatura por regresión simple.

Además, se hicieron comparaciones del coeficiente de correlación de las temperaturas.

Por otra parte, se separaron los meses por la temperatura media, de acuerdo a la

temperatura de confort para el conejo en hipertérmica (> 20 ° C), isotérmica (18 ° C-20

° C) y con hipotermia (<20 ° C) y se analizaron mediante ANOVA. Esta separación por

mes fue determinada de acuerdo a Cervera et al, 1998. Los datos se registraron en la

granja experimental de cría de conejos de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales

de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata, registrando 920 conejos recién nacidos y

sacrificados en un año, crías de la cruza entre California y Nueva Zelanda. Los datos del

clima fueron proporcionados por la estación climática situada en el campo experimental

"Julio Hirschhorn" de Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales de la Universidad

Nacional de La Plata, ubicado a 10 kilómetros de distancia de la granja experimental.

Los resultados indicaron que la temperatura media fue más influyente que la

temperatura mínima y máxima; la humedad relativa no era influyente.



Además, los meses isotérmicos e hipotermicos no revelaron diferencias significativas.

Sin embargo, meses de hipertermia revelaron diferencias significativas. Este estudio

demostró que la producción de conejo está más influenciada por factores

meteorológicos en forma de calor en lugar de ambientes que hielan. Además, la

humedad relativa no resultó influyente debido a los valores promedio y la ausencia de

enfermedades epidérmicas. Estos resultados están de acuerdo con las condiciones

climáticas locales en esta región (Lat. 34º54’31,09’’S Long. 57º55’56,37’’W).

Palabras clave: clima, días al sacrificio, temperatura promedio, cría de conejos.

180

OLIVEIRA MC1, LIMA SCO

1*, SILVA TR

1, SILVA JA

1, MESQUITA SA

1,


2, OLIVEIRA ES

1


Brazil. E-mail:




Abstract

This research was carried out to evaluate the effect of different bedding nest materials

for pregnant does on the nest building pattern. Thirty does were used in a randomized

block design with three treatments and 10 replicates each. Treatments consisted of the

nest lined with wood shavings (280 g), Tifton hay (220 g) or chopped newspaper (200

g). The nests were put inside the cage three days before the birth and were taken out at

20 days after the birth. The evaluation of the nest status consisted of qualitative

analysis, being the mixture level of the material with the fur, the presence of fur in the

nest and the preservation of the original material put inside initially. These observations

finished at the birth day. Data were submitted to the Spearman correlation, on which

was applied the t test at 5% of probability. Correlations between fur presence, mixture

level of fur and material, and amount of material present in the nest at the birth were not

significant (P>0.05). Since there was no correlation among the used materials and the

fur amount, mixture and material amount in the nest, it is possible to infer that there was

no difference for the rabbit doe in relation to the comfort obtained with the used

materials.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS FOR BED OF NEST TO

PREGNANT DOES ON THE NEST BUILDING PATTERN




There was not a significant correlation (P>0.05) between material type and total born

number, what was already expected, however there was a correlation between fur

presence in the nest and mixture level (P<0.001) and between mixture level and amount

of material in the nest at the birth (P<0.05) ), what means the higher the fur amount in

the nest, the more mixture level with the material placed previously and, in the nests

where the rabbit does took the higher material amount out, the doe also placed a higher

fur amount, possibly to maintain the comfort in the nest. It was concluded that Tifton

hay and chopped newspaper may be used as nest bedding for pregnant does replacing

the wood shavings with no negative effect on the nest building pattern.

Keywords: doe behavior, nest for does, rabbit production

182

EFECTO DE DIFERENTES MATERIALES PARA LA CAMA

DEL NIDO DE CONEJAS GESTANTES SOBRE EL PATRON DE

CONSTRUCCIÓN DEL NIDO

OLIVEIRA MC1, LIMA SCO

1*, SILVA TR

1, SILVA JA

1, MESQUITA SA

1,


2, OLIVEIRA ES

1


Brazil. E-mail:




Resumen

Esta investigación se llevó a cabo para evaluar el efecto de diferentes materiales de para

cama de nidos para hembras gestantes sobre el patrón de la construcción del nido.

Treinta conejas fueron utilizadas en un diseño de bloques al azar con tres tratamientos y

10 repeticiones cada uno. Los tratamientos consistieron en el nido forrado con virutas

de madera (280 g), heno Tifton (220 g) o periódico picado (200 g). Los nidos fueron

puestos dentro de la jaula tres días antes del nacimiento y se sacaron a los 20 días

después del nacimiento. La evaluación del estado de nido consistió en el análisis

cualitativo, siendo el nivel de mezcla del material con pelo, la presencia de pelo en el

nido y la preservación del material original puesto dentro inicialmente. Estas

observaciones terminaron en el día del nacimiento. Los datos fueron sometidos a la

correlación de Spearman, en la que se aplicó la prueba t con el 5% de probabilidad. Las

correlaciones entre la presencia de pelo, nivel de mezcla de pelo y material, y la

cantidad de material presente en el nido en el nacimiento no fueron significativas (P>

0,05). Puesto que no había correlación entre los materiales utilizados y la cantidad de

pelo, mezcla y la cantidad de material en el nido, es posible inferir que no había ninguna

diferencia para la coneja en relación con el confort obtenido con los materiales

utilizados.




No hubo correlación significativa (P> 0,05) entre el tipo de material y número total de

nacidos, lo que ya se esperaba, sin embargo, hubo correlación entre la presencia de pelo

en el nido y el nivel de la mezcla (P <0,001) y entre el nivel de mezcla y la cantidad de

material en el nido al nacimiento (P <0,05), lo que significa que cuanto mayor sea la

cantidad de pelo en el nido, mayor fue la mezcla con el material colocado previamente

y, en los nidos donde la coneja sacó una mayor cantidad de material, la coneja también

colocó una mayor cantidad de pelo, posiblemente para mantener la comodidad en el

nido. Se concluyó que el heno Tifton y el periódico picado se pueden usar como cama

para el nido de las conejas gestantes, en sustitución de las virutas de madera sin ningún

efecto negativo en el patrón de la construcción del nido.

Palabras clave: comportamiento de la hembra, nido para coneja, producción de conejos

184

GENÉTICA

GENETICS

186

MAGAÑA RJJ1, GUERRERO CEM

1, ALBERTOS APJ

1, MENDOZA CM

1,

MARTÍNEZ YR1, 3

, PARADA HR2.

1. Departamento de Agronomía, División de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad de Guanajuato.

2. Centro Nacional de Cunicultura, México.


Abstract

At the Centro Nacional de Cunicultura (CNC, México) post weaning growth was

evaluated comparatively. According to CNC managers, no new breeder animals have

been introduced in the last 20 years, mainly as a result of sanitary barriers. Therefore, it

is important to conduct performance evaluations of their animals. The evaluated breeds

were New Zealand White, Californian, Chinchilla and Black Aztec; the evaluations

were conducted at CNC, Mexico’s premises. A total of 240 just weaned rabbits (35 d)

were used, 60 rabbits per breed, 50 % females and 50 % males, which were individually

tattooed for identification, all were kept in cages (90 x 60 cm, 6 specimens per cage).

Daily (9:00 am), a kilogram of commercial rabbit feed was supplied. All animals were

weighed weekly and slaughtered at 70 days of age. Weaning weight, weight at 70 d,

feed efficiency, feed intake and specific growth rate (SGR) were evaluated. The values

of weaning weight in Black Aztec, New Zealand White, Californian and Chinchilla

breeds the means ± SE were 0.831, 0.815, 0.749 and 0.697 ± 0.002, respectively. For

weight at 70 days 1.598 ± 0.024, 1.800 ± 0.023, 1.801 ± 0.023 and 1.776 ± 0.025 kg,

respectively. The means for feed efficiency were 0.271 ± 0.006, 0.289 ± 0.006, 0.315 ±

0.007 and 0.315 ± 0.007 kg gain / kg feed, respectively. For the variable SGR 2.00 ±

0.05, 2.32 ± 0.05, 2.45 ± 0.04 and 2.53 ± 0.05 % animal per day following the breeds

order mentioned above. Chinchilla breed can still be considered a dual purpose breed.

We cannot rule out the Black Aztec breed for meat production, and further research on

productive behavior is needed.

Keywords: Initial weight, final weight, feed efficiency.

PERFORMANCE OF NEW ZEALAND WHITE, CALIFORNIAN,

CHINCHILLA AND BLACK AZTEC RABBITS AT THE CENTRO

NACIONAL DE CUNICULTURA, MEXICO




CRECIMIENTO POST-DESTETE DE LAS RAZAS NUEVA ZELANDA,




1, ALBERTOS APJ

1, MENDOZA CM

1,

MARTÍNEZ YR1, 3

, PARADA HR2.




Resumen

En el Centro Nacional de Cunicultura y Especies Menores (CNCG, México) se evaluó

de forma comparativa el crecimiento posdestete de los animales del mismo CNCG. De

acuerdo a los directivos CNCG, desde hace 20 años no se han introducido nuevos

animales como reproductores, esto como resultado principalmente de los cercos

sanitarios que se han presentado en los últimos años. Por lo cual, es importante realizar

evaluaciones del performance de los animales. Las razas evaluadas fueron Nueva

Zelanda variedad blanco, California, Chinchilla y Azteca Negro y fue realizado en las

instalaciones del CNCG. Se utilizaron 240 gazapos destetados (35 d), 60 gazapos por

cada raza, 50% hembras y 50% machos, los cuales, fueron tatuados e identificados

individualmente, fueron alojados en jaulas tipo tradicional americano (6 especímenes

por jaula). Diariamente (9:00 am), fue suministrado un kilogramo de alimento comercial

específico para la especie. Los animales fueron pesados semanalmente y sacrificados a

los 70 días de edad. Se evaluó peso al destete, peso a los 70 d, la eficiencia alimenticia,

el consumo de alimento y la tasa específica de crecimiento (TEC). Los valores de peso

al destete en las razas Azteca Negro, Nueva Zelanda, California y Chinchilla las medias

± EE fueron 0.831, 0.815, 0.749 y 0.697 ± 0.002, respectivamente. Para el peso a los 70

días 1.598 ± 0.024, 1.800 ±0.023, 1.801 ± 0.023 y 1.776 ± 0.025 g, respectivamente. La

eficiencia alimenticia las medias fueron 0.271 ±0.006, 0.289 ± 0.006, 0.315 ± 0.007 y

0.315 ± 0.007 g, respectivamente. Para la variable TEC 2.00 ±0.05, 2.32 ±0.05, 2.45 ±

0.04 y 2.53 ± 0.05 % animal día, siguiendo el orden de razas mencionado anteriormente.


188

La raza Chinchilla se puede seguir considerando una raza de doble propósito. No se

puede descartar a la raza Azteca Negro para la producción de carne, y es necesario

nuevas investigaciones sobre su comportamiento productivo.

Palabras Clave: Peso Inicial, Peso Final, Eficiencia Alimenticia.



Introduction

At the Centro Nacional de Cunicultura (CNC) post weaning growth and carcass yield

for hybrid animals have been previously comparatively evaluated in animals obtained

from the CNC (Puón, 2013; Zúñiga, 2009), currently, it has been decided to produce

only pure breeds. According to the directors of the CNC, no new breeder animals have

been introduced for 20 years, as a result of sanitary barriers that have arisen in recent

years for importing animals (Ruiz, 1993); this suggests the need for new assessments to

determine if it has emerged in improving of the CNC animals. The breeds that are

counted are New Zealand White (NZ), Californian (Ca), Chinchilla (Ch), Azteca Black

(AN), English Spot and Rex, being the subject of this work the first four breeds.

Materials

This experiment was conducted at the CNC premises located on the Irapuato-Salamanca

road Km 4, Colonia Rafael Galván in the city of Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico. A total

of 240 just weaned rabbits 5 weeks old, 60 rabbits per breed (50% female and 50%

male) were used. All of them were kept in galvanized cages (60 x 90 cm).

Methodology

All rabbits were individually tattooed for identification, and kept 6 specimens per cage.

Daily (9:00 am), 1 kg of commercial rabbit feed was supplied per cage (88% Dry

Matter, Crude Protein 16%, Crude Fat 2% Crude Fiber 15% and 13% ash), removing

the following morning the remnant and providing again one kg of fresh feed. Water was

provided ad libitium. Initial weight, gain weight, total feed intake (TFI), feed efficiency

(FE= net weight gain / consumed feed) and specific growth rate (SGR (% animal day-1

)

= [(LnPh2-LnPh1) / t] * 100 (where: Ph2 and Ph1 are final weight and initial weight of

each rabbit, Ln is the natural logarithm and t is the number of days in the experimental

period) were all evaluated. All animals were weighed weekly and slaughtered at 70 days

of age. Final weight, hot carcass weight (considering a hot carcass weight as the carcass

weighed immediately after the skinned and eviscerated processes), cold carcass weight

(considering cold carcass as the carcass after the washing and cutting processes 1 hour

post-slaughter) were evaluated.

190

Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, after review of homogeneity of variances

and the difference between means with a Tukey test. Data are shown as means ± SE.

Results y Discussion

Weaning weight in NZ breed showed a weight of 0.815 ± 0.002 and 0.831 ± 0.002 kg

AN showing a similar behavior between these two breeds, Ca and Ch breeds showed a

weight of 0.749 ± 0.002 and 0.697 ± 0.002 kg, respectively, these weights are higher

than those reported by Ponce 2002 for Ca, Ch & NZ breeds with a weaning weight of

0.536, 0.559 and 0.570 kg, respectively. Compared to a study conducted by Zuñiga

(2009), in the same CNC, the Ca and AN breeds have increased weaning weights, the

NZ breed held a similar behavior and Ch breed showed that there is no improvement.

For weight at 70 days, the Ca breed obtained a value of 1.801 ± 0.023 kg which is

higher than Zuñiga (2009), NZ breed followed with 1,800 ± 0.023 kg, Ch breed

obtained 1.776 ± 0.025 kg and 1.598 ± 0.024 kg by the AN breed with the lower weight

value. NZ breed showed a lower value than the existing in 2009, however, for Ca and

AN breeds an improvement in is observed at 70d weight. The initial weight and final

weight values are lower in all breeds compared with the Egypt V-line rabbit used by

Elmaghraby (2011), however, we should consider the genetic improvement developed

in this line. CTA was higher in the NZ bred with 3497.27 ± 81.5953 g followed by Ca

breed with 3235.55 ± 101.031, Ch 3146.88 ± 63,281 g and AN with 3095.93 ± 68,792

g. FE for Ca and Ch breeds shown to be more efficient with 0.315 ± 0.007 kg both

races, the NZ and AN breeds showed an efficiency of 0.289± 0.006 kg and 0.271

±0.006 kg respectively. The SGR was higher in Ch breed with 2.53 ± 0.05% followed

by the NZ breed with 2.32 ± 0.05% for Ca breed the value was 2.45 ± 0.04% and for

AN was 2.00 ± 0.05% animal day-1

.

Conclusion

For productive indicators FE and SGR Ch race scored the highest values so we could

see that this breed can still be considered dual purpose (skin and meat). AN breed could

not be dismissed as meat producer, and further research on productive behavior is

needed.



Bibliography



Sciences 5 (2): 136-144

Ponce de León R., Guzmán G., Pubillones O., García J., Mora M. 2002.

Comportamiento de razas de conejos importadas. Evaluación del crecimiento

posdestete. Revista cubana de Ciencia Agrícola, Vol. 36, núm. 4, 2002, pp.323-329.

Puón Peláez X.D. 2012: Comparación de la calidad de la carne de conejos híbridos de

las razas Nueva Zelanda variedad Blanco, Chinchilla y California. Tesis de licenciatura.

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México: 3-4.

Ruiz Lang, G. 1993. Aparición de la enfermedad vírica hemorrágica en México y su

erradicación (EHVC), Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona. 240-242 En línea,

Recuperado: 25 de marzo del 2013.

http://ddd.uab.cat/pub/cunicultura/cunicultura_a1993m8v18n104/cunicultura_a1993m8

v18n104p240.pdf

Zúñiga Muñoz A.M. 2009. Estimación de algunos efectos genéticos en el conejo

doméstico presentes al realizar un cruzamiento dialélico completo de cuatro razas. Tesis

de Licenciatura. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México: 2-12

192

CRECIMIENTO POSTDESTETE DE LAS RAZAS NUEVA ZELANDA,




1, ALBERTOS APJ

1, MENDOZA CM

1,

MARTÍNEZ YR1, 3

, PARADA HR2.




Introducción

En el Centro Nacional de Cunicultura y Especies Menores (CNCG, México) se ha

evaluado de forma comparativa el crecimiento posdestete y rendimiento a la canal de

animales híbridos obtenidos del CNCG. De acuerdo a los directivos CNCG, desde hace

20 años no se han introducido nuevos animales como reproductores, esto como

resultado principalmente de los cercos sanitarios que se han presentado en los últimos

años para la exportación de animales. Esto sugiere la necesidad de realizar nuevas

evaluaciones para determinar si se ha trascendido en el mejoramiento de los animales

del CNCG, las razas con las que se cuentan son Nueva Zelanda variedad blanco (NZ),

California (Ca), Chinchilla (Ch), Azteca Negro (AN), Mariposa y Rex, siendo objeto de

evaluación de este trabajo las cuatro primeras razas. Por su composición, el consumo de

carne de conejo juega un papel importante en el control de enfermedades

cardiovasculares y crónicas debido a que en comparación con otras especies contiene

menos colesterol y altos niveles de proteínas con aminoácidos esenciales (Dalle, 2011;

Martínez, 2004), debido a la creciente demanda de alimentos que mejoren la calidad de

vida, que contengan baja cantidad de colesterol y altos niveles de proteína, el conejo es

una excelente opción, debido a esto es necesario evaluar las razas para identificar cual

nos aporta mayor cantidad de carne en el menor tiempo posible, con máximas ganancias

de peso y alto rendimiento a la canal (Flores, 2013).

Material

El presente experimento se realizó en las instalaciones del CNCG, ubicado en la

carretera Irapuato-Salamanca Km. 4 Colonia Rafael Galván, en la ciudad de Irapuato,

Guanajuato, México. Se utilizaron 240 gazapos de 5 semanas de edad, 60 gazapos por

cada raza (50% hembras y 50% machos). Se utilizaron jaulas galvanizadas tipo

tradicional americano (60 x 90 cm).




Metodología

Los conejos fueron tatuados e identificados individualmente, y alojados a razón de 6

especímenes por jaula. Diariamente (9:00 am), fue suministrado un kg de alimento

comercial específico para la especie (Materia Seca 88%, Proteína Cruda 16%, Grasa

Cruda 2%, Fibra Cruda 15% y Cenizas 13%) por jaula, retirándose al día siguiente el

remanente y suministrando nuevamente un kg de alimento nuevo. El agua se

proporcionó ad libitium. Los animales fueron matados de forma humanitaria, siendo

insensibilizados con choque eléctrico. Se evaluó peso final (70 días de engorda),

rendimiento de canal, peso canal caliente, peso del hígado y troceado (miembros

anteriores, miembros posteriores, lomo y cabeza). Los datos fueron analizados por

medio de un ANOVA de una vía, previa revisión de homogeneidad de varianzas y la

diferencia entre medias con una prueba de Tukey.

Resultados y Discusión

Para el peso a los 70 días, la raza Ca obtuvo un valor de 1.801 ± 0.023 kg el cual es

superior a lo reportado por Zuñiga (2009), seguido por la raza NZ con 1.800 ±0.023 kg,

la raza Ch obtuvo 1.776 ± 0.025 y la AN 1.598 ± 0.024 kg fue la raza con menor peso.

La raza NZ mostró un valor inferior al existente en 2009, sin embargo, para las razas Ca

y AN se observa una mejora en el peso a los 70 d. El valor de peso final es inferior en

todas las razas comparadas, con la Linea V egypt utilizadas por Elmaghraby (2011), el

peso final no se puede considerar superior a las razas NZ y Ca ya que el peso es

considerado a los 77 d de edad mientras que en las razas del CNCG el peso al sacrificio

es a los 70 d. El rendimiento a la canal más alto fue de la raza NZ con un valor de 55.40

± 0.27 %, seguido de la raza Ch con 55.21 ± 0.27, AN 55.04 ± 0.24 siendo la del valor

más bajo Ca con 53.47 ± 0.24 %. En cuanto a la canal, la raza de mayor peso fue NZ

con 1025.27 ± 17.99 g, seguido de Ca con 946.22 ± 17.97 g, para Ch 921.63 ± 20.07 y

la AN 917.26 ± 15.31 g. La Ca a pesar de haber obtenido el valor más alto para peso a

los 70 d muestra un rendimiento a la canal inferior teniendo un rendimiento aproximado

al 53% cuando las otras razas independientemente del peso a los 70 d obtuvieron

rendimientos cercanos al 55%. En el despiece los miembros anteriores obtuvieron un

peso de 315.09 ± 5.04, 287.45 ± 6.43, 284.43 ± 5.39 y 284.40± 6.38 g y los valores de

miembros posteriores 359.09 ± 6.14, 326.66 ± 6.03, 320.66 ± 5.67 y 314.61 ±6.92 g

194

para NZ, Ca, AN y Ch, respectivamente. Para la parte de lomo los pesos fueron 265.00

± 5.71 g para NZ, 252.80 ± 5.74 g para Ca, para Ch 239.61 ± 6.12 g y para AN 235.56 ±

4.64 g. Para el peso de la cabeza el Ca presentó mayor peso con 142.89 ± 2.04 g,

seguido de NZ con 140.72 ± 1.96 g, para Ch 129.13 ± 2.17 g y AN 129.05 ± 1.93 g. En

un trabajo realizado por Flores (2013), en donde se utilizaron conejos híbridos

menciona datos que son superiores a los obtenidos en este trabajo, mostrando

rendimientos a la canal de 57.22% un peso para piernas de 373.66 ± 10.69 g. Destaca la

raza NZ debido a que presenta el % más alto para rendimiento a la canal y pesos para

troceado. La raza AN, a pesar de obtener un menor peso a los 70 d mostró un

rendimiento a la canal superior al 55% teniendo un comportamiento similar al de la raza

NZ y Ch. La raza Ca mostró en la parte de troceado un comportamiento inferior a la

raza NZ pero superior a las razas Ch y AN a pesar de tener un rendimiento a la canal

menor.

Conclusión

Es necesario seguir realizando investigación en la raza AN ya que mostró un buen

rendimiento a la canal a pesar de menor peso. Es posible que la raza Ca requiera un

cambio de dieta e investigar el efecto de ésta, probablemente se forme mayor cantidad

de vísceras, debido a las diferencias encontradas entre el rendimiento a la canal y su

peso a los 70 d.

Bibliografía


319-331



Sciences 5 (2): 136-144




FMVZ. Pp: 3-24




196

1*

JÍMENEZ RA, 1*

BAUTISTA GL, 2MARTINEZ CJ,

1GARCÍA RV,

3ROMERO NC,

1 HUITRÓN TG

1. Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Biología Molecular y Genética. Universidad Autónoma del

Estado de México, Centro Universitario UAEM Amecameca. Licenciatura en Medicina

Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Carretera Amecameca-Ayapango km 2.5, Amecameca, CP. 56900,

Estado de México, México.

2. Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud

Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de

México, Toluca, C.P. 50090, Estado de México, México.

3. Clínica Veterinaria de Animales de Compañía. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México,

Centro Universitario UAEM Amecameca. Licenciatura en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia.

Carretera Amecameca-Ayapango km 2.5, Amecameca, CP. 56900, Estado de México, México.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]; [email protected]

Abstract

Poverty is one of the great challenges to be solved by the State, 47 % of the Mexican

population is in some degree of food poverty, capacity or equity, SEDESOL (2008)

mentions that more than 86% of the poor are in rural areas. Rabbitry is a livestock

activity that has been shown to be important in the last four decades, has established

itself as an alternative to solve problems of food and poverty in rural and suburban

society. Production of rabbit noted for its easy productive and reproductive

management, quality of derivative products and the beneficial characteristics of meat.

However, there are significant economic losses in the rabbit production, due to the

presence of infectious agents causing a great number of diseases, one of the most

important, Coccidioses are infections caused by obligatory intracellular protozoan

parasites belonging to the genus Eimeria and considered as major causes of significant

morbidity and mortality in rabbits. The eimeriosis has two presentations; hepatic and

intestinal infections caused by eleven species of Eimeria, of which only E. stiedae is

causing liver eimeriosis which causes stunted growth and loss of weight, the other

species are causing the eimeriosis in the intestinal manifestation , causing mortality

even with a low level of infestation.

DEVELOPMENT OF MOLECULAR TESTS FOR IDENTIFICATION

AND STUDY OF GENETIC DIVERSITY OF Eimeria spp., IN

RABBITS IN THE SOUTH EAST OF MEXICO STATE





The identification of each Eimeria species is characterized by morphological characters

and micrometer, however the implementation of more sensitive diagnostic methods that

allow us to timely and accurate identification of the agent is necessary, therefore, the

objective of this studied was to identify the species of Eimeria spp. present in the stool

samples of rabbits with enteric signology on the south east of the Mexico State,

sampling was performed in rabbits from one to three months old, that had not been

treated with coccidiostats, regardless of race, sex or type of unit rabbit production, a

total of 72 samples were collected and analyzed by microscopy, was obtained a 8.66 %

of samples positive for Eimeria spp , the collected samples were analyzed by means of

chain reaction (PCR ) using primers ITSF 5 ' GGGAAGTTGCGTAAATAGA 3' , ITSR

5 ' CTGCGTCCTTCATCGAT 3' ( Oliveira et al. , 2010 ) that amplify a fragment of

400-600 bp of the ITS1 region of Eimeria spp, whereby the percentage increase at 16.6

% , the molecular identification of Eimeria, identified the species found in positive

samples, finding E. stiedai, E. performans, E. magna, E. coecicola, E. flavescens and E.

exigua, the results obtained are of great importance because the literature reports E.

stiedai as the most pathogenic species that affects rabbits. It is noteworthy that the

phylogenetic analysis of the sequences obtained in this study show genetic diversity of

Eimeria species reported here as described worldwide.

Keywords: Eimeria spp , enteropathy , molecular diagnostics , genetic diversity.

198

DESARROLLO DE PRUEBAS MOLECULARES PARA LA

IDENTIFICACIÓN Y ESTUDIO DE LA DIVERSIDAD GENÉTICA DE

Eimeria spp., EN CONEJOS EN EL SURESTE DEL ESTADO DE

MEXICO

1*

JÍMENEZ RA, 1*

BAUTISTA GL, 2MARTINEZ CJ,

1GARCÍA RV,

3ROMERO NC,

1 HUITRÓN TG












Resumen

La pobreza es uno de los grandes retos a resolver por el Estado, el 47% de la población

mexicana se encuentra en algún grado de pobreza alimentaria, de capacidades o la

equidad, la SEDESOL (2008) menciona que más del 86% de los pobres están en las

zonas rurales. La cunicultura es una actividad ganadera que ha demostrado ser

importante en las últimas cuatro décadas, se ha consolidado como una alternativa para

resolver los problemas de la alimentación y la pobreza en la sociedad rural y suburbana.

La producción de conejo destaca por su fácil gestión productiva y reproductiva, calidad

de los productos derivados y las características beneficiosas de la carne. Sin embargo,

hay importantes pérdidas económicas en la producción de conejo, debido a la presencia

de agentes infecciosos que causan un gran número de enfermedades, uno de los más

importantes es la coccidiosis, son infecciones causadas por parásitos protozoarios

intracelulares obligatorios que pertenecen al género Eimeria y considerados como

importantes causas de morbilidad y mortalidad en conejos.





La eimeriosis tiene dos presentaciones; hepática e infecciones intestinales causadas por

once especies de Eimeria, de los cuales sólo E. stiedae está causando eimeriosis en

hígado que provoca retraso en el crecimiento y la pérdida de peso, las demás especies

están causando la eimeriosis en la manifestación intestinal, causando mortalidad incluso

con un bajo nivel de infestación. La identificación de cada especie de Eimeria se

caracteriza por análisis morfológicos y micrómetricoso, sin embargo, es necesaria la

aplicación de métodos de diagnóstico más sensibles que nos permiten la identificación

oportuna y precisa del agente, por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudió fue identificar las

especies de Eimeria spp. presentes en las muestras de heces de conejos con signología

entérica en el sureste del Estado de México, el muestreo se realizó en conejos de uno a

tres meses de edad, que no habían sido tratados con coccidiostáticos, sin importar la

raza, el sexo o el tipo de producción de conejos en la unidad , se recogieron un total de

72 muestras y se analizaron por microscopía, se obtuvo un 8,66% de muestras positivas

para Eimeria spp, las muestras recogidas se analizaron por medio de la reacción en

cadena (PCR) utilizando cebadores ITSF 5 'GGGAAGTTGCGTAAATAGA 3', ITSR 5

'CTGCGTCCTTCATCGAT 3 '(Oliveira et al., 2010) que amplifican un fragmento de

400-600 pb de la región ITS1 de Eimeria spp, por lo que el porcentaje aumento en el

16,6%, en la identificación molecular de Eimeria, identificado a las especies

encontradas en las muestras positivas, se identificaron E. stiedai, E. performans, E.

magna, E. coecicola, E. flavescens y E. exigua, los resultados obtenidos son de gran

importancia debido a que los informes de la literatura señalan a E. stiedai como la

especie más patógena que afecta a los conejos. Es de destacar que el análisis

filogenético de las secuencias obtenidas en este estudio, muestran la diversidad genética

de las especies de Eimeria reportados aquí como se ha descrito en todo el mundo.

Palabras clave: Eimeria spp, enteropatía, diagnóstico molecular, diversidad genética

200

Introduction

Poverty is one of the great challenges to be solved by the State, the 47 % of the Mexican


mentions that more than 86% of the poor are in rural areas. The rabbit is a livestock

activity has been shown to be important in the last four decades, has established itself as

an alternative to solve problems of food and poverty in rural and suburban society.

Production of rabbit noted for its easy productive and reproductive management, quality

of derivative products and the beneficial characteristics of meat. However, there are

significant economic losses in the rabbit production, due to the presence of infectious

agents causing a great number of diseases, one of the most important, is the diarrhea,

where the Eimeria spp. are the major causative agent . In the rabbit, the eimeriosis has

two presentations; hepatic and intestinal infections caused by eleven species of Eimeria,

of which only E. stiedae is causing liver eimeriosis which causes stunted growth and

loss of weight, the other species are causing the eimeriosis in your intestinal

manifestation , causing mortality even with a low level of infestation. The identification

of each Eimeria species is characterized by morphological characters and micrometer,

however the implementation of more sensitive diagnostic methods that allow us to

timely and accurate identification of the agent is necessary, therefore, the objective of

this studied was to identify the species of Eimeria spp. present in the stool samples of

rabbits with enteric tables on the south east of the Mexico State.


Coproparasitoscopic study

Sampling was enhanced convenience in rabbits from one to three months old, which

had enteric cases of diarrhea and were not treated with coccidiostats, regardless of race,

sex or type of unit rabbit production in the period May to October 2013, with a total

sample of 72 rabbits. 40 grams of fresh feces were collected, taken under the rabbit

cages which were stored in bags duly identified polyethylene, were transported in a

cooler at 4 ° C, for immediate processing Amphitheatre Bachelor Centro Universitario

UAEM Amecameca. Mc Master technique (INIFAP, 2010) was used to detect

qualitatively and quantitatively, Eimeria spp oocysts present in the sample and the

results were expressed in oocysts per gram of faeces (OPG).



Molecular identification

The positive samples by coproparasitoscopic, was used for the extraction of total

genomic DNA directly from 200mg of the stool, using the Extraction Nucleic Acid

Isolation Norgen® Stool kit, according to manufacturer's instructions. To perform the

PCR, one fragment of the 400- 600bp from the ITS1 region, was amplified using the

primers; ITSF 5'GGGAAGTTGCGTAAATAGA 3 ', ITSR

5'CTGCGTCCTTCATCGAT 3' (Oliveira et al. 2011). The amplified fragments were

purified with the kit Zymoclean Gel DNA Recovery TM® and sequenced to perform

phylogenetic analysis.

Results and Conclusion:

From the 72 samples collected, the 8.66% was positive by microscopy for Eimeria spp,

whereby by PCR the percentage increase at 16.6%. The molecular identification of

Eimeria species found in the positive samples, E. stiedai, E. performans, E. magna, E.

coecicola, E. flavescens and E. exigua, the results obtained are of great importance

because the literature reports as E. stiedai and E. magna, like the most pathogenic

species that attacks rabbits. It is noteworthy that the phylogenetic analysis of the

sequences show genetic diversity of Eimeria species obtained in this study, compared

by the worldwide reported.

202

1*

BAUTISTA GL, 1GARCÍA RV,

2MARTINEZ CJ,

3ROMERO NC,

1JIMENEZ RA,

1REYNOSO UE,

1LOPEZ AUGADO AG,

1HUITRON TG












Abstract

One factor that affects the efficient development of rabbits in Mexico is the high

mortality rate in rabbit farms (SAGARPA, 2012). Pasteurella multocida is responsible

for the most economically important diseases in animals in both developed and

developing countries (Dziva, et al., 2008).

The objective of this study is to perform molecular identification and phylogenetic of

Pasteurella multocida on rabbits that present respiratory symptoms of all ages as well as

in apparently healthy individuals who are in the same units of rabbit production where

they are presenting respiratory symptoms. A total of 49 samples of rabbits were

collected for bacteriological procedures. Molecular identification was performed with a

commercial kit and amplification of Pasteurella multocida has been implemented by the

PCR.

Keywords: Pasteurella multocida, molecular diagnostics , genetic diversity.

MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION AND PHYLOGENETIC

ANALYSIS OF Pasteurella spp. IN RABBITS

FROM THE SOUTH EAST OF MEXICO STATE




IDENTIFICACIÓN MOLECULAR Y ANÁLISIS FILOGENÉTICO

DE Pasteurella spp. EN CONEJOS DEL

SURESTE DEL ESTADO DE MEXICO

1*BAUTISTA GL,

1GARCÍA RV,

2MARTINEZ CJ,

3ROMERO NC,

1JIMENEZ RA,

1REYNOSO UE,

1LOPEZ AUGADO AG,

1HUITRON TG












Resumen

Uno de los factores que afecta el desarrollo eficiente de la cunicultura en México es la

alta tasa de mortalidad en las granjas cunícolas (SAGARPA, 2012). Pasteurella

multocida es responsable de la mayoría de las enfermedaedes de importancia

económica en los animales, tanto en los países desarrollados como en los países en vías

de desarrollo ( Dziva, et al., 2008). El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar la

identificación molecular y la filogenia de Pasteurella multocida en conejos que

presentan signos respiratorios de todas las edades, así como en los individuos

aparentemente sanos que están presentes en las mismas unidades productivas

Palabras clave: Pasteurella multocida, diagnóstico molecular, diversidad genética.


204

Introduction

Poverty is one of the great challenges to be met by the State, that 47% of the Mexican


mentions that more than 86% of the poor are located in rural areas. The rabbit is a

livestock activity has been shown to be important in the past four decades, the business

has established itself as an alternative to solve food problems and poverty in rural and

suburban society. The production of rabbit noted for its productive and reproductive

easy handling, quality of derived products, the beneficial characteristics of meat and

integration and acceptance in markets (Garcia et al., 2005). One factor that affects the

efficient development of rabbits in Mexico is the high mortality rate in rabbit farms

(SAGARPA, 2012). Pasteurella multocida is responsible for the most economically

important diseases in animals in both developed and developing countries (Dziva, et al.,

2008). It is the most common pathogen reported in rabbits, lodges in the nasal cavity

causing rhinitis and chronic asymptomatic infections, resulting in a variety of clinical

manifestations including pneumonia, otitis media, conjunctivitis, abscesses, respiratory

tract infections and septicemia (De Long, 2012). As discussed above, the objective of

this study is to perform molecular identification and phylogenetic of Pasteurella

multocida on rabbits that present respiratory symptoms of all ages as well as in

apparently healthy individuals who are in the same units of rabbit production where

they are presenting respiratory symptoms.


Bacterial ID

The sampling was a convenience, in rabbits with respiratory clinical symptoms and

apparently healthy, who is housed in the same facilities and conditions of different units

of rabbit production in the south east of the State of Mexico. A total of 49 samples of

rabbits from Tlalmanalco Amecameca, Atlautla and Ozumba municipalities, were

collected from January to September 2013. Isolates have been recovered from nasal

passages, in live animals, and in the case of dead rabbits, the trachea and lungs was

recovered using sterile swabs.



Sampling was performed using swabs, these are placed in Stuart transport medium

(Difco-BBL) and maintained under refrigeration until analysis. Each swab is sown in

Petri dishes containing blood agar (Difco-BBL) with 5% whole sheep blood and

incubated at 37 ° C for 24 hours, then the routine bacteriological procedures for

isolation is used, including biochemical tests catalase, oxidase, indole, urease activity,

production of ornithine decarboxylase and carbohydrate fermentation.

Molecular identification

A colony from blood agar cultures (Difco-BBL) with 5% sheep whole blood and

incubated at 37 ° C for 24 hours. It was processed for extraction of DNA using the

Wizard ® Genomic DNA Purification Kit PROMEGA. A fragment of 520pb of hyaC-

hyaD (access number AF067175) gene was amplified using the primers RGPMA6 and

RGPMA5 described by and Gautam, et al., 2004. The amplified fragments were

purified from gel and sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. Multiple sequence alignment

was performed using the MEGA 6 software(Tamura et al. 2007).

Results and Conclusion

The presence of Pasteurella multocida in 37% of the isolates were found. Of the 49

samples collected from rabbits of the Tlalmanalco, Ozumba, Amecameca and Atlautla

municipalities, 18 isolates corresponded to Pasteurella multocida. Other bacteria

identified in the sample were Manhemia haemolitica, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus,

Corynebacterium, and Bordetella bronchiseptica .

The program for amplification of Pasteurella multocida has been implemented by the

PCR technique, which seeks to determine from these 18 isolates of P. multocida rabbit,

The amplified fragments were purified from gel and sequenced for phylogenetic

analysis comparing the sequences obtained with the seven reported worldwide, from the

United States, Germany, Czech Republic and Australia, using the 6 MEGA software

(Tamura et al., 2007).

In Figure 1, is shown the phylogenetic tree constructed with the Neighbor Joining

method for the first two isolates sequenced. It can be seen that the strains isolated in this

region belong to capsular type A and are genetically closer to those reported for isolates

206

from pigs in the United States than those reported in other countries like Germany,

Czech Republic, Australia, however remain in an independent branch of the isolated

from other species. Suggesting the relative specificity of the bacteria host and those

variants in the State of Mexico, but it is necessary to enrich the tree to get a larger

number of sequences P multocida strains isolated in this study, order to confirm

whether the bacteria found maintain diversity to those reported to worldwide level. It is

important to highlight the genetic distance giP7 strain, also isolated from rabbit Czech

Republic. Which is of interest to know to implement prevention strategies has

considered strains to be included in the development of biological for use in cunícolas

units in the region under study.

Figure 1. Phylogenetic Three of Pasteurella multocida. GBP1 isolated Pasteurella multocida strain pig

US isolate GBP2 bovine Germany, United States giP3b strain without host reported, gigb4 isolate mouse

without the country reported, without strain giP5 host country or reported, GBP6 avian strain US giP7

rabbits strain isolated in the Czech Republic, giP8 turkey isolate US giP9 without host strain reported

from Australia, P10 strain isolated rabbit Mexico, P11 strain isolated rabbit Mexico.

gigbP4

giP5

giP3

gbP2

gbP6

giP7

giP8

giP9

P10

P11

gbP1

20

208

1*REYNOSO UE,

1GARCÍA RV,

2MARTINEZ CJ,

3ROMERO NC,

1*LOPEZ-AGUADO AG,

1BAUTISTA GL

1. Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Diagnóstico Molecular y Genética. Universidad Autónoma del











Abstract

In our country, the Mexico State is the major rabbit production entity, has a 45,000

bellies (does) of inventory and here is produced about 2340 tons. Enteric diseases have

an important role in rabbit production, because they cause severe economic losses due

to mortality, growth depression and worsening of conversion index. Rotaviruses (RV)

are members of the Reoviridae family, are non-enveloped viruses with a segmented

double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genome, is considered the main cause of acute viral

gastroenteritis in different animals including rabbits. This agent is also a zoonotic

disease. Among all enteric pathogens in humans, Rotavirus is the leading cause of

severe acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide affect 95% of

children under 5 years of age and cause 453,000 infant deaths annually. Group A

rotavirus, Lapine strain (infecting rabbits), has been isolated by investigators in Europe,

Japan, and the United States, however there are no studies that identified molecularly

Lapine Rotavirus strain in our country, for this reason, in this study we develop a

molecular diagnostic of Rotavirus through the Reverse Polymerase Chain Reaction

(RT-PCR), which will allow genotyping of strains that infect rabbits meat producers in

the South-East of the State of Mexico.

MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS OF ROTAVIRUS IN RABBITS,

IN THE SOUTH-EAST OF MEXICO STATE



The molecular diagnosis was carried out through the use of the VP6 primers (VP6-F

[sense] 5’ GACGGVGCRACTACATGGT 3’ and VP6-R [antisense] 5’

GTCCAATTCATNCCTGGTGG 3’) reported by Gómara., et al (2002). Viral RNA was

extracted using the GeneJET Viral DNA and RNA Purification kit of Thermo Scientific

according to the manufacturer’s instructions. As a positive control was used the

RotaTeq vaccine. Has been performed the standardization and has been achieved the

amplification of a 379pb region of VP6. The results show the presence of rotavirus in

rabbits in the study region. We provide the first data on rotavirus in rabbits in Mexico.

Data collected may contribute to avoiding economic loss, development of a vaccine and

will assist in the resolution of public health problems.

Keywords: Rotavirus, gastroenteritis, rabbits, zoonotic, molecular diagnostic,

genotyping.

210

DIAGNÓSTICO MOLECULAR DE ROTAVIRUS EN CONEJOS, EN EL

SURESTE DEL ESTADO DE MÉXICO

1*REYNOSO UE,

1GARCÍA RV,

2MARTINEZ CJ,

3ROMERO NC,

1*LOPEZ-AGUADO AG,

1BAUTISTA GL












Resumen

En nuestro país, el Estado de México es la principal entidad de producción de conejo,

tiene 45,000 vientres de inventario y aquí se producen aproximadamente 2,340

toneladas. Las enfermedades entéricas tienen un papel importante en la producción de

conejo, porque causan graves pérdidas económicas debido a la mortalidad, depresión

del crecimiento y el empeoramiento del índice de conversión. Los rotavirus (RV) son

miembros de la familia Reoviridae, son virus no envueltos con un ARN de doble cadena

(dsRNA) genoma segmentado, se considera la principal causa de gastroenteritis viral

aguda en diferentes animales incluyendo conejos. Este agente es también una

enfermedad zoonótica. Entre todos los agentes patógenos entéricos en los seres

humanos, el rotavirus es la principal causa de gastroenteritis aguda grave en lactantes y

niños pequeños en todo el mundo, afecta al 95% de los niños menores de 5 años de edad

y causa 453,000 muertes infantiles por año. El rotavirus Grupo A, la cadena Lapine

(infectante de conejos), ha sido aislada por los investigadores en Europa, Japón y los

Estados Unidos, sin embargo se carece de estudios que identifiquen molecularmente la

cepa Lapine del rotavirus en nuestro país, por esta razón, en este estudio desarrollamos

un diagnóstico molecular de rotavirus mediante la Reacción en cadena de la Polimerasa

inversa (RT-PCR), que permitirá a la genotipificación de cepas que infectan conejos

productores de carne en el sureste del Estado de México.



El diagnóstico molecular se llevó a cabo mediante el uso de los cebadores VP6 (VP6-F

[sentido] 5 'GACGGVGCRACTACATGGT 3' y VP6-R [antisentido] 5

'GTCCAATTCATNCCTGGTGG 3') reportados por Gómara., et al (2002). El ARN

viral se extrajo utilizando el kit de GeneJET Viral ADN y ARN Purificación de Thermo

Scientific de acuerdo con las instrucciones del fabricante. Como se utilizó un control

positivo la vacuna RotaTeq. Se ha realizado la estandarización y se ha logrado la

amplificación de una región de 379pb VP6. Los resultados muestran la presencia de

rotavirus en conejos en la región de estudio. Proporcionamos los primeros datos sobre el

rotavirus en conejos en México. Los datos recogidos pueden contribuir a evitar la

pérdida económica, el desarrollo de una vacuna y se contribuiría a la resolución de

problemas de salud pública.

Palabras clave: Rotavirus, gastroenteritis, conejos, zoonóticas, diagnóstico molecular,

genotipificación.

212

Introduction

Rotaviruses (RV) are members of the Reoviridae family, Sedoreovirinae subfamily, are

non-enveloped viruses with a segmented double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genome, cause

severe diarrheal disease in various species of birds and mammals, including humans.

Among all enteric pathogens in humans, Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe acute

gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide, affect 95% of children under 5

years of age, although the main impact of rotavirus disease occurs in developing

countries, where it causes over 453.000 deaths annually. Different Rotavirus strains

infect particular species, however occasionally happens, for genetic reassortment,

interspecies transmission, evidence of this is exposed in a study (Matthijnssens et al.,

2006), demonstrating transmission Lapine Rotavirus (which affects rabbits) to the

human species, which gives Rotavirus infection, classification of zoonotic disease.

Moreover, enteric diseases have an important role in rabbit production, because they

cause severe economic losses due to mortality, growth depression and worsening of

conversion index. Group A rotavirus, is considered the main cause of acute viral

gastroenteritis in different animals including rabbits.

The Lapine strain (LRV) is considered slightly pathogenic, however it can primarily

cause enteric disease in post-weaning rabbits, in addition it could also be involved in the

etiology of severe enteritis outbreaks in association with bacteria, parasites and other

viruses. Rabbits become infected by the oro-fecal route and the extension and the

severity of the lesions (microvillus degeneration, malabsorption and diarrhoea) are dose

dependent.

The Rotavirus infection is characterised by a high rate of morbidity and not specific

clinical signs such as diarrhea, anorexia, depression, etc. Diarrhoea appears at the

beginning of viral excretion that lasts for 6-8 days, and is generally followed by

constipation. Lesions observed at necropsy are not constant: catarrhal, haemorrhagic or

necrotic entero-tiflitis and caecal impaction. Rabbits patients may die due to

dehydration and secondary infections while those that recover from the infection

commonly show a decrease in productivity due to reduced absorption capacity.




For the molecular identification of Rotavirus, Polymerase Chain Reaction Inverse

technique was performed, wherein were used the primers designed and reported by

Gómara., et al (2002), for amplification of a 379 bp fragment of the structural protein

VP6 (VP6-F [sense] 5’ GACGGVGCRACTACATGGT 3’ and VP6-R [antisense] 5’

GTCCAATTCATNCCTGGTGG 3’). Standardization was carried out using the

pentavalent vaccine RotaTeq (live attenuated Rotavirus), which contains the human-

bovine rotavirus strains variants: G1, G2, G3, G4 and P1A (genotype P1 [8]), same that

was used as a positive control in all experimentation.

Viral RNA was extracted using the GeneJET Viral DNA and RNA Purification kit of

Thermo Scientific according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

After obtaining the viral RNA, RT (reverse transcription) was performed using the

ImProm-II Reverse Transcription System, of Promega, whose final solution was 20 μl,

the details are shown in Table 1. The PCR was performed in a final volume of 25 μl, the

conditions and the result of standardization process are shown in Table 2.

Table 1. Components and volumes of the mixture to RT.

Mixture 1

RNA 3 μl

Oligo DT 2 μl

Mixture 2 Improm II 5x 4 μl

Cl Mg 4.6 μl

dNTP´s 2 μl

RNA sin 0.5 μl

RT 1 μl

H2O 2.9 μl

Final volume 20 μl

Table 2. Final features of standardization process of PCR for amplification of VP6.

Lement Volume Program features of PCR

H2O 7.7 μl Temperature Time Cycles

Buffer 5 μl 96° 10m -

Cl Mg 4 μl 96° 45s

45 dNTP´s 1 μl 61° 45s

VP6 Forward 2 μl 72° 45s

VP6 Reverse 2 μl 72° 5m -

Taq 0.3 μl 4° 10m -

cDNA 3 μl

Final volume 25 μl

214

Once obtained the reaction, it was placed in an agarose gel 3% and the electrophoresis

was performed, with a time of 30 minutes at 100 ° C.

Finished the standardization for amplification of the desired fragment, 7 samples of

intestines of rabbits from the zootechnical place from Centro Universitario UAEM

Amecameca were processed, aged approximately 45 days, 3 of which were positive for

Rotavirus.


Thanks to standardization process, we have achieved amplify a fragment of 379 bp of

VP6 from RotaTeq vaccine (Figure 1). Same way, amplification was obtained in 3 of 7

processed samples (Figure 2).

Figure 1. Amplified fragment of 379pb Rotavirus VP6 from RotaTeq vaccine



Figure 2. Amplified fragments of VP6 of 379pb: A and C; samples from asymptomatic rabbits. B;

sample from rabbit with gastroenteric signs.

By the characteristics of the rabbits from which the samples were taken, the results show that

rabbits can be asymptomatic carriers of Rotavirus, or their presence is determined by the dose

and may be a transient infection with short periods of excretion. The pathogenic role and

importance of rotavirus as primary aetiological agent rabbit enteritis is questioned.

Conclusions

Starting from multiple modifications in the protocols for the molecular identification of

Rotavirus, we have achieved standardize the technique for the amplification of a fragment of

379pb of VP6. Rotavirus has been identified in asymptomatic rabbits and in one rabbit with

gastroenteric signs, this being the first report of the presence of rotavirus in rabbits in Mexico.

216

Bibliography

Gómara M. I., Wong C., Blome S., Desselberger U., Gray J. 2002. Molecular Characterization

of VP6 Genes of Human Rotavirus Isolates: Correlation of Genogroups with Subgroups and

Evidence of Independent Segregation. J. VIROL., 76, 6596–6601.

Lavazza A., Cerioli M., Martella V., Tittarelli C., Grilli G., Brivio R., Buonavoglia C. 2008.

Rotavirus in diarrheic rabbits: prevalence and characterization of strains in Italian Farms.

Pathology and Hygiene. 993-998.

218

1*

TREJO HG, 1BAUTISTA GL*,

2MARTINEZ CJ,

1GARCÍA RV,

3ROMERO NC












Abstract

The rabbit production is a livestock industry in recent years has become more important

in our country, mainly due to the ease of handling of the species and the relatively short

time for recovery of investments, which has led to a large number of small and medium

rural producers are dabbling in the exploitation of this species. The Mexico State is the

first entity of rabbit production in our country, for this reason the identification of

pathogens that affect this activity becomes a priority. The Eimeriosis is a parasitic

disease caused by protozoa of the genus Eimeria, depending on the species of this

parasite can be located in the intestine and liver of their hosts. Among the species most

pathogenic intestinal location include, in order of predominance, E. perforans, E.

magna, E. intestinalis, E. media, E. piriformis, E. irresidua, E. flavescens, E. exigua and

E. neoleporis, while the pathogenic specie of liver location is E. stiedae; which can be

associated or not to intestinal forms depending pathogenicity infective dose and age of

the host. The eimeriosis is one of the most important parasitic disease in farm rabbits,

may be able to cause significant economic losses and gener.

IDENTIFICATION AND CULTURE OF Eimeria spp

FROM RABBITS WITH GASTROENTERIC SIGNS IN

SOUTH-EAST OF MEXICO STATE




The aim of this study is to identify the presence of Eimeria spp in rabbits that present

enteric signs in the south east of the Mexico State, for this, it´s necessary implement in

vitro culture to achieve isolate the species present in the region of this way will can

study the pathogenicity of each variant found and the molecular characterization of the

same.

Keywords: Eimeria spp, Gastroenteritis, Molecular Diagnosis.

220

IDENTIFICACIÓN Y CULTIVO DE Eimeria spp DE CONEJOS CON

SIGNOLOGÍA GTROENTERICA EN EL SURESTE DEL ESTADO DE

MÉXICO

1*

TREJO HG, 1BAUTISTA GL*,

2MARTINEZ CJ,

1GARCÍA RV,

3ROMERO NC












Resumen

La producción de conejos es una industria ganadera que en los últimos años se ha vuelto

más importante en nuestro país, debido principalmente a la facilidad de manejo de la

especie y el tiempo relativamente corto para la recuperación de la inversión, lo que ha

llevado a que un gran número de productores rurales pequeños y medianos estén

incursionando en la explotación de esta especie. El Estado de México es la primera

entidad de producción de conejos en nuestro país, por esta razón, la identificación de los

agentes patógenos que afectan a esta actividad se convierte en una prioridad. La

eimeriosis es una enfermedad parasitaria causada por protozoos del género Eimeria,

dependiendo de las especies de este parásito se puede situar en el intestino y el hígado

de sus anfitriones. Entre las especies de localización intestinal más patógena incluyen,

en orden de predominio, E. perforante, E. magna, E. intestinalis, E. media, E. piriforme,

E. irresidua, E. flavescens, E. exigua y E. neoleporis, mientras que la especie patógena

de ubicación hígado es E. stiedae; que puede estar asociada o no a las formas

intestinales dependiendo de la dosis infecciosa, patogenicidad y la edad del huésped. La

eimeriosis es una de las enfermedades parasitarias más importantes en conejos de

granja, puede ser capaz de causar importantes pérdidas económicas y generar un retraso

del crecimiento, empeoramiento de las tasas de transformación e incluso aumento de la

mortalidad.




El objetivo de este estudio es identificar la presencia de Eimeria spp en conejos que

presentan signos entéricos en el sureste del Estado de México, para esto, es necesario

implementar el cultivo in vitro para lograr aislar las especies presentes en la región del

este manera se puede estudiar la patogenicidad de cada variante encontrada y la

caracterización molecular de la misma.

Palabras clave: Eimeria spp, gastroenteritis, Diagnóstico Molecular.

222

GESTIÓN SOCIAL Y

ECONÓMICA

MANAGEMENT, SOCIAL &

ECONOMICS

224

LUKEFAHR S D

Dept. of Animal, Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences, MSC 228,

Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA


Abstract

One of the challenges in developing successful meat rabbit projects for people living in

poverty (representing about half of the human population) is the reality that many

factors must be considered. Across countries and cultures, some factors are very critical

(e.g., suitable breeds, feedstuffs, housing, marketing, and training methods); however,

in others the choices or decisions may be very different. The implication is that there are

very few, if any, general recommendations that are appropriate for all situations. The

impetus for developing the Small-Scale Rabbit Production Model (SSRPM) was to

serve primarily as a tool for project managers to address key issues, especially when

planning and implementing projects. In brief, for the sake of simplicity the model is

divided into three dimensions: internal, intermediate, and external aspects, which relate

to farmers, project managers, and the environment, respectively. At the internal level,

farmers make decisions with regards to appropriate choice of breed-types, feedstuffs for

diets, materials for housing, etc. In contrast, at the intermediate level, managers (i.e.,

usually representing a development organization) embrace the project components of

feasibility, design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, all of which guide or

direct the project. This includes the clear establishment of a project goal with specific

objectives. The external level of the environment encompasses ecological, market,

social aspects. In other words, to be successful the rabbit project must benefit the

environment, increase farmer’s income, and be supported at every stage by the local

community.

THE SMALL-SCALE RABBIT PRODUCTION MODEL: A GUIDE

TO

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT




Of course, much flexibility should exist when applying the SSRPM. However, there are

certain basic essentials such as farmers receiving training by a competent expert (ideally

on demonstration farms), frequent on-farm visits following training, rabbit production

being sustained on small farms with minimal off-farm inputs, regular family

consumption of rabbit meat, maintenance of records, and active markets for surplus

rabbits. Another key aspect is the training and development of local farmer leaders who

will ultimately continue the project after phase-out, and that the project has a

multiplication effect by spreading to other communities in time.

Key words: Appropriate technology, Development, Poverty alleviation, Rabbit,

Sustainability

226

EL MODELO DE PRODUCCIÓN DE CONEJO A PEQUEÑA ESCALA:

UNA GUÍA PARA EL DESARROLLO HUMANO

LUKEFAHR S D

Dept. of Animal, Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences, MSC 228,

Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA


Resumen

Uno de los retos en el desarrollo de proyectos exitosos de producción de conejo para

carne para las personas que viven en la pobreza (que representan alrededor de la mitad

de la población humana) es la realidad de que muchos factores deben ser considerados.

En todos los países y culturas, algunos factores son (por ejemplo, razas adecuadas, los

piensos, los métodos de la vivienda, de marketing y de formación) muy críticos; sin

embargo, en otros las decisiones o elecciones pueden ser muy diferentes. La implicación

es que hay muy pocos, si los hubiere, las recomendaciones generales que son

apropiados para todas las situaciones. El impulso para el desarrollo de la pequeña escala

Conejo Producción Modelo (SSRPM) era servir principalmente como una herramienta

para administradores de proyectos para abordar cuestiones clave, sobre todo en la

planificación y ejecución de proyectos. En resumen, en aras de la simplicidad del

modelo se divide en tres dimensiones: aspectos internos, intermedios y externos, que se

refieren a los agricultores, gestores de proyectos, y el medio ambiente, respectivamente.

A nivel interno, los agricultores toman decisiones con respecto a la elección apropiada

del tipo de raza, alimentos para dietas, materiales para vivienda, etc. Por el contrario, en

el nivel intermedio, los directivos (es decir, por lo general representan a una

organización de desarrollo) abrazar los componentes del proyecto de viabilidad, diseño,

implementación, monitoreo y evaluación, todos los cuales guían o dirigen el proyecto.

Esto incluye el claro establecimiento de un objetivo del proyecto con objetivos

específicos. El nivel externo del medio ambiente abarca, mercado, aspectos sociales

ecológicos. En otras palabras, para tener éxito el proyecto de conejo debe beneficiar al

medio ambiente, aumentar los ingresos de los agricultores, y contar con el apoyo en

todas las etapas de la comunidad local. Por supuesto, debería existir gran flexibilidad al

aplicar el SSRPM.




Sin embargo, hay ciertos productos de primera necesidad, como los agricultores que

recibieron capacitación por un experto competente (idealmente en las granjas de

demostración), frecuentes visitas en las fincas siguientes, formación, producción de

conejos que se sustenta en las pequeñas explotaciones con un mínimo de insumos no

agrícolas, el consumo regular de la carne de conejo por la familia, el mantenimiento de

registros, y los mercados de activos para conejos excedentes. Otro aspecto clave es la

formación y el desarrollo de los líderes locales de agricultores que en última instancia

puedan continuar el proyecto después de la eliminación, y que el proyecto tenga un

efecto multiplicador mediante la difusión a otras comunidades en el tiempo.

Palabras clave: la tecnología apropiada, Desarrollo, Alivio de la pobreza, Conejo,

Sostenibilidad

228

Introduction

For rabbit scientists who are engaged in development projects with the aim of

alleviating poverty, it is a challenge to know how to best approach each new project

because every project has a unique set of conditions. However, a set of guidelines for

making critical decisions at either the planning or implementation stage of project

development has both been recommended and adopted, which is known as the Small-

Scale Rabbit Production Model (SSRPM). This model was proposed by Lukefahr

(2004) at the 8th

World Rabbit Congress which was held in Puebla, Mexico. In Section 1

of the second edition of the book by Lukefahr (2010), Developing Sustainable Rabbit

Projects, a detailed description of the SSRPM is provided for the reader.

One recent paper by Oseni and Lukefahr (2014) extolled the appropriateness of this

model for projects in Sub-Saharan Africa, which is the poorest region of the world.

Likewise, certain aspects of the SSRPM have been applied in the form of project

monitoring and refresher training of farmers in Haiti, which is the poorest country of the

Western Hemisphere (Lukefahr et al., 2012). In addition, SSRPM aspects involving

community participation and farmer training were adopted in Indonesia where an

ambitious and highly successful rabbit programme has been developed for rural families

at the level of small- and medium-scale production (Raharjo, 2010). The purpose for

this paper is to provide an overview of the SSRPM.

The Small-Scale Rabbit Production Model (SSRPM)

As a brief overview, the SSRPM is divided into three dimensions: internal,

intermediate, and external, which are a set of aspects that relate to farmers, project

managers, and the environment, respectively. In the book, Developing Sustainable

Rabbit Projects, by Lukefahr (2010), figures and tables that relate detailed information

to the internal, intermediate, and external dimensions of the SSRPM are available.

At the internal level, farmers make decisions with regards to appropriate choice of

breed-types, feedstuffs for diets, materials for housing, etc. In contrast, at the

intermediate level, managers (i.e., usually representing a development organization)

embrace the project components of feasibility, design, implementation, monitoring, and

evaluation, all of which guide or direct the project. This includes the clear establishment



of a project goal with specific objectives. The external level of the environment

encompasses ecological, market, social aspects. In other words, to be successful the

rabbit project must benefit the environment, increase farmer’s income, and be supported

at every stage by the local community.

A schematic of the SSRPM is shown below in Figure 1 (Lukefahr, 2010). An analogy is

made to that of a wheel because even one weak inter-connective link or spoke could

likely, albeit sooner or later, cause the project to fail. The SSRPM is described below by

each of its dimensions.

230

Internal level of the SSRPM

The internal dimension lies at the core of the SSRPM. The more lug nuts that are used

to secure the wheel best ensure that the farmer’s enterprise moves forward to achieve

more progress. This level relates directly to the farmer involving decisions that are

important to the farmer to realize both a sustainable and successful operation. More

specifically, the decisions revolve around the availability and use of local resources that

include breeding stock, feedstuffs, materials for hutches and other equipment, remedies

to prevent and treat diseases, etc. Ideally, these resources should be available locally and

at low cost. This important aspect cannot be overemphasized. In my first programme

experience in Cameroon (1983-85), this low-cost feature was realized which made

rabbit production not only a low-risk, investment enterprise but a very profitable one for

experienced farmers (Lukefahr and Goldman, 1985).

Initially, the feasibility study should determine (conducted by a programme staffperson

or hired consultant), among other things, that critical resources are locally available and

accessible to farmers at low cost. Through training, farmers are taught how to best

utilize local materials (such as bamboo or raffia palm to construct hutches) and sound

management practices to prevent diseases and local remedies to treat diseases. Breeding

stock should be provided after training on an in-kind loan basis so that farmers do not

have to pay cash. Hardy crossbred rabbits found in villages tend to be more suitable for

backyard production than recently imported purebreds. Later, they will pass-on on

young rabbits to other trained farmers as the programme expands.

Farmers should also be trained on how to establish forage plots using species that are

adaptable to the region. Some rabbit projects have integrated rabbit production with

gardening (i.e., rabbit-garden model), involving the recycling of gardens and kitchen

“wastes” as rabbit feed and rabbit manure as organic matter. A successful feeding

programme also requires good planning. The farmers should use several different feeds

(e.g., several forage species, edible weeds, garden wastes, and kitchen scraps) on a

given day, which will vary from season to season. In addition, alternate feedstuffs

requiring processing (e.g., hay, silage, and molasses blocks) may also be important

which will also need to be taught during training. Of relevance, the trainer could either

be a competent rabbit expert or a highly successful rabbit producer who is capable of

teaching.



Intermediate level of the SSRPM

Between the internal and external levels of the SSRPM exists the role of programme

management or the project manager (i.e., usually representing a private or governmental

development organization) who guides the farmer’s project and connects (like a tire

with solid spokes) the activities of farmers within the context of ecological, social, and

market environments. Specifically, one set of farmer’s decisions concerns those that

involve the environment, hopefully benefiting rather than harming her. Through

training, programmed staff will teach farmers about appropriate practices that enhance

sustainability of local resources. Also, programme staff will closely involve the

community (e.g., mostly through regular meetings) to ensure that the project is fully

accepted. Of course, the programme must also take measures to open and(or) expand

markets for rabbits, well before farmers have rabbits to sell. More details are provided

in the next section.

A major role of project managers is to execute the project components of feasibility,

design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, all of which guide or direct the

project. This includes the clear establishment of a goal with specific objectives for the

project’s participants. Lukefahr (2007) published a paper exclusively on the stages of

project development. This paper was previously presented in 2006 on the occasion of

the 3rd

Rabbit Congress of the Americas held in Maringa, Brazil.

Any potential project must be initiated with the full support of the community. Ideally,

the community held meetings where it was discussed and later decided that a rabbit

project was the best solution to improve the quality of their lives (Bunch, 1982). With

the community’s blessings, the development organisation should then conduct a

feasibility study to determine that the project is indeed justified. Many developmental

organisations like Heifer International have developed feasibility or standard proposal

forms which are available upon request (http://heifer.org). Herein, many relevant

factors, such as suitable feedstuffs, sustainable practices, technical support, role of

women, and potential markets are considered. One important consideration is that the

project directly involves women. In the state of Querétaro, Mexico, Gomez (2008)

http://heifer.org/

232

reported on a women’s rabbit project that, following training, provided packages of 5

does/1 buck and 15 cages. In this novel project, women were the heads of households.

Rabbit meat was regularly served to their families and income was increased. If the

report reveals that no major constraints exist, then starting a rabbit project is justified.

Next, the project is designed on paper, referred to as the project blue-print. A written

plan for many major activities is drafted, for example, training, stock distribution,

production, marketing, and farmer leader development as well as a budget and an

activity timetable. This detailed plan should be flexible so that necessary changes can

later be made. Once the project is designed on paper and later approved for funding

through a grant, it can be implemented. Typically, the first activity is for the community

to decide which farmers should first be trained. Many books and website resources are

available that provide useful information on appropriate limited resource, farmer-

focused training methods (Finzi, 2000; Djago et al., 2007; Lukefahr, 2010).

Following training, farmers establish a unit for their rabbit enterprise. Once approved,

stock is provided and later production ensues. Here the next phase is critical which is

project monitoring. Close and regular supervision of farmers is no doubt paramount to

project success. Needless to say, well experienced staff should be involved in this

activity. (If extension agents are involved they should first be properly trained and have

actual rabbit raising experience.) Early problems must be quickly identified and solved

before they become major problems that could lead to project failure. Also, farmers

should keep good records so that later the nutritional and economic impact can be

accurately determined by the development organization in their evaluation report.

Upon formal termination of the project when funding ends, programme staff should

perform a project evaluation report. This report makes a critical determination as to

whether or not the project goal was realized; for example, for 100 families to consume

rabbit meat on a weekly basis and increase their income by 50% by the end of two

years. In addition, what lessons were learned in terms of what worked well and what did

not work well so that future projects can be designed to achieve even greater impact. In

some lesser developed countries, research and development centres have been

established by governments where staff perform the role of training farmers, providing

breeding stock and technical support, etc. (Oseni and Lukefahr, 2014); however, the



historic record of such centres in general is that were initially successful but were short-

lived. Typically, governments later close the centres due to a budget crisis.

External level of the SSRPM

The external dimension is analogous to the rubber tire of a wheel. This is where the

“rubber meets the road” in terms of project support. In brief, the project must be

supported by natural and renewable resources in the environment. It must also be

supported by the community so that it will later expand and benefit more families. And

the project must monetarily reward farmers for their efforts through strong markets. If

this external level bears any weaknesses (like a thin tread of a tire), the project will

likely eventually fail. Again, the initial feasibility study should have also closely

examined the quality or merit of these external factors.

In more detail, the environment is a major consideration for farmers to maintain low

feed costs. Of course, this potential is much higher in a lush tropical vs. an arid desert

environment. It is fortuitous that most developing countries exist in the (sub)tropical

regions of the world. In addition, functional integration is a key approach to the

recycling of nutrients among various agricultural enterprises on the farm in a

conscientious effort to protect the environment. A key point is that subsistence farmers

should not be dependent on expensive commercial feeds.

Successful projects are community-based or people-centered, according to Aaker

(2007). Hence, social support by the local community is critical. As stated previously,

the project should be community owned in the sense that the people feel fully

responsible for the progress (or lack thereof) and anticipated impact or success of the

project. If this is not the case, then when a problem occurs it is likely that the

community will quickly abandon the project. Of course, the development organization

should work closely with the community (usually through special and regular meetings)

at every project stage.

234

Eventually after the formal project is terminated, a project leader (i.e., a successful

rabbit farmer) who was groomed by programme staff should emerge who will further

multiply the project as it is introduced to more farmers both within and beyond the

community (Lukefahr, 2010).

In terms of economic support, farmers will not be interested in a rabbit project if there is

no economic incentive. Examples of economic support are as follows. First, it is

paramount that the programme takes necessary steps to expand markets by creating

strong market demand. In some countries, even governments have sensitised the general

populace on the health attributes and profit-potential of rabbit meat production as

reported by Oseni and Lukefahr (2014). In Haiti, tremendous efforts have been taken to

both create awareness and increase demand for rabbit breeding stock and meat which

has been successful (Lukefahr et al., 2012). The use of surveys has also been widely

used in Mexico (for example, Olivares et al., 2004; Rivera et al., 2004). An obvious

point is that it is desirable that markets be gradually expanded to keep pace with the

increasing supply. Likewise, it is not desirable if the market becomes flooded with

rabbits that exceed market demand. A last point is that the price of rabbit meat should

be competitive with other meats such as broiler chickens and ducks to attract new

consumers.

Conclusions

The impetus for developing the Small-Scale Rabbit Production Model (SSRPM) was to

serve primarily as a tool or guide for project managers to address key issues, especially

when planning and implementing projects. Of course, much flexibility should exist

when applying the SSRPM because every project represents a unique local situation.



References

Aaker, J. 2007. Heifer Model. Cornerstones Value-based Development. Heifer

International Publishers, Little Rock, AR, U.S.A.

Bunch R. 1982. Two Ears of Corn. World Neighbors Publishers, Oklahoma City, OK,

U.S.A.

Djago Y.A., Kpodekon M., Lebas F. 2007. Le Guide pratique de ĺéleveur de lapins en

Afrique de ĺOuest (Practical manual for rabbit breeding in West Africa). (2nd

Edition).

Available at: http://www.cuniculture.info/Docs/Elevage/Tropic-01.htm. Accessed: July

24, 2014.

Finzi A. 2000. Integrated Backyard Systems. FAO Publications Division. Available at:

http://www.fao.org/ag/AGAinfo/themes/documents/ibys. Accessed: July 24, 2014.

Gomez G.G. 2008. Meat production of rabbit: an alternative for the semidesert

Queretano and people in extreme poverty. In: Proc. 9th

World Rabbit Congress, Verona,

Italy, 1539-1543.

Lukefahr S.D. 2004. Sustainable and alternative systems of rabbit production. In: Proc.

8th

World Rabbit Congress, Puebla, Mexico, 1452-1464.

Lukefahr S.D. 2007. Strategies for the development of small- and medium-scale rabbit

farming in South-East Asia. Livestock Research for Rural Development. Volume 19, Article

#138. http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd19/9/luke19138.htm. Accessed: July 8, 2014.

Lukefahr S.D. 2010. Developing Sustainable Rabbit Projects. (2nd

Edition). Heifer

International Publishers, Little Rock, AR, U.S.A.

Lukefahr, S.D., Goldman M. 1985. A technical assessment of production and economic

aspects of small-scale rabbit farming in Cameroon. J. Appl. Rabbit Res. 8:126-135.

236

Lukefahr S.D., Kaplan-Pasternak M., Jasmin B., Olivier M., McNitt J.I. 2012. Present

status of the WRSA-supported rabbit development project in Haiti. In: Proc. 10th

World

Rabbit Congress, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, 833-837.

Olivares R., Soriano R., López M., Rivera J., Losada H. 2004. Consumption patterns of

rabbit meat in the metropolitan area of Mexico City. In: Proc. 8th

World Rabbit Congress.

Puebla, Mexico, 1152-1156.

Oseni S.O., Lukefahr, SD. 2014. Rabbit production in low-input systems in Africa:

situation, knowledge and perspectives – a review. Wld. Rabbit Sci. 22:147-160.

Raharjo Y.C. 2010. Micro and small scale rabbit farming based on farmers cooperation

as a mean to build rural enterprise. In: Proc. Intern. Seminar-Workshop on the

Utilization of Native Animals in Building Rural Enterprises in Warm Climates Zones,

Nueva Ecija, Philippines, 19-33.

Rivera J., López M., Losada H., Soriano R., L. Arias, Cortés J. 2004. Backyard rabbit

production as a sustainable system in the urban and peri-urban area of Xochimilco

region. In: Proc. 8th

World Rabbit Congress. Puebla, Mexico, 1488-1494.

238

*

MACHADO LC1, FERREIRA WM

2


2. Professor Minas Gerais Federal University - Brazil


Abstract

Brazil is an emerging country with great potential for rabbit production. However, the

history of this activity has been marked by ups and downs. The Brazilian rabbit

population has decreased over the last few years despite the considerable increase of pet

rabbits. It is not possible estimate the exact amount of meat produced, because most of

it happens in informal conditions. We know that the demand for meat is greater than the

supply. Pet rabbit production has grown in recent years and attracted the interest of new

breeders. There is a great market to be explored considering items and services for pet

rabbits. There are a lot of institutions that research and teach rabbit science. It has been

noted that several renowned researchers are retiring and new researchers are needed.

There are over 40 factories of rabbit feed, but few present quality and good prices.

There are many problems that affect Brazilian rabbit breeders, with emphasis to the lack

of specific public policies to support this activity, the work of breeders without

organization, the need to improve the available genetic material, the lack of

slaughterhouses and lack of meat processing plants, the lack of specialists in rabbit

production, the lack of good quality materials and equipment, the lack of public

information about the nutritional quality of rabbit meat and the high price of meat to the

final consumer. In addition, Brazilian law is extremely strict for slaughterhouse

installation.

ORGANIZATION AND STRATEGIES OF BRAZILIAN RABBIT

PRODUCTION - A SEARCH FOR SOLUTIONS



Actions have been implemented by the Brazilian Rabbit Science Association (ACBC)

such as: the creation of discussion groups in the internet aimed at the improvement of

the dialogue, the publication of a new webpage to disseminate technical information and

activities, the organization and distribution of a CD with publications, the development

of teaching materials such as feed formulation manual and supplements for rabbits, a

publication with applied rabbit production and technical notes, events such as rabbit

production mini courses, rabbit breeder day, national seminars of science and

technology in rabbit science, the creation of a national magazine. Information and

support for rabbit breeders and people interested in the matter, encouragement for the

formation of cooperatives and associations of breeders and the institution of an award

for professional notoriety. Besides these actions the implementation of courses for

initial and ongoing training in rabbit production and the divulgation of this activity,

highlighting its benefits to society and the development of an explanatory videos on the

Internet have been planned. In the last two years, an increase in demand of meat

production has been noted. The organization of the industry should be prioritized so that

dialogue can occur and the management of buying and selling can happen through a

proper channel.

Key words: rabbit production, organizational problems, public politics, Brazilian

Rabbit Science Association (ACBC

240

ORGANIZACIÓN Y ESTRATEGIAS DE LA CUNICULTURA

BRASILEÑA LA BÚSQUEDA DE SOLUCIONES

MACHADO LC

1, FERREIRA WM

2 1. Professor Minas Gerais Federal Institute - Bambuí Campus – Brazil



Resumen

Brasil es un país emergente con un gran potencial para la actividad de cunicultura. Sin

embargo, la historia de esta actividad siempre ha estado marcada por altibajos. La

población brasileña de conejos ha venido disminuyendo en los últimos años, aunque

nota que la cantidad de conejos mascotas está aumentando considerablemente. No es

posible hacerse la estimativa de la cantidad de la carne producida, ya que la mayoría se

hace en condiciones de informalidad. Se sabe que la demanda de carne es mayor que la

oferta. La creación de mascotas ha crecido significativamente en los últimos años y

despertado el interés de los nuevos creadores. Hay un gran mercado para ser explorado

con respecto a los accesorios y servicios para las mascotas. Hay una gran cantidad de

instituciones que hacen investigación y docencia en cunicultura aunque se dio cuenta de

que varios investigadores de renombre se están jubilando, sin renovación adecuada.

Aunque haga más de 40 fabricantes de piensos para conejos, pocos son de buena

calidad, siendo comercializados a precios elevados. Muchos son los problemas que

afectan a los criadores brasileños, con énfasis para la falta de políticas públicas

específicas para fomentar la actividad, el trabajo de los criadores en forma aislada sin

organización, la necesidad de mejorar el material genético disponible, la falta de

mataderos y la falta de procesamiento de carne, la falta de expertos en cunicultura, la

falta de equipos de buena calidad, la falta de información a la población en relación con

las cualidades nutricionales de la carne y el elevado precio de la carne para el

consumidor final. Además, la legislación brasileña es muy rigorosa para el montaje de

nuevos mataderos.



Se han implementado acciones por la Asociación Científica Brasileña de Cunicultura

que fueran la creación de grupos de discusión para la mejora del diálogo, la creación de

nueva página web para difundir información técnica y las actividades, la organización y

distribución de un CD con publicaciones diversas, elaboración de materiales didácticos

como un manual de formulación de piensos y suplementos, un manual práctico de

cunicultura y notas técnicas, la realización de eventos tales como talleres de cunicultura,

día del cunicultor, seminarios nacionales de ciencia y tecnología en cunicultura, la

creación de una revista nacional, atendimiento a los criadores y interesados de todo el

país, apoyo a la formación de cooperativas de criadores y la creación de una premiación

para un profesional en cunicultura. Además de estas acciones también se han previsto

para implementar un curso de formación inicial y continua en cunicultura, la

divulgación de esta actividad, destacando sus beneficios para la sociedad y la creación

de un canal para la difusión de vídeos explicativos en internet. Durante los últimos dos

años, se observó aumento de la demanda por parte de los mataderos. La organización de

los criadores de conejo se debe priorizar para que haga un mayor diálogo. El mercado es

carente de una entidad que haga la gestión de la compra y venta de animales.

Palabras clave: cunicultura, problemas organizacionales, políticas públicas, Asociación

Científica Brasileña de Cunicultura

242

Introduction

Brazil is a developing country that has excellent conditions for rabbit production.

However, this activity went and still goes through numerous difficulties related to

production technology, and organizational deficiency in the production chain and lack

of specific policies for the sector, which raises the costs of production. The proper

structuring of the production chain, as well as the promotion of dialogue among actors

is very important to the activity so it can be performed safely and profitably.

This work presents information about the rabbit industry in Brazil, structure, strengths,

limitations and challenges for the Brazilian rabbit production. It can be an attractive

activity that generates a quantity of goods and services to the society. Also presents

some actions implemented by national scientific association in order to improve the

dialogue between those involved in rabbit production, thus seeking to contribute to the

improvement of the structure of this activity.

Brazil, an emerging country with agricultural vocation

Today, Brazil is an emerging country and presents favorable conditions for the

development of rabbit production. Its area of 8 514 million km2, with a population that

exceeds 200 million, with most of the territory of cultivable areas, presenting

predominantly tropical climate although presents other types of weather throughout the

vast territory.

Nowadays Brazil is considered the world's seventh economy. Some Brazilian

indexes can be seen in Table 01 and reflects the views of an emerging country.



Table 1. General Brazilian Indices

Indices Value

Life expectancy* 73,4 years

Illiteracy* 9,6%

HDI* 0,73

GDP Growth in 2013** 2,5%

Inflation in 2013** 5,9%

Unemployment rate in 2013** 5,4%

HDI in 2013** U$ 2,07 trillion** * Data obtained from IBGE (2010)

** Data obtained from different sources

Brazilian economy is based on agricultural products, livestock, mining and

manufacturing and consumer durables. In livestock production poultry, beef cattle, dairy

cattle and swine production stand out, with smaller scale production there are sheep,

goats, horses, buffaloes and rabbits. Even in a period of crisis and low global growth in

2013, there was an increase of 2.5% of GDP and 4.45% of agribusiness. However,

forecasts made by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and published in July 2014

show that Brazil will grow only 1.3% in 2014 and 2.0% in 2015, suggesting that the

country is going through a slight recession. World crisis is also affecting all emerging

countries.

Brazil is a country that is emerging to be the largest agricultural exporter in the world.

Projections made by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA, 2013)

for the years the 2012/13 - 2022/23, refer to a situation where Brazil will be the largest

producer and exporter of meat in the world by 2023. According to Roppa (2008), the

most consumed meat is poultry (43.0 kg/inhabitants year), followed by beef (42.2

kg/inhabitants year) and pork (14.8 kg/inhabitants year). When compared to the

consumption of such meat, consumption of rabbit is insignificant. Data from FAOSTAT

(2014) shows that the production of rabbit meat in Brazil is 1 635 ton/year, which

would result in an estimated consumption of 0.008 kg/ inhabitants year. It is known that

most animals are slaughtered without inspection and these records are not computed in

the official data. Anyhow, one can imagine the large expansion capacity of rabbit

production in Brazil.

244

A brief history of Brazilian rabbit production - past and present

The history of rabbit production in Brazil has ups and downs, resembling the story of

this activity in some neighboring countries, such as Uruguay (Denes, 2006). In the 60s

and 70s, there were investments for the production of angora mohair, as well as for

breeding young rabbits for the production of vaccines against FMD. As new

technologies for the production of synthetic materials have been developed, as well as

new ways to produce vaccine for the prevention of FMD were created, rabbit breeders

had to adapt the use of animals for meat production and aggregate other products. By

the final years of the '80s, rabbit breeding for meat production, was very encouraged by

some state governments, such as the Our Rabbit Program in the Paraná State, aiming

among others, the strengthening of family farming. For several reasons, including the

lack of infrastructure and public policy and support of the sector, the system has been

disrupted (Ferreira and Machado, 2007; Ferreira et al, 2010).

Looking at the estimates of rabbit population in the past few decades, we can see a

gradual reduction over the years (IBGE, 2006; FAOSTAT, 2014). In 1992 there was a

population of 593 000 animals, reduced to 350 000 in 2002 and 205 000 in 2012. It is

necessary to consider that a portion of the population does not enter in the count, as

emphasized by Machado (2012). Anyway, we can verify that in recent years the rabbit

population has been slowly recovering its growth in some regions of Brazil. There was a

slight increase in counted population between the years 2010 and 2011, although the

population has decreased in 2012, mainly due to problems occurring in state of São

Paulo. As remembered by Moura (2010) recent health problems related to outbreaks of

bird flu and swine flu, may have contributed to the rise in demand for rabbit meat.

During the years 2013 and 2014, all major slaughterhouses of Southeast Brazil

demonstrated interest in the purchase of animals for slaughter, suggesting that

progressively, the rabbit production will recover.

It must also be emphasized that the Pet Rabbit Production, which provides pets with

high value added, have been growing in recent years. This activity represents a

significant portion of the rabbit production in the present market and is also an activity

of extreme importance for the generation of income for small breeders.



Current Brazilian market of rabbit production

a) Statistical data of rabbits in Brazil

In Brazil, data of the rabbit population and rabbit meat produced are scarce, unsafe,

slightly outdated, and lead to numerous questions. The agricultural sense 2006 (IBGE,

2006) outlined a total population of 295 584 animals, over 17 615 farms with an

average of 17 animals per establishment. One must remember that most of these

establishments is not commercial. Analyzing the groups of economic activity, it appears

that most of the farmers also work with "Livestock and breeding of other animals" and

"production of temporary crops". Indeed, one realizes that there are few stores that deal

exclusively with rabbits and that the vast majority of rabbit breeders work with this

activity secondarily. The data also show that most animals are in small properties, with

dimentions up to 10 hectares. In 2006, it was verified that most of the animals were

located in the southern region. Currently, even without official data, it is observed that

the proportion of rabbits in the southeastern region increased considerably, mainly from

the expansion of the rabbit production in the state of São Paulo. Most of the rabbit

breeders are small producers (20 to 100 does) and work mainly for the production of

meat or pet rabbits, although fur production, manure, animals for research, craftwork

take place these products have little evaluations.

It should be noted that many livestock supervision agencies, which make the actual

count of the animals do not do so in appropriate manners and in many cities where

there are rabbits, there are no records of these animals. In addition, several pet rabbits

are not considered. Therefore, we believe that the rabbit population reported in the 2006

census, and the population estimated by the FAOSTAT system, are underestimated, as

mentioned by Moura (2010) and Machado (2012).

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Graph 1. Evolution of the population of rabbits in Brazil –

Source: Adapted from www.sidra.ibge.gov.br

Considering rabbit meat, the actual total production in Brazil in unknown. Some more

experienced breeders reported a production 20-25 tons per month, this being, perhaps,

the amount produced and inspected in the state of São Paulo. It must be remembered

that the rabbit is created in other parts of Brazil and the largest amount of animals is

slaughtered without supervision and sold regionally by rabbit breeders. Data from

FAOSTAT (2014) system point to production of 1 635 tons for the year 2012 and that,

as also commented by Moura (2010), Brazil is among the seven Latin American

countries that produce more than 1 000 tons/year of rabbit meat. Although there had

growth in the production of rabbit meat in global and Latin America levels, in recent

years the Brazilian production of rabbit meat are decreasing (Moura, 2010).

b) Organization of the industry

The productive sector of rabbits in Brazil is, in general, poorly organized. There are

some local initiatives, which include breeders, slaughterhouses, feed factories,

distribution, etc (Machado, 2012).

Today there are few associations and cooperatives, consisting of less than ten structured

groups in activity. It should be noted that the organization of rabbit breeders in little

groups is the key for the success for entrepreneurs (Machado, 2013). The rabbit breeder

is the weakest link in the production chain, so he is the one who gets the smallest share

of the profits. It must be considered that the breeders work alone and hardly seek help

0

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200000

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300000

350000

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012



from organizations, partnerships, institutions etc. The organization of the productive

chain actors, as well as dialogue and collaboration between them, would be very

important for sector growth. It is necessary to emphasize that there is the work of some

isolated rabbit breeders seeking alternatives to get government funding or in the

organization of rabbit breeders groups. It is also essential that the academic sector works

together with the productive sector, seeking improvements applicable to the problems

and challenges of the farms. These improvements cannot be proposed only for the

scientific community. The information generated by research must be disseminated in

an easy to understand way and must provide and applicability.

c) Rabbit Meat Breeders

Most Brazilian rabbit breeders raise animals for slaughter. The slaughterhouse prefers

animals weighing from 2.3 to 3.0 kg providing carcasses ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 kg.

Most of the meat is sold in as whole rabbit. Furthermore there is no sale of special cuts,

processed meat and products such as sausages, ham, meatballs, hamburgers etc., which

would be very important to increase the demand.

Most meat rabbit breeders are located in central and south of Brazil, but close to other

urban centers in other regions of the country there are rabbit breeders also. São Paulo

state has the most slaughterhouses, and there resides the only one qualified for export.

In this state, especially in the years 2010, 2011 and 2012, the rabbit production was

greatly stimulated, through various campaigns, mainly through television. Currently, a

group of rabbit breeders in the region of Brasilia verified with the Federal Government,

the possibility of inclusion of rabbit meat in school lunches.

The breed most used for slaughter in Brazil is the White New Zealand, other breeds of

medium size, as the Californian, Chinchilla, and mixed breeds are used also. Only one

lineage has been developed in Brazil, Botucatu, with high potential for meat production

and maternal ability. There was no introduction of new genetic material in recent years,

as has happened in Uruguay, reported by Denes (2006).

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In the production of animals for slaughter, the profit margin is very low, mainly due to

high production costs involved in the activity and the risk is very high because the

rabbit breeders are dependent of factors such as acceptance by the slaughterhouses,

transportation, feed, among others. The price paid per kilogram of live animal costs

around R$ 5.10 (U$ 2.30), often being unfeasible considering the transportation and

feed costs, among other factors. The current price of July/2014 released by the largest

Brazilian slaughterhouse is R$ 5.60 (U$ 2.53), being this the highest price ever

recorded.

Many rabbit breeders slaughter the animals and sell on their own, being this situation

inconsistent with Brazilian law, which is extremely strict and bureaucratic in relation to

meat commercialization. Moreover, it is not a common practice amongst Brazilian

breeders the signing of contracts between those involved. In this sense, at all times,

caution has been the key word for the new business in rabbit production.

The production of rabbits with an integrated system, model similar to the one used in

the poultry industry, has been done in southern Brazil a few years ago, as shown by

Militão (2011). In this model the breeder invests in the construction of rabbitry,

purchases equipment and the integrator provides technical assistance and other inputs,

ensuring the commercialization of the product. Although interesting, the system was

unsuccessful.

Regarding the demand for animals for slaughter, the slaughterhouses have been

increasing it, and there is also demand from the international market. It is verified that

although there are a few breeders in Brazil, the quantity demanded is much higher than

quantity produced.

In addition to producing animals for slaughter, most rabbit breeders take a byproduct for

activity, even in an informal way (handmade), although the degree of utilization is less

than ideal. Some breeders sell the skin in natura or processed, although most rabbit

breeders eliminates this material because of lack of conditions and minimum volume to

store and deliver. Except for a few exceptions, there are practically no farms that work

with skin production, using specific breeds. There are still interested people that buy the

raw skin at an average price of R$ 2.00 (U$ 0.90). When this skin is processed it



reaches greater value, being sold at a higher price. One should note that there is great

demand for Brazilian skins in the international market. It is not possible to export yet,

mainly for logistical problems because the amount needed to close a container would be

approximately 70 000 skins, being above of the production capacity of the cooperatives,

centers and associations of rabbit breeders.

Other breeders have diversified the benefits from the activity. The most traditional way

has been the sale of breeding animals that are normally sold at a minimum price of R$

100.00 (U$ 45.00). The market for the sale of fur is highly restricted, existing in the

state of Rio Grande do Sul, where very few breeders who do so. Rabbit manure is a by-

product highly valued mainly by the gardeners and florists. Many rabbit breeders sell

this material, being one important source of supplementary income. From the slaughter

of animals, few breeders and slaughterhouses holds the information about the sale of

other products such as bowels, blood, eyes, brain etc. The laboratories pay well for

animals intended for studies and thus some breeders have achieved good profits offering

animals for this purpose. This activity is performed with high bureaucracy by

companies that buy, because the Brazilian law is very strict. Thus, favoring middlemen

that go through all this documentation. There is an urge regarding the adoption of a

certification of quality and food safety in the rabbit production and there are no

governmental policies.

Although there are reports of problems with myxomatosis in 2008 in the state of Rio de

Janeiro (Bruno et al., 2008), there are no vaccines for rabbits in the market. There are no

other serious problems compared to what happened in Uruguay, which had serious

problems with viral haemorrhagic disease (Denes, 2006).

Differently as occurred in Argentina, as reported by Douna (2007) and Moura (2010), in

Brazil there is no regular export of rabbit meat. There is only a slaughterhouse located

in the state of São Paulo, enabled for exports. Probably the tariff conditions and

monetary conversion practiced in Brazil are not attractive or favorable in this moment,

as in the neighboring country. In addition, the volume produced in Brazil is still very

small.

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There are prospects for growth in the production of rabbit meat, considering the aging

of population, the greater concern with high quality products, being yet a sustainably

correct activity (Ferreira and Machado, 2007; Ferreira et al,. 2010). One should also

consider that several studies have pointed to Brazil as the future global food supplier ,

which will contribute to growth in all activities of animal production. However, the

Brazilian market is in need of coordination to make the sales and marketing to facilitate

contact between breeders and slaughterhouses, and perform sales and logistic.

d) Producers of pet animals

The production of pet animals is of great importance for the Brazilian rabbit production.

One cannot disregard that a rabbit owner is also a consumer of inputs with ample

purchasing power, although it is uncertain that the same would constitute a consumer of

meat rabbit. In Brazil there is ample space for growth of the two lines (slaughter and

pet), without any competition between them or inhibition by consumers.

Data from the Brazilian Association of Products for Pet Industry revealed that in 2012,

Brazil was the 4th largest country in the world in number of pets, with 2.17 million of

“other animals”, including rabbits, reptiles and small mammals and excluding the

aquarium fish. Still in 2012, the sector of pets moved about R$ 14.2 billion (U$ 6.62

billion) being the second largest market, together with Japan, accounting for about 8.0%

of global turnover. Attention is drawn to the fact that it has been requested to the

competent organ, that from 2016, the rabbit count may be carried out in separate way.

In recent years, particularly since the popularization of the internet, the pet rabbit

production increased very significantly (Ferreira et al., 2010). In modern times, families

are increasingly reduced, the number of people living alone is rising and the number of

pets is growing. The pet rabbit have high added value, mainly arising from dwarf

breeds. The sale price is varied and is common an animal be marketed on the average

for about R$ 80.00 (U$ 36.30) to R$ 150.00 (U$ 67.87). The most used breeds for this

purpose in Brazil are Mini Lyon Head, Mini Fuzzy Lop, Netherland Dwarf, Mini Rex,

Mini Dutch, White Hotot, Hermelin, Polish among others on a smaller scale. Many

breeders entered recently the market, stimulated by the high sale value of these animals,



getting good profits from a relatively small number of animals. Besides the animals,

many sell accessories such as cage, clothes, toys, feed and packaged hay, this being

essential for raising the profit and success of the activity.

The sale and marketing of pet rabbits is mainly done through the internet, through

particular sites, sales sites or social networks. Marketing is also done through outdoor

fairs and pet shops. Creativity is essential to the pet breeder and location close to urban

centers is prereferable. It is also important that there is a commercial airport nearby to

the breeder so that the animals may be transported by air.

To estimate the potential of this market in Brazil nowadays, when entering the key

words "Mini Rabbit", in a traditional search site 7 750 000 results appeared. Also on

specific sites for selling the amount of animals supplied is too large. When you consult

the Facebook with the words "Mini Rabbit" the amount of profiles and groups is

immense and the count is not possible. Of the 35 breeders indexed on the ACBC

website, 26 are selling breeds of pet rabbits.

However, there is a big market for specific items and services to be explored for the pet

rabbits. There are few shops, services or products specific to these animals. There are no

cages with appropriate size for housing or with items of environmental enrichment.

There is no specific feed technically formulated for this situation. Attention is drawn to

the fact that in 2013, there was the creation of a small business for rabbit grooming,

located in Salvador, state of Bahia.

It was also found that there are other websites that sell specific items, such as clothing,

accessories and treats. Recently a website for buying and selling animals (Figure 01)

was developed, and this idea initiated by traditional rabbit breeders from São Paulo.

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Figure 1. Specific Site for buying and selling of pet animals,

created by traditional rabbit breeders

e) Educational and research institutions

Brazil is a country with many higher education institutions and maintains several of

these courses in agricultural and livestock sciences offered at public and private

universities, colleges and federal institutes. Over the last thirty years, the research

groups of the Federal Universities of Ceará (UFC), Lavras (UFLA), Minas Gerais

(UFMG), the Rural of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ) and Santa Catarina (UFSC) and State

Universities of Maringa (UEM) and Paulista (UNESP / Botucatu Campi and

Jaboticabal) have gained prominence furthermore there are so many other good

researchers in at least thirty institutions. It appears today that the specific subjects of

rabbit science are invariably offered as electives and the teachers also work with others

species in the research and teaching. The ACBC has assisted in the distribution of

bibliographic and support materials open to consultation by the academic community.

As discussed by Machado (2012) in recent years there was a reduction in the percentage

of courses in Animal Science that maintains a structured rabbitry. In 2001, 63.4% of the

courses had this sector and in 2011, only 42.0% of the courses held. It should be

emphasized that the main reason for that was the amazing growth in the number of

graduation courses in Animal Science in Brazil and usually less traditional livestock

sectors, such as rabbit sector, are not prioritized in the early years of recently created

courses.

A worrying situation in research in rabbit science is expected for the coming years.

Some recognized researchers are retiring without preparing a new generation of



researchers, which may result in a significant impact on research as well as the number

of papers published in rabbit science.

f) Feed manufacturers

There are over 40 companies that produce feed for rabbits in Brazil. Do not know

exactly the total volume of ration produced annually, but from personal information

obtained, the quantity produced is much higher than the necessary to feed the rabbit

population estimated by the national census. The rabbit ration is also used for other

small herbivores.

Although much has been produced scientific knowledge about nutrition of rabbits in

Brazil, most of this information "has not come to the feeder of animals", i.e., many

manufacturers still fail in producing correct formulation of commercial rations for

rabbits. Some manufacturers report that the volume demanded in the market is very low

which discourages interest in investing in the quality of this product.

Most rations are sold at high prices. Many do not consider the inclusion of a fibrous

source of good quality. In the market basically three types of ration are found: for little

productions, usually with low quality and sold in pet stores and supermarkets, two

industrial types one for growth and another for reproduction, which are of better quality,

obtained from a commercial dealer. There is still a growing segment that is the ration

for pet rabbits, of high added value, being sold at high prices without any apparent

justification.

Brazilian law is absent with regard to the requirement of adequate nutrient levels in

diets and declaration of minimum and maximum levels of nutrients. To exemplify this

situation, it is required that the ration labeling displays the highest level of fibrous

matter, while for rabbits should be necessary to show the minimum level associated

with energy concentration.

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Few are the rabbit breeders that negotiate larger amounts of ration directly from the

manufacturer or its representatives, or even produce their own rations; these situations

could reduce prices and provide greater feasibility of the system.

5) Understanding the problems

In Brazil, there have always been many problems for rabbit production. Most are related

to the lack of structure and organization of the sector, aggravated by the lack of dialogue

between the actors of the production chain. Duarte (2011) points out that if the

consumption of meat in Brazil is insignificant due to the low quantity, on the other hand

production is low due to the little consumption which becomes a vicious cycle. The

author also notes that the breeder is the weakest actor and burdened in the supply chain,

because is dependent of the production inputs besides being a simple supplier of

feedstock for industry. Thus, the breeder is subjected to a very high risk. There is not an

institution that to deal with commercialization and marketing which would stimulate

contact between producers and slaughterhouses, plus the ability to make sales and

coordinate deliveries.

Although there is lack of a specific policy for the rabbit production in Brazil, there are

of many options of loans for small investments. The Federal Government provides

funds to start the activity at very low rates, provided that all documentation has been

fulfilled. However, due to the high risk of the activity, most rabbit breeders feels

insecure to access these resources.

But then, how could these problems be minimized? As appointed by Ferreira and

Machado (2007) and Ferreira et al. (2010), the following critical issues stand out,

especially considering the breeders than work with the production of animals for

slaughter: lack of specific public policies to encourage the activity; the rabbit breeders

have been working in isolation without organization; need for improvement of genetic

material available; lack of slaughterhouses and meat processing; lack of specialists in

rabbit science; lack of materials and equipment of good quality, especially cages;

prejudice and lack of knowledge of the population in relation to the nutritional quality

of rabbit meat; lack of investment and studies referred to the promotion of animal health

and at last the meat high price to the final consumer. It should be emphasized that the



rabbit meat in Brazil is still an elitist commodity, which has a high cost to sell, and most

often sold as exotic meat. A kilo of rabbit meat arrives cost about R$ 35.00 (U$ 15.83)

in some supermarket chains. If sold at a more affordable price, the quantity of sales

could be much larger. Another point to be noted is that the chicken meat competes

directly with rabbit meat and is much cheaper. It is common a kilo of chicken meat

being sold at prices below to R$ 5.00 (U$ 2.26).

In a research presented at conducted a rabbit forum held in 2012 and unpublished, with

12 involved people from several Brazilian states, it was confirmed the observations

made by Ferreira and Machado (2007), and five main problems were pointed out: the

lack of certified slaughterhouses; lack of skilled health professionals in rabbit science as

well as studies in the area; high acquisition cost of feed and manufacturing difficulties

in the farm; lack of opportunities for funding or government support and difficult to

access the specific literature, with little information for the breeders. Besides these, the

lack of supply of good quality ration; lack of adequate technical assistance; difficulty in

acquiring of genetically superior breeding; difficulty in the sales of products;

difficulties of legalization and poor dissemination of the activity were other issues

identified.

It should be emphasized that the activity of rabbit production presents high risk. In the

state of São Paulo, in recent years there has been a large drop in the production level

after several failed investments. Some rabbit breeders reported that they had to reduce

the number of animals, which contributed to the reduction of the production. Associated

with this, feed price has risen too, being common prices of R$ 1.50 (U$ 0.68) per kg.

One cannot forget the high rigor and bureaucracy of Brazilian law for the construction

of a legalized slaughterhouse, which greatly contributes to the increase informal

slaughter of animals. To get an idea of the problem, there are practically no legalized

rabbit meat in southern Brazil, a region that is identified with highest number of rabbits

according to IBGE (2006). In addition, the new legislation on animal welfare has

collaborated with new barriers to be dealt by rabbit breeders whom provide animals to

laboratories.

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Thus, it is clear the scale of the problems of Brazilian rabbit production. It will not be

easy to resolve the majority of them in the short term. It is necessary for the sector to be

organized in order to gradually minimize these problems. Collective interests should be

prioritized over individual interests. An agent to coordinate sales and marketing is also

crucial.

6) The Scientific Brazilian Rabbit Science Association (ACBC)

The ACBC has focused on the promotion and dissemination of rabbit production. It

plays today an outstanding role in establishing dialogue between all sectors of the

industry. It was formed in 1996 by teachers and researchers of rabbit science, currently

being an affiliation of the World Rabbit Science Association, global entity that seeks to

put together those interested in the art and science of rabbit science.

Figure 2. Historic photo of the ACBC meeting held in 1996, carried by Dra. Marilia Padilha

Although currently it counts with few associates, among teachers, researchers, students

and rabbit breeders, the ACBC are seeking and enabling a greater understanding of

rabbit agribusiness in Brazil, having an important role in the sector dialogue, discussion

of problems, as well as providing information about the rabbit science. Apart from

scientific meetings, it has promoted important events, supports and provides free

technical support for rabbit breeders in online discussion forums, keeps an important

site (www.acbc.org.br) with various information available to all interested parties,

distributes a free compilation of many publications and publishes semiannually the

Brazilian Journal of Rabbit Science (RBC).

7) Actions performed by the ACBC



During the last years, the ACBC sought to encourage the dialogue between the various

production agents, as well as assist the rabbit breeders as best as possible. The

association encouraged the organization of new associations and cooperatives.

Furthermore the ACBC has been sought after by several people in various companies,

institutions or interested in the activity. Questions originated from foreign, ministry of

agriculture and livestock, recreation magazine, newspapers, Foreign Ministry, rabbit

breeders in general, sites and others with interest in the activity, were received. Thus, it

is believed that the ACBC currently plays important role as a consultative body,

emphasizing also the role of interlocutor, promoting improvements in the understanding

and dialogue, assisting in the resolution of problems relating to the rabbit production.

The Following are the main actions taken by the ACBC since 2010.

a) Creation of discussion groups for improvement of dialogue

In 2010 a list of emails contacts from some teachers dedicated to rabbit science or took

in scientific works was created. From there, the following months, the list increased

with several emails obtained from schools. The movement gained strength whit the

entry of the rabbit breeders, intensifying discussions on various issues and problems.

Currently this list contains over 300 names, between rabbit breeders, students, teachers,

researchers, staff and others interested in the activity.

A more specialized group “Brazilian Rabbit Production” was created in googlegroups.

This group has about 100 people, mostly rabbit breeders. Since its creation, we

discussed various topics of interest to rabbit science, such as use of heated nests,

prevention of myxomatosis, prevention and treatment of scabies in rabbit, animal

sales, assembly of slaughterhouses - documentation and structure, legislation and

registration of new developments, lines of credit and government support for small

entrepreneurs, quality of rations, registration and documentation for farms, mortality of

young rabbits etc.

It seems that the group is very important in helping rabbit breeders for resolving

questions and problems, although in recent years there has been a gradual reduction in

258

participation. We notice also that after 4 years, these strategies have been key to

improving the dialogue between the actors of the productive chain, since most of the

breeders already know where to search for new information. The forum is also essential

for those beginners in rabbit science.

b) Creation of a webpage to disseminate technical information and activities

The ACBC had a website when its office was located in the city of Maringá. However,

the update was difficult and the site was very limited, considering that it was linked to

the general site of the State University of Maringá.

In 2011, the new management of ACBC started a website with specific domain (.org),

which favored the updating and dissemination of information. Today the site

www.acbc.org.br accumulates approximately 300 000 page views, getting about 400 of

these per day and is the first site to be located by google from the key word "rabbit

production". The site features news, technical notes, information about the sector,

information about the association, publications, materials for download, interesting

links, being extremely important for information dissemination in rabbit science.

Among the news, rabbit breeders' creativity is always highlighted, and also reported

intentions to purchase, research results, curious facts, as well as various information

about rabbit production.

Through the website the ACBC has also given support to slaughterhouses to

disseminate purchase intentions and opportunities.



Figure 3. Website of the Brazilian Scientific Rabbit Science Association

c) Organization and distribution of one CD of publications

In 2010 the direction of the ACBC began an activity of compilation of technical papers

and others academics works for free distribution, the upgrade held every two years. This

material was combined on a CD, which is sent free to interested people. During this

time they were scanned and retrieved many old and valuable materials. Over 300 units

of this material had been distributed for the whole country.

d) Preparation of teaching materials

- Guidebook for formulation of ration and supplements

Whereas almost no standardization of rabbits rations in Brazil and that most diets do not

meet the nutritional requirements of the specie, the ACBC drafted in 2011, a guidebook

of feed formulation and supplements to these animals, providing information about the

requirements, nutritional value of ingredients, inclusion levels as well as practical

strategies for preparation of rations and supplements. A second edition of this material,

revised and enlarged, was published in 2014.

- Practical guidebook of rabbit production

260

Whereas there was a great shortage of materials easy to read for the breeders, the ACBC

drafted in 2012, a practical guidebook on rabbit production, which is available on the

ACBC website and is highly sought by all segments.

- Technical Notes

Technical notes try to meet the gaps and problems that are observed in the daily farms.

Are prepared by professionals and placed on the ACBC website. Examples of how to

elaborate techniques notes and already available: "Transport of rabbits to the

slaughterhouse", "PET rabbits, mini or dwarf", "Cost management" and "Mortality of

young rabbits", the latter being drawn from the collaboration of 12 people among

teachers, students and breeders, seeking to understand and propose solutions to the

problem of high mortality of young rabbits.

e) Holding events

As noted by Machado (2013), the events in rabbit science are extremely important to

promote dialogue between the various involved, as well as to present and discuss new

proposals and technologies for the sector. There should be events where all segments

can participate. Some events held in Brazil in recent years are presented next:

- Short courses of rabbit production

The short courses are essential for dissemination of activity and professional training.

They are held in different cities and states in most cases independently. In recent years

were performed short courses in Uberaba (MG), Viçosa (MG), Lavras (MG), Cuiabá

(MT), Foz do Iguaçu (PR), Botucatu (SP), Areias (PB) etc. It is necessary to increase

the number of short courses as well be offered to the less traditional areas.

- Rabbit breeder day

The rabbit breeder day was an event held in 2011 in the city of Esteio-RS, during the

EXPOINTER, the largest livestock fair in Latin America. On this occasion, we tried to

resume the performance of specific events in rabbit science, which are essential to

promote improvements in the dialogue between everyone involved in the rabbit



production, as well as presenting new technologies. There were about 70 people

between breeders, students, professionals and professors. It was noticed that the event

was very important for mobilization of the sector as well as served as a stimulus for

rabbit breeders continue in the activity beyond the elevation of self-esteem.

Figure 4. Rabbit breeder day held in 2011 in Esteio - RS.

- National Seminar of Technology and Rabbit Science

National seminars of technology and rabbit science (SENACITEC) are events that seek

to present and discuss general issues of interest to the sector. In the late of 90s, 3

editions were held. In 2012, the IV SENACITEC was held in the city of Botucatu-SP,

being very important for the promotion and dissemination of rabbit science because it

provided extensive dialogue, publication of papers, conferences, short course and one

homage. In 2013, the V SENACITEC was held concurrently with the ZOOTEC 2013

being the largest multi event of Brazilian Animal Science, held in Foz do Iguaçu-PR.

Currently the ACBC are studying the best way to hold this event, together with a multi

event or not.

262

Figure 5. Opening the IV SENACITEC, occurred in 2012 in the city of Botucatu - SP

- Meetings of the productive sector

Although ACBC does not directly organize the meetings between breeders, it supports

them, which is essential for further dialogue in the sector in addition to identifying

problems and possible solutions.

In August 2010, about 12 people, mainly breeders attended the first meeting. After

several discussions of different matters the main goal of the meeting, which was the

formation of the national confederation was not achieved. In 2011, on the occasion of

the rabbit breeder day, a new meeting took place the issue was discussed and a new

business proposed.

Figure 6. First meeting of the rabbit productive sector, held in 2010 in Esteio-RS

- Fairs organized by breeders



The ACBC supports the divulgation of fairs organized by rabbit breeders on their own

as well as events organized by associations and cooperatives. These fairs are key to

marketing of animals and for the dissemination of the activity.

Figure 7. Exposure of rabbits in EXPOINTER in Esteio-RS, competing as the

largest fair, exhibition and judgment of rabbits Brazil.

f) Creation of a national magazine

The creation of a scientific journal was an aspiration of the association. From the ACBC

meeting held in 2011, on the occasion of the rabbit breeder day, we chose to implement

a magazine to publish general issues about the market in rabbits, in addition to scientific

articles and literature review. This decision was extremely important to the growth of

the magazine. Thus, in 2012, the first edition of the Brazilian magazine of rabbit science

(RBC) was published and is available on line on the address www.rbc.acbc.org.br.

Figure 8. Web site of the Brazilian magazine of rabbit science

http://www.rbc.acbc.org.br/

264

During these years, the RBC was approached by various interested people, especially

professors, researchers, students and rabbit breeders. A total of 11 scientific papers, six

articles of literature review, one article of extension, two opinion articles and four

patterns racial (New Zealand, Castor Rex, Chinchilla and California), and other

miscellaneous information about the sector has been published in five editions.

g) Service for rabbit breeders and interested people from around the country

In addition to organizing the academy, the ACBC tries to promote the rabbit science

through dialogue and guidance to producers and interested. The attending to these

people has been held by phone or e-mail and has been performed widely. This advice is

very important for the promotion of rabbit production in a cautious manner and with

greater security.

h) Encouraging the formation of cooperatives and associations of rabbit breeders

The ACBC has spurred the organization of rabbit breeders through associations and

cooperatives, as it believes that one of the outputs for successful activity is the union of

breeders, as also highlighted by Machado (2013). A group will be much stronger and

more stable, forward market fluctuations when compared to a breeders in isolation.

In January 2014, met rabbit breeders, representatives from academic and livestock

support, for the creation of Brazilian Association of rabbit breeders. This association

will play a key role in organizing of the Brazilian rabbit breeders, it also helps to

improve dialogue between those involved in the activity.

Currently, the elected council has faced many bureaucratic problems to the registration,

which has contributed to discourage and delay to the start of the activities. The name of

this association is being changed to "Rabbit breeders association of pet and slaughter”

(ACPEC).



Figure 9. First meeting for the formation of the new rabbit breeders association

i) Institution of one award for a feature professional

To recognize people who have dedicated much of their life to the promotion of rabbit

science, in 2012 a recognition of dedication award was established. For the name of the

award, the name of Dr. Laura de Sanctis was chosen; she was an extensionist who

served in rabbit production in the 80s and 90s, being a person intensely dedicated to the

development of this activity. The award has already taken place in the years 2012 and

2013.

8) Recent changes in demand for animals for slaughter

At the end of 2013 and early 2014, it was realized that the main slaughterhouses of the

Brazilian southeast increased demand for live animals for slaughter. A related news was

reported in the media and linked to the ACBC website (Figure 09). The four main

slaughterhouses in southeastern expressed interest in the purchase of live animals for

slaughter. Some of them are paying R$ 6.00 (U$ 2.71) per kilogram of live animal. In

the Federal District, some breeders reported that are getting R$ 8.00 (U$ 3.62) per kilo,

being this the highest value ever reported.

The organization of rabbit breeders in small cooperatives is very important to meet the

demands of these slaughterhouses.

266

Figure 10. News reports that the great demand for live rabbits for slaughter in the

ACBC web site

9) Upcoming challenges

There are many challenges for the rabbit production to become an organized activity,

generating large amounts of goods and services. New ideas to be developed by the

ACBC for future implementation are:

a) Courses of initial and continuing training

It is one of the future projects of the ACBC, the promotion of courses of initial and

continuing training in rabbit science. This initiative is very important to improve the

qualification of the breeders, being necessary the professionalization of those involved

in the activity. Currently, the syllabus of these courses are already being drafted, and

should be done by 2017. It is also important also that there are more professional

practice opportunities in commercial farms for interested students.

b) Divulgation of the activity of rabbit science

For the association it will be important to invest in publicizing the activity of rabbit

production as well as its benefits to society. Thus, the ACBC plans to print information

for distribution. Besides printed material, this campaign will be done also through

websites, e-mails or social networks, and may also be initiated in 2014.

c) Creating a channel for the dissemination of explanatory videos



Leveraging the popularity and ease of "You tube" the ACBC plans to create a channel

for the dissemination of explanatory videos on rabbit science as well as treat a simple

and objective way some problems of productive activity. It is thought in creating of a

program called "Dr. Cuni", where various experts could make their contribution. This

activity can be implemented by 2018.

Final considerations

Brazil presents great conditions to support the growth of rabbit production. However,

the difficulties encountered by rabbit breeders are still persistent, highlighting mainly

the strictness of the Brazilian legislation. There is need for an entity to organize the

purchase, sale and delivery of animals nationwide.

Identified problems should be solved by improving the dialogue between all actors

involved in the production chain, and the union of the breeders should be prioritized. In

addition, the breeders should increase their production, diversifying and

commercializing more than live or slaughtered animals, the others products and sub

products of the activity must become real alternatives.

References

BRUNO S.F., SANCHEZ C.M.S., MATIAS A.S.A. 2008 Mixomatose: uma doença

emergente no Estado do Rio de Janeiro e suas implicações na cunicultura nacional.

Revista do Conselho Federal de Medicina Veterinária. v. 45, p. 68-71, 2008.

DENES D. W. Políticas y estrategias de desarrollo de la cunicultura en los países

Americanos: Informe Uruguay. In: Congreso Americano de Cunicultura, Anales… 3.

Maringá - Brasil, 2006.

DOUNA E. Historia y situación actual de la cunicultura en Argentina. Articulos

Técnicos, 2007. Disponible en http://www.engormix.com/MA-

cunicultura/articulos/historia-situacion-actual-cunicultura-t1788/p0.htm

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS.

Faostat – Production: livestock primary: rabbit meal, 2012.

http://faostat3.fao.org/faostat-gateway/go/to/download/Q/QA/E - consultado em

02/07/2014

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FERREIRA W. M., MACHADO L. C. Perspectivas da Cunicultura Brasileira. Revista

Veterinária e Zootecnia em Minas, p. 41-44, 2007.

FERREIRA W. M.; MACHADO L. C.; RAMIREZ M. A.; FERREIRA S. R. A. The

Rabbit Production in Brazil. In: Congreso Americano de Cunicultura, Proceedings... 4.

Cordoba - Argentina, 2010.

INSTITUTO BRASILEIRO DE GEOGRAFIA E ESTAÍSTICA. Senso Agropecuário

2006 – Resultados preliminares. 2006. Disponível em:

http://www.ibge.gov.br/home/estatistica/economia/agropecuaria/censoagro/2006/agrope

cuario.pdf

MACHADO L. C. Opinião: Panorama da Cunicultura Brasileira. Revista Brasileira de

Cunicultura, v. 2, n. 1, 2012. Disponível em

http://www.rbc.acbc.org.br/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63&Item

id=71

MACHADO L. C. Opinião: Organização, eventos e comunicação em cunicultura.

Revista Brasileira de Cunicultura, v. 4, n. 1, 2013. Disponível em

http://www.acbc.org.br/images/stories/Opinio_-

_organizao_eventos_e_divulgacao_em_cunicultura.pdf

MINISTÉRIO DA AGRICULTURA, PECUÁRIA E ABASTECIMENTO – Assessoria

de Gestão Estratégica. Projeções do Agronegócio – Brasil 2012/13 a 2022/23 –

Projeções de longo prazo. 2013. Disponível em:

http://www.agricultura.gov.br/arq_editor/projecoes%20-%20versao%20atualizada.pdf

MOURA A. S. A. M. T. Rabbit Production in Latin America. In: American Rabbit

Congress, Proceedings… 4. Cordoba - Argentina, 2010.

ROPPA L. Brasil: O consumo de carnes passado a limpo! Aveworld, 2008. p. 10-14.

DUARTE C. L. G . Reflexão - A cadeia reprodutiva do coelho. Cunicultura em Foco,

v. 1, p. 9-10, 2011.

MILITÃO L. Entrevista. . Cunicultura em Foco, v. 1, p. 11-12, 2011.

SIDRA: Sistema IBGE de Recuperação automática. Disponível em:

<www.sidra.ibge.

gov.br>. Acesso em 16 de Julho de 2014.



ORGANIZACIÓN Y ESTRATEGIAS DE LA CUNICULTURA

BRASILEÑA LA BÚSQUEDA DE SOLUCIONES

MACHADO LC

1, FERREIRA WM

2 1. Professor Minas Gerais Federal Institute - Bambuí Campus – Brazil



Introducción

Brasil es un país en desarrollo que cuenta con excelentes condiciones para la cría de

conejos. Sin embargo, esta actividad ha pasado y pasa hoy por numerosas dificultades

relacionadas con la tecnología de producción, la deficiencia de la organización en la

cadena productiva y la falta de políticas específicas para el sector, que aumenta el costo

de producción. La estructuración adecuada de la cadena de producción, así como la

promoción del diálogo entre los actores son fundamentales para que la actividad sea

realizada de forma más segura y rentable.

En este estudio se presenta informaciones sobre el sistema de producción de conejos en

Brasil, la estructura, las fortalezas, limitaciones y desafíos para que la cunicultura

Brasileña sea una actividad atractiva y que pueda generar una mayor cantidad de bienes

y servicios a la sociedad.

Brasil, un país emergente con vocación agrícola

Actualmente Brasil es un país emergente y presenta condiciones favorables para el

desarrollo de la cunicultura. Su extensión territorial es de 8.514.000 km2, con una

población que supera los 200 millones de habitantes. La mayor parte de su territorio es

de zonas cultivables, siendo un país de clima predominantemente tropical aún que se

ocurre la presentación de otros tipos de clima en todo su territorio.

Actualmente Brasil es considerado la séptima economía del mundo. Algunos índices

brasileños se presentan en la Tabla 01 y reflejan la posición de país emergente.

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Tabla 01 - Índices generales brasileños

Índices Valor

Esperanza de vida* 73,4 anos

Analfabetismo* 9,6%

IDH* 0,73

Crecimiento del PIB en 2013** 2,5%

Inflación en 2013** 5,9%

Tasa de desempleo en 2013** 5,4%

PIB en 2013** US$ 2,07 trillones*** * Datos obtenidos a partir de IBGE (2010)

** Los datos obtenidos de diferentes fuentes

La economía brasileña se basa en la producción agrícola, la minería y la manufactura, y

bienes de consumo y duraderos. En la ganadería se han destacado la producción de

pollos y huevos, ganado de carne y leche y la producción de cerdos, con una producción

a menor escala de ovejas, cabras, caballos, búfalos y conejos. Aún que hubo un período

de crisis y de bajo crecimiento mundial en el 2013, hubo un aumento del 2,5% del PIB y

el 4,45% del agronegocio. Sin embargo, las previsiones realizadas por el Fondo

Monetario Internacional (FMI) y publicadas en julio 2014 muestran que Brasil crecerá

sólo un 1,3% en 2014 y 2,0% en 2015, lo que sugiere que el país está pasando por un

momento de leve recesión. La crisis del mundo también está afectando a todos los

países emergentes.

Brasil es un país que está emergiendo como el mayor exportador de alimentos del

mundo. Las proyecciones realizadas por el Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y

Abastecimiento (MAPA, 2013) para los años 2012/13 a 2022/23, se refieren a una

situación en la que Brasil será el mayor productor y exportador de carne del mundo en

el año 2023. Como ha sido reportado por Roppa (2008), la carne más consumida es el

pollo (43,0 kg / hab.año), seguido de la carne de vacuno (42,2 kg / hab.año) y cerdos

(14,8 kg / hab. años). Cuando se compara con el consumo de dichas carnes, el consumo

de carne de conejo es insignificante. Datos de FAOSTAT (2014) muestran que la

cantidad de carne de conejo producida en Brasil es de 1.635 ton / año, lo que daría un

consumo estimado de 0.008 kg/hab.año. Se sabe que la mayoría de los animales son

faenados sin inspección y esos registros no alcanzan la unidad de control. De toda

manera, se puede imaginar, la gran capacidad de expansión de la cunicultura brasileña.



3) Una corta historia de la cunicultura en Brasil - pasado y presente

La historia de la cunicultura brasileña tiene altibajos, se asemeja mucho con la historia

de la cunicultura de algunos países vecinos, como Uruguay (Denes, 2006). En los años

60 y 70, hubo inversión para la producción de pelo, así como para la producción de

gazapos para la producción de vacunas contra la fiebre aftosa. Como las nuevas

tecnologías para la producción de materiales sintéticos fueron desarrollados, así como se

crearon nuevas formas de producir la vacuna para la aftosa, los criadores de conejo

tuvieron que adaptarse a la utilización de animales para la producción de carne y

coproductos agregados. A finales de los años 80, la cría de conejos para la producción

de carne, fue muy estimulada por algunos gobiernos estatales, como el programa

Nuestro Conejo en el Estado de Paraná, con el objetivo, entre otros, del fortalecimiento

de la agricultura familiar. Por varias razones, incluyendo la falta de infraestructura, las

políticas públicas y la financiación del sector, el sistema se interrumpió. (Ferreira y

Machado, 2007; Ferreira et al, 2010.).

Mirándose las estimaciones de población de conejos las últimas décadas, se observa una

reducción gradual en los últimos años (IBGE, 2006; FAOSTAT, 2014). En 1992 tenía

una población de 593 000 animales, reducidos a 350.000 en 2002 y 205.000 en 2012. Se

debe tener en cuenta que gran parte de la población no se entra en la encuesta, como

subrayó Machado (2012). Todavía, se advierte que en los últimos años, la cunicultura

ha recuperado lentamente su crecimiento en algunas regiones de Brasil. Hubo un ligero

incremento de la población entre los años 2010 y 2011, aunque la población ha

disminuido en 2012, debido principalmente a los problemas que han ocurrido en São

Paulo. Como recordado por Moura (2010) recientes problemas de salud relacionados

con la gripe aviar y la fiebre porcina, pueden haber contribuido al aumento de la

demanda de carne de conejos. Durante los años 2013 y 2014, todos los principales

mataderos del sudeste brasileño demostraron interés en la compra de animales para la

faena, lo que sugiere que progresivamente, el sector se recuperará.

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Cabe también destacar que el uso de conejos para mascotismo, que prevé la producción

de animales de alto valor agregado, creció en los últimos años. Esta rama de la actividad

del sector representa una parte significativa de la producción de conejos en el mercado

actual y es también una actividad de suma importancia para la generación de ingresos

para los pequeños agricultores.

Actual mercado de cunicultura en Brasil

a) Datos estadísticos de la cunicultura brasileña

En Brasil, los datos sobre la población y cantidad de carne de conejo son escasos,

inseguros, poco actualizados, y proporcionan numerosas dudas. El censo agrícola de

2006 (IBGE, 2006) describió una población total de 295 584 animales, más de 17.615

propietarios con un promedio de 17 animales por establecimiento. Hay que recordar que

la mayoría de estos establecimientos no es comercial. Analizando los grupos de

actividad económica, parece que la mayoría de los criadores también trabaja con

"Ganadería y cría de otros animales" y "producción de cultivos temporales". De hecho,

se admite que hay pocos criadores que se ocupan exclusivamente con conejos, y que la

gran mayoría de ellos trabajan de forma secundaria con esta actividad. Los datos

también muestran que en la mayoría de las propiedades, su dimensión es de pequeña

escala, hasta 10 hectáreas. En 2006, se dio cuenta de que la mayoría de los animales se

encontraban en la región sur. En la actualidad, aún sin datos oficiales, se observa que la

proporción de conejos en la región sureste aumentó considerablemente, principalmente

debido a la expansión de la cunicultura en el estado de São Paulo. La mayoría de las

granjas de conejos es pequeño (20 a 100 hembras) y trabajan principalmente para la

producción de carne o de mascotas, aunque hay de forma secundaria la producción de

pieles, estiércol, animales para la investigación, la artesanía etc., siendo eses

coproductos poco explotados.

Llama la atención sobre el hecho de que muchas agencias oficiales de inspección, que

hacen las encuestas de los animales, no la realizan de la forma adecuada y en muchas



ciudades donde hay conejos, no hay registro de estos animales. Además, varios conejos

mascotas no son considerados. Se cree que la población de conejos reportados en el

censo de 2006, y la población estimada por el sistema FAOSTAT, está subestimada,

como también comentado por Moura (2010) y Machado (2012).

Gráfico 01 - Evolución de la población de conejos en Brasil

Fuente: Adaptado de www.sidra.ibge.gov.br

Teniendo en cuenta la cunicultura para la producción de carne, en la actualidad no se

sabe su producción total real en Brasil. Algunos criadores más experimentados

reportaron una producción de 20-25 toneladas por mes, y tal vez esa cantidad es la

producida e inspeccionada en el estado de São Paulo. Hay que destacar que el conejo se

crea en otras partes de Brasil y la mayor cantidad de animales son faenados sin

supervisión, fuera de los mataderos oficiales, y se comercializa regionalmente por los

criadores. Los datos del sistema FAOSTAT (2014) apuntan a la producción de 1.635

toneladas para el año 2012 y como también comentado por Moura (2010), Brasil está

entre los siete países latinoamericanos que producen más de 1.000 toneladas de carne de

conejo al año. A pesar de que tuvo un crecimiento en la producción de carne de conejo

en el mundo y el América Latina, en los últimos años la producción de carne de conejo

producida en Brasil se está disminuyendo (Moura, 2010).

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

300000

350000

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

274

b) Organización del sector

El sector productivo de cunicultura en Brasil es, en general, mal organizado. Hay

algunas iniciativas locales, que incluyen productores, mataderos, fábricas de piensos,

distribución, aprovechamiento de los coproductos etc. (Machado, 2012).

Existen pocas asociaciones y cooperativas. Actualmente hay menos de diez grupos

estructurados en esta actividad. Cabe señalar que la organización de productores de

conejo en los núcleos es clave para el éxito de la actividad de cunicultura (Machado,

2013). El cunicultor es el eslabón más débil de la cadena de producción y por lo tanto es

quién se quedará con la parte más pequeña de las ganancias. Debe tenerse en cuenta que

los productores trabajan de manera individualista y aislada, así casi no recurren a

organizaciones, asociaciones e instituciones de apoyo. La organización de los enlaces,

así como el diálogo y la colaboración entre ellos, sería fundamental para el crecimiento

de la industria de cunicultura. Es necesario enfatizar el trabajo de algunos criadores, que

de forma aislada, buscan alternativas para obtener financiación del gobierno o trabajan

por la organización de criadores en pequeños grupos. También es esencial que el sector

académico pueda trabajar conjuntamente con el sector productivo, buscando mejoras

aplicables a los problemas y desafíos del campo. Estas mejoras no podrán ser

propuestas sólo para la comunidad científica. La información generada por la

investigación debe ser difundida de manera que proporciona un fácil entendimiento y

aplicación.

c) Los productores de animales para la faena

La mayoría de los productores de conejos brasileños cría los animales para la faena. Los

mataderos tienen preferencia para la adquisición de animales con peso vivo entre 2,3-

3,0 kg, que proporcionan carcasas entre 1,2 y 1,6 quilos. La mayor parte de la carne se

vende en forma de conejo entero. Prácticamente no hay cortes para la venta,

procesamiento de carne y venta de material procesado como salchichas, jamón, salsa de

carne, hamburguesas etc., lo que sería muy importante para facilitar las ventas.



La mayoría de los productores de carne se encuentra en el centro-sur de Brasil, pero

cerca de centros urbanos de otras regiones existen criadores de conejos. Cabe destacar la

provincia de São Paulo, donde se encuentra el matadero con mayor potencial para la

faena de conejos y es el único autorizado para la exportación de carne. En esta

provincia, sobre todo en los años 2010, 2011 y 2012, se estimuló la cría de conejos en

gran medida, a través de diversas campañas, principalmente en la televisión. En la

actualidad, un grupo de criadores de conejo en la región de Brasilia ha verificado con el

Gobierno Federal, la posibilidad de inclusión de la carne de conejos en las comidas

escolares.

La raza más utilizada para la producción de carne en Brasil es la Nueva Zelanda Blanca.

Hay también un buen efectivo de animales de otras razas de tamaño mediano, como la

Californiana y Chinchilla además de animales mestizos. Sólo una raza comercial fue

desarrollada en Brasil, la Botucatú, con un alto potencial para la producción de carne y

habilidad materna. No hubo introducción de nuevo material genético en los últimos

años, como ocurrió en Uruguay, según lo informado por Denes (2006).

En la producción de animales para la faena, el margen de beneficio es muy bajo, debido

principalmente a los altos costos de producción involucrados en la actividad y al

elevado riesgo debido a que los criadores dependen de factores tales como la aceptación

por parte de los mataderos, transporte, compra de piensos, entre otros. El precio pagado

por kilo de animal en pie en la región sureste varía generalmente alrededor de R$ 5,60 –

R$ 6,00 (U$ 2,30 - U$ 2,71), y es a menudo inviable teniendo en cuenta gastos de

transporte y alimentación, entre otros factores. Recientemente, algunos criadores en la

región de Brasilia - DF, informaron que han alcanzado un precio de R$ 8,00 (U$ 3,62)

por kg de conejo en pie, siendo el valor más alto jamás registrado. Todavía en Brasilia

otros criadores de conejo pagan R$ 4,50 (U$ 2,03) para los servicios del matadero, y

después han vendido la carne del animal por su cuenta.

Muchos criadores de conejo faenan a los animales y se venden por su cuenta. Esta

situación es incompatible con la legislación brasileña, que es extremadamente estricta y

burocrática en lo que respecta a la comercialización de la carne.

276

Por otra parte, no es una práctica común en la cunicultura brasileña la celebración de

contratos entre los involucrados. En este sentido, en todo momento, la precaución ha

sido la palabra clave para los nuevos emprendimientos en cunicultura.

La producción de conejos con un sistema integrado similar al utilizado en la producción

de pollos, se realizó en el sur de Brasil hace unos años, como declarado por Militão

(2011). En este modelo, el productor invierte en la construcción de galpones, compra de

equipo y el integrador proporciona asistencia técnica y otros insumos, lo que garantiza

la comercialización del producto. Aunque interesante, el sistema no tuvo éxito.

En cuanto a la demanda de animales para la faena, los mataderos incrementaran las

compras. Hay también demanda por parte del mercado internacional. Se dio cuenta de

que, aunque hay pocos criadores en Brasil, la cantidad demandada es mucho mayor que

la oferta actual.

Además de la producción de animales para la faena, la mayoría de los criadores

aprovechan algunos subproductos de la actividad, aunque el grado de utilización sea

menor que el ideal. Algunos venden la piel in natura o trabajada, aunque la mayoría de

los productores de conejos elimina este material porque no poseen las condiciones y el

volumen mínimo para almacenar y comercializar. Con algunas excepciones,

prácticamente no hay explotaciones destinadas exclusivamente a la producción de

pieles, utilizando razas específicas. Todavía hay interesados en comprar las pieles in

natura, a un precio promedio de R$ 2.00 (U$ 0,90). Esta piel se procesa para que se

pueda vender a un precio más alto. Debe llamar la atención sobre el hecho de que hay

una gran demanda de pieles brasileñas en el mercado internacional, no siendo posible la

exportación, principalmente debido a problemas logísticos y a la cantidad necesaria de

pieles para llenar un contenedor de carga, que sería de aproximadamente 70.000

unidades. Esta cantidad está por encima de la capacidad de producción de las

cooperativas, centros y asociaciones de productores nacionales.

Otros productores de conejos diversifican los beneficios de su actividad. Los más

dedicados comercializan animales para la reproducción que normalmente son vendidos

a un precio mínimo de R$ 100,00 (U$ 45,00). El mercado para la venta de la lana

Angora es muy restringido, solo existente en la provincia del Rio Grande do Sul, donde



muy pocos criadores que aún ejercen esta actividad. El estiércol de conejo es un

subproducto muy valorado, principalmente por los jardineros y los floristas. Muchos

criadores de conejo venden este material que es una importante fuente de ingresos

complementarios. Desde la faena de los animales, pocos criadores y mataderos tienen la

información sobre la venta de otros productos, como los despojos, sangre, ojos, cerebro

etc. Laboratorios pagan bien por los animales destinados a los estudios y por lo tanto los

criadores han conseguido buenos beneficios en la venta de animales para este propósito.

Esta actividad se realiza con la alta burocracia de las empresas que compran, debido a la

legislación brasileña ser muy estricta. Por lo tanto, hay favorecimiento de los

intermediarios que trabajan muy bien toda la documentación.

Hay escasez en cuanto a la adopción de una certificación de calidad y seguridad

alimentaria en la producción de carne de conejos y no hay exigencias de parte de las

políticas gubernamentales.

Aunque hay informes de problemas con la mixomatosis que se han producido en 2008,

en la provincia de Río de Janeiro (Bruno et al., 2008), no existe vacunas para conejo en

el mercado. No hay otros problemas graves en comparación con aquellos que ocurrieran

en Uruguay, donde tuvo serios problemas con la enfermedad hemorrágica viral (Denes,

2006).

Diferentemente de lo que ocurre en Argentina, según lo informado por Douna (2007) y

Moura (2010), en Brasil no hay exportación regular de carne de conejo. Sólo hay un

matadero ubicado en la provincia de São Paulo, habilitado para las exportaciones. Es

probable que las condiciones arancelarias y la conversión de moneda que se practican

en Brasil no están en momento atractivo o favorable como en el país vecino. Además, el

volumen de carne de conejo producido en Brasil es aún muy bajo.

Hay perspectivas de crecimiento en la producción de carne de conejos, debido a una

mayor preocupación con productos de alta calidad e interés en actividades sostenibles

(Ferreira y Machado, 2007; Ferreira et al, 2010). También hay que tener en cuenta que

278

varios estudios han señalado Brasil como el futuro granero mundial, lo que contribuirá

al crecimiento en todas las actividades de producción animal.

Sin embargo, el mercado brasileño está escaso de coordinación para hacer las ventas y

la comercialización, lo que sería muy importante para facilitar el contacto entre

productores y mataderos.

d) Los productores de animales de compañía (mascotas)

La producción de los animales de compañía (mascotas) es de suma importancia para la

cunicultura brasileña. No se puede ignorar que un propietario de conejo es también un

consumidor de insumos con un amplio poder adquisitivo, aunque no tiene muy claro si

la misma constituiría un consumidor de carne de conejo. En Brasil existe un amplio

margen para el crecimiento de las dos líneas (conejos para la faena y mascotas), sin

ningún tipo de competencia entre ellas o la inhibición por los consumidores.

Los datos de la Asociación Brasileña de la Industria de Productos para Mascotas

revelaron que en 2012, Brasil fue el cuarto país más grande del mundo en número de

animales de estimación, con 2,17 millones de “otros animales”, incluyendo conejos,

reptiles y pequeños mamíferos. Todavía en 2012, el sector de animales de estimación

manejó alrededor de 14,2 mil millones de reales (U$ 6.620.000.000) y fue el segundo

mercado más grande, junto con Japón, que representó aproximadamente el 8,0% de la

facturación global. Se llama la atención sobre el hecho de que ya ha sido solicitado al

órgano competente, para que en el año 2016, la encuesta sea llevada a cabo, con el

conteo de conejos de forma separada.

En los últimos años, especialmente desde la popularización de Internet, el número de

conejos como mascotas aumentó muy significativamente (Ferreira et al., 2010). En la

actualidad, las familias están cada vez más reducidas, el número de personas que viven

solas está aumentando y el número de mascotas también. Los conejos mascotas tienen

elevado valor añadido, principalmente los derivados de las razas enanas. El precio de

venta es muy variado y un animal se comercializa a un promedio de R$ 80,00 (U$

36,30) a R$ 150,00 (U$ 67,87). Las razas más utilizadas para este fin en Brasil son Mini

Head Lyon, mini Fuzzy Lop, Netherland enano, mini rex, mini holandés, Blanco de



Hotot, Hermelin, Polaco, entre otros en menor escala. Muchos criadores de conejo

recientemente entraran en el mercado, estimulados por el alto valor de la venta de estos

animales, obteniendo buenas ganancias desde una producción de pequeña escala.

Además de los animales, muchos productores comercializan accesorios tales como

jaulas, ropas, juguetes, piensos y henos embalados. Estas ventas son fundamentales para

incrementar el beneficio y el éxito de la actividad.

La venta y comercialización de conejos se realiza principalmente por la Internet, a

través de los sitios particulares, sitios de ventas o las redes sociales. La comercialización

se realiza también a través de mercados al aire libre y tiendas de mascotas. Es esencial

que este cunicultor sea creativo y preferentemente este situado cerca de un gran centro

urbano. También es importante que haya un aeropuerto comercial cerca, para que el

envío de animales por vía aérea sea facilitado.

Con el fin de estimar el potencial de este mercado en Brasil en la actualidad, al entrar

las palabras claves "Mini conejo", en un buscador tradicional de internet, son

localizados 7.750.000 resultados. También en sitios específicos de venta, la cantidad de

animales suministrados es demasiado grande. Al consultar el Facebook con las palabras

"Mini conejo" la cantidad de perfiles y grupos es inmenso, no siendo posible el

recuento. De las 35 propiedades listadas en el sitio web de la ACBC, 26 trabajan con

razas de conejos mascotas.

Sin embargo, hay un gran mercado de artículos específicos y servicios para conejos

mascotas a ser explotado. Hay muy pocas tiendas, servicios o productos específicos

para estos animales. No hay jaulas para la vivienda con el tamaño adecuado y

enriquecimiento ambiental o piensos específicos, técnicamente formulados para estos

animales. Se llama la atención sobre el hecho de que, en 2013, se ha llevado a cabo la

creación de una tienda de estética de conejos, con sede en la ciudad de Salvador - Bahia.

Hay otros sitios que venden artículos específicos, tales como ropa, accesorios y otros.

También se ha establecido recientemente un sitio de compra y venta de animales

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(Figura 01), siendo esta idea iniciada por dos tradicionales criadores de conejo de la

provincia de São Paulo.

Figura 01 - Sitio Brasileño Específico para la compra y venta de macotas,

creado por dos criadores tradicionales de conejo

e) Las instituciones de enseñanza e investigación

Brasil es un país con muchas instituciones de educación superior y mantiene varios

cursos en el área de ciencias agrícolas y ganadería que son ofrecidos en las

universidades públicas y privadas e institutos federales. Durante los últimos treinta

años, se destacaron los grupos de investigación de las Universidades Federal de Ceará

(UFC), Lavras (UFLA), Minas Gerais (UFMG), Rural de Río de Janeiro (UFRRJ),

Santa Catarina (UFSC) y Viçosa (UFV) y Universidades Provinciales de Maringá

(UEM) y Paulista (UNESP/ campus Botucatu y campus Jaboticabal), además de que

hay muchos otros buenos investigadores en al menos treinta instituciones de enseñanza,

investigación y extensión. Se verifica que hoy por hoy las disciplinas específicas de

cunicultura son ofrecidas siempre como optativas y los profesores encargados también

realizan actividades de investigación y de enseñanza con la producción de otras

especies. La ACBC ha colaborado en la distribución de los materiales bibliográficos y

de apoyo para consulta abierta a la comunidad académica.

Como se discutió por Machado (2012), en los últimos años se ha verificado una

reducción en el porcentaje de cursos de Zootecnia que mantienen un sector estructurado

de cría de conejos. En 2001, el 63,4% de los cursos tuvo este sector estructurado y en

2011, sólo el 42,0% de los cursos lo tenían. Debe hacerse hincapié en que la principal

razón de eso es el increíble crecimiento en el número de cursos de graduación en



Zootecnia en Brasil y por lo general, los sectores menos tradicionales de la ganadería,

como la cunicultura, no son una prioridad en los primeros años de las nuevas carreras

creadas.

Una situación preocupante en la investigación en cunicultura se espera para los

próximos años, ya que reconocidos investigadores se están jubilando sin que se observe

llegar una nueva generación de investigadores, lo que puede resultar en un impacto

significativo en la investigación, así como en el número de artículos de cunicultura

publicados en periódicos especializados.

f) Los fabricantes de piensos

Hay más de 40 diferentes fabricantes de piensos para conejos en Brasil. No se conoce

exactamente el volumen total de piensos producido anualmente, pero desde

informaciones personales obtenidas, la cantidad producida es mucho más grande que la

necesaria para alimentar a la población de conejos estimado por las encuestas. Hay que

se considerar que los piensos para conejos son también utilizados para otros pequeños

herbívoros.

Aunque mucho se ha producido en conocimiento científico acerca de la nutrición de los

conejos en Brasil, la mayor parte de esta información "no ha llegado a los comederos de

los animales", o sea, muchos fabricantes todavía pecan en la correcta formulación de las

dietas comerciales para conejos. Algunos fabricantes afirman que el volumen de

demanda en el mercado es muy baja, lo que desalienta su interés en invertir en la

calidad de este producto.

La mayoría de las raciones se venden a precios elevados. Muchos no consideran la

inclusión de una fuente de fibra de buena calidad. Se encuentran en el mercado,

básicamente tres tipos de raciones: una casera, para productores no comerciales, de baja

calidad que se venden en pet shops y supermercados, las industriales para el crecimiento

y la industrial para la reproducción, que son de mejor calidad, obtenidos a partir de un

distribuidor comercial. Todavía hay un segmento creciente, que es de alimentación de

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los conejos mascotas, de alto valor agregado, que se venden a precios elevados sin

ninguna justificación aparente.

La ley brasileña está ausente en lo que respecta à la exigencia de los niveles de

nutrientes adecuados en la alimentación y la declaración de los niveles mínimos y

máximos de nutrientes en los piensos. Para ejemplificar esta situación, se requiere que

el etiquetado contiene el nivel máximo de materia fibrosa, mientras que para los conejos

debería ser necesario hacer constar el nivel mínimo asociado con la concentración de la

energía.

Pocos son los criadores de conejo que han negociado cantidades más grandes o

directamente del fabricante o sus representantes. Pocos son los que han producido sus

propios piensos, situaciones donde se podría reducir los precios y ofrecer una mayor

viabilidad del sistema.

5) Buscando el entendimiento de los problemas

En Brasil, los problemas de la cunicultura siempre han sido y siguen siendo muchos. La

mayoría están relacionadas con la falta de estructura y organización del sector,

agravados por la falta de diálogo. Duarte (2011) señala que si por un lado el consumo de

carne en Brasil es insignificante debido a la baja producción, por otro lado la

producción es baja debido al bajo consumo, lo que se convierte en un círculo vicioso. El

autor también señala que el cunicultor es lo más débil de la cadena, ya que por un lado

es dependiente de los insumos de producción y el otro se convierte en mero proveedor

de materias primas para la industria. Así siendo, el productor se somete a un riesgo muy

alto. No hay una institución que haga la comercialización y el marketing lo que

facilitaría el contacto entre productores y mataderos, además de la posibilidad de

realizar ventas y coordinar entregas.

Aunque no haya una política específica para la cunicultura en Brasil, hay muchos

préstamos y oportunidades de crédito para pequeñas inversiones. El Gobierno Federal

provee fondos para el inicio de actividades con interés muy bajos, a condición de que

toda la documentación se cumple. Sin embargo, debido al alto riesgo de la actividad



productiva, la mayoría de los interesados se sienten inseguros para acceder a estos

recursos.

Pero entonces, ¿cómo se pueden minimizar estos problemas? Como señala Ferreira y

Machado (2007) y Ferreira et al. (2010), hay que destacar las siguientes cuestiones

fundamentales, teniendo en cuenta especialmente los criadores de conejo que trabajan

para producir animales para la faena: la falta de políticas públicas específicas para

fomentar la actividad; trabajo de la mayoría de los cunicultores en forma aislada y sin

organización; la necesidad de la mejora del material genético disponible; falta de

mataderos y la falta de procesamiento de carne; la falta de especialistas en cunicultura;

la falta de materiales y equipos de buena calidad, especialmente jaulas; la superstición y

el desconocimiento de la población en relación con la calidad nutricional de la carne de

conejo; la falta de inversión y estudios que se refiere a la promoción de la salud de los

animales; carne de alto precio para el consumidor final. Debe hacerse foco en que la

carne de conejo en Brasil sigue siendo un producto elitista, que tiene un alto costo para

la venta, y más a menudo se vende como carne exótica. Un quilo de carne de conejo

llega costar alrededor de R$ 35,00 (U$15,83) en las principales cadenas de

supermercados. Si se vende a un precio más asequible, la cantidad de carne

comercializada podría ser mucho más larga. Otro punto a destacar es que la carne de

pollo compite directamente con la carne de conejo, la primera de las cuales se muestra

el valor de venta muy bajo. Es muy común que un quilo de carne de pollo sea vendido a

un precio inferior a R$ 5,00 (U$ 2,26).

En una investigación llevada a cabo en el foro de discusión en cunicultura, no

publicada, que se celebró en 2012 con 12 colaboradores de varios estados brasileños, se

confirmó las observaciones formuladas por Ferreira y Machado (2007), y se nombró a

los cinco problemas principales que son: la falta de mataderos certificados ; la falta de

profesionales de la salud especializados en el sector de cunicultura, así como estudios

del área; alto costo de adquisición de los piensos y dificultades de fabricación en la

granja; la falta de oportunidades para la financiación o el apoyo del gobierno; la falta de

acceso a una bibliografía específica con poca información de los criadores.

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Además de estos cinco, también se han destacado la baja disponibilidad de piensos de

buena calidad a un precio accesible; la falta de asistencia técnica adecuada; dificultad en

la adquisición de animales genéticamente superiores; dificultad en la comercialización

de productos; dificultades y escasa difusión de las informaciones acerca de la

legalización de la actividad.

Es necesario destacar que la actividad de cunicultura se hace con alto riesgo. En la

provincia de São Paulo, en los últimos años ha habido un gran descenso de la

producción después de varias inversiones fallidas. Algunos criadores de conejo tuvieran

que reducir sus rebaños, lo que contribuyó con la reducción de la producción. Asociado

a esto, el costo de los piensos ha aumentado, siendo común la comercialización a un

precio de R$ 1,50 (U$ 0,68) por kg, así se presentando muy elevado.

Cabe destacar la alta severidad y la burocracia de la legislación brasileña para la

construcción de un matadero legalizado, lo que contribuye en gran medida al aumento

del sacrificio clandestino de animales. Para tener una idea del problema, prácticamente

no hay carne de conejo sacrificado legalmente en el sur de Brasil, una región que se

identifica con el número más alto de conejos según el IBGE (2006). Además, la nueva

legislación en materia de bienestar de los animales ha colaborado para que se tengan

nuevas barreras a los criadores de conejo que venden los animales a los laboratorios.

Por lo tanto, es evidente la magnitud de los problemas de la cunicultura brasileña. No va

a ser fácil la resolución de la mayoría de ellos en el corto plazo. Es necesario que el

sector este organizado para poco a poco reducir gradualmente estos problemas. Intereses

colectivos deberían ser priorizados a los intereses individuales. Un agente para

coordinar las ventas y el marketing también podría ser crucial.



6) La Asociación Científica Brasileña Cunicultura (ACBC)

La ACBC se ha centrado en la promoción y difusión de la cunicultura brasileña y hoy

posee un papel destacado en la construcción de un diálogo entre todos los involucrados.

Fue formada en 1996 por algunos profesores e investigadores cunículas y es

actualmente una afiliación (rama) de la Asociación Mundial de Cunicultura, entidad global

que busca reunir a los interesados en el arte y la ciencia cunícola.

Figura 02 - Foto histórica de la reunión ocurrida en 1996, presidida por la Profa. Dra. Marilia Padilha

Aunque se encuentre actualmente con pocos asociados, entre profesores, investigadores,

estudiantes y productores de conejos, la ACBC viene buscando y permitiendo una

mayor comprensión de la cunicultura en Brasil, asumiendo un papel importante en el

diálogo entre los sectores, la discusión de los problemas, así como el suministro de

información relacionada a esta actividad. Además de las reuniones científicas, se han

promovido eventos importantes, apoya y ofrece asistencia técnica gratuita para los

criadores del conejo en los foros de discusión on line, mantiene un importante sitio

(www.acbc.org.br) con gran cantidad de información a disposición de todas las partes

interesadas, distribuye una compilación de diversas publicaciones y publica

semestralmente la Revista Brasileña de Cunicultura (RBC).

7) Acciones de la Asociación Científica Brasileña de Cunicultura (ACBC)

Durante los últimos años, la ACBC trató de fomentar el diálogo entre los diferentes

actores de la cadena de producción, así como ayudar a los criadores de conejo como sea

posible. La asociación animó a la organización de nuevas asociaciones y cooperativas.

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Además la ACBC ha sido buscada por varias personas en diversas empresas,

instituciones o interesados en la actividad. Preguntas fueran originadas del extranjero,

del ministerio de la agricultura y ganadería, de revistas y periódicos diversos, del

Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, de página de internet, de los criadores de conejo en

general y de otros interesados en la actividad. Por lo tanto, se cree que la ACBC

actualmente tiene un importante papel como órgano consultivo. También hay que

destacar el papel de interlocución, habiendo la promoción de un mejor diálogo,

ayudando en la resolución de problemas relacionados con la cunicutura. Las siguientes

medidas han sido adoptadas por la ACBC a partir de 2010:

a) Creación de grupos de discusión en internet para la ampliación del diálogo

En 2010 se creó una lista de contactos de correos electrónicos, desde algunos

profesionales que trabajaban con la cunicultura o obtenidos en algunos trabajos

científicos. A partir de ahí los siguientes meses, la lista se incrementó de varios correos

electrónicos obtenidos en el ámbito académico. El movimiento ha ganado fuerza a partir

de la entrada de los criadores, habiendo gran intensificación de los debates sobre

diversas cuestiones y problemas. Actualmente esta lista contiene más de 300 nombres,

entre criadores, estudiantes, profesores, investigadores e interesados en la actividad.

Un grupo más especializado fue creado en google groups siendo llamado de cunicultura

brasileña. Este grupo cuenta con cerca de 100 personas, en su mayoría productores que

trabajan con animales para la faena o mascotas.

Desde su creación, hemos discutido varios temas de interés para los criadores de conejo,

como el uso de nidos con calefacción, la mixomatosis en conejos - la prevención, la

sarna en conejos - la prevención y el tratamiento, venta de animales, montaje y

legislación en mataderos, la legislación y registros de nuevas empresas, líneas de crédito

y el apoyo gubernamental para los pequeños empresarios, la calidad de las raciones, la

mortalidad de los gazapos etc.



Se dio cuenta de que el grupo es muy importante para ayudar a los criadores de conejo,

para la resolución de dudas y problemas, aunque en los últimos años ha habido una

reducción gradual de la participación. Notamos también que después de 4 años, estas

estrategias han sido la clave para mejorar el diálogo entre el sector de cunicultura, ya

que la mayoría de los criadores de conejo ya saben dónde buscar la nueva información.

El foro es también esencial para los principiantes en cunicultura.

b) Creación de una página en internet para divulgación de la cunicultura e

informaciones técnicas

La ACBC tenía una página en internet cuando su sede estaba ubicada en la ciudad de

Maringá. Sin embargo, la actualización era difícil y la página era muy limitada, teniendo

en cuenta que estaba vinculada con el sitio general de la Universidad Estadual de

Maringá.

En 2011, la nueva junta directiva de la ACBC comenzó una página con dominio

específico (.org), lo que favoreció la actualización y difusión de la información. Hoy en

día el sitio www.acbc.org.br acumula alrededor de 300.000 visualizaciones, obteniendo

alrededor de 400 al día y es el primer sitio que se encuentra por google a partir de la

palabra clave "cunicultura". La página cuenta con noticias, notas técnicas,

informaciones diversas sobre el sector, publicaciones, materiales descargables, enlaces

de interés, siendo de gran importancia para la difusión de información en la cunicultura.

Entre las noticias, la creatividad de los criadores siempre se pone de relieve. También se

ha informado sobre las intenciones de compra, resultados de investigaciones, datos

curiosos, así como otras informaciones variadas.

A través de la página web de la ACBC también se ha dado apoyo a los mataderos, para

la divulgación de las intenciones de compra y oportunidades.

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Figura 3. Página WEB de la Asociación Científica Brasileña de Cunicultura

Disponible en www.acbc.org.br

c) Organización y distribución de un CD de publicaciones

En 2010, la junta directiva de la ACBC comenzó una actividad de compilación de

documentos técnicos y académicos en CD. La distribución del trabajo se haría con

gratuidad y el proceso de actualización se realizaría cada dos años. Durante este tiempo

se escanearon y se recuperan muchos documentos antiguos y valerosos. Ya ha sido

enviado más de 300 unidades del CD para todo el país.

d) Elaboración de materiales didácticos

- Manual para la formulación de piensos y suplementos para conejos

En vista de que casi no hay estandarización de los piensos para conejos en Brasil y que

la mayoría de las dietas no cumplen con los requerimientos nutricionales de la especie,

la ACBC ha redactado en 2011 un manual de formulación de piensos y suplementos

para conejos, presentando informaciones acerca de las necesidades nutricionales, el

valor nutricional de los alimentos, los niveles de inclusión de los alimentos, así como

estrategias prácticas para la preparación de piensos y suplementos. Una segunda edición

de este material, revisada y ampliada, se ha publicado en 2014.

http://www.acbc.org.br/



- Manual práctico de cunicultura

En vista de que había una gran escasez de materiales para los criadores, que sean fáciles

de leer, la ACBC redactó en 2012, un manual práctico sobre cunicultura, que está

disponible en la página web. Este material es muy solicitado por todos los segmentos.

- Notas Técnicas

Notas técnicas tratan de satisfacer las deficiencias y problemas diarios que son

observados en las granjas. El material es elaborado por profesionales y se coloca en el

sitio web de la ACBC. Son ejemplos de notas técnicas elaboradas ya disponibles:

"transporte de conejos al matadero", "conejos mascotas, mini o enano", "gestión de

costos", "mortalidad de los gazapos", esta última se extrae a partir de la colaboración de

12 personas entre los profesores, los estudiantes y los productores, que buscan entender

y proponer soluciones al problema de la elevada mortalidad de los gazapos.

e) La realización de eventos

Como señaló Machado (2013), los eventos en cunicultura son muy importantes para

promover el diálogo entre las distintas partes interesadas, así como para presentar y

discutir nuevas propuestas y tecnologías para el sector. Deben ser hechos eventos para

la participación de todos los segmentos de la cunicultura. Los siguientes eventos fueran

realizados en Brasil en los últimos años:

- Talleres de cunicultura

Los talleres son esenciales para la difusión de la actividad y la formación de mano de

obra calificada. Se celebran en diferentes ciudades y provincias, en su mayoría de forma

independiente. En los últimos años los talleres de cunicultura se realizaran en Uberaba

(MG), Viçosa (MG), Lavras (MG), Cuiabá (MT), Foz do Iguaçu (PR), Botucatu (SP),

Areias (PB) etc. Es necesario aumentar el número de talleres así como llevar a locales

menos tradicionales.

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- El día del cunicultor

El día del cunicultor fue un evento que tuvo lugar en 2011 en la ciudad de Esteio,

provincia de Rio Grande do Sul, durante la realización de la EXPOINTER, la más

grande feria agrícola y de ganadería en América Latina.

En esta ocasión, hemos tratado de reanudar la ejecución de eventos específicos en

cunicultura, que son esenciales para promover la mejora del diálogo entre la cadena de

producción, así como la presentación de las nuevas tecnologías. Había cerca de 70

personas entre productores, estudiantes, profesionales y profesores. Se dio cuenta de que

el evento fue muy importante para la movilización del sector, así como sirvió de

estímulo para los criadores de conejo, más allá de la elevación de la autoestima.

Figura 04 – El día del cunicultor, realizado en 2011 – Esteio – Rio Grande do Sul.

- Seminario Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología en Cunicultura

Los Seminario Nacionales de Ciencia y Tecnología en Cunicultura (SENACITEC) son

eventos nacionales que tratan de presentar y discutir temas generales de interés para el

sector. A finales de los años 90, se realizaron tres ediciones. En 2012, el IV

SENACITEC se celebró en la ciudad de Botucatu y fue muy importante para la

promoción y difusión de la cunicultura, ya que proporcionó un amplio diálogo, la

publicación de artículos, conferencias, taller de cunicultura y un homenaje. En 2013, el

V SENACITEC se llevó a cabo simultáneamente con el ZOOTEC 2013, el más

significativo multi evento brasileño de Zootecnia, en la ciudad de Foz do Iguaçu,

provincia de Paraná. Actualmente se estudia la mejor manera de celebrar este evento,

sea de manera conjunta o un gran evento o de forma aislada.



Figura 05 - Apertura del IV SENACITEC que se realizó en 2012 en la ciudad de Botucatu - SP

- Reuniones del sector productivo

Aunque no organiza directamente, la ACBC apoya reuniones del sector productivo, que

son esenciales para la promoción del diálogo en el sector con el fin de identificar los

problemas y las posibles soluciones.

En agosto de 2010, se llevó a cabo la primera reunión, donde cerca de 12 personas

asistieron, en su mayoría productores. Después de varias discusiones fuera del foco

principal no se logró su objetivo principal, que era la formación de la confederación

nacional. En 2011, con motivo del día de cunicultor, hube una nueva reunión, donde

discutieron y propusieron nuevos negocios.

Figura 06 – Primera reunión del sector productivo celebrada en 2010 - Esteio-RS.

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-Ferias organizadas por los criadores

La ACBC apoya la divulgación de las ferias organizadas por los criadores del conejo,

así como por las asociaciones y cooperativas. Estas ferias son clave para la

comercialización de los animales y para la difusión de la actividad.

Figura 07 - La feria de conejos en EXPOINTER en Esteio – RS, siendo la más grande

exposición de la América Latina, habiendo también juzgamiento de animales

f) Creación de una revista nacional de cunicultura

La creación de una revista científica era una aspiración de la asociación. Desde la

reunión celebrada en 2011, con motivo del día del cunicultor, se optó por implementar

una revista para publicar temas generales sobre el mercado de cunicultura, además de

artículos científicos y de revisión de la literatura. Esta decisión fue extremadamente

importante para el crecimiento de la revista. Así, en 2012, se publicó el primer número

de la Revista Brasileña de Cunicultura (RBC). La revista es publicada on line y está

disponible en la página www.rbc.acbc.org.br.

http://www.rbc.acbc.org.br/



Figura 08 – Página web de la Revista de Cunicultura

Durante estos años, la RBC fue abordada por diversas partes interesadas, especialmente

los profesores, investigadores, estudiantes y criadores de conejo y tuvo cinco ediciones.

Hube la publicación de 11 artículos científicos, seis artículos de revisión de la literatura,

un artículo de extensión en cunicultura, dos artículos de opinión y cuatro patrones racial

(Nueva Zelanda Blanca, Castor Rex, Chinchilla y California), además de otras

informaciones diversas sobre el sector.

g) Asistencia a los productores de conejos e interesados de todo el país

Además de organizar el entorno académico, la ACBC trata de promover la cunicultura a

través del diálogo y la orientación a los productores y otros actores de la cadena

productiva. El atendimiento de estas personas, ya sea por teléfono o por correo

electrónico se ha realizado ampliamente. Este trabajo es muy importante para la

promoción de la cunicultura de una manera prudente y con mayor seguridad.

h) Apoyo para la formación de cooperativas y asociaciones de criadores

La ACBC ha intentado impulsar la organización de criadores de conejo a través de

asociaciones y cooperativas, ya que considera que una de las salidas para el éxito de la

actividad es la unión de los productores, como también comentado por Machado (2013).

Un grupo será mucho más fuerte y más estable frente a las fluctuaciones del mercado,

en comparación con un cunicultor de forma aislada.

294

En enero de 2014, se reunieron algunos productores de conejos, representantes de la

academia y del sector de apoyo a la ganadería para la creación de la Asociación de

Criadores de Conejo de Brasil (ACBRA). Esta asociación tendrá un papel clave en la

organización de los criadores brasileños, ayudando también a mejorar el diálogo entre

los agentes involucrados en la actividad.

Actualmente, la junta directiva elegida ha tenido muchos problemas con los registros

burocráticos, lo que ha contribuido a desalentar y postergar el inicio de la actividad. El

nombre de esta asociación está siendo cambiado a "Asociación de Criadores de Conejos

Mascotas y de Carne” (ACPEC).

Figura 09 - Reunión para la formación de la nueva Asociación Brasileña de Criadores de Conejos

i) Institución de premiación para profesionales de destaque

Para la valoración de las personas que han dedicado gran parte de su vida a la

promoción de la cunicultura, en 2012 se estableció un premio para una persona de

reconocida dedicación a esta actividad. Para el nombre del premio, fue elegido el

nombre de la Dra. Laura de Sanctis, que era un profesional de extensión en cunicultura

que trabajó en los años 80 y 90, siendo una persona intensamente dedicada al desarrollo

de esta actividad y apoyo a los criadores. El premio ya ha ocurrido en los años 2012 y

2013.



8) Los cambios recientes en la demanda de animales para la faena

A finales de 2013 y principios de 2014, se dio cuenta de que los principales mataderos

del sudeste brasileño aumentaran la demanda de animales en pie para la faena. Una

noticia relacionada ha sido publicada en los medios de comunicación y fue vinculada a

la página de la asociación (Figura 10). Los cuatro principales mataderos en el sudeste de

Brasil expresaron su interés en la compra de animales vivos para la faena. Algunos de

ellos están pagando R$ 6.00 (U$ 2,71) por kilogramo de animal en pie. En el Distrito

Federal, algunos criadores han informado de que están recibiendo R$ 8,00 (U$ 3,62)

por kilogramo, siendo el valor más alto jamás registrado.

Figura 10 – Información vinculada a la página da ACBC, que habla de la gran

demanda de conejos vivos para la faena.

9) Próximos desafíos

Hay muchos desafíos para que la cunicultura se convierta en una actividad organizada,

generando grandes cantidades de bienes y servicios. Las siguientes ideas están siendo

desarrolladas por la ACBC para su aplicación futura:

a) Cursos de formación inicial y continuada

Es uno de los proyectos de la ACBC para el de futuro. Se desea promover cursos cortos

de formación inicial y continuada en cunicultura, para la mejor cualificación de

296

criadores y personal de campo, porque la profesionalización de todos los envueltos es

muy importante. En la actualidad, los proyectos pedagógicos de estos cursos ya se

están elaborando y se debe comenzar en 2017.

Es importante también que haya más oportunidades de pasantías en las granjas

comerciales para los estudiantes interesados.

b) Divulgación de la actividad de cunicultura

Es muy importante que la asociación trabaje por la difusión de la cunicultura, así como

se haga la divulgación de sus beneficios para la sociedad. De este modo, la ACBC

planea imprimir información para distribución en forma de folders. Además de este

material impreso, esta campaña se llevará a cabo también a través de páginas web,

mensajes de correo electrónico o redes sociales. El trabajo ya se puede comenzar aún en

2014.

c) La creación de un canal para la difusión de vídeos explicativos

Aprovechando la popularidad y la facilidad del sitio "Youtube", la ACBC tiene previsto

crear un canal para la difusión de vídeos explicativos sobre la cunicultura, así como el

tratamiento de una manera simple y objetiva de algunos problemas de la actividad

productiva. Se piensa en la creación de un canal llamado "Dr. Cuni ", donde varios

expertos podrían hacer su contribución. Esta actividad se llevará a cabo hasta 2018.



Consideraciones finales

Brasil tiene condiciones excelentes para el crecimiento de la cunicultura. Sin embargo,

las dificultades encontradas por los productores son aún persistentes, destacándose el

alto rigor de la legislación brasileña. Existe la necesidad de una entidad para organizar

la compra, venta y entrega de los animales a nivel nacional.

Los problemas identificados deben ser resueltos a partir de la mejora del diálogo entre

todos los actores involucrados en la cadena de producción, y la unión de los criadores

debe ser priorizada, en comparación con el individualismo. Por otra parte, el cunicultor

debería aumentar su producción, diversificando y comercializando otros coproductos y

subproductos de la actividad, además de los conejos vivos.

Referencias

BRUNO S.F., SANCHEZ C.M.S., MATIAS A.S.A. 2008 Mixomatose: uma doença

emergente no Estado do Rio de Janeiro e suas implicações na cunicultura nacional.

Revista do Conselho Federal de Medicina Veterinária. v. 45, p. 68-71, 2008.

DENES D. W. Políticas y estrategias de desarrollo de la cunicultura en los países

Americanos: Informe Uruguay. In: Congreso Americano de Cunicultura, Anales… 3.

Maringá - Brasil, 2006.

DOUNA E. Historia y situación actual de la cunicultura en Argentina. Articulos

Técnicos, 2007. Disponible en http://www.engormix.com/MA-

cunicultura/articulos/historia-situacion-actual-cunicultura-t1788/p0.htm

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS.

Faostat – Production: livestock primary: rabbit meal, 2012.

http://faostat3.fao.org/faostat-gateway/go/to/download/Q/QA/E - consultado em

02/07/2014

298

FERREIRA W. M., MACHADO L. C. Perspectivas da Cunicultura Brasileira. Revista

Veterinária e Zootecnia em Minas, p. 41-44, 2007.

FERREIRA W. M.; MACHADO L. C.; RAMIREZ M. A.; FERREIRA S. R. A. The

Rabbit Production in Brazil. In: Congreso Americano de Cunicultura, Anales... 4.

Cordoba - Argentina, 2010.

INSTITUTO BRASILEIRO DE GEOGRAFIA E ESTAÍSTICA. Senso Agropecuário

2006 – Resultados preliminares. 2006. Disponível em:

http://www.ibge.gov.br/home/estatistica/economia/agropecuaria/censoagro/2006/agrope

cuario.pdf

MACHADO L. C. Opinião: Panorama da Cunicultura Brasileira. Revista Brasileira de

Cunicultura, v. 2, n. 1, 2012. Disponível em

http://www.rbc.acbc.org.br/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63&Item

id=71

MACHADO L. C. Opinião: Organização, eventos e comunicação em cunicultura.

Revista Brasileira de Cunicultura, v. 4, n. 1, 2013. Disponível em

http://www.acbc.org.br/images/stories/Opinio_-

_organizao_eventos_e_divulgacao_em_cunicultura.pdf

MINISTÉRIO DA AGRICULTURA, PECUÁRIA E ABASTECIMENTO – Assessoria

de Gestão Estratégica. Projeções do Agronegócio – Brasil 2012/13 a 2022/23 –

Projeções de longo prazo. 2013. Disponível em:

http://www.agricultura.gov.br/arq_editor/projecoes%20-%20versao%20atualizada.pdf

MOURA A. S. A. M. T. Rabbit Production in Latin America. In: Congreso Americano

de Cunicultura, Anales... 4. Cordoba - Argentina, 2010.

ROPPA L. Brasil: O consumo de carnes passado a limpo! Aveworld, 2008. p. 10-14.

DUARTE C. L. G . Reflexão - A cadeia reprodutiva do coelho. Cunicultura em Foco,

v. 1, p. 9-10, 2011.



MILITÃO L. Entrevista. . Cunicultura em Foco, v. 1, p. 11-12, 2011.

SIDRA: Sistema IBGE de Recuperação automática. Disponível em:

<www.sidra.ibge.

gov.br>. Acesso em 16 de Julho de 2014.

300

*CRUZ-BACAB LE, SANDOVAL CCA, AGUILAR CAJ

1. Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, División Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias.

Carretera Villahermosa-Teapa, km 25, R/A. La Huasteca 2ª Sección, CP 86280. Villahermosa,

Tabasco, México.

2. Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán – Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias.

Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil Km. 15.5 Mérida, Yucatán, México.


Abstract

This paper reviews the characteristics of rural backyard production in Mexican

southeast as well as the opportunities to include rabbits as a productive animal in

backyard productive system. Animal husbandry as a production system has an

important role to improve the quality of life of those rural communities. Backyard

livestock production is an important activity for rural communities around the world,

representing a constant source of food, income, savings, as well as providing social

status within the community. In Mexico at least 90 % of rural families develop this type

productive activity, meanwhile in Mexican southeast is developed by 60 – 85 % of rural

families. Mexican Southeast region is characterized by tropical conditions where wide

varieties of plant species represent sustainable alternatives for animal production,

especially herbivore species. Rabbit´s ability to consume fodder and convert it into high

quality protein products represents a potential alternative for traditional productive

systems in tropical areas maintaining a synergistic combination among animal – crop. In

conclusion, in Mexican southeast there are conditions to include rabbits as a productive

alternative for rural communities. The existence of a wide variety of plants and fibrous

resources with potential for rabbit meat production would benefit southeastern rural

population by improving nutrients intake. However, further research is needed to

characterize rabbit utilization and keeping in order to developing efficient strategies for

its successful incorporation to rural backyards of Mexican southeast.

Key words: Rabbit, opportunities, rural, backyard, Mexican southeast.

IS BACKYARD RABBIT PRODUCTION A DEVELOPMENT

OPTION FOR SMALL HOLDERS IN MEXICAN SOUTHEAST?



¿ES LA PRODUCCIÓN CUNÍCOLA DE TRASPATIO UNA OPCIÓN

PARA EL DESARROLLO DE PEQUEÑOS PROPIETARIOS EN EL

SURESTE MEXICANO?

*CRUZ-BACAB LE, SANDOVAL CCA, AGUILAR CAJ

1. Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, División Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias.

Carretera Villahermosa-Teapa, km 25, R/A. La Huasteca 2ª Sección, CP 86280. Villahermosa,

Tabasco, México.

2. Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán – Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias.

Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil Km. 15.5 Mérida, Yucatán, México.


Resumen

El presente trabajo revisa las características del traspatio en el sureste mexicano, así

como las oportunidades para incluir al conejo como un animal productivo en el sistema

de traspatio. La cría de animales como un sistema de producción tiene un rol importante

en la calidad de vida de las comunidades rurales. La producción animal de traspatio es

una actividad importante para las comunidades rurales alrededor del mundo,

representando una fuente constante de alimentos, ingresos, ahorros, así como estatus

social dentro de las comunidades. En México al menos el 90 % de las familias rurales

desarrollan esta actividad productiva, mientras que en el sureste mexicano se desarrolla

por el 60 – 85% de las familias rurales. El sureste mexicano es una región caracterizada

por condiciones tropicales donde una gran variedad de especies de plantas representan

alternativas sustentables para la producción animal, especialmente con especies

herbívoras. La habilidad de los conejos para consumir forrajes y convertirlos en proteína

de alta calidad, representa una alternativa potencial para los sistemas productivos

tradicionales en las áreas tropicales manteniendo una combinación sinérgica entre

animales – cultivos. En conclusión en el sureste mexicano existen condiciones para

incluir a los conejos como una especie alternativa de producción para comunidades

rurales.

302

La existencia de una amplia variedad de plantas y recursos fibrosos con potencial para

la producción de carne de conejo podría beneficiar a la población rural del sureste

mexicano al mejorar el consumo de nutrientes en la dieta. Sin embargo, se requiere

investigación para caracterizar la utilización y crianza de los conejos, para desarrollar

estrategias eficientes de inclusión del conejo al traspatio rural sureste mexicano.

Palabras clave: conejo, oportunidades, rural, traspatio, sureste mexicano



Introduction

SMALL-SCALE ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND BACKYARD PRODUCTION

In rural areas worldwide, the lack of economic resources and small land properties,

among other factors make difficult to develop large-scale production systems for

peasants and small farmers. Integrated production systems, such as backyard system,

play an important role for rural families in terms of sustainability, protection of the

environment and biodiversity conservation, improve living conditions by eliminating

poverty. The use of resources available the tropics can help to meet the increasing

demand of food for human consumption (Preston 1994). Utilization of solar energy and

efficient nutrient fluxes among components reduce dependency of external inputs

(commercial feeds, fertilizers, grains, pesticides) while reducing the capital investments

(Rodríguez et al. 1993; Acosta 2004).

Animals can transform low nutritional value materials such as fibrous plants into high

quality products; such capacity represents a tool to improve the sustainability in rural

productive systems (Marsh and Hernández, 1996; Chantalakhana and Skunmun, 2002;

Lukefahr 2007; Pok Samkol et al. 2007). The use of smaller species in animal

production such as sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits etc. have been an important issue in recent

years as they emerge as a viable alternative for those producers who lack or have

limited capital for investment of animal production or reduced land availability.

Nevertheless, the main reason for choosing small species husbandry goes beyond the

classical arguments (low investment, facility to market products); their physiological

characteristics, in particular with regard to feeding habits and the nature of their

digestive tracts are important when selecting suitable species for small scale production

(Devendra and Ibrahim, 2004). In the tropics it is necessary to study breeds and species

able to use efficiently the available resources (fibrous) within the traditional backyard

production or small scale production systems in order to improve nutritional and

economic status for rural population (González et al. 2000; Devendra and Ibrahim,

2004; Nieves et al. 2005; Sarmiento et al. 2009).

304

THE MEXICAN BACKYARD SYSTEM

Backyard productive system is characteristic in Mexican villages; it is defined as, a

system of cultivation and rising of several species that are developed in a specific and

delimited space usually located in the same area of the family house. Backyards have

been an essential part of peasant household agricultural systems in Latin America since

pre-Columbian times (In Mexico 90 % of rural families develop backyard livestock

production). This system is integrated by animal and vegetable species which are used

to supply the different needs of the family and includes special constructions (generally

handmade) used for animal and vegetable production. This system has several names

such as “patio”, “traspatio” and “huerto familiar”. Backyards are ecologically

sustainable systems that generate household savings on food, medicine, supplementary

income, improve the nutritional quality of the families’ diet through livestock

production and minimize economic risks. (Rodríguez et al.1993; Acosta 2004; Kumar

2004).

Backyard livestock production is classified as a complementary activity to the

household economy, income originating from trading animals or animal products (from

28 – 36 % of total household income). Backyard livestock production is mainly

integrated by cattle, pigs, sheep and poultry; besides these species, it is possible to find

others such as honey bees, cats and dogs. Sometimes there are other animals present

such as White Tail Deer (Odocoileus virginianus yucatanensis), wild rabbits (Sylvilagus

floridanus), parrots (Amazona albifrons) and stingless bees known as Xunancab

(Melipona beecheii) which were part of the animals that Mayan civilization used to kept

in pre-Hispanic times. These animals are raised especially to prepare special dishes for

social and religious celebrations or as a kind of “savings account” of the productive

family unit. These animals are fed mainly with plants considered plagues or cultivated

specifically for this purposes. Occasionally and when the economic situation allows it

the animals receive maize and commercial feeds. Additionally, a backyard provides 9 %

of the calories, 10 % of protein, 47 % of fat and 10 % of riboflavin, niacin, and Vitamin

A of household dietary requirement. Within this production system, animals can

transform plants with low nutritional value as human food transforming this resource

into high quality products such as meat.



This capacity represents a tool to improve animal production sustainability, considering

that in backyard productive systems the highest cost are associated with the

maintenance of the animal component (mainly feeds) (Marsh and Hernández, 1996;

Chantalakhana and Skunmun, 2002; Lukefahr 2007; Pok Samkol et al.,. 2007).

RABBIT CONTRIBUTION TO BACKYARD PRODUCTION IN TROPICAL

COUNTRIES

Rabbits are specie, which satisfies several of the desirable characteristics mentioned by

Cheeke (1986) for being incorporated into smallholder production systems, has been

recently promoted in some countries from Africa and Asia. Several studies mentioned

that rabbit production has brought benefits for rural communities in less developed

countries. A small rabbit production unit (10 females) could produce 86 fattened rabbits

(2.5 kg each) and generate US$ 262 additional income to the farmer, considering US$

1.22/Kg market price, increasing households income from 19.8 % up to 87.3 % as

reported in several countries such as Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

Alternatively, it can provide at least 2 -5 fattened rabbits on a weekly basis which would

be available for family self-consumption and depending of family size, can also results

in surplus meat available for sale (Lukefahr and Cheeke, 1991; Lukefahr, 2007; Nguyen

Ky Son, 2008; Kariaki and Asare 2009; Olagunju and Sanusi 2010). Rabbits can be

incorporated into the household not only from a small production system, but also from

other sources such as hunting. For example, in rural communities from Chile rabbit

meat is obtained by means of hunting (72.7 % of total rabbit meat consumption), an

activity carried out by a diverse set or reasons: entertainment activity (44 %), because it

is a healthy food (20 %) or both (24 %), to protect their crops (8 %) and traditional

activity (4 %). In Chile, rabbit hunting has a recognized season according to the

community, providing up to 11.3 % of the family annual income (Isla and Kantunaric,

2006). Despite in rural Mexico there is not recent information about the management -

utilization of rabbits or rabbit meat consumption; there is a historical precedent related

to the Pre-Hispanic times where Guerra and Naranjo (2003) and Emery (2008) declared

that rabbit was part of the preferred hunting prizes of Mayan civilization as a source of

food for human population.

306

RABBIT PRODUCTION IN MEXICAN SOUTHEAST

Rabbit production in Mexico is clearly a small scale activity; 94.6 % of rabbit producers

perform this activity as a complement of the main income source, meanwhile only 5.4

% of rabbit producers have this activity as the main household income source

(representing 10 % of national production). This activity has tied itself directly with

adults and young, the latter being on their majority men (75.4%), while women

represent only 24.6%. Since 2001, the Mexican federal government classified rabbit

production as a productive activity which should be encouraged and promoted due to an

increase in rabbit meat demand. For this reason some states such Puebla, Tlaxcala,

Guanajuato and the State of Mexico destined financial support for training the

producers and to promote the activity (Clavel 2004, Mendoza 2008) according to this

Central Mexico rabbit production has had greater development, while other regions in

the country have lower participation in this activity (Clavel et al. 2004), specially the

southeast region. Meat production in Mexican southeast has been mainly focused on

poultry and pork. During 2011, poultry and pork production in Yucatan were estimated

to be 119 193 tons and 91 397 tons (50.4% and 38.6% of total meat production

respectively), meanwhile cattle production participated with 24 879 tons (10.6%) and

sheep with 876 tons (0.4%). In the case of rabbit production it does not is listed in the

agriculture yearbook report as its participation in the regional market was very low

(Toledo, 2011). However during the past decades, rabbit production was promoted

specifically in Yucatan State as a strategy to help sisal producers to maintain a

productive activity due to declining of the sisal industry (Canto et al. 1975; Toledo

2011). According to the agriculture census report (INEGI, 2007), rabbit population in

Yucatan in 2007 was 2 745 heads, from which 37.99% (1043 heads) were found in

formal production units (14 farms). The Northwest region had the highest population

density for the aforementioned year, with 1382 total heads. Accordingly, the economic

contribution of rabbit production during the same year (2007) was reduced as total sales

accounted for 1275 heads in the state (Canto et al., 1975; INEGI, 2007). Regarding to

sales in 2007 the most active regions were northwest, south and northeast (618, 236 and

200 heads sold respectively) (INEGI 2007).



Despite that the potential of rabbits as productive specie (meat production) is confirmed

in a recent survey by Cruz-Bacab et al. (2012) (table 1) which shows the interests in two

the rural communities to learn about rabbits and incorporate it as a component of the

backyard production system as well as the availability of several potential feeding

sources within the backyard system, this activity is not common in Mexican Southeast.

Table 1. Knowledge about rabbits in Ucu and Santa Elena, Yucatán, México.

Ucú Santa Elena

P-value Frequency %

CI

(95%) Frequency %

CI

(95

%)

Knowledge about rabbits 216 95.15

a ±2.43 90.8 92.6ª ±4.93 0.3704

Previous experience in rabbit

keeping 86

37.89

a ±5.48 55.1 56.2b ±9.35 0.0021

Previous consumption of

rabbit meat 104 45.81ª ±5.62 61.2 62.4b ±9.12 0.0060

Interest in rabbit keeping 135 59.47ª ±5.54 75.5 77.0b ±7.93 0.0023

n = 227 for Ucu, n = 98 for Santa Elena; Letters in the same row = P<0.05. Frequency: afirmative

answers to each question. CI: Confidence interval.

POTENTIAL FEEDING RESOURCES IN SOUTHEASTERN BACKYARDS

FOR RABBITS

In general forages and high fiber resources has been associated with ruminant species,

meanwhile little advance has been done with non – ruminant animals, because

according to their digestive physiology high fiber levels in diet cannot be degraded

affecting the performance. Physiological characteristics of rabbits allows including

fibrous sources in its diet, due to the high fiber levels which are required for a correct

function of rabbit´s digestive tract. This condition represent a favorable scenario to

include rabbit production in diversified systems (based on animal–crop integration),

representing a low-cost alternative for meat production in rural areas (Nieves, 2009).

Mexican rural communities use a wide variety of plants with nutritional potential for

animal feeding, including rabbit feeding.

308

In the Yucatan peninsula peasants cultivate and maintain some trees and shrubs for a

constant supply of forage for animals, usually managed with a cut and carry method

(Acosta et al. 1998; Martínez et al. 2010). Several studies around Latin America and

around the world allow considering the inclusion and utilization of a wide variety of

tropical forages at different inclusion levels obtaining satisfactory results in growing

rabbit performance (Table 2). Eighty four plant species have been identified in

southeastern backyards as potentially useful sources for livestock feeding, representing

64.1 % of forage species reported in Yucatan State and the 53.5 % of forage species

reported for Yucatan peninsula (Acosta et al. 1998; Martínez et al. 2010). The existence

of local resources for rabbit feeding could allow the implementation of backyard

production with low dependence of external inputs such as grains and cereals. In other

way the presence of some sectors of the population coming from central Mexico or even

foreign countries with rabbit meat consumption tradition in Mexican southeast would

stimulate the demand for rabbit products and promote the growth of rabbit meat market

in this region.

Table 2. Studied forages in rabbit feeding in Latin America

Common name Scientific name Author

Guandul Cajanus cajan Quintero, 2003

Maní forrajero Arachis pintoi Nieves, 2009

Batata Ipomea batata Nieves, 2009

Yuca Manihot sculenta crantz Nieves, 2009

Matarratón Gliricidia sepium Quintero, 2003; Nieves, 2009

Naranjillo Trichanchera gigantean Nieves et al. 2009

Huaxim Leucaena leucocephala Nieves et al. 2009

Morera Morus alba Nieves et al. 2009

Ramon Brosimun alicastrum Rojas, 2008; Cruz – Bacab, 2009; Martínez et

al. 2010

Cayena Hibiscus rosas Martínez et al. 2010

Arnica Tithonia diversifolia Nieves et al. 2011



Conclusion

In Mexican southeast there are conditions to include rabbits as a productive alternative

for rural communities. The promotion of rabbit meat consumption would benefit

southeastern rural population by improving nutrients intake and reducing livestock

production cost. However, further research is needed to characterize rabbit utilization

and keeping in order to developing efficient strategies for its successful incorporation to

rural backyards of Mexican southeast.

References

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para la cria de animales dentro del solar en una comunidad maya en Yucatán. Etnoflora

Yucatanense. Fascículo N° 14. Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán. Facultad de

Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Mérida, Yucatán, México.

Acosta C.M. 2004. Caracterización del sub-sistema de ganadería de traspatio en 33

comunidades del estado de Yucatán. Tesis de licenciatura. Universidad Autónoma de

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314

*BRENES S. ANDREA

Professor and Researcher. Área de Especies Alternativas, Escuela de Zootecnia, Universidad de

Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica


Abstract

Rabbit production should be recognized as an activity with low ambient impact and that

can be associated to other productive activities using agro industry residues and other

agricultural byproducts. The Costa Rican rabbit meat production is carried out through

small/average farms, but the absence of an efficient productive chain causes producers

to commercialize their products in informal markets. In the other hand, with this system,

farmers can count on a better quality protein source and, at the same time,

commercialize the surpluses in the markets and another part of the population mainly

the urban has access to this. Costa Rica decided to enter in international markets

exporting meat to some countries in Central, North and South America, even, Asia,

from 2003 to 2008, but important difficulties related to the commercialization appeared

because of the falling demand of rabbits for exportation and a domestic market without

development. For that reason, the target market in Costa Rica then changed trying to

enhance national consumption. At this moment, 20% of the total market belong to two

big farms which sell meat to two big chains of supermarkets and keeping farms with an

average of 300 does and a meat production around 450 kg meat/month; 60% of farms

have between 25 to 60 does, distributing the product in restaurants, hotels and retail,

meanwhile the remaining 20% belongs to small systems with 5-10 does. Medium and

small farmers can obtain 20 -200 kg/month. Recently a flagrant demand from high

cuisine and touristic industry claimed market organization and suggest production

growth.

RABBIT PRODUCTION IN COSTA RICA: BREAKING WITH

TRADITION



Although there´s not a national policy established to stimulate the rabbit production, the

Rabbit Research Program of the University of Costa Rica is working to improve the use

the rabbit as a meat source, thorough projects in reproduction, developing bucks

andrologic studies, nutrition trials, tasting sessions, manure used as organic fertilizers,

and also educating the consumers about the differences between rabbits for meat

production and rabbits for keeping as pets, trying to exceed the current barriers starting

with marketing politics for the sector and quality product improvement in the market,

with added information for cooking.

Key words: Costa Rica, rabbit, research, reproduction, nutrition.

316

PRODUCCIÓN CUNÍCOLA EN COSTAR RICA: ROMPIENDO CON LA

TRADICIÓN

*BRENES S. ANDREA

Professor and Researcher. Área de Especies Alternativas, Escuela de Zootecnia, Universidad de

Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica


Resumen

La producción de conejos es reconocida como una actividad de bajo impacto ambiental,

la cual puede estar asociada con otras actividades productivas, utilizando residuos

agroindustriales y otros subproductos. La producción cunícola en Costa Rica se ha

desarrollado mayoritariamente en granjas pequeñas, pero la ausencia de una cadena

productiva eficiente ha ocasionado que la carne se comercialice en mercados

informales. Por otro lado, con este tipo de sistemas, los productores ofrecen una

proteína de buena calidad, y al mismo tiempo, comercializan los excedentes en

mercados urbanos. Costa Rica entró en el mercado internacional exportando carne de

conejo hacia países de Centro, Norte y Suramérica, incluso Asia, en el periodo

comprendido entre 2003 y 2008, pero aparecieron algunas dificultades relacionadas con

la baja en la demanda internacional de exportaciones y el mercado nacional sin

desarrollo. Por esa razón, el mercado meta de Costa Rica cambió, tratando de estimular

el consumo nacional. En este momento, un 20% del mercado total está abarcado por dos

grandes granjas las cuales venden carne a dos grandes cadenas de supermercados, con

una cantidad promedio de 300 hembras y una producción de alrededor de 450 kg por

mes; 60% de granjas poseen entre 25 y 60 hembras, mientras que el 20% restante

corresponde a granjas pequeñas, con 5 a 10 hembras. Las granjas medianas y pequeñas

producen entre 20 y 200 kg de carne por mes. En los últimos años, la demanda creciente

de carnes estilo gourmet y la industria turística, los cuales requieren de grupos

organizados de productores, sugiere que se puede dar un aumento de la producción

nacional.



Aunque no hay en el país una política nacional que estimule el consumo de carne de

conejo, la investigación que desarrolla la Universidad de Costa Rica se centra en

aspectos tales como aumentar la utilización del conejo como fuente de carne, a través de

investigaciones en reproducción, estudios andrológicos, pruebas nutricionales, sesiones

de degustación, uso de la conejaza como abono orgánico, así como educando a los

consumidores sobre las diferencias entre los conejos para carne y los conejos de

mascota, y evaluando alternativas para establecer políticas que apoyen al sector, además

de ofrecer información sobre las formas de preparar la carne para su consumo.

Palabras clave: Costa Rica, conejo, investigación, reproducción, nutrición.

318

Introduction

Rabbit is aspecie with good potential to raise in productive systems, with an excellent

reproductive output and fast growth and performance (Centro para el Desarrollo

Agropecuario y Forestal, 1998).

The use of rabbit as a feeding alternative has many nutritional advantages, including

high biological value protein compared to turkey and chicken, less fat and cholesterol

than traditional meats, higher iron, zinc, magnesium, niacin, vitamins B6 and B12, lower

levels of sodium and high digestibility (CIBA-GEIGY, 1990. Adaptado por Cordero R,

2003, Dihigo, 2010).

In Costa Rica rabbit production is not well established yet. There have been some farms

which tried to enter in commercial meat market, however, the activity haven´t been

successful at all due to some factors that have affected the production. Rabbit meat

demand in Costa Rica had increased during the last years, but there are some myths

related to its consumption, due mainly to the feelings that keep the idea that rabbit can

be only a pet.

In the last six years, rabbit meat have been entering strongly in the national market, as

an exotic meat, and now can be found in supermarkets, hotels and restaurants, becoming

a good quality protein source for the population as well as proving extra income by

commercialization of surplus meat; the country stopped the meat imports few years ago.

Taking into account this situation, six years ago the Alternative Livestock Area of

Animal Science Department have evaluated the rabbit meat production and use in Costa

Rica, trying to get tools to decide the best management system and enhancing its use as

a source of animal protein and being a rentable activity to stimulate its farming.

Knowing the kind of systems used in the country, it is easy to decide what areas are

needed to explore for research to obtain information and improve the national rabbit

farming.



Methods

We have revised the lists of registered rabbit farms from the database of National Health

Service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, and then they were classified in

three categories depending of their quantity of does and objective of the farm, among

others. Two of those commercial farms were completely characterized, determining its

productive parameters, nutrition, reproduction and manure disposition.

Also other farms were visited, including one of the biggest one, other specialized in

genetics and another that use rabbits as laboratory animals. An analysis of market

behavior along the time was done, evaluating the exports and imports in the last years,

and the actual situation of the trading.

All those information was evaluated and analyzed to establish the lines of research of

our department, that began three years ago with a small nutritional trial using a tropical

forage in diets for fattening rabbits, the productive characterization of commercial

farms, and starting this year with a four-year research project determining reproductive

output, feeding management, quality of manure and meat characterization.


Respecting to trading, in 2000 was registered the largest export of rabbit meat sent to

Nicaragua and Hong Kong, due mainly to the establishment of a group which got some

markets out of the country. But unfortunately, that initiative wasn´t successful, and

almost all the farmers abandoned the activity and closed their farms. According to

PROCOMER (2014), the last exports of rabbit meat were registered in 2008 (14.6 ton)

and 2009 (1.8 ton) sent to the United States. The farms were classified depending of its

main activity; results are showed in figure 1.

320

Figure 1. Classification of rabbits farms according to their activity.

The majority of farms are dedicated to meat production, this is a good signal of the

current situation, followed by the pet production, genetic farms and laboratories. The

commercial farms were divided according to the number of does, as showed in figure 2.

Figure 2. Classification of rabbits farms in Costa Rica.

For our conditions, most of the farms are medium (60%), maintaining 25-60 does, 20%

large (≥300 does), both types producing 210-450 kg meat per month, and 20% are small

(5-10 does) with a meat production of 20-80 kg/month.

Series1; Pet; 20;

19%

Series1; Meat; 67; 63%

Series1; Genetic; 13;

12%

Series1; Laboratory; 7;

6%

Pet

Meat

Genetic



Large farms distribute their meat in two big supermarket chains, meanwhile the rest of

production goes to hotels, restaurants and retail sales. These large farms work with high

production standards and disease control; feeding is mainly based on concentrates.

Medium and small farms include forages in the feeding, and don´t have an established

genetic management; however, the systems work with intensive facilities and

reproduction.

Concerning to pet production, farms have around 30 to 240 does and sell the animals

(21 days old) to pet shops and agricultural fairs in the country. Laboratory farms are

located in universities and research centers; the production in these systems is less

intensive in terms of breeding, weaning age and use of does, but they use high genetic

standards.

Some problems that farmers should face are the fluctuant market, low availability of all-

stages concentrates, high production costs and lack of government policies and support,

as well as low research in rabbit production. Besides, the farmers are not organized at

this moment.

Based on these results, we do have a good initial photography of the current situation in

Costa Rica, and the Animal Science Department have started to enhance the activity and

improve research to obtain useful information for farmers and consumers, making the

information more accessible to the society and explaining them that there are breeds

specialized for meat production and other for pet use.

Now we are developing research in animal nutrition, using of forages in diets, making

andrologic evaluation of bucks related to does performance, analyzing the manure and

its potential as organic fertilizer, and determining meat quality. In addition, we organize

tasting sessions, talks and scientific and informal publications about rabbit farming and

benefits of the meat as a protein source; some countries are working in the same way

(Dihigo, 2010, Motta et al., 2010).

322

References

Centro para el Desarrollo Agropecuario y Forestal. 1998. Crianza de Conejos. Guía

Técnica No. 6. Serie Pecuaria. Santo Domingo, República Dominicana, 46 p.

Cordero, R. 2003. Módulo de Conejos. Versión preliminar. Universidad Estatal a

Distancia. San José, Costa Rica, 48 p.

Dihigo L. 2010. Impact of rabbit rearing on a Cuban social development. En: Memorias

del 4to

Congreso de Cunicultura de Las Américas. Córdoba, Argentina, 1-7.

Motta, W., Machado, L.C., Anchieta, M., Andrade, S. 2010. The rabbit production in

Brazil. En: Memorias del 4to

Congreso de Cunicultura de Las Américas. Córdoba,

Argentina, 8 p.

Promotora de Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (PROCOMER). 2014. Portal

Estadístico. http://servicios.procomer.go.cr/estadisticas/inicio. Consultado el 15 de

julio de 2014.

324

*QUAGLIARIELLO SG

INTA EEA Mendoza. San Martín 3853. Luján de Cuyo. Mendoza. Argentina


Abstract

This work tackles the development of collective actions taken by Mendoza Rabbit

Production-Cooperatives, associated to Rural Extension activities implemented between

2002 and 2014 by INTA, the National Institute of Agricultural Technology in Mendoza.

Collective action is the theoretical approach used in the project, which, among its

various definitions, is considered as the ability of a group to manage common resources.

Moreover, collective action is the result of interactions between the interests of the

group and the individual strategies of the actors. Two types of collective action are

recognized: the structural form, which only considers the existence of organizations,

and the functional form, which considers the work of the organizations. The goals of

this study are to identify and analyze the factors (internal, as well as external) that

promote and deter the development of collective action taken by the members of

cooperative associations. The methodology is based on the handling of quantitative and

qualitative data. The quantitative data was obtained from secondary sources, while the

qualitative data came from semi-structured interviews conducted with several rabbit

producers who are active at the local level. Factors that mobilize collective action are

associated to the trust ties arising from the economic and socio-cultural homogeneity of

the actors, as well as their geographical proximity, the pursuit of technical knowledge

and the genetic improvement by staff members, the need for marketing strategies and

economic resources, and their interest in participating in governance processes; on the

other hand the factors which undermine collective action are connected to pluriactivity,

the tensions built in those processes meant to articulate their own interests to the

interests of the group as well as the phenomena of disaggregation (conflicts, exclusion)

that lead the organization members to act individually.

STRATEGIES FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION: PRODUCTION-

COOPERATIVE “CONEJOS ANDINOS DE MENDOZA




Although historical and contextual factors, prior to the formation of the ‘Conejos

Andinos de Mendoza’ Production Cooperative have had a strong impact on the

dynamics of the collective action at this stage, the capacity of these actors to organize

around some common goals, produced a process of collective learning and development

of social capital connected to productive, technological and organizational issues.

Key words: rabbit production, production cooperative, collective action, rural

extension.

326

ESTRATEGIAS PARA LA ACCIÓN COLECTIVA: PRODUCCIÓN

COOPERATIVA "CONEJOS ANDINOS DE MENDOZA

*QUAGLIARIELLO SG



Resumen

Este trabajo aborda el desarrollo de acciones colectivas adoptadas por la “Producción

Cooperativa Conejos Andinos de Mendoza”, asociados a las actividades de extensión

rural implementadas entre 2002 y 2014 por el INTA, el Instituto Nacional de

Tecnología Agropecuaria en Mendoza. La acción colectiva es el enfoque teórico

utilizado en el proyecto, el cual, entre sus diversas definiciones, se considera como la

capacidad de un grupo para administrar los recursos comunes. Por otra parte, la acción

colectiva es el resultado de las interacciones entre los intereses del grupo y las

estrategias individuales de los actores. Se reconocen dos tipos de acción colectiva: la

forma estructural, que sólo tiene en cuenta la existencia de las organizaciones, y la

forma funcional, que considera el trabajo de las organizaciones. Los objetivos de este

estudio son identificar y analizar los factores (internos, como externos) que promueven

e impiden el desarrollo de la acción colectiva adoptada por los miembros de las

asociaciones cooperativas. La metodología se basa en el tratamiento de los datos

cuantitativos y cualitativos. Los datos cuantitativos se obtuvieron de fuentes

secundarias, mientras que los datos cualitativos provienen de entrevistas

semiestructuradas realizadas con varios productores de conejos que están activos en el

ámbito local. Los factores que movilizan la acción colectiva se asocian a los lazos de

confianza derivados de la homogeneidad económica y socio-cultural de los actores, así

como su proximidad geográfica, la búsqueda del conocimiento técnico y la mejora

genética de los miembros del personal, la necesidad de estrategias de marketing y

recursos económicos, y su interés en participar en los procesos de gobierno; por otra

parte los factores que socavan la acción colectiva se conectan a la pluriactividad, las

tensiones construidas en aquellos procesos destinados a articular sus propios intereses a

los intereses del grupo, así como los fenómenos de disgregación (conflictos, exclusión)

que llevan los miembros de la organización para actuar individualmente. Aunque los




factores históricos y contextuales, antes de la formación de la “Producción Cooperativa

Conejos Andinos de Mendoza” han tenido un fuerte impacto en la dinámica de la

acción colectiva en esta etapa, la capacidad de estos actores a organizarse en torno a

algunos de los objetivos comunes, produjo un proceso de aprendizaje colectivo y el

desarrollo de capital social conectada a cuestiones productivas, tecnológicas y

organizativas.

Palabras clave: producción de conejos, cooperativa de producción, la acción colectiva,

la extensión rural

328

Introduction

The present research work deals with the development of actions taken by the Rabbit

Production Cooperatives in Mendoza, linked to the Rural Extension activities

implemented between 2002 and 2014 by the National Institute of Agricultural

Technology (INTA) in Mendoza, Argentina. The task in progress from the extension

area is focused on the ‘Cooperativa de Conejos Andinos de Mendoza’, which was

founded in 2012 by a group of rabbit producers connected to INTA EEA1 Mendoza,

through a Project called PROFAM2, which was developed at a time of simultaneously

growth and crisis of the rabbit industry in the 2005. This production cooperative is

created by rabbit producers from different departments in the province (Figure 1), who

own rabbit farms with an average of 60 females in production, under intensive

production system, selling their products in the domestic market. Working with

production cooperatives is a longstanding type of action carried out by Public

Extension; however it constantly faces obstacles linked to social, commercial, political,

technical issues, and other obstacles which deter dynamic development of collective

action.

In order to describe the historical context of the rabbit industry in Mendoza, at the

beginning of the 90’s, the implementation of neo-liberal measures resulted in changes in

the country´s economy which had an influence on rabbit production, particularly

because Argentina was able to enter the international rabbit meat market. Thereafter, the

industry went from a domestic market production to a more intensive production

system. Numerous domestic consumption productions were transformed into

commercial farms and new producers emerged from the private sector. The increase in

production for export was observed at the beginning of the 90’s with the opening of the

Argentine economy, with a peak between the years 2002-2005. The growth during that

period occurred due to the influence of other external factors, such as the restrictive

measures that rabbit-importing European countries imposed on China- which in that

period was leading the export market-, as well as internal factors, such as the

modification of the exchange rate in Argentina as well as social policies with productive

content that were applied as a consequence of the country´s crisis in 2001-2002. Both

1 National Institute of Agricultural Technology. Experimental Agricultural Station, Mendoza

2 Family Producers Program. It belongs to PROFEDER (Federal Support Program for Sustainable Rural Development,

INTA



national and international contexts favored a very dynamic growth in the Argentine

rabbit production during that time, which was also perceived in Mendoza.

When exports began to decline, most of the new enterprises were gradually closed down

because the rabbit meat produced could not be wholly sold within the domestic market.

After a few years, producers who remained in the industry regrouped in the

aforementioned Cooperative association.

Graph Map 1. Research Area: Northern Mendoza Province.

Collective action is the theoretical approach used in the project, which, among its

several definitions, is considered as the ability of a group to manage common resources.

On the other hand, collective action is the result of the interactions between the interests

of the whole and the individual strategies of the actors. Two types of collective action

are recognized: the structural form and the functional form. The structural form only

Argentina

LavalleLas Heras

Luján deCuyo

GuaymallénMaipú

Mendoza-Zona Norte-

Área de estudio

330

considers the existence of organizations; while the functional form, apart from its

existence, considers the work of the organizations.

Collective actions must consider the relationship between structural organization and

individual strategies. In this sense, it is important to consider the tensions between: (i)

the adhesion phenomena and processes that motivate individuals to subordinate /

articulate their own interests to the interests of the group, (ii) the disaggregation

phenomena (conflicts, exclusions) which lead members of the organization to individual

practices that weaken collective organization. Organizations are thought and built in a

process of negotiation and recognition of different identities and complementary /

conflicting interests (Muchnik, 2006).

Methodology

The methodology used consists of two complementary parts: first, the analysis of

quantitative and qualitative date on the basis of access to secondary sources and primary

data of the rabbit industry survey. A review and critical analysis on the existing

secondary date were carried out, including historical documents, articles previous work

statistical data, etc..

In the second part, semi-structured interviews were conducted with key actors working

in areas of social and economic development of municipal governments in the northern

part of Mendoza and in the Provincial Directorate of Livestock. Groups of rabbit

producers and some local organizations were also interviewed, including fieldtrips and

observation at selected projects. Those interviews include managerial, economic-

productive, commercial and social aspects in order to identify situations and key points

of local activity development.

Finally the participant observation technique was used in workshops where the

producers and institutions worked together in order for producers to get organized and

towards the formation of the Provincial Rabbit Production Council.



Findings and Debate: Rabbit Production in Mendoza

Socio-Productive System Organization

During the last decade, rabbit production in generally comprised several and small farms

with an average of 50 females by producer. From the productive system perspective,

rabbit producers worked in small and medium-sized farms.

A limiting factor to its development was the scarce tradition that had rabbit production

in our country and particularly in Mendoza. Most of the producers developed this

economic activity as a complement to another major activity. Between the years 2002 –

2005, due to the ease of the incoming money - even with little capital a person was able

to begin the production –and with good prospects in terms of profitability, many

producers without knowledge or prior experience entered the industry. This marked the

necessity of continuous training programs and the search for local professionals and

supplies during that stage of production.

Another difficulty for rabbit production development was the lack of business training

producers had; however there was an emerging need to differentiate their products

through the creation of brands, adoption of quality systems along with other issues.

Nevertheless, and despite the difficulties described, the number of producers kept

growing, as well as their level of organization. Towards the end of 2004, it is estimated

that the number of producers was 300, generally organized for the sale of "live rabbit

meat" to export oriented cold storage plants and the purchase of some supplies and

balanced feed.

332

Chart 1: Farms Number and Size. June 2005

Rabbit Farms

Number

Percentage

Number of

Female *

Small 240 80% 20 to 60

Medium 30 10% 60 to 100

Large 30 10% > 100

Total 300 100%

Source: Mendoza Rabbit Production Council. 2005

References: * According to number of female

Between 2002 and 2005, the rabbit industry gradually improved its infrastructure and

the achieved higher genetic quality. Although the progress made in genetics was limited

compared to countries of greater tradition in rabbit production, the cooperative

association worked with enhanced lines of greater productivity. In addition, the

producers had technological and technical support plus analysis of local updated costs at

their dispose, resulting from the training improvement and the inter-institutional

coordination achieved in the last years of the stage under analysis.

Despite these progresses and considering that the transfer of feed and animals added

costs to the production, in Mendoza, as well as in other provinces in the Western part of

the country, the rabbit industry was at a disadvantage in terms of prices related to

animal feed and other supplies compared to those provinces which had grains and

forage production and export oriented for cold storage plants. It was clear that the

production was geographically dispersed; however, until the beginning of 2005, the

activity was economically justified due to its high profitability.

In 2006, a diagnosis on rabbit producers settled in the North Oasis of Mendoza

confirmed that in all departments the production was family-based. Rabbit farms were

small, with an average of 54 reproductive females for production. This report confirmed

the need for the producers to gather in associations or cooperatives in order to cope with

the market difficulties and achieve lower costs of production. (Chaxel and Quagliariello,

2006).



From the collective action and the producers’ organization approach, one of the

problems which arose at that time, was the diversity of exploitation forms. From

producers who barely exceeded self-consumption, to those who exceeded a business

unit (between 100 and 300 females according to the geographical region), there existed

numerous intermediate gradients between the two of them. Beyond the difference in

investment grade, they also differed in training, experience, technology and labor

invested. At that time, important developments relating to farm management and

structural collective action were achieved, which should be taken as the creation of

cooperative associations; in almost all cases, an important technological component was

incorporated thus leveling management, food, facilities and rabbit breeds in many

farms.

Producers who arrived at the end of this first stage (2002-2009) and kept working,

managed to overcome a long period of commercial crisis and remained in the industry.

It can be said that these producers, improved their technical and management issues,

and that they found commercialization alternatives in the domestic market, in general

working individually and with some level of informality, which allowed them to

continue. However, the mechanisms of collective action were limited to a minimum,

due to the business activity abandonment, their discouragement, and the dissolution of

cooperative associations which had been created.

Until the sudden drop in the industry, which began in 2005, these rabbit producers had

reached an interesting degree of Group organization, existing not only in more informal

groups, but also in cooperatives. At least five groups were created: the Caye

Cooperative Association (from Lavalle Department); another group of rabbit breeders

who operated with the above mentioned cooperative from Maipú Department as Caye

controlled association; the Sumampa Cooperative and Conecuy Cooperative (both in

Guaymallén Department) and finally, another independent group in Maipú Department.

At that time collective action in general reflected a fledgling organization and was

primarily due to the need to operate in the export market (live rabbit meat). Sales were

carried out weekly; in order to transfer the animals, a truck was sent by the cold storage

plant or hired by the associated producers and animals were loaded at some encounter

point, usually the farm of some producer.

334

It is important to look into the networks created by various organizations and those

governance processes that come into play, since both municipal governments and other

institutions participated in the development of rabbit production, with different degrees

of commitment. This inter-institutional coordination and the network formation with

producers is essential in development programs as the structure of regulation and actor

coordination, both in the productive sector and the institutional support system.

In regards to the socio-institutional organization, when the participation of government

agencies on rabbit development plans is analyzed, it can be said that, between the years

2002 to 2005, State support was important, achieving a certain impact. There was a

significant presence in and promotion spirit of the activity involving various

government agencies at the national, provincial and municipal level through a range of

actions. Subsequently, between 2005 and 2009, the institutions dissociated from the

activity, unable to find valid answers for the sector. The crisis exceeded all foreseeable

issues in a process involving the entire country.

Overview of the Cooperatives

“Cooperativa “CAYE” de Lavalle”

“CAYÉ” Production Cooperative, Lavalle

It was created towards the end of 20023, by a group of small-scale producers from

Lavalle department, who held subsidies from “Plan Manos a la Obra” and the PSA4. It

was incorporated as “Cooperativa de Cunicultores Lavallinos de Provisión,

Transformación y Comercialización”, but it became known by its fictitious name,

“CAYÉ”5

.

3Source: Directorate of Cooperatives and Mutual Societies, Ministry of Human Development, Family and

Community, Mendoza Province. Rabbit production database (10 June, 2011). 4 “Getting down to Work” Program and the Farming Social Program, respectively.

5 CAYÉ: a term taken from the Huarpe language, meaning Big Heart. The Huarpe people are the

native inhabitants of the Cuyo region.



The social and economic characteristics of this group were different from those of

previous undertakings, who were mostly made up of peri-urban producers. Lavalle’s

rabbit producers were mostly rural farmers of scarce resources. The cooperative was

actively promoted and supported by the Municipality, which committed itself to the

local development of the rabbit production industry.

“Of course, in 2003 there was money for Lavalle …the dough

for Lavalle came in and the Lavalle cooperative was created, in

2003.” (New producers from Maipú department)

Since its creation, this cooperative became a benchmark in the process of developing

collective actions, as it attracted a group of producers from the province’s Northern

area who were not reaching the level of institutionalization required to enter the rabbit

export market.

“… we used to go to meetings in Lavalle, and there were always

…(problems), as Lavalle producers would …buy our rabbits at

lower prices and would not act as intermediaries with the cold

storage plants …” (New producers from Maipú department)

“I re-create the Lavalle Cooperative. The Lavalle cooperative is

an old cooperative.” (Longstanding commercial producer from

Guaymallén department)

336

“Cooperativa de Provisión Agropecuaria CARNES LASHERINAS Limitada”

Farming Production Cooperative “CARNES LASHERINAS” Limited

It was created mainly by unemployed urban and peri-urban producers, who received

subsidies from the municipal government of Las Heras department. This cooperative,

promoted by the municipality, was first incorporated in and then unregistered from the

Directorate of Cooperatives. Its emergence was mainly due to the initiative of the local

government and it only achieved formal structure as a cooperative, without

accomplishing the development of functional collective actions.

“It emerged in 2002; everything was organized by B., with the

support of A. (the mayor), so, well, the first thing we had to do was

to get some sort of legal entity, in order to bring producers

together; so from then on I set to create the famous cooperative

(…), which we never managed to set in motion.” (Longstanding

commercial producer. President of the cooperative)

“Cooperativa de Provisión, Transformación y Comercialización “Agropecuaria

SUMAMPA” Limitada

Cooperative for Provision, Transformation and Commercialization

“Agropecuaria SUMAMPA” Limited

It began its activities in 2004. It was a small cooperative comprised of longstanding

commercial farmers from Guaymallén’s peri-urban region. It emerged as a result of the

conjunction of community, individual and institutional interests. These producers had

developed strong horizontal relations among themselves as well as strong ties with the

municipal government and the provincial Directorate of Cooperatives.

This strategy allowed them to gain access to important subsidies for projects they had

submitted, and hence they were able to purchase machinery for making their own

balanced feed. Following the crisis, the cooperative was able to remain functioning due

to its activities in the internal market, as its producers had their own customer base.

This cooperative experienced conflicts with another group from Guaymallén over

positions of power in the department’s council.



“…in 2004 we set to create the cooperative with C. and there were

us and I can’t recall who else, who wanted to establish the

federation, we were actually trying to get the two cooperatives to

work together but it was a failure, we just couldn´t achieve that.”

(New producers from Maipú department)

“In C.’s cooperative, we were there for a short time, because it

ended up being an odd business, something a friend of his had put

together…it was a rather bogus cooperative…”

(New producers from Maipú department)

“It was good because we did a lot of advocacy; we were at the

Industrial Fair. We had a stand there backed by Guaymallén’s

municipal government…Of course, Sumampa cooperative had lots

of contacts.” (New producers from Maipú department)

“Cooperativa Agropecuaria de Provisión, Transformación y

Commercialización “CONECUY” Limitada”

Farming Cooperative for Provision, Transformation and Commercialization

“CONECUY” Limited

Created in 2005 by producers from Guaymallén department, its characteristics were

similar to the abovementioned: small in size, comprised by longstanding peri-urban

commercial producers. However, unlike the others, which were promoted by local

governments, this cooperative was established as an initiative of independent producers

with political ties.

A strength that set this cooperative apart is that it worked in an organized manner for

some time after the crisis of the external market, selling its products in the domestic

market. For this purpose, the slaughter was carried out in a small room with municipal

authorization from Maipú department, leased by the cooperative.

338

They managed to sell their products to a supermarket chain through an intermediary

who was selling chicken; unfortunately, the profitability was very limited and the

cooperative was unable to sustain itself; hence, the farmers began to quit producing.

There were heavy conflicts within the cooperative (2006).

“Surely, it was meant for export. But we wanted the domestic

market…We did create Conecuy cooperative…we had been weekly

slaughtering and delivering seven hundred units in the Greater

Mendoza area. We had even reactivated a cold storage plant with

the members of the cooperative.” (Longstanding commercial

producer. President of the cooperative)

“Absolutely not, no subsidies. Not even for commercialization.

As for the genetic part, whatever you may have contributed, in your

role at INTA.” (Longstanding commercial producer. President of

the cooperative)

“Cooperativa Agropecuaria de Provisión, Transformación y

Commercialización “MENDOCINA DE CUNICULTORES (COMECU)”

Limitada”

Farming Cooperative for Provision, Transformation and Commercialization

“MENDOCINA DE CUNICULTORES (COMECU)” Limited

It emerged in 2005 with an initial core comprised of a fraction of the first rabbit farmers

association of the northern region. It had begun producing and selling in the beginnings

of the cycle; in 2004, it issued its invoices through Lavalle’s cooperative (“Cayé”).

“…we weren’t sure whether to make it a controlled cooperative of

Lavalle’s cooperative or to remain independent but working

together. We were planning to create a federation…(…) It

remained independent.” (New producers from Maipú department)

COMECU became an actual cooperative after the crisis, in mid-2005. It is the only

cooperative that tried to develop agro-industrial products using rabbit meat –it sought to

produce pickled rabbit and pâté. However, the commercial failure of this endeavor and

the difficulties for selling these products in the domestic market led to the withdrawal of

the group’s leader and the eventual inactivity of the cooperative.



“…a mistake made by the producers was to have…that business

only and…having aimed at exports only; because those

products…in 2004, 2005 were sold in huge amounts, thus none of

us considered the domestic market.” (New producers from Maipú

department)

“Cooperativa Agropecuaria“CONEJOS ANDINOS” Limitada”

Farming Cooperative “CONEJOS ANDINOS” Limited

It was established in 2012, through the actions of the rural extension program of INTA

(National Institute of Agricultural Technology) in Mendoza, bringing together producers

from several departments throughout the province, many of whom had been members of

the abovementioned cooperatives that were dissolved due to commercial issues. All of

its members have their own narrow commercialization circuits; however informal these

slaughter and sales circuits were, they have operated as resilience mechanisms for

sustaining the activity after the crisis. Collective action is also incipient in this case,

even though the members have a longstanding experience in rabbit production. Most of

them are multi-active farmers, i.e. they combine more than one productive activity,

which sometimes undermines collective action –due to the multiplicity of interests- but

other times it turns out beneficial as an income diversification strategy. One of the

objectives longed by this cooperative is the development –in collaboration with INTA-

of a pelletizer machine that would enable the manufacturing of balanced feed, hence

lowering costs, making better use of local agro-industrial by-products, and enhancing

feed quality.

The factors that mobilize this cooperative’s collective action include the trustful ties

among producers, resulting from their economic, social and cultural homogeneity; the

geographic proximity of most producers –even though some of them are located 200kms

away-; the staff’s need for technical knowledge and genetic enhancement; the

commercialization, selling of rabbit fur and buying of balanced feed and medication; the

limitations of economic resources; and the interest in participating in governance

processes through meetings with the provincial and national authorities.

340

On the other hand, the factors that restrain collective action processes are related to

multi-activity, as previously pointed; to the tensions emerging in the process of making

individual interests compatible with group interests, as well as the disaggregation

phenomena (conflicts, exclusions) that lead members to individualized practices; to the

age group involved, as these producers are mostly 55 years and older; and to the lack of

family continuity as new generations do not take part in the activity.

Conclusions

In the first stage of the analysis, there was a favorable context of demand of rabbits in

the international market and competitive prices resulting from the currency reform,

which motivated public actors to launch projects, based on the allocation of subsidies for

the rural and peri-urban low-resource population, and led private actors to enter this

activity. As a response to the social and economic crisis that the country experienced at

the time (2001-2002), producers became dynamic and achieved a high level of

participation and, hence, significant results in both structural and functional collective

action (2002 - 2004).

Rabbit Production Development Programs require thorough planning as well as

continuous evaluation encompassing issues of production, industrialization,

commercialization, training, technical assistance, organization and provision of critical

supplies. Taking these factors into account would yield adequate answers to the needs of

the sector, helping it achieve sustainable production systems and social equity.

The weakness of collective actions aimed at the institutionalization of the local rabbit

industry promoted by government organisms (represented by the Rabbit Industry

Provincial Advisory Board and the Provincial Rabbit Industry Law) shows that they

were mostly driven by the juncture rather than by a historical process of rabbit

production consolidation in Mendoza.

The convergence of different technological models for rabbit production –one tied to

traditional methods and the other one based on intensive methods, promoted by public

organisms, private companies and investors- gave rise to conflicts and tensions that

undermined collective action in its first stage.



This was due to the perceived competition of these two models: one of them based on

small-scale production using simple low-cost technology, with personalized

management, associated to domestic consumption and/or informal trade in narrow

circuits, oriented to the local market; and the other, based on larger-scale, intensive

production, highly productive, with a more impersonal management of animals,

embedded in the agro-exporting chain and driven by an entrepreneurial logic. As time

went by and export prices dropped, the traditional model proved more sustainable in the

long term.

With regard to the development of collective actions in the 2002-2004 period, they were

prompted by the rapid growth of production and by the concepts of participatory

governability and public policy governance, especially encouraging the formation of

cooperatives. Most of these were founded with the aim of responding to the demand of

high volumes of live rabbit meat by export-oriented cold storage companies. The fast

move from collective activities to structural collective actions was also a response to a

need of the market (having legal entity to issue invoices) and a way to take advantage of

public subsidies (creating groups that could benefit from social policies that promoted

the formation of associations).

There is a general informality regarding slaughtering and a difficulty to generate

collective action to tackle this problem. The various stages of industrialization of small-

scale production reflect the lack of regulation of manufacturing processes. Regulations

should be adapted to each phase of industrialization -most importantly to slaughtering,

packaging of whole and chunked rabbit, and manufacturing of by-products such as

pickled rabbit, pâté, and so on- for medium-scale production processes.

Another aspect related to the implementation of development programs is that they

should incorporate, as a key objective, the creation of solid institutional networks

comprising public and private organizations, with a structure that allows for the

handling of critical moments with integrity and backing producers in the search for the

most adequate solutions. The history of local rabbit production tells us that there has

been insufficient support from state organizations and structures during periods of crisis.

There was an evident lack of planning in the evaluation and follow-up stages of existing

programs.

342

This problem was intensified by producers’ limited capacity to integrate, organize and

manage their common interests, particularly when commercialization conflicts emerged.

Generating collective action processes implies overcoming the structural weakness of

producers’ organizations and bestowing them with the capacity to interact on equal

terms with the state and with other actors; for this to be accomplished, state support is

essential. That is how the growth and consolidation of their entities and associations in

the various production chains may be achieved, including cooperatives, peasant

organizations, associations, consortiums, etc.

The consolidation of local rabbit production and the construction of an incipient

knowledge system, as well as the production, commercialization and distribution of this

kind of meat, and the new market niches, allow us to claim that we are entering a new

stage of local development of the rabbit industry.

It is also necessary to make a final remark on the need for a strategic shift aimed at

increasing the participation of public research and development (R+D) entities in the

local dynamics of technological change. The production of scientific and technological

knowledge should be aligned with local social needs and know-hows, understanding

social inclusion as a scientific-technical challenge, i.e. striving to find the social

application of the scientific and technological knowledge generated locally, particularly

in the field of family-based agriculture.

References

Barros Biscari, R. 2010. “Los saberes colectivos locales como factores del anclaje

territorial. El SIAL de la rosa mosqueta rubiginosa de la patagonia argentina”.

[Collective knowledges as factors of territorial anchorage. The SIAL of rubiginosa

rosehip from Argentina’s Patagonia]. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México

(UAEM) EAAE-SYAL International Seminar on Spatial dynamics of the food and

agricultura systems: implications for sustainability and consumers’ wellbeing. Italy,

Parma. (Avalaible in CD)

Bocco, A. 2005. “Análisis participativo del proceso de transformación productiva e

institucional en el departamento de LAVALLE, provincia de Mendoza” [Participatory

analysis of the productive and institutional transformation process in Lavalle

department, Mendoza province]. Rimsip – Latin American Center for Rural

Development. 145p.



Boucher, F; Muchnik, J.; Requier Desjardins, D. 2004. Sistemas Agroalimentarios

Localizados: agroindustria rural, valorización de recursos locales y dinámicas

territoriales. Los desafíos de los Sistemas Agroalimentarios Localizados [Localized

Agricultural and Food Systems: rural agro-industry, appreciation of local resources and

territorial dynamics. The challenges of Localized Agricultural and Food Systems]. SIAL

Network’s International Congress. Rural Agro-industry and Territory. ARTE. Toluca,

Mexico, December 2004. (Avalaible in CD).

Chaxel, S; Quagliariello, G. 2006: “Diagnóstico de la producción de carne de conejo

zona norte de la provincia de Mendoza” [Diagnosis of rabbit meat production in

Mendoza’s Northern region] INTA EEA Mendoza. Rural Outreach Agency of Rural

Luján de Cuyo deparment. Rabbit production Project Report.

National Forum of Family-based Agriculture. 2006. “Lineamientos generales de

políticas públicas orientadas a la elaboración de un plan estratégico para la agricultura

familiar” Fortalecimiento de las organizaciones [General Guidelines for public policies

aimed at the formulation of strategic plans for family-based agricultura. Strengthening

organizations].

González,D.; González,D.J.; García V.; Ramírez, H. 2010. Productores de flor de corte

de la comunidad de Francisco Zarco, en el municipio de Tenancingo, Estado de México:

¿Un caso exitoso de acción colectiva? [Flower producers at Francisco Zarco community,

Tenacingo municipality, Mexico State: a successful case of collective action?]

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CD)

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diversidad de situaciones [Localized Agricultural and Food Systems: evolution of the

concept and diversity of situations]. SIAL Network’s 3rd

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Agricultural and Food Systems” Food and Territories “ALTER 2006”. Spain

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of Social Development. http://www.desarrollosocial.gov.ar/Planes/DLES/info_gral.asp

(accessed on May 27, 2009)

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Minifundistas” [10 years of Social Policy with Small-scale Producers], document by

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Schejtman, A.; Berdegué, J. 2004. Desarrollo Territorial Rural [Rural Territorial

Development]. RIMISP. Latin American Center for Rural Development. Ediciones

Rimisp March 2004. 53p.

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Concepts / Strategies / Designs / Actions]. Group for the Social Study of Technology

and Innovation. IEC/UNQ. CONICET. [online].

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[Profitability analysis of a small-scale rabbit producer]. Luján de Cuyo Municipality,

Sub-directorate of Socio-productive Development. Directorate of Family and Social

Development.



ESTRATEGIAS PARA LA ACCIÓN COLECTIVA: PRODUCCIÓN

COOPERATIVA "CONEJOS ANDINOS DE MENDOZA

*QUAGLIARIELLO SG



Introducción

El presente trabajo de investigación aborda el desarrollo de acciones colectivas por parte

de Cooperativas Cunícolas de Mendoza, vinculadas al ejercicio de actividades de

Extensión Rural implementadas desde el Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria

en Mendoza, Argentina, entre los años 2002 y 2014. La tarea actual desde el área de

extensión está centrada en la Cooperativa Conejos Andinos de Mendoza, que fue

constituida en 2012 por un grupo de productores de conejos vinculados a INTA EEA

Mendoza6 a través de un Proyecto PROFAM

7, que surgió a partir de la coyuntura de

crecimiento y crisis de la cunicultura del 2005. Esta Cooperativa está conformada por

cunicultores de distintos departamentos de toda la provincia (Figura 1), que poseen

criaderos que cuentan con un promedio de 60 hembras en producción, bajo sistema de

cría intensiva, y realizan la comercialización en el mercado interno. El trabajo con

cooperativas es una modalidad de larga trayectoria implementada desde la Extensión

Pública, sin embargo se enfrenta permanentemente con obstáculos vinculados con

aspectos sociales, comerciales, políticos, técnicos y otros, que entorpecen el desarrollo

dinámico de la acción colectiva.

A fin de describir el contexto histórico de la cunicultura en Mendoza, a comienzos de la

década de los ’90, la aplicación de medidas neoliberales produjo cambios en la

economía del país que influyeron en la producción cunícola, especialmente porque

Argentina tuvo la posibilidad de insertarse en el mercado internacional de carne de

6 Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Mendoza.

7 Programa para Productores Familiares. Pertenece a PROFEDER (Programa Federal de Apoyo al Desarrollo Rural Sustentable de

INTA).


346

conejo. A partir de entonces, la actividad comienza a convertirse de una cría destinada

al autoconsumo a sistemas de producción más intensivos. Numerosas producciones de

autoconsumo se transformaron en explotaciones comerciales y surgieron nuevos

productores desde el sector privado. Este crecimiento de la producción para exportación

se observó a principios de los ’90 con la apertura de la economía argentina, y muy

marcadamente en el período 2002-2005. Este último se produjo debido a la influencia

de otros factores externos, como las medidas de restricción de los países europeos,

importadores de carne de conejo, impuestas a China que en ese periodo lideraba el

mercado exportador; y factores internos, como la modificación de la paridad cambiaria

en Argentina y las políticas sociales con contenido productivo que se aplicaron por

efecto de la crisis de 2001-2002 en el país. Estos contextos nacional e internacional

favorecieron un crecimiento muy dinámico de la cunicultura argentina en ese período,

que se manifestó también en la provincia de Mendoza.

Posteriormente a la caída de la exportación, la mayor parte de los nuevos

emprendimienos paulatinamente fueron cerrando, debido a que la carne de conejo que

se producía no podía ser comercializada en el mercado interno en su totalidad. Los

productores que permanecieron en la actividad después de algunos años volvieron a

reagruparse en la Cooperativa citada.



Figura 1. Zona de estudio: Norte de la provincia de Mendoza.

El enfoque teórico utilizado en este trabajo es el de acción colectiva. Este enfoque si

bien tiene varias definiciones, se toma como la capacidad que poseen los grupos para

manejar recursos comunes. Por otra parte, la acción colectiva es el resultado de las

interacciones entre los intereses del conjunto y las estrategias individuales de los

actores. Se reconocen dos tipos de acción colectiva: la de tipo estructural y la de tipo

funcional. La estructural considera únicamente la existencia de organizaciones; mientras

la funcional implica además de la existencia, muestras la labor de las organizaciones.

Las acciones colectivas deben contemplar las relaciones entre la organización

estructurante y las estrategias individuales.

Argentina

LavalleLas Heras

Luján deCuyo

GuaymallénMaipú

Mendoza-Zona Norte-

Área de estudio

348

En este sentido es importante tener en cuenta las tensiones entre: (i) los fenómenos y

procesos de adhesión que motivan a los individuos para subordinar / articular sus

intereses a los de un grupo, (ii) los fenómenos de desagregación (conflictos,

exclusiones) que llevan a los integrantes de la organización a prácticas individuales que

debilitan la organización colectiva. Las organizaciones se piensan y se construyen en un

proceso de negociación y reconocimiento de identidades diferentes y de intereses

complementarios / contradictorios ( Muchnik, 2006).

Metodología

La metodología usada abarcó dos partes complementarias. En primer lugar, el análisis

de información cuantitativa y cualitativa en base a recopilación de fuentes secundarias y

relevamiento de datos primarios del sector cunícola. Se realizó una revisión y análisis

crítico de información secundaria existente al respecto: documentos históricos;

artículos; trabajos previos; datos estadísticos; etc.

La segunda parte fueron entrevistas semiestructuradas a actores claves de las áreas de

desarrollo social y económico de los gobiernos municipales de la zona norte de la

provincia de Mendoza y de la Dirección Provincial de Ganadería. También se realizaron

entrevistas a grupos de productores cunícolas y organizaciones locales, que incluyeron

visitas y observación de emprendimientos cunícolas seleccionados en la nona norte.

Estas entrevistas abarcan aspectos organizacionales, económico-productivos,

comerciales y sociales para identificar momentos y puntos clave de desarrollo de la

actividad en lo local.

Por último se utilizó la técnica de la observación participante en talleres con productores

e instituciones realizados para la organización de los productores y la constitución del

Consejo Cunícola provincial.



Resultados y Discusión: La cunicultura en Mendoza

Organización del sistema socio-productivo

En Mendoza, durante la última década, la actividad se desarrolló en general, en

numerosos y pequeños establecimientos con una media apenas superior a las 50

hembras por productor. Desde la perspectiva del sistema productivo, los cunicultores

trabajaron en establecimientos agrícolas pequeños y medianos.

Un factor limitante al desarrollo de la actividad fue la escasa tradición que tenía la

cunicultura en nuestro país y en Mendoza en particular. La mayor parte de los

productores, desarrollaba esta actividad económica como complemento de otra

principal. Debido a la facilidad de ingreso- aún con escaso capital se puede comenzar a

producir- en el período 2002-2005 y de las buenas perspectivas en cuanto a la

rentabilidad, se incorporaron numerosos productores sin conocimientos ni experiencia

previa. Esto marcó la necesidad de contar con programas permanentes de capacitación y

la búsqueda de profesionales e insumos locales para esta producción, en esa etapa.

Otra dificultad para el desarrollo de la actividad, fue la falta de formación empresarial

de los productores; aunque existió una incipiente necesidad de diferenciación del

producto a través de la creación de marcas, adopción de sistemas de calidad y otros. Sin

embargo, y a pesar de las dificultades descriptas, tal y como se mencionó anteriormente,

la cantidad de productores fue creciendo, como así también su nivel de organización.

Hacia fines de 2004, se estima que la cantidad de productores llegó a 300, en general

organizados para la venta del producto “conejo vivo” a los frigoríficos exportadores y

para la compra de algunos insumos y alimento balanceado.

350

Cuadro Nº 1: Cantidad y tamaño de criaderos. Junio 2005

Cantidad de

criaderos Porcentaje

Número de

Hembras*

Pequeño 240 80% 20 a 60

Mediano 30 10% 60 a 100

Grande 30 10% > 100

Total 300 100%

Fuente: Consejo Provincial Cunícola de Mendoza. 2005.

Referencias: * Tamaño medido en número de hembras

Paulatinamente, entre 2002 y 2005, se fue mejorando la disponibilidad de

infraestructura y de genética de mejor calidad que en los años previos, para desarrollar

la actividad. Si bien los avances conseguidos en cuanto a la genética fueron limitados

comparado a los países de mayor tradición en cunicultura, se trabajó con líneas

mejoradas, de productividad mayor. Asimismo, se dispuso de apoyo tecnológico y

técnico, análisis de costos locales actualizados, a partir de los avances en capacitación y

la articulación interinstitucional conseguidos en los últimos años de la etapa de análisis.

A pesar de estos avances, la cunicultura se presentaba en Mendoza, como así también en

otras provincias del oeste del país, en una situación de desventaja, en lo referente a

precios de alimentos balanceados y otros insumos con respecto a otras provincias que

contaban con producción de granos y forrajes y donde tenían asiento los frigoríficos

exportadores, ya que el traslado de alimentos y animales sumaba costos a la producción.

Era claro que la producción se encontraba deslocalizada territorialmente, sin embargo la

alta rentabilidad permitió, hasta principios de 2005, que la actividad se encontrara

justificada económicamente.

Un diagnóstico sobre los cunicultores en el Oasis Norte de Mendoza, realizado en

2006, confirmó el carácter familiar de la actividad en todos los departamentos. Los

criaderos eran de pequeña escala, con un número medio de 54 hembras reproductoras

por criadero. Este informe confirmaba la necesidad de los productores de agruparse en



asociaciones o cooperativas a fin de hacer frente a las dificultades del mercado y lograr

bajar los costos de producción (Chaxel y Quagliariello, 2006).

Desde el enfoque de la organización de los productores y de la acción colectiva, uno de

los inconvenientes que se presentó en ese momento, fue la diversidad de formas de

explotación. Desde productores que escasamente excedían el autoconsumo, hasta

aquellos que superaban la unidad de negocio (según la región geográfica entre 100 y

300 hembras), existiendo numerosos gradientes intermedios entre unos y otros. Así

como el grado de inversión era diferente en uno y otro caso, también lo era la

capacitación, la experiencia, la tecnología y la mano de obra invertidos. En esos años se

lograron importantes avances referidos al manejo de los criaderos y a la acción colectiva

estructural, entendida como conformación de cooperativas; incorporando en casi todos

los casos, un componente tecnológico importante, con lo cual el manejo, la

alimentación, las instalaciones y las razas empleadas se nivelaron en gran parte de los

criaderos.

Los productores que llegaron al final de esta primera etapa (2002-2009) y siguieron

trabajando, lograron superar una larga etapa de crisis comercial y permanecieron en la

actividad. Se puede afirmar que estos productores, mejoraron aspectos técnicos y de

gestión, como así también encontraron alternativas de comercialización en el mercado

interno, en general individuales y con cierto nivel de informalidad, que les permitieron

continuar. Sin embargo los mecanismos de acción colectiva se vieron limitados a una

mínima expresión, debido al abandono de la actividad, el desánimo y la disolución de

las cooperativas que se fundaron.

Hasta el periodo de caída brusca de la actividad, que comenzó en 2005, estos

cunicultores habían logrado alcanzar interesantes grados de organización grupal,

existiendo desde grupos más informales, hasta cooperativas. Se formaron, al menos,

cinco grupos definidos: la Cooperativa Cayé (del departamento Lavalle); otro grupo de

cunicultores que operaba con la anterior desde el departamento Maipú tal como una

filial de la Cooperativa Cayé; la Cooperativa Sumampa y la Cooperativa Conecuy

(ambas pertenecientes al departamento Guaymallén) y finalmente, otro grupo

independiente en el departamento Maipú. La acción colectiva en general reflejaba en

ese momento una incipiente organización y obedecía primordialmente a la operatividad

352

en la comercialización del producto para exportación (conejo vivo), durante este

período.

La venta se realizaba semanalmente; para retirar los animales, un vehículo de carga era

enviado por el frigorífico o contratado por los productores asociados y los animales eran

cargados en algún punto de encuentro, generalmente el criadero de algún productor.

Resulta importante ahondar en el concepto de la conformación de redes formadas por

diversas organizaciones y los procesos de gobernanza que se ponen en juego, ya que

tanto los gobiernos municipales como otras instituciones participaron en el desarrollo de

la cunicultura, con diferentes grados de compromiso. Esta articulación interinstitucional

y la formación de una red con los productores es indispensable en los programas de

desarrollo, como estructura de regulación y coordinación de actores, tanto del sector

productivo como del sistema institucional de apoyo.

En lo que respecta a la organización socio-institucional, al analizar la participación de

los organismos gubernamentales en los planes de desarrollo cunícola, se puede afirmar

que, entre los años 2002 a 2005, el apoyo del Estado fue importante, consiguiendo un

cierto impacto. Existió una significativa presencia y espíritu de promoción de la

actividad en el que se involucraron distintos organismos de gobierno a nivel nacional,

provincial y municipal, a través de variadas acciones. Posteriormente, entre los años

2005 y 2009, las instituciones se fueron desvinculando de la actividad, ante la

imposibilidad de encontrar respuestas válidas para el sector. La crisis sufrida superó

todo lo previsible en un proceso que comprendió a todo el país.



La conformación de Cooperativas

Cooperativa “CAYÉ”, de Lavalle

Quedó conformada hacia fines de 20028, por pequeños productores del departamento de

Lavalle, subsidiados desde el Plan Manos a la Obra y desde PSA9.

El nombre con que se

inscribió fue “Cooperativa de Cunicultores Lavallinos de Provisión, Transformación y

Comercialización Limitada”, sin embargo era conocida por su nombre de fantasía:

“CAYÉ”10

.

Las características económico-sociales de este grupo eran distintas a los anteriores

(fundamentalmente productores periurbanos). Los cunicultores de Lavalle eran, en su

mayoría, productores rurales de escasos recursos. La Cooperativa tuvo gran impulso y

apoyo desde el Municipio, que hizo una fuerte apuesta local al desarrollo de la actividad

cunícola.

“Claro, en el 2003 apareció plata para Lavalle… apareció

guita para Lavalle y se formó la cooperativa de Lavalle, en el

2003” (Productores nuevos de Maipú).

Esta Cooperativa se constituyó, desde sus inicios, como un referente en el proceso de

desarrollo de acciones colectivas y atrajo a una serie de productores de la zona norte

que no llegaban al nivel de formalización necesario para integrarse a la cadena de

conejos para exportación.

“… íbamos a las reuniones en Lavalle, siempre había…

(problemas), que los de Lavalle… eh nos compraban los conejos

más baratos, y que no nos intermediaban con los frigoríficos…”

(Productores nuevos de Maipú).

“Yo refundé la Cooperativa de Lavalle. La cooperativa de

Lavalle es una cooperativa vieja” (Antiguo productor comercial de

Guaymallén).

8Fuente: Dirección de Cooperativas y Mutuales. Ministerio de Desarrollo Humano, Familia y

Comunidad. Provincia de Mendoza. Base Cunicultura (10/06/2011). 9 Programa Social Agropecuario.

10 CAYÉ: término de origen Huarpe que significa Corazón Grande. La comunidad Huarpe habitó y

habita en la región de Cuyo.

354

Cooperativa de Provisión Agropecuaria “CARNES LASHERINAS” Limitada

Fue constituida principalmente por productores urbanos y periurbanos desocupados,

subsidiados del departamento de Las Heras. Esta cooperativa, impulsada desde el

Municipio, se dio de alta y de baja en Dirección de Cooperativas. Respondió

principalmente a una iniciativa del gobierno local y sólo logró constituirse formalmente

como cooperativa sin llegar al estadio de desarrollo de acciones colectivas funcionales.

“Ahí surgió, en 2002, y lo organizaba todo B., con el apoyo de

A. (el intendente), entonces, bueno, lo primero que había que hacer

era tener alguna persona jurídica, para poder agrupar a los

productores, de ahí, bueno, me puse en campaña para hacer la

famosa cooperativa (…), que es la que nunca pudimos hacer

funcionar” (Antiguo productor comercial. Presidente de la

Cooperativa).

Cooperativa de Provisión, Transformación y Comercialización “Agropecuaria

SUMAMPA” Limitada

Inicia sus acciones como tal en 2004. Era una cooperativa pequeña, formada por

Antiguos Productores Comerciales periurbanos del departamento Guaymallén, fruto de

la interacción de intereses comunitarios, individuales e institucionales. Los productores

habían desarrollado fuertes relaciones horizontales entre ellos y a nivel local, con la

Municipalidad y, provincial, con la Dirección de Cooperativas.

Esta estrategia les permitió acceder a importantes subsidios por proyectos que

presentaron, y poder comprar maquinaria para la elaboración propia de alimento

balanceado. Después de la crisis, la Cooperativa se sostuvo vinculada al mercado

interno, porque estos productores contaban con una cartera propia de clientes.

Esta cooperativa tuvo algunos conflictos por espacios de poder, vinculados con otro

grupo de Guaymallén, en el seno del Consejo Departamental.



“…en el 2004 nos fuimos, nos fuimos nosotros a armar la

cooperativa con el C. y estábamos nosotros y no me acuerdo quién

más que queríamos armar la federación con el Coco, en realidad

íbamos a las dos cooperativas intentando juntarlos pero fue un

fracaso, no se pudo” (Productores nuevos de Maipú).

“Y en la del C. estuvimos ahí poco tiempo, porque después

terminó siendo un negocio medio raro, que armó… la amiga del C.,

era una cooperativa medio fantasma…” (Productores nuevos de

Maipú).

“Estuvo bueno porque hicimos mucha promoción, en la FIA

estuvimos. Pusimos un stand ahí que lo bancó la Municipalidad de

Guaymallén… Claro, lo que tenían era muchos contactos la

Sumampa” (Productores nuevos de Maipú)

Cooperativa Agropecuaria de Provisión, Transformación y Comercialización

“CONECUY” Limitada

Conformada en 2005 por algunos productores del departamento de Guaymallén y con

ciertas características similares a las anteriores, de tamaño pequeño, constituida por

algunos Antiguos Productores Comerciales periurbanos. A diferencia de las anteriores,

que fueron promovidas por los gobiernos locales, esta cooperativa se formó por

iniciativa de productores independientes aunque vinculados políticamente.

Una fortaleza que caracterizó a esta cooperativa es que trabajó en forma organizada

durante algún tiempo después de la crisis del mercado externo, para vender al mercado

interno. Para ello, se faenaba en una sala pequeña con habilitación municipal, de Maipú,

que la cooperativa alquilaba. Consiguieron realizar ventas a una cadena de

supermercados a través de un intermediario que comercializaba pollos, lamentablemente

la rentabilidad era muy acotada y no logró sostenerse, por lo que los productores fueron

dejando la actividad. Hubo fuertes conflictos internos en el seno de la cooperativa

(2006).

356

“Claro, era para exportación. Pero nosotros queríamos el

mercado interno… La Conecuy, la armamos sí,…veníamos

entregando semanalmente setecientas unidades en el gran

Mendoza, faenando. Hasta un frigorífico, llegamos, llegamos a

reactivar un frigorífico con la cooperativa” (Antiguo productor

comercial. Presidente de la Cooperativa).

“Nooo ¿subsidios?, no. Ni en la comercialización. En la parte

genética, lo que puedas haber aportado vos concretamente, en el

INTA” (Antiguo productor comercial. Presidente de la

Cooperativa).

Cooperativa Agropecuaria de Provisión, Transformación y Comercialización

“MENDOCINA DE CUNICULTORES (COMECU)” Limitada

Surge en 2005 y el núcleo inicial de esta Cooperativa fue una fracción de la primer

Asociación de Cunicultores de la zona norte. Producía y comercializaba desde los

inicios del ciclo; en 2004, facturaba a través de la Cooperativa de Lavalle (“Cayé”).

“…no sabíamos si hacerla subsidiaria de la cooperativa de Lavalle

o independiente, pero que se… que se juntaran. Una federación

íbamos a hacer… (…) Quedó independiente” (Productores nuevos

de Maipú).

La COMECU llega a constituirse como cooperativa después de la crisis, a mediados de

2005. Es la única Cooperativa que intentó el desarrollo de productos agroindustriales en

base a carne de conejo; intentó elaborar escabeche y paté. Pero el fracaso comercial de

esta experiencia, sumado a las dificultades de la venta en el mercado interno de la carne,

llevó a que se retirara el líder del grupo y la Cooperativa dejara de funcionar.



“…un error de los productores fue tener ese eh... ese negocio nada

más no? y... haber apostado a la exportación y nada más; porque

eso... en el 2004, 2005 que se vendió muchísimo, este ninguno de

nosotros pensó en el mercado interno” (Productores nuevos de

Maipú).

Cooperativa Agropecuaria “CONEJOS ANDINOS” Limitada.

Conformada en 2012, a partir de acciones de extensión rural de INTA Mendoza, con

productores de distintos departamentos de toda la provincia, muchos de los cuales

pertenecieron a las Cooperativas anteriormente descriptas y que se disolvieron por

cuestiones comerciales. Todos sus integrantes poseen circuitos cortos propios de

comercialización, si bien son circuitos de faena y venta informales, les ha servido como

mecanismo de resiliencia para continuar en la actividad después de la crisis. La acción

colectiva es incipiente también en este caso, aunque son productores de larga trayectoria

en la producción de conejos. La mayor parte de ellos son agricultores pluriactivos, es

decir que combinan más de una actividad productiva, lo cual si bien en ciertas ocasiones

desfavorece la acción colectiva, debido a la multiplicidad de intereses, también resulta

positivo si es considerado como estrategia de diversificación de ingresos.

Un sentido objetivo para esta Cooperativa es el desarrollo en forma conjunta con INTA

Mendoza, de una máquina pelletizadora con el objetivo de fabricar alimento balanceado

y de este modo disminuir costos, aprovechar subproductos agroindustriales locales y

mejorar la calidad del alimento.

Los factores que movilizan la acción colectiva de la cooperativa están vinculados con

relaciones de confianza provenientes de la homogeneidad económica, social y cultural

de los actores; la proximidad geográfica de la mayoría, si bien hay productores a más

de 200km de distancia; la necesidad de conocimiento técnico y de mejora genética de

los planteles; la comercialización, venta de cueros y compra de alimentos balanceados

y medicamentos; las limitaciones de recursos económicos; y el interés en la

participación en procesos de gobernanza, participan en reuniones con el Estado a nivel

Provincial y Nacional.

358

En tanto aquellos factores que detienen los procesos de acción colectiva se vinculan con

la pluriactividad, como fue señalado; las tensiones en procesos para articular los

intereses propios a los del grupo, los fenómenos de desagregación (conflictos,

exclusiones) que llevan a los integrantes de la organización a las prácticas individuales;

el grupo etario, ya que son productores mayores a 55 años en su mayoría; la falta de

continuidad familiar generacional en la actividad.

Conclusiones

En una primera etapa del análisis, el contexto favorable de demanda de conejos en el

mercado internacional y su competitividad por la reforma de la paridad cambiaria,

motivaron a actores públicos a formular proyectos sobre la base de entregas de subsidios

para la población rural y

periurbana de escasos recursos y a actores privados a iniciarse en esta actividad. Como

respuesta a la crisis social y económica que transitaba el país en ese momento (2001-

2002), los productores fueron dinámicos y se logró un alto nivel de participación en los

procesos y en consecuencia importantes resultados en la acción colectiva estructural y

funcional (2002 a 2004).

Los Programas de Desarrollo Cunícola requieren minuciosas planificaciones con

evaluaciones continuas que abarquen los aspectos de producción, industrialización,

comercialización, capacitación, asistencia técnica, organización y provisión de insumos

críticos. De esta manera se podrá obtener respuestas adecuadas a las necesidades que

plantea el sector, logrando la sostenibilidad de los sistemas productivos, y la equidad

social.

La debilidad de las acciones colectivas promovidas por los organismos gubernamentales

para la institucionalización de la cunicultura local (Consejo Asesor Cunícola Provincial

y Ley Provincial Cunícola), muestra que fueron también un producto de la coyuntura y

no de un proceso histórico de anclaje de la cunicultura en Mendoza.

La confluencia de distintos modelos tecnológicos para la cría de conejos, uno vinculado

a un modelo tradicional, y el otro difundido por los organismos estatales, empresas



privadas e inversionistas, de características más intensivas, produjeron la emergencia de

conflictos y tensiones, que dificultaron la acción colectiva en una primera etapa.

Esto se debió a que entraron en competencia estos dos modelos: uno, sustentado en una

producción de pequeña escala, con una tecnología simple y de bajo costo en insumos,

con un manejo más personal y artesanal, asociado a una cunicultura de autoconsumo y/o

comercial informal de circuitos cortos, orientada al mercado de consumo local; y, otro,

sustentado en una producción de mayor escala, intensiva, de alta productividad y de

manejo más impersonal del animal, asociado a una cadena agroexportadora y a una

lógica más empresarial. El paso del tiempo y la caída de los precios de las ventas para

exportación demostraron que en el largo plazo el modelo artesanal fue el más

sustentable.

Con relación al desarrollo de acciones colectivas, en la etapa de 2002 a 2004, la rapidez

del crecimiento de la producción y los conceptos de gobernabilidad participativa y de

gobernanza en las políticas públicas, dieron un fuerte impulso a las mismas,

especialmente a las vinculadas con la formación de cooperativas. La mayoría de ellas se

fundaron, sobre un objetivo coyuntural como era lograr los volúmenes comerciales de

conejos vivos que demandaban los frigoríficos exportadores. El rápido pase de

actividades colectivas a acciones colectivas estructurales también respondió a una

necesidad de mercado (tener la figura lícita para facturación) y de aprovechamiento de

los subsidios públicos (llegar a la conformación de grupos para ser beneficiarios de las

políticas sociales que promovían el asociacionismo).

En general, con respecto a la informalidad de la faena y la dificultad de generar procesos

de acción colectiva que den solución a ello, se observa en la fase de industrialización de

distintas producciones de pequeña escala un vacío con respecto a las reglamentaciones

en la elaboración. Se debería promocionar la adecuación de la normativa vigente

respecto de la fase de industrialización (faena principalmente, envasado del conejo

entero y trozado, y elaboración de subproductos como escabeche, paté, etc.) para

escalas intermedias de producción.

Otro aspecto vinculado con la implementación de Programas de Desarrollo, es que

deberían tener como uno de los objetivos centrales la conformación de sólidas redes

360

institucionales de organizaciones públicas y privadas, con una estructura tal que pueda

asumir los momentos críticos con integridad y sea capaz de acompañar al productor en

la búsqueda de las soluciones más adecuadas.

La historia de la cunicultura local nos indica que existió un insuficiente

acompañamiento por parte de las organizaciones y estructuras del Estado en el momento

de la crisis. Existió una evidente falta de planificación en los programas en las etapas de

evaluación y seguimiento. Lo cual fue agudizado por una limitada capacidad de

integración, organización y gestión de los productores, especialmente a partir del

momento de conflicto en la comercialización.

Generar procesos de acción colectiva supone como resultado superar la debilidad

estructural de las organizaciones de productores y dotarlas de la capacidad necesaria

para interactuar con el Estado y demás actores en condiciones de equidad; para lo cual

es necesario apoyo desde el mismo Estado. De este modo, puede lograrse el crecimiento

y la consolidación de sus entidades y asociaciones que integran distintas cadenas de

producción, tales como cooperativas, organizaciones campesinas, asociaciones,

consorcios, etc.85

El anclaje de la cunicultura local logrado y la construcción incipiente de un sistema de

conocimientos, unidos a la producción, comercialización y distribución de esta carne,

articulada con el consumidor local y los nuevos nichos de mercado, permiten afirmar

que se entró en una nueva etapa del desarrollo cunícola local.

Cabe también, como reflexión final, asumir que es necesario un viraje estratégico para

aumentar la participación de las unidades públicas de investigación y desarrollo (I+D),

en las dinámicas de cambio tecnológico local; alinear la producción de conocimiento

científico y tecnológico con las necesidades sociales y saber-hacer locales y comenzar a

plantearse la inclusión social como desafío científico-técnico; es decir, buscar una

utilidad social de los conocimientos científicos y tecnológicos localmente generados,

especialmente en el campo de las agriculturas familiares.



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Innovación. IEC/UNQ. CONICET. [en línea].

Vargas, M. 2007. “Analisis de rentabilidad de un pequeño productor de conejos”.

Municipalidad de Luján de Cuyo Subdirección de Desarrollo Socio-productiva.

Dirección de Desarrollo Familiar y Social.

http://www.desarrollosocial.gov.ar/Planes/DLES/info_gral.asp

364

RAMÍREZ GL1*,

RAMÍREZ GG1**

, GÜERECA LP2

1.-Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey Campus Ciudad de México.

Calle del Puente #222 Col. Ejidos de Huipulco, Tlalpan C.P. 14380, México D.F.

2.-Instituto de Ingeniería Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Circuito Escolar s/n

Ciudad Universitaria, Delegación Coyoacán. México D.F. CP 04510.

*Corresponding autor: [email protected]

**Corresponding autor: [email protected]

Abstract

Both rabbit and chicken are white meat and part of the Mexican diet. Today

environmental concerns of consumers encourage companies to minimize the

environmental impacts of their products. ISO 14040 describes the principles and

framework for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) which is a technique to assess the

environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or

service. Therefore we decided to use this methodology in order to analyze the supply

chain of both meats. The functional unit considered is one kilogram of meat rabbit or

one kilogram of chicken meat in order to provide a basis for the establishment of good

practices by Mexican farmers.

Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts

(TRACI) software was used. The boundaries of the system analyzed in the process were

animal feeding, meat processing, consumption and waste disposal. The methodology

consisted on compiling an inventory of energy and materials evaluating the

environmental impacts associated with each unit. Data measurements: faeces, urine,

water and energy of machinery, were made on the rabbit farm Los Tíos and UNAM’s

chicken farm.

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT FROM PRODUCTION OF ONE

KILOGRAM OF RABBIT MEAT VERSUS CHICKEN



The life cycle impact categories analyzed were eutrophication, global warming, use of

fossil fuels, water use and land use as impacts from the production of one kilogram of

chicken meat and rabbit. We conclude chicken meat production requires larger amounts

of energy and water. Machinery used to slaughter, freeze and clean assigned chicken

meat a higher impact. Manure, especially rabbit’s, causes eutrophication and land

impact when penetrates soil and water ground. Use of wastewater treatment plants,

rainwater, low power cleaning machines, digesters and other technologies were

suggested in order to mitigate meat production environmental impacts.

Key words: Life cycle assessment, environmental impact, supply chain, rabbit farm.

366

VALORACIÓN DEL CICLO DE VIDA PRODUCTIVO DE UN KILOGRAMO

DE CARNE DE CONEJO VERSUS POLLO

RAMÍREZ GL1*,

RAMÍREZ GG1**

, GÜERECA LP2

1.-Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey Campus Ciudad de México.

Calle del Puente #222 Col. Ejidos de Huipulco, Tlalpan C.P. 14380, México D.F.

2.-Instituto de Ingeniería Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Circuito Escolar s/n

Ciudad Universitaria, Delegación Coyoacán. México D.F. CP 04510.

*Corresponding autor: [email protected]

**Corresponding autor: [email protected]

Resumen

Tanto el conejo y el pollo son la carne blanca y parte de la dieta de los mexicanos. Hoy

las preocupaciones ambientales de los consumidores animan a las empresas a minimizar

el impacto ambiental de sus productos. ISO 14040 describe los principios y el marco

para la Evaluación del Ciclo de Vida (ACV), que es una técnica para evaluar los

aspectos ambientales y los impactos potenciales asociados a un producto, proceso o

servicio. Por lo tanto hemos decidido utilizar esta metodología con el fin de analizar la

cadena de suministro de ambas carnes. La unidad funcional es considerada un

kilogramo de carne de conejo o un kilogramo de carne de pollo con el fin de

proporcionar una base para el establecimiento de buenas prácticas por parte de los

agricultores mexicanos.

Se utilizó la herramienta para la Reducción y Evaluación de la Química y otros

impactos ambientales software (TRACI). Los límites del sistema analizados en el

proceso fueron la alimentación animal, procesamiento de carne, el consumo y la

eliminación de residuos. La metodología consistió en elaborar un inventario de energía

y materiales que evalúan los impactos ambientales asociados a cada unidad. Mediciones

de datos: las heces, la orina, el agua y la energía de la maquinaria, se hicieron sobre la

granja de conejos Los Tíos y granja de pollos de la UNAM.



Las categorías de impacto del ciclo de vida analizadas fueron la eutrofización, el

calentamiento global, el uso de combustibles fósiles, el uso del agua y uso de la tierra

como los impactos de la producción de un kilogramo de carne de pollo y conejo.

Concluimos que la producción de carne de pollo requiere grandes cantidades de energía

y agua. Maquinaria usada para matar, congelar y limpiar la carne de pollo asignando un

mayor impacto. El estiércol, especialmente de conejo, provoca la eutrofización y el

impacto de la tierra cuando penetra tierra del suelo y el agua. El uso de plantas de

tratamiento de aguas residuales, agua de lluvia, máquinas de limpieza de baja potencia,

digestores y otras tecnologías se sugirieron con el fin de mitigar los impactos

ambientales de producción de carne.

Palabras clave: evaluación del Ciclo de vida, de impacto ambiental, la cadena de

suministro, granja de conejos.

368

Introduction

Environmental concerns of consumers encourage companies to create sustainable

products. In other words, producers are willing to minimize environmental impacts

caused by the manufacturing process without compromising its quality. Industries today

have a linear supply chain, however, there are methodologies that analyze beyond these

limits and make it a cycle from obtaining raw materials to waste management.

According to the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Life Cycle

Assessment (LCA) is a process by which we evaluate as objectively as possible the

environmental burdens associated to a product by quantifying the use of material and

energy discharged to the environment.

Aware of the importance of the production and consumption of rabbit meat and chicken

in Mexico we conducted a LCA in order to compare the production of one kilogram of

New Zealand rabbit meat against Ross chicken. This publication encourages farmers in

the establishment of better practices and helps mitigate its environmental impacts.

Objective

To assess the environmental impacts related to the production of one kilogram of rabbit

meat compared to one kilogram of chicken meat to establish sustainable practices.

Material

Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts

(TRACI) assisted LCA by interpreting the inventory into different impact categories.

Measurements to inventory were made on Los Tíos farm, located in Xochimilco, for

meat rabbit and in UNAM’s farm, located in Tláhuac, in the case of chickens. Data for

inventory were provided by these farms in order to support the sustainable production of

both types of meat. Unknown data were estimated for both farms; measurements used

the international system and equipment such as scales, tape measures and datasheets in

the case of electricity. Electricity was turned into coal, oil, natural gas, hydro and

nuclear according to the production of electricity in Mexico (BUWAL, 2000).



Method

ISO 14040 standard for LCA states that is necessary to determine the boundaries of the

system. Our system includes animal feeding, meat processing, consumption and waste

disposal.

Animal feeding

Growth of animals considers food and water supply, manure and its cleaning. Food

supply was considered by land impact and water consumption was 103 l/kg for chicken

and 40.5 l/kg for rabbit. Measurement of feces and urine estimated that one kilogram of

rabbit meat produced a total of 18.52 kg of manure, 16.2 kg of urine and 2.3 kg of feces;

while the chicken meat only produced 4.9 kg of manure. Chemical analysis of the

excrement in various species (Miani, 1990) was used to quantify dry matter, organic

matter, total nitrogen, ammoniacal nitrogen, phosphorus pentoxide, potassium oxide,

calcium oxide and magnesium oxide.

Meat processing

Slaughter in both cases is done by shocking with electric current to desensitize the

animal. This is the methodology that avoids rigor mortis and keeps flesh soft. Blood is

drained and viscera are deposed from the carcass. It was also considered water usage for

cleaning both rabbit and chicken meats. Packages are an input to the process which

produces no impact at this stage.

Consumption

In the process of use of the product was not considered any variable, since it depends on

the way people prepare meat.

Waste disposal

Plastic bags and post-consumer organic waste was taken into account.

370

Limitations of LCA

Data collection had different obstacles; the main one was the lack of records related to

the flow of materials within the farm. Water, gas and supplies necessaries for animal

growth weren’t measured and had no inventory mostly because its production was not

the same each month. Some electrical appliances had no datasheet or were too old to

know the model. Also the tools to process an LCA don’t have databases in Mexico;

therefore the results are approximate since the impacts vary by region according to its

regulations and climate.

Result and Discussion

TRACI displayed results classifying impacts by ecotoxicity, eutrophication, fossil fuels,

global warming, human health noncancerogenic, land use, photochemical smog and

water use. Rabbit meat and chicken meat were compared in each of these impacts,

obtaining percentages and then changed into a scale of 0 to 10 to facilitate analysis.

Figure 1 show below the final results by comparing both meats.

Figure 1. Comparison of impacts. Environmental impacts for production

of one kilogram of rabbit and chicken meat

0,0

5,0

10,0

15,0

20,0

25,0

30,0

35,0

40,0

45,0

Rabbit Chicken

Water Use

Photochemical

Smog

Land Use

Human Health

Noncancerogenic

Global Warming

Fossil Fuel

Eutrophication

Ecotoxicity



The biggest difference between the two productions was the use of fossil fuels with 9.5

points for chicken versus 0.5 points for rabbit, this is due to the great distances used to

transport chickens from its birthplace to the area of production, unlike the rabbits that

didn’t require the transport as they are born within the farm. Electrical equipment for

sacrifice also influences fossil fuels, not only for electrocution or plucking, but for

cooling in ice tubs and long term storage in freezers.

Land use is greater for rabbits than chickens since the rabbit farm is not filled to

capacity, therefore, rabbits have further extension to produce a kg of meat.

In the case of water use, chickens production requires considerably more water for

growing and processing. Slaughter occupies larger amounts of water for cooling and de-

feathering, also machinery requires deep cleaning after process. Comparative

ecotoxicity value comes from using plastic bags; chicken meat distributes its weights

since carries more kg per bag compared to rabbit.

Photochemical smog reflects air pollution caused by both meat productions, there’s a

slightly difference because of the amount of NOx emitted to the atmosphere. Human

health effects vary from respiratory issues to permanent lung damage if prolonged

exposure to ozone occurs.

Human Health Noncancerogenic difference is caused by the content of ammonia in both

animals’ manure. Rabbit manure contains 0.439 kg while chicken only 0.22 kg, in other

words, chicken releases about half ammonia compared to rabbit.

Conclusions

Chicken meat production reflects a higher rate of environmental impacts; the biggest

difference derives from fossil fuel required to supply energy demanded. Rabbit meat

can be done manually due to the size of farm production which is reflected in low power

consumption.

372

Chicken use larger amounts of water in cleaning, drinking and processing. Correct

disposal of viscera, blood and manure is imperative. Principally in rabbits, manure is

important due to the high content of elements that enter ground water causing

eutrophication and soil damage. Since main impacts were on energy and water some

suggestions to the current agricultural production are:

-Use Wastewater Treatment Plants to mitigate their impact and promote water reuse

within the same process.

-Promote the collection of rainwater for cleaning and other activities.

-Use all output as raw material and create a closed loop or industrial symbiosis to

improve eco-efficiency.

-Automating only if its production is constant and wide.

-Breeding animals within the farm if possible.

-Search alternatives to emit heat in brooders as digesters or solar cells.

It’s important to remember that LCA varies according to the region and analyzed

system. However, the earlier study aims to improve current practices towards

sustainable production.

References

Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 2011. Global Guidance Principles

for Life Cycle Assessment Databases. UNEP, 41-51.

Gabor D. 2000. Database for Energy Production. BUWAL

Miani A. 1990. Las deyecciones de un conejo; un fertilizante a valorar. Cunicultura,

199-202



PATOLOGÍA E HIGIENE

PATHOLOGY & HYGIENE

374

PÉREZ SL, LAGUNAS BS, DE LA CRUZ BA,

FAJARDO MR*, DÍAZ GONZÁLEZ BA





Abstract

Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc47) yeast has been used in the feeding of several domestic

animal species and humans, and symbiotic Kombucha tea (TK) has been used in

humans, both as alternative therapy and health-enhancing. The mechanisms of these

effects are not known, and it is thought that might be associated with a modification of

the intestinal flora. In this work, the effects of these probiotics on the fecal coliform

populations isolated rabbit was evaluated. The experimental model was three groups of

adult rabbits, without contact with probiotics. The Sc group which received 0.3%

commercial Sc47, the TK group received two ml / kg body weight of commercial TK:

A stool sample from all animals in the experimental group on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 were

taken; seed on selective media for coliform per g. of faeces; isolation, counting and

identifying of bacterial species was made using samples of the experimental days 0 and

21. The results showed that both probiotics increased faecal coliform populations (P

<0.05). The culture supernatants of Sc47 had no antimicrobial effect on the isolated

bacterial genera. Kombucha supernatant had an inhibitory (P <0.05) effect on the genera

E. coli, Plesiomona spp, Serratia spp, Salmonella spp, Yersinia spp, Acinetobacter,

Pseudomonas spp, Actinobacillus spp, Moraxella spp, Alcaligenes spp, Pasteurella spp.

STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF Saccharomyces cerevisiae AND TEA

KOMBUCHA ON THE INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA OF RABBITS




Both probiotics modulated faecal coliform populations in rabbits by different

mechanisms; antimicrobial and / or by competitive exclusion. Although it has been

reported that some probiotics can modulate the intestinal microbiota by acidification of

the medium, in this study no changes in pH were observed. Mechanisms of intestinal

microbiota modulation induced by probiotics are poorly understood, so further studies

are required.

Keywords: Saccharomyces, kombucha tea, coliforms, rabbits.

376

EFECTO DE Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y TÉ KOMBUCHA SOBRE

POBLACIONES DE COLIFORMES EN CONEJOS

PÉREZ SL, LAGUNAS BS, DE LA CRUZ BA,

FAJARDO MR*, DÍAZ GONZÁLEZ BA





Resumen

La levadura Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc47) ha sido empleada en la alimentación de

diversas especies animales domésticas y en humanos y el simbiótico té Kombucha (TK)

se ha empleado en humanos ambos como terapia alternativa ya que mejoran la salud.

Los mecanismos de estos efectos no se conocen y se piensa que podrían estar asociados

a una modificación de la flora intestinal. En este trabajo se evaluó los efectos de estos

probióticos sobre poblaciones coliformes aisladas de heces de conejo. El modelo

experimental fue el conejo adulto, sin previo contacto con probióticos. Se formaron tres

grupos experimentales: el grupo Sc quien recibió 0,3% de Sc47 comercial, el grupo TK

recibió 2 ml/kg de peso vivo de TK comercial. Se tomó una muestra de heces de todos

los animales por grupo en los días experimentales 0, 7, 14 y 21; se sembraron en medios

de cultivo selectivos para coliformes fecales/g de heces; se realizó el aislamiento,

conteo e identificación géneros bacterianos utilizando muestras de los días

experimentales 0 y 21. Los resultados mostraron que los dos probióticos aumentaron las

poblaciones de coliformes fecales (P<0,05). Los sobrenadantes de los cultivos de Sc47

no tuvieron efecto antimicrobiano sobre los géneros bacterianos aislados, el

sobrenadante del té Kombucha tuvo un efecto inhibidor (P<0,05) sobre los géneros E

coli, Plesiomona spp, Serratia spp, Salmonella spp, Yersinia spp, Acinetobacter,

Pseudomona spp, Actinobacillus spp, Moraxella spp, Alcaligenes spp, Pasteurella spp.

Ambos probióticos modularon las poblaciones de coliformes fecales en conejos a través

de diferentes mecanismos; antimicrobiano y/o por exclusión competitiva.




Aunque se ha reportado que algunos probióticos pueden modular la microbiota por

acidificación del medio intestinal, en este estudio no se observaron cambios del pH. Los

mecanismos de modulación de microbiota intestinal inducidos por los probióticos están

poco conocidos, por lo que se requieren más estudios.

Palabras clave: Saccharomyces, Té kombucha, coliformes, conejos

378

Introduction

Among the most used as probiotic microorganisms used in pigs and other farm animals,

is the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, this not colonizes the digestive tract, but adheres

to mucosal surfaces and is considered non-pathogenic for immunocompetent human

patients (Czerucka et al., 2007). The inclusion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the diet

of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) promotes increased food intake and growth of rabbits

(Maertens and Ducatelle 1996). Kombucha (TK), tea has been used as an alternative

therapy in humans and is believed to have prophylactic and therapeutic benefits in

physiological disorders such as: arthritis, premature aging, gastroenteric diseases and

immune system stimulation (Kurtzman et al, 2001). The KT contains elements from the

tea plant and some metabolites from fermentation of the culture as: sugars, proteins,

vitamins, caffeine and polyphenol (Vidjaya et al, 2007). The culture is considered a

symbiosis of bacteria and yeasts, in which among the yeasts predominate

Brettanomyces. In addition, the KT has antimicrobial activity in vitro (Sreeramulu et

al., 2000).

Recent researches feeding two productive species: pigs and rabbits, supplemented with

S. cerevisiae (Sc47) in the diet of pigs, improved feed efficiency of the animals treated

(Pérez-Sotelo et al., 2005). Meanwhile, De la Cruz and Col. (2008), observed in rabbits

that consumed Sc47 and Kombucha tea in the drinking water, improved feed efficiency

in the treated groups compared to control group. By measuring the behavior of

populations of fecal coliforms, it was demonstrated a decrease in the number of fecal

coliform CFU of supplemented pigs (Pérez-Sotelo et al., 2005). Furthermore, after

supplementing with Sc47 and KT in the feed of rabbits for four weeks, it was observed

that the group nourished with Sc47 slightly increased the number of CFU of coliforms

in the feces, and for the group fed with KT has reduced the number UFC coliform (De

la Cruz et al., 2008).



These findings could be related to the effects seen in the production parameters, which

imply the interest to know the behavior of the intestinal microbiota during the use of

probiotics. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of Sc47 and KT on

populations of coliform bacteria isolated from rabbit feces and to identify populations of

bacteria isolated from feces.


18 New Zealand White breed rabbits, with no previous contact with probiotics were

used; all rabbits received amoxicillin at a dose of 15mg/kg of body weight (BW) before

starting the treatments in drinking water for three days. Three experimental groups were

formed; Control, Sc and KT; the Sc group received 24x109 CFU of Sc47; the KT group

received 2mL/kg (BW). Both treatments were administered in the drinking water for 21

days.

In a first phase of this work, stool samples from all rabbits from the three groups on

days 0, 7, 14 and 21 were taken and seed on selective media. To know about the total

load of bacteria and coliforms per gram of feces; Isolation and identification of bacterial

genera on days 0 and 21 were performed. Statistical analysis of total bacterial count in

feces and the fecal coliform counts were performed using analysis of variance with a

significance level of 0.95%.

Results

In the first sampling, it was observed in the Sc group a high number of CFU of

coliforms compared to the groups A and C, and remained higher throughout the

experiment. In the KT group, an increase of coliform CFU was recorded after the third

sampling. In the control group, the number of coliforms remained low. These

differences are statistically significant (P <0.05).

380

The isolation and identification of bacterial agents before probiotics delivery were: in

the control group: Acinetobacter, Actinobacillus spp, Serratia spp. In the Sc group:

Serratia spp, Actinobacillus spp, Pseudomonas spp, Alcaligenes spp, Pasteurella spp. In

the TK group: Serratia spp, Salmonella spp, Pasteurella spp, Actinobacillus spp,

Yersinia spp. After probiotics supply, the bacterial growths were for the control group:

Actinobacillus spp, Serratia spp, Alcaligenes spp, Salmonella spp, Yersinia spp,

Pasteurella spp. For the Sc group: Serratia spp, Actinobacillus spp, Pseudomonas spp,

Alcaligenes spp, Plesiomona spp, Salmonella spp, Moraxella spp, Escherichia coli and

for the TK group: Serratia spp, Salmonella spp, Actinobacillus spp, Escherichia coli.

The results showed that, both probiotic increased bacterial populations in feces (P

<0.05).

Supernatants of Saccharomyces cultures had no antimicrobial effect on the tested

bacterial species, while the Kombucha tea supernatant had an inhibitory effect on

Escherichia coli, Plesiomona spp, Serratia spp, Salmonella spp, Yersinia spp,

Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas spp, Actinobacillus spp, Moraxella spp, Alcaligenes spp,

Pasteurella spp (P <0.05).

Discussion

The numerical results of the bacterial total count did not differ statistically among the

groups: Sc, TK and control (P> 0.05). In a study by Hernandez and col, (2004) where

Clostridium sordellii and Peptostreptococcus tetradius were supplemented in the diet

rabbits, it demonstrated that, the total bacteria in the colon increased in the treated

groups (P <0.05), compared to the control group. These results and those in this study

differ because of the samples analyzed, and the methodology used in both studies.

In this study, we observed from the first week until the end of the experiment, the

number of CFU of bacterial agents increased more in the supplemented groups than the

control group (P <0.05). Furthermore, it is known that, some factors alter the

gastrointestinal ecosystem, by changing the bacterial metabolic activity, or changing the

local distribution of the microbiota; this process is known as dysbiosis (Prakash et al.,

2011). It may be caused using antibiotics, prebiotics, probiotics, physical stress,



radiation, altering the intestinal peristalsis and nutritional diet changes (Hawrelak and

Myers, 2004).

In this sense, the nutritional content of Sc47 and nutrient content of KT (sugars and

amino acids (Teoh et al., 2004)) could be important in promoting the increase of some

bacteria in the treated groups. These mechanisms could explain the increase in

coliforms counts recorded from the second sampling until the end of the experiment in

the groups receiving Sc or KT, both composed of yeasts. It is possible that other

compounds of KT as acetic acid, lactic acid or usnic helped to get the results of the

coliform count in the supplemented groups (Teoh et al., 2004). In the case of the

bacteria isolated here as Salmonella spp, Actinobacillus, Pasteurella spp, Escherichia

coli, these are considered important because of its impact on public health. Other genres

such as Serratia spp, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas spp, Alcaligenes spp, Moraxella spp

and Plesiomona spp often are commensal organisms in the gut. However, under certain

physiological conditions and immune host, these organisms may be highly pathogenic

(Straw, 1998). In confirmation of this, it has been found that the antimicrobial activity

of KT is due largely to acetic acid (Greenwalt et al., 2000). No studies relating to

microorganisms Kombucha Tea with the effects seen in the Saccharomyces reported,

but could relate because yeast found in the KT.

References

Czerucka D, T Piche, P Rampal. 2007. Review article: yeast as probiotics,

Saccharomyces boulardii. Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. 26: 767-78.

De la Cruz BA, Fajardo MR, Pérez-Sotelo LS, Lagunas BS, Díaz GBA. (2008): Efecto

del suplemento de los probióticos té Kombucha y Saccharomyces cerevisiae sc47 sobre

parámetros productivos en conejos Nueva Zelanda. Tesis de Licenciatura. FMVZ.

Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Toluca, México.

Greenwalt CJ, KH Steinkraus, RA Ledford. 2000. Kombucha, the Fermented Tea:

Microbiology, Composition, and Claimed Health Effects. J Food Prot 63, 976-981.

382

Hawrelak JA, Myers SP. 2004. The causes of intestinal dysbiosis: A review. Altern.

Med. Rev. 9: 180–197.

Hernández SD, Cobos PMA, González MS, Bárcena GR, Arcos GJL, Gallardo GL.

2004. Poblaciones microbianas y fermentación en el ciego de conejo en conejos

alimentados con inóculos de bacterias cecales. Interciencia. 29(8): 442 – 446.

Kurtzman PC, JC Robnett, E Basehoar-Powers. 2001. Zigisaccharomyces

kombuchensis, a new ascosporogenous yeast from Kombucha tea. FEMS Yeast Res 1,

133-138.

Maertens L, R Ducatelle. 1996. Tolerance of rabbits to a dietary overdose of live yeast

(Biosaf Sc47). Resumenes del 6th World Rabbit Congress, Toulouse, France, Vol. III Pp

95-98.

Pérez-Sotelo LS, Talavera RM, Monroy SHM, Lagunas BS, Cuarón IJA, Montes de

Oca JR, Vázquez CJC. 2005. In vitro evaluation of the binding capacity of

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sc47 to adhere to the wall of Salmonella spp. Rev Latinoam

Microbiol 47 (3-4), 70-75.

Prakash S, Rodes L, Coussa-Charley M, Tomaro-Duchesneau K. (2011): Gut

microbiota: next frontier in understanding human health and development of

biotherapeutics. Biologics: Targets and Therapy. 5: 71 – 86.

Sreeramulu G, Y Zhu, W Knol. 2000. Kombucha fermentation and its antimicrobial

activity. J Agric Food Chem. 48(6): 2589-94.

Straw TE. 1988. Bacteria of the rabbit gut and their role in the health of the rabbit. J.

Appl. Rabbit. Res. 1: 142–146.



Teoh AL, G Heard, J Coxa. 2004. Yeast ecology of Kombucha fermentation. Int J

Food Microbiol. 95: 119–126.

Vidjaya LP, PK Venkata, C Mohan, D Prathiba, Y Hara, S Nagini. 2007. Comparative

evaluation of antiproliferative, antiangiogenic and apoptosis, inducing potencial of

black tea polyphenols in the hamster bucal pouch carcinogenesis model. J Carcinog.

6(16): 1-13.

384

ALONSO-FRESÁN MU1, BARBABOSA-PLIEGO A

1*, VALLADARES-

CARRANZA B1, VELÁZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V

1, REYES-ÁNGELES JF

1*,

CASTRO-GANDARILLA J1, FELIPE-PÉREZ YE

2,

LEE-MORENO JL3, TREMARI-TRUEBA RM

3


Veterinaria y Zootecnia. UAEM. Km 15.5 Carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco, Toluca, Estado de

México, C.P. 50200, México.

2. Departamento de Reproducción Animal. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia.

Campus “El Cerrillo”. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México.

3. Servicio Geológico Mexicano, Centro Experimental de Oaxaca, Desviación a San Lorenzo

Cacaotepec S/N, San Pablo Etla, Oaxaca. C.P. 68258.


Abstract

Cadmium is regarded nowadays as an environmental pollutant. Epidemiological studies

have demonstrated the association between its exposure and functional alterations, due

to high atmospheric levels, low biodegradability and longlasting persistence. The aim of

this study was to screen and analyze the renal and hepatic physiology due to drinking

water pollution (well source) in a rabbit farm near the industrial zone in Mexico City.

Five periods were sampled, in which 6 rabbits were randomly selected, collecting 4 mL

of blood from the marginal auricular vein in tubes with and without anticoagulant. The

first samples were taken when the rabbits aged 8 weeks and on days 15, 30, 45 and 60.

Samples were centrifuged and serum obtained to measure hematocrit, total proteins,

ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate transferase), GGT (gamma glutamyl

transferase), urea and creatinine. Hematocrit significantly decreased from 42 ± 4.31%

down to 30 ± 13.23 % in the fourth period. Total proteins slightly increased from 6.2 ±

0.46 to 6.5 ± 1.06 g/dL in the last period. An initial ALT activity of 63 ± 8.87 U/L was

found, in the first period 93 ± 12.62 U/L, in the second, 95 ± 6.11 U/L, in the third, 112

±10.58 U/L, and in the fourth, 68 ± 19.55 U/L. Regarding GGT and AST, values were

reported within normal ranges. Urea showed an increasing value up to 29 ± 3.18

mmol/L, with an initial value of 20 ± 7.30 mmol/L.

CADMIUM EXPOSURE IN RABBITS:

RENAL AND HEPATIC EVALUATION



Creatinine initial concentration was 111 ± 13.57 µmol/L increasing up to 118 ± 8.99

µmol/L in the last period. These parameters show that rabbits which have been exposed

to cadmium suffer physiological changes that may permanently alter hepatic and renal

funcion.

Key words: Bioaccumulation, cadmium, physiopathology, pollute, toxicity.

386

EXPOSICIÓN DE CONEJOS A CADMIO:

EVALUACIÓN RENAL Y HEPÁTICA

ALONSO-FRESÁN MU1, BARBABOSA-PLIEGO A

1*, VALLADARES-

CARRANZA B1, VELÁZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V

1, REYES-ÁNGELES JF

1*,

CASTRO-GANDARILLA J1, FELIPE-PÉREZ YE

2,

LEE-MORENO JL3, TREMARI-TRUEBA RM

3




2. Departamento de Reproducción Animal. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia.





Resumen

Actualmente se reconoce al Cadmio (Cd) como un contaminante ambiental; estudios

epidemiológicos han demostrado la asociación de las alteraciones funcionales de

organismos que han estado expuestos a este metal, debido a los niveles de

contaminación atmosférica, por no ser biodegradable y por su persistencia durante

largos periodos de tiempo, por lo que el objetivo del presente estudio fue monitorear y

analizar la funcionalidad renal y hepática, debida a la contaminación del agua de uso

por este metal (agua extraída de pozo), en una explotación cunícola cercana a la zona

industrial en el valle de México. Se realizaron 5 muestreos en 6 conejos que fueron

escogidos aleatoriamente al azar, colectando 4 mL de sangre en tubos de vidrio sin

anticoagulante, de la vena marginal auricular; el primer muestreo se realizó a partir de

las 8 semanas de edad y posteriormente a los 15, 30, 45 y 60 días, cada una de las

muestras se centrifugaron y se dividieron en alícuotas para su posterior análisis para

determinar ALT, AST, GGT, urea, creatinina, hematocrito y proteínas totales, y los

valores obtenidos de las muestras clínicas se compararon con los reportados en la

literatura.



Se obtuvo un valor inicial de ALT de 63 ± 8.87 UL , al primer periodo 93 ± 12.62 UL,

en el periodo 2 de 95 ± 6.11 UL, en el periodo 3 de 112 ±10.58 UL, y en el periodo 4

de 68 ± 19.55 UL; para el caso de GGT y AST los valores estuvieron en rangos

reportados como normales; la urea mantuvo un aumento creciente hasta 29 ±3.18

mmol/L, con un valor basal de 20 ±7.30 mmol/L; en los valores de creatinina el valor

inicial fue de 111 ±13.57 µmol/L hasta 118 ± 8.99 µmol/L en el último periodo; el

hematocrito presentó un descenso significativo de 42 ± 4.31% a 30 ± 13.23 % el

periodo 4, y las proteínas totales solo presentaron un ligero aumento de 6.2 ± 0.46 a

6.5±1.06 g/dL en el último periodo. Los parámetros encontrados muestran que los

organismos expuestos al Cadmio sufren cambios fisiológicos que pueden alterar de

manera permanente la funcionalidad hepática y renal.

Palabras clave: Bioacumulación, cadmio, fisiopatología, contaminación, toxicidad.

388

Introduction

Due to natural causes as well as to anthropogenic activities, there is important pollutant

production nowadays. When they are eliminated to the environment without previous

treatment, they may accumulate or scatter to different places. Such is the case for

cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) which have been referred as

capable of producing irreversible damages to organisms which have been exposed to

them, in which slight cellular damages have been produced (in red blood cells, white

blood cells and platelets) or mortality reported. Exposure continues and the quantity of

substances in water, air and soil determine the extent of the physiological problems in

animals, meanwhile the route of exposure as well as their susceptibility determine the

course of the lesions due to environmental pollution.

Cadmium (Cd) in particular, as an environmental pollutant, can provoke functional

alterations in organisms which have consumed contaminated food. In herbivores, an

important source for cadmium intoxication is the ingestion of forages or soil. In

humans, the main source of exposure is occupational, in which renal disfunctions,

osteomalacia and osteoporosis are found. Other processes which have been chronically

identified are proteinuria, hepatic damage, emphysema (when inhaled), neurologic

deterioration, testicular, pancreatic, adrenal disfunction and anemia, and in laboratory

animals carcinogenic effects have been reported (ATSDR, 2012).

It is one of the most toxic elements. Its accumulation is gradual and increases with age.

Intestinal absorption is due to the divalent metal transporter (DMT-1) located in the

duodenum, erythrocytes, liver and proximal convoluted tubules. It is an Fe transporting

protein with great affinity towards Cd. When Fe and Zn ingestion is decreased, DMT-1

expression increases, increasing the intestinal absorption of Cd and therefore its

toxicity.

The aim of this study was to screen through clinical enzymology the renal and hepatic

function in rabbits, due to the detection of cadmium in drinking water in a rabbit farm

near the industrial zone of Mexico Valley, where respiratory problems and renal

ilnesses with no aparent cause were found.




In a rabbit farm near the industrial zone in Mexico Valley, with a population of 40

animals, cases of respiratory disease as well as sudden death in stage of completion

were previously reported. Food was based on commercial feed and water from a near

well. Cadmium concentration in water was reported as 16,5 g/kg. When direct

information was gathered, growth, bone and dehydration were detected. Six rabbits

meant for human consumption were sampled to demostrate and assess physiological

alterations in liver and kidney, by collecting blood samples with and without

anticoagulant in different periods. The first sample was taken when the rabbits aged

eight weeks, and then on days 15, 30, 45 and 60. Each sample was centrifuged to obtain

serum and analysed. Hematocrit was measured using heparinized capilar tubes by

centrifugation at 5000 rpm, for 5 minutes and total protein through refractometry

(Veterinary Refractometer 10436, Reichert® g/%). ALT, AST and urea activities were

measured at a wavelength of 340 nm, using an spectrophotometer with specific

reactives and GGT activity using the Szazs/Persijn method at 405 nm; for creatinine the

absorbance was read at 510 nm (Clinical Chemistry-Instrumentation Laboratory®

).


The results obtained for hematocrit were: it decreased from 42 ± 4.31% to 30 ± 13.23 %

in the fourth period and total proteins showed a slight increase from 6.2 ± 0.46 up to

6.5±1.06 g/dL on the last period. Results for ALT were: during the first period 63 ± 8.87

UL, 15 days afterwards 93 ± 12.62 UL, for the third one 112 ±10.58 UL, and during the

rest, the enzyme decreased (Table 1). Increasing ALT values show specific hepatic

lesion due to degeneration changes up to necrosis, which is different from the increase

in AST values that show hepatocelular or muscular (either skeletal or cardiac) lesion. A

GGT increase in values may indicate hepatic disease. In this research, its values were

stable during the sampling periods, just as what happened with AST.

390

Urea gradually increased, from 20 ±7.30 mmol/L up to 29 ±3.18 mmol/L. For

creatinine the initial value was 111 ±13.57 µmol/L and increased up to 118 ± 8.99

µmol/L in the last period (Table 1).

Table 1. Pysiologic parameters for renal and hepatic evaluation in rabbits.

Parameter /

Period

Day 0 Day 15 Day 30 Day 45 Day 60 Reference

values

HEMATOCRIT

(%)

42 ± 4.31 42 ± 1.94 39 ± 3.21 40 ± 2.00 30 ±

13.23

40.5 ± 2.11

TOTAL

PROTEINS

(g/dL)

6.2 ± 0.46 6.3 ± 0.06 6.6 ± 0.36 7.2 ± 0.35 6.5 ± 1.06 5.7 ± 0.6

ALT (U/L) 63 ± 8.87 93 ± 12.62 95 ± 6.11 112 ± 10.58 68 ±19.55 79

AST (U/L) 55 ± 7.23 43 ± 11.36 49 ± 5.79 49 ± 5.20 42 ± 4.58 47

UREA (mmol/L) 20 ± 7.30 21 ± 2.76 26 ± 3.06 24 ± 1.66 29 ± 3.18 3.45 ± 0.85

CREATININE

(μmol/L)

111 ± 13.57 103 ± 9.04 106 ± 10.64 122 ± 13.52 118 ±8.99 70.7-227.2

GGT (U/L) 12.17 ± 0.75 7.67 ± 1.37 7.00 ± 0.89 8.33 ± 2.08 7.00 ± 0 9

Regarding the enzymatic values in the rabbits, it can be assumed that pollutant effects

such as the ones produced by cadmium may be altering the optimal functionality of

these animals, and that the presence of pathologies in the farm may not only be due to

cadmium exposure but to the existence of other elements that may be harmful to the

rabbits’ health.

When cadmium is metabolized in the liver, it joins to low molecular weight proteins

(<10kD) named metallothioneins (MT), distributed all over the organism, cysteine rich,

with high reactive and storage affinity which participate on free radical elimination, and

cellular repairing and regeneration. An increase in Cd intracellular levels rises MT

expression, therefore increasing susceptibility in toxicity regarding these kinds of

metals. It may also join to albumin in circulation, and is transported to the liver where it

may join to glutathione (GSH) and metallothionein-1 (MT1) (Liu, 2001).



There was no severe damage in the renal system that could cause proteinuria, maybe

due to the fact that the evaluation period was too short to provoke tubule lesions, which

may be found in chronic cases and to the quantity of Cd consumed as well.

Conclusions

The parameters found in the rabbits exposed to cadmium show that they suffer

physiological changes which may permanently alter hepatic and renal functionality.

ALT and urea levels progressively rised, indicating important hepatic and renal damage

due to cadmium exposure.

References

ATSDR. 2012. Resumen de Salud Pública. Cadmio EE.UU.

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/es/phs/es_phs5.pdf.

KANEKO, J.J. 2008. Clinical Biochemistry of Domestic Animals, 6th ed. Blood

Analyte Reference Values in Small and Some Laboratory Animals. Elsevier. UK.

Liu Y., Liu J., Klaassen C.D. 2001. Metallothionein-null and wild-type mice show

similar cadmium absorption and tissue distribution following oral cadmium

administration. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol, 175, 253-9.

Olayemi, F.O. and Nottidge, H.O. 2007. "Effect of Age on the Blood Profiles of the

New Zealand Rabbit in Nigeria". African Journal of Biomedical Research, 10, 73-76.

SCHALM'S Veterinary Hematology. 2010. Weiss D.J. and Wardrop K.J. editors. 6th

ed. Reference Erythrocyte Parameters of the New Zealand White (NZW) Rabbit

(Oryctolagus cuniculus). Wiley-Blackwell. USA.

Thrall M.A., Baker D.C., Campbell T.W., DeNicola D., Fettman M.J. 2006. Veterinary

hematology and clinical chemistry. Blackwell, USA.

392

FAJARDO MRC*, ALPÍZAR PA, HERNÁNDEZ MH, FERNÁNDEZ RP,






Abstract

Mandibular osteomyelitis is an inflammation of all structures of the jawbone caused by

microorganisms that enter through the tooth decay (odontogenic) or the periodontal

tissues. The odontogenic form is more common in humans and originates from decayed

teeth where infection can reach the bone and cause osteomyelitis. Periodontic

mandibular osteomyelitis originates from the tissues that surround and support the teeth:

gingiva, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, due to the accumulation of plaque and

tartar that may form a dental abscess. In rabbits, mandibular odontogenic osteomyelitis

is rare and may be related to the diet of pet rabbits. However, periodontal osteomyelitis

is common and develops due to the weakness of the periodontal ligament in rodents that

allows continuous tooth growth. We did not find reports in scientific journals of this

condition, but it has been clinically described in some books. The descriptions in these

documents refer purulent osteomyelitis associated to other microorganisms. The aim of

this paper is to present and discuss the pathologic findings, etiology and nomenclature

of these cases. Two New Zealand rabbits were submitted to the CIESA-FMVZ-

UAEMex due to the presence of bilateral submandibular nodes. These cases were

characterized by a granulomatous osteomyelitis with a high number of epithelioid cells

and lymphocytes in the bone marrow in the lower jaw which agents were involved

Pasteurella multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica.

PERIODONTAL MANDIBULAR OSTEOMYELITIS IN

TWO NEW ZEALAND RABBITS




In all cases of osteomyelitis, it should be inspected the dental injuries to determine the

origin of this disease and so diagnose it properly. Else, the term periodontal or

odontogenic as the case must be added to the name of this disease.

Keywords: periodontal mandibular osteomyelitis, rabbits, Pasteurella multocida,

Bordetella bronchiseptica.

394

OSTEOMIELITIS PERIODONTAL MANDIBULAR EN

DOS CONEJOS NUEVA ZELANDA

FAJARDO MRC*, ALPÍZAR PA, HERNÁNDEZ MH, FERNÁNDEZ RP,






Resumen

La osteomielitis mandibular es una inflamación de todas las estructuras de la mandíbula

causada por microorganismos que entran a través de la caries dental (odontogénico) o

los tejidos periodontales. La forma odontogénica es más común en los seres humanos y

se origina en dientes cariados donde la infección puede alcanzar el hueso y causar

osteomielitis. La osteomielitis periodontal mandibular se origina en los tejidos que

rodean y sostienen los dientes: encía, ligamento periodontal y hueso alveolar, debido a

la acumulación de placa y el sarro que pueden formar un absceso dental. En conejos, la

osteomielitis mandibular odontogénica es rara y puede estar relacionada con la dieta de

los conejos. Sin embargo, la osteomielitis periodontal es común y se desarrolla debido

a la debilidad del ligamento periodontal en los roedores que permite el crecimiento

continuo de los dientes. No hemos encontrado informes en revistas científicas de esta

condición, pero se ha descrito clínicamente en algunos libros. Las descripciones de

estos documentos se refieren a la osteomielitis purulenta asociada a otros

microorganismos. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar y discutir los hallazgos

patológicos, etiología y la nomenclatura de estos casos. Dos conejos de Nueva Zelanda

se presentaron a la CIESA-FMVZ-UAEMex debido a la presencia de ganglios

submandibulares bilaterales. Estos casos se caracterizan por una osteomielitis

granulomatosa con un alto número de células epitelioides y linfocitos en la médula ósea

de la mandíbula inferior, en la que los agentes involucrados fueron Pasteurella

multocida y Bordetella bronchiseptica.




En todos los casos de osteomielitis, se debe inspeccionar las lesiones dentales para

determinar el origen de esta enfermedad y así diagnosticar correctamente. De lo

contrario, el término periodontal u odontogénico en su caso hay que añadir al nombre de

esta enfermedad.

Palabras clave: osteomielitis mandibular periodontal, conejos, Pasteurella multocida,

Bordetella bronchiseptica.

396

Introduction

Mandibular osteomyelitis is an inflammation of all structures of the jawbone caused by

microorganisms that enter through tooth decay or periodontal tissues. The mandibular

osteomyelitis can be classified according to pathogenesis in periodontal and

odontogenic (6). The odontogenic form is more common in humans and originates from

decayed teeth where infection can reach the bone and cause osteomyelitis. Periodontal

type, originates from the periodontal tissues, including tissues that surround and support

the teeth: gingiva, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, due to the accumulation of

plaque and tartar that may form a dental abscess (6).

In veterinary, oral and dental diseases have been studied in small animals such as dogs

and cats, periodontal disease is very common and associated factors is the accumulation

of plaque on the tooth surface, among the predisposing factors are age, nutrition and

genetic predisposition (3). In rabbits, mandibular odontogenic osteomyelitis is rare and

may be related to the diet of pet rabbits. However, periodontal osteomyelitis is common

and develops due to the weakness of the periodontal ligament in rodents that allows

continuous tooth growth (1, 5, 7).

Normal rabbit dental anatomy and ethological behavior are essential for the

development of this pathology. The permanent dentition has the feature to continue to

grow throughout the lifetime. However, progressive growth is not very evident due to

continuous tooth wear in the feed, which may favor the development of peridontals

disease (1, 5, 7). In this study, the etiology and pathological findings of two cases of

periodontal bilateral granulomatous osteomyelitis in rabbits from the same farm are

reported. The terminology is also discussed, and it is proposed that the term of

periodontal disease be used in this disease of rabbits, because in the few reports of

osteomyelitis in rabbits, this disease has not been well described.




Two New Zealand rabbits about 2.5 months old, weighing approximately 1,500 kg,

from a family backyard rabbit farm in the State of Mexico. The animals were sent to

CIESA, FMVZ, UAEMex, for diagnosis by the appearance of the submandibular nodes.

Necropsy was performed on both rabbits and samples for histopathology, and

bacteriology was collected.

For histopathology, craneal and caudal cuts of the injury from the lower jaw bones were

performed in order to include the full node of each rabbit. Nodes were fixed for 48hrs in

10% buffered formalin, subsequently. They were washed under tap water and

decalcified with EDTA for 48hrs, included in paraffin, cut at 6 µm thick and stained

with H&E. For bacteriology, samples were taken from the exudate using a sterile swab

and bacteriological loop, from the left mandible of the rabbits.

Samples were seed in blood agar with 5% sheep blood and in MacConkey agar,

incubated at 37 °C for 24 hrs. The isolates were passed on blood agar for purification.

The identification and differentiation were determined by biochemical tests as catalase,

oxidase, nitrite reduction, Indole, TSI, SIM, MIO, urea and confirmation of the isolates

was performed by the API 20NE system.

Results

During the necropsy, at the external inspection showed a rabbits moderate body

condition. Internal inspections of the oral cavity were found two nodules in both lower

jaws, located just below the molars without evidence of caries, tartar or plaque.

Palpation consistency was hard as stone and immobile, approximately 2 cm in diameter

(Figure 1).

At-cut, yellowish-white nodules of firm consistency containing cheesy material was

found. Samples for bacteriology and histopathology were collected for.

398

The histopathology reveled a severe gingivitis as peridontals gingival epithelial

ulcerations and intense granulomatous osteomyelitis in the bone marrow of the lower

jaw; characterized by the presence of a large amount of epithelioid cells and

lymphocytes. Plates were reviewed to verify and identify bacterial colony's growth; in

blood agar, two types of colonies morphologically different were identified, in

MacConkey agar, there was not bacterial growth. From the exudate, a combination of

Pasteurella multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica was isolated.

The final diagnosis was severe periodontal mandibular granulomatous osteomyelitis

associated to Pasteurella multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Figure1. Rabbit lower jaw showing whitish nodules.



Discussion

Most reports of mandibular osteomyelitis in rabbits are clinical studies describing the

injury as purulent osteomyelitis, associated with various etiologic agents such as

Staphylococcus aureus, Bacteroides, Pseudomonas, Proteus, Fusobacterium nucleatum,

Prevotella heparinolytica, Prevotella spp., Peptostreptococcus micros, Streptococcus

milleri group, Actinomyces israelii and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum (4, 8).

However, this case was characterized by a granulomatous osteomyelitis, a lot of

epithelioid cells and lymphocytes in the bone marrow of the lower jaw bone in which,

the agents involved were Pasteurella multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica.

The combined presence of these bacteria is so common in the respiratory tract of

healthy rabbits and ill (2). However, there are no reports in which these agents are

involved in the development of osteomyelitis in rabbits. This injury could have been

caused by a chronic infection due to the type of diet and dentition of rabbits that favored

infection.

Conclusions

The oral and dental diseases are one of the most studied in humans, but in animals has

been little studied. In the naming task as accurately and clearly, it must use a

nomenclature describing oral diseases in animals, in this case in rabbits. As in all cases

of mandibular osteomyelitis should inspect dental injuries, performed histopathological

and bacteriological examination to make a good diagnosis.

400

References

1) Coudert P, Lebas F, Rochambeau H, Thébault RG. El conejo cría y Patología.

Capítulo 2. Nutrición y alimentación. FAO, 1996.

2) Deeb BJ, DiGiacomo RF, Bernard BL, Silbernagel SM (1990): Pasteurella

multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica Infections in Rabbits. Journal of Clinical

Microbiology, 28(1): 70-75.

3) Dogan E , Okumus Z, Latif Yanmaz LE (2007): Periodontal Diseases in Pet Animals.

Veterinary Research. 1 (1): 17-22.

4) Harcourt BF. Textbook of rabbit medicine. Capítulo 7. Dental disease. Reed

Educational and Professional Publishing. 2002, Pp. 165-205.

5) Meredith A. (2007): Rabbit dentistry. EJCAP, 17 (1): 55-62.

6) Moran LE, Cueto SA (2001). Osteomielitis. Criterios actuales e importancia para el

Estomatólogo. Rev Cubana Estomatol, 38 (1): 52-66.

7) Reiter MA (2008): Pathophysiology of Dental Disease in the Rabbit, Guinea Pig, and

Chinchilla. Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine. 17 (2): 70–77.

8) Tyrrell KL, Citron DM, Jenkins JR, Goldstein EJ. (2002): Periodontal bacteria in

rabbit mandibular and maxillary abscesses. J Clin Microbiol. 40(3):1044-7.

402

VALLADARES-CARRANZA B.1*; ZAMORA-ESPINOSA JL.

1; ALONSO-FRESÁN

MU.1, VELÁZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V.

1, GUTIÉRREZ-CASTILLO A.

1, CASTRO-

MARURI J. 2, ORTEGA-SANTANA C.

2, PEÑA-BETANCOURT SD.

3




Salud Animal).

2. Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal (CIESA). Facultad de

Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Km. 15.5

carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco. Estado de México, México. C.P. 50200.

3. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco. Laboratorio de Toxicología. México,

D.F.


Abstract

Bordetella bronchiseptica has been recognized as a cause of respiratory disease en

domestic animals, as a primary agent it can cause several diseases in animals as: kennel

cough (dogs), snuffles (rabbits) and atrophic rhinitis (pigs). According to the important

implications it has to human health, we expose a case report of a rabbit farm with 2000

animals where 35-60 days old rabbits were affected, showing respiratory signs

(dyspnea, serous nasal secretion) and green diarrhea. At necropsy the most revealing

findings were severe pulmonary congestion in craneoventral regions, suppurative and

fibrinous exudates with presence of adherences to the thoracic wall and suppurative

secretion when sliced. Microscopic changes include severe congestion, haemorraghia,

great amounts of edema and fibrinous material with neutrophils and macrophages

infiltration and an interstitial thickening by accumulation of mononuclear cells

infiltration. The lung bacteriological isolation reported Bordetella bronchiseptica (++).

The importance of this case is based on the repercussions to public health, considering

that some human infections for this agent have been related to human contact with

infected rabbits.

Key words: rabbits, health public, Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Bordetella bronchiseptica IN RABBITS SUBMITTED FOR

DIAGNOSIS: CLINICAL-PATHOLOGICAL STUDY



Bordetella bronchiseptica EN CONEJOS ENVIADOS PARA

DIAGNÓSTICO: ESTUDIO CLINICOPATOLÓGICO

VALLADARES-CARRANZA B.1*; ZAMORA-ESPINOSA JL.

1; ALONSO-FRESÁN

MU.1, VELÁZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V.

1, GUTIÉRREZ-CASTILLO A.

1, CASTRO-

MARURI J. 2, ORTEGA-SANTANA C.

2, PEÑA-BETANCOURT SD.

3




Salud Animal).

2. Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal (CIESA). Facultad de

Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Km. 15.5

carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco. Estado de México, México. C.P. 50200.

3. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco. Laboratorio de Toxicología. México,

D.F.


Resumen

Bordetella bronchiseptica es reconocida como un patógeno primario inicial del tracto

respiratorio en animales domésticos, puede provocar tos de las perreras (perro),

respiración ruidosa (en conejos) y rinitis atrófica (en el cerdo). De acuerdo a la

importancia de esta implicación en la salud humana, exponemos un caso reportado de

una granja de conejos, con 2.000 animales, donde se vieron afectados animales de 35 a

60 días de edad, mostrando signos respiratorios (disnea, secreción nasal serosa) y

diarrea verde. En la necropsia los hallazgos más relevantes fueron congestión pulmonar

severa en la región craneoventral, con presencia de exudado purulento al corte y fibrina

en la superficie pulmonar con adherencias a la pared torácica. Los cambios

microscópicos incluyeron congestión severa, hemorragias, presencia de material

fibrinoso y edema, con infiltración de neutrófilos y macrófagos, engrosamiento de

paredes alveolares con infiltración de células mononucleares. Al aislamiento

bacteriológico de pulmón se aisló Bordetella bronchiseptica (++). La importancia de

este caso se basa en la repercusión en salud pública, considerando que algunas

infecciones humanas por este agente se han relacionado con el contacto humano con

conejos infectados.

Palabras clave: Conejos, salud pública, Bordetella bronchiseptica.

404

Introduction

There are four species in the genus Bordetella: B. pertussis, B. parapertussis, B.

bronchiseptica and B. avium. The general characteristics of this genus are: Gram-

negative coccobacilli, it could be mobile or non-motile, strictly aerobic, metabolism

respiratory, never fermentative (Gueirard et al., 1995; Staveley et al., 2003). B.

bronchiseptica is closely related to Bordetella pertussis, the agent of whooping cough,

as shown by DNA hybridization, multilocus enzyme electrophoresis, and sequence

analysis. The abilities of these species to colonize and to establish upper respiratory

tract infection depend on the formation and production of several virulence factors. B.

bronchiseptica synthesizes all of the factors implicated in B. pertussis virulence, except

for pertussis toxin. These factors include adhesins, such as: filamentous hemagglutinin

(it causes hemagglutination), fimbriae and pertactins; and toxin such as dermonecrotic

toxin tracheal cytotoxin (induces epitelial damage) and adenylate cyclase-hemolysin

(increases the cAMP levels in the target cell, modify the cell function or destroy it);

those factors confer the lethality characteristic of this respiratory tract pathogen. In

accordance with some reports there is evidence using pulse-field gel electrophoresis

(PFGE) that some human Bordetella bronchiseptica infection was related to contact

with infected rabbits (Binns et al., 1998; Gore et al., 2005; Gueirard et al., 1995).

B. bronchiseptica has been recognized as a respiratory tract pathogen of domestic

animals. Evidence suggests that the agent may occasionally colonize the human

respiratory tract and cause infection implicating their health. In some cases infected

animals were found in the patients’ environment, but direct transmission was never

demonstrated (Gore et al., 2005; Gueirard et al., 1995; Snyder et al., 1993).

According to the pathologic lesions described by Dungworth (1993), a severe

suppurative and fibrinohemorrhagic broncopneumonia in rabbits remitted to the

diagnostic laboratory CIESA was diagnosed, by isolation of B. bronchiseptica from

lungs. Here is the report case. Take this pathogen human risk transmission into account.

There have been reports of domestic and farm animals incriminated.



Clinical history

Rabbit farm with over 200 population for meat. Six animals, 40 days old, were remitted

for anatomopathological study. The most common features found were: dark-green

diarrhea, dyspnea, gasping and serous nasal discharge. External inspection showed

conjunctival deshidratation and evidence of feces in perineal region.

Results

Lesions found at necropsy were: in the respiratory system, nasal cyanosis, hydrothorax,

severe cranioventral pulmonary congestion (Figure 1), fibrinous adhesions to the

thoracic wall and suppurative exudate on cut surface. In the digestive system:

hepatomegaly, fibrinous exudate in intestinal serosa, whitish spots on the liver

parenchyma and severe intestinal congestion. Regarding the heart: hydropericardium

and myocardial softness. In the nervous system: mild leptomeningeal congestion.

Microscopic lesions in tissues stained with Hematoxilin-Eosin were: in the lung, severe

congestion, hemorrhage, pulmonary edema, pulmonary fibrin deposition with great

amount of neuthophils and macrophages, mononuclear infiltration of alveolar walls

(Figure 2); in the heart, mild congestion, focal hemorrhages, nuclear pleomorphism and

wavy myocites; in the intestine, mild congestion and lymphocytic and eosinophilic

infiltration in the lamina propria.

Figure 1. Macroscopic aspect of Bordetella infected rabbit lung.

406

Additional studies

Bacteriological examination of the pneumonic lung reported isolation of B.

bronchiseptica by conventional methods (API 20E system). The complete blood count

interpretation reveals a chronic active inflammatory process and hemoconcentration,

severe dehydration and a normocytic normochromic anemia. The parasitological study

reported mild coccidiosis. The most important finding was the purulent and

fibrinohemorrhagic broncopneumonia caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Figure 2. Microscopy the Bordetella infected rabbit lung: pulmonary edema,

pulmonary fibrin deposition. (20X)

Discussion

Based on the bacteriological isolation from lung of B. bronchiseptica (++) as only agent

isolated, it matches with lesions and damage described in pulmonary tissue by others

authors. There was no presence of other pathogens as P. multocida, which has been

described in several reports of rabbits affected (Dungworth 1993; Leman and Straw

1994). Reports of clinical adult rabbits infection related a concurrent presence of P.

multocida and B. bronchiseptica, aging increases susceptibility to infection in this

specie. Bordetella bronchiseptica show a high affinity for attaching to the ciliated

epithelial cells that paralyze the cilia of mucociliary clearance apparatus. Ciliary stasis

caused by B. bronchiseptica can induced P. multocida adhesion and loss of

macrophages activity (Tuomanen et al., 1993; Zeligs et al., 1986).



This pathogen transmition is circumstantial. Pets and farm owners (cats and dogs,

laboratory animals, or pigs) are at risk of get opportunism infection. Some

circumstances as: bad ventilation, dampness, incorrect temperature, overcrowding and

bad cleaning may favor its transmition and spreading (Pajuelo et al., 2002; Schipper et

al., 1994; Woolfrey and Moody 1991).

The zoonotic role of B. bronchiseptica infection is important, and common in children

and inmunocompromised adults. There is an important risk of getting infection in

people with immunodeficiency related to alcoholic malnutrition, hematologic malignant

disease, long course glucocorticoids therapy, pregnancy, and tracheostomy patients or

those with endotracheal intubation. Patients with respiratory tract disease such as

chronic bronchitis and pneumonia are especially susceptible (Gueirard et al., 1995;

Shipper et al., 1994).

Latent infections can be activated under certain circumstances. According to some

authors 0.1% of clinical cases of human whooping cough are caused by B.

bronchiseptica; and laboratory staff sometimes gets a chronic pharyngitis from B.

bronchiseptica infected lab animals (Burns et al., 2003; Carlyle and Duncan 1990;

Zeligs et al., 1986).

Gueirard et al., (1995) epidemiological and bacteriological investigation documented a

woman with respiratory infection. The recurrent bronchopneumonia was related to

contact with infected domestic animals (rabbits and cats); the patient has no response to

treatment with recurrence of pneumonia. Cultures from the upper respiratory tract of the

animals were sterile (nasal and pharyngeal swabs), but B. bronchiseptica (strain L2)

was isolated in pure culture from the hilus and bronchi. A third and a fourth episode of

disease in the patient appeared when she was no longer in contact with infected animals,

suggesting persistence of the bacteria, despite a 5-week course of treatment with

minocycline. She needed two 5 weeks long identical courses to eradicate the bacteria.

408

A long duration of antibiotic therapy, especially in compromised patients, seems to be

important for a definitive cure. This is the reason why this report aims as an alert for

farm staff, on account of the many times biosecurity measures are not followed by

workers, veterinary surgeons or even family. Therefore, it is important to consider the

risk of respiratory infections on staff who have been exposed to diseased animals in

which Bordetella bronchiseptica may be implicated.

References

Angus J.C., Jans S. and Mirsh D.C. 1997. Microbiological study of transtracheal

aspirate from dogs with suspected lower respiratory tract disease: 264 cases (1989-

1995). J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 210: 55-58.

Burns V. C., Pishko E.J., Preston A., Maskell D.J. and Harvill E.T. 2003. Role of

Bordetella bronchiseptica O antigen in respiratory tract infection. Infect. Immun. 71:

86-94.

Binns S.H., Dawson S., Speakman A.J., Morgan K.L. and Gaskell R.M. 1998.

Prevalence and risk factors for feline Bordetella bronchiseptica infection. Vet. Rec. 144:

575-580.

Carlyle J.T. y Duncan H.R. 1990. Patología veterinaria. Hemisferio sur. Vol. 2. pp

1227- 1230.

Dubuisson F.J., Kehoe B., Willery E., Locht C. and Relman D.A. 2000. Molecular

characterization of Bordetella bronchiseptica filamentous haemaglutininand its

secretion machinery. Microbiol., 146:1211-1221.

Dungworth D.L. 1993. The respiratory system. In: Jubb, K.V.F; Kennedy, P.C. y

Palmer, N.C. Pathology of Domestic Animals. 4ª ed. Vol 1. Academic Press, USA. pp

640-641.

Dworkin M.S., Sullivan P.S., Buskin S.E., Harrington R.D., Olliffe J., MacArthur R.D.

and Lopéz C.E. 1999. Bordetella bronchiseptica infection in human immunodeficiency

virus- infected patients. Clin. Infec. Dis., 28:1095-1099.

Gore T., Headley M., Laris R., Bergman E.J.G.H., Sutton D., Horspool I.L. and Jacobs

C.A. 2005. Intranasal kennel cough vaccine protecting dogs from experimental

Bordetella bronchiseptica challenge within 72 hours. Vet. Rec. 156: 482-483.

Gueirard P. and Guiso N. 1993. Virulence of Bordetella bronchiseptica: Role of

adenylate cyclase-hemolysin. Infect. Immun., 10: 4072-4078.

Gueirard P., Weber C., Le Coustumier A. 1995. Human Bordetella bronchiseptica

infection related to contact with infected animals: Persistence of bacteria in host. J.

Clin. Microbiol. 8: 2002-2006.



Hibrand O.L., Raze D., Locht C. 2005. Role of Bordetella bronchiseptica adenylate

cyclase in nasal colonization and in development of local and systemic immune

responses in piglets. Vet. Res. 36: 63-77.

Leman A.D. and Straw B.E. 1994. Bacterial diseases. In Taylor, D.J.: Diseases of

swine. 8ª ed. Academic Press, USA. pp. 355-384.

Ner Z., Ross L.A., Horn M.V., Keens T.G., Starnes V.A. 2003.. Bordetella

bronchiseptica infection in pediatric lung transplant recipients. Pediatr. Transplant. 7:

413-417.

Pajuelo L.B., Villanueva J.L., Vergara I.N., García C.A. 2002. Cavitary pneumonia in

an AIDS patient caused by an unusual Bordetella bronchiseptica variant producing

reduced amounts of pertactin and other major antigens. J. Med. Microbiol. 40 (9): 3142-

3154.

Schipper H., Krohne G.F. and Gross R. 1994. Epithelial cell invasion and survival of

Bordetella bronchiseptica. Infect. Immun. 62: 3008-3011.

Snyder S.B., Fisk S.K., Fox J.G. and Soave O.A. 1994. Respiratory tract disease

associated with Bordetella bronchiseptica infection in cats. J. Anim. Vet. Med. Assoc.

163 (3):293-294.

Staveley M.C., Register B.K., Miller A.M., Brockmeier L.S., Jessup A.D. 2003.

Molecular and antigenic characterization of Bordetella bronchiseptica isolated from a

wild southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) with severe suppurative

bronchopneumonia. J. Vet. Diagnos. Invest. 15: 570-574.

Tuomanen I.E., Nedelman J., Owen H. J. 1993. Species specificity of Bordetella

adherent to human and animal ciliated respiratory epithelial cells. Infect. Immun. 2:

692-695.

Woolfrey B.F. and Moody A.J. 1991. Human infections associated with Bordetella

bronchiseptica. Clin. Microbiol. Rev. 3: 243-255.

Zeligs J.B., Zeligs J.D. 1986. Functional and ultrastructural changes in alveolar

macrophages from rabbits colonized with Bordetella bronchiseptica. Infect. Immun. 3:

702-706.

410

GARCIA-GAMA A.1; VELAZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V.

2*; ALONSO-FRESÁN

M.U.2; VALLADARES-CARRANZA B.

2, JUAREZ-TRUJILLO J.C.

3,

RODRIGUEZ-CORREA J.L.1, TALAVERA-ROJAS M.

3; FELIPE-PÉREZ YE.

4




2. Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal.Facultad de Medicina

Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Cuerpo Académico en

Salud Animal (UAEM-CA-3 Salud Animal). Km 15.5 carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco, Estado de

México.


Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México

4. Departamento de Reproducción animal. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia.



Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus infection may economically affect rabbit production due to

superficial and deep dermal infections, mastitis, pododermatitis and septicaemia.

ORSA/MRSA antibiotype represents a potential risk for public health regarding live

animal MRSA strains. The aid of this work was to identify ORSA/MRSA S. aureus

antibiotype in a rabbit farm. An ulcerative dermatitis case was studied, from a farm

located in Toluca Valley in which the rabbit population had dermal infections and

chronic abscesses. Swabs were taken and a biopsy performed for histopathologic

examination, after sedation with xylacine - ketamine (0.1mg/kg/25mg/kg) and

butorfanol (0.4 mg/kg) intramuscullarly.

METICILLIN RESISTANT Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

IDENTIFIED IN A SMALLHOLDER RABBIT FARM



Manitol salt agar plates were cultured at 37° C for 24 hrs. S. aureus was identified using

bacteriological routine procedures. Gram stain, catalase and coagulase tube tests using

rabbit plasma, Voges Proskauer, nitrate broth, anaerobic manitol fermentation and

aerobic maltose tests were performed. In vitro sensibility tests to β-lactamic antibiotics

were evaluated through difussion method in Mueller-Hinton (MH) agar using

amoxicillin/clavulanic acid unidiscs (10/20mg), which were incubated at 37°C (NaCl

4%) and oxacillin-meticillin unidiscs (1μg and 6μg) incubated at 35 and 42°C. Results

showed S. aureus in vitro resistance to all antibiotics. Histopathologically, a

proliferative granulomatose reaction was observed, tissue necrosis and capilar

neoformation. It is concluded that S. aureus ORSA/MRSA antibiotype was present in

the rabbit farm, therefore representing a public health risk dute to the possibility of

developing human infections from animal sources.

Key words: Staphylococcus aureus, antibiotype, resistance, ORSA/MRSA

412

Staphylococcus aureus METICILINA RESISTENTE (MRSA)

IDENTIFICADO EN UNA GRANJA PEQUEÑA DE CONEJOS

GARCIA-GAMA A.1; VELAZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V.

2*; ALONSO-FRESÁN

M.U.2; VALLADARES-CARRANZA B.

2, JUAREZ-TRUJILLO J.C.

3,

RODRIGUEZ-CORREA J.L.1, TALAVERA-ROJAS M.

3; FELIPE-PÉREZ YE.

4




2. Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal.Facultad de Medicina


Salud Animal (UAEM-CA-3 Salud Animal). Km 15.5 carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco, Estado de

México.



4. Departamento de Reproducción animal. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia.



Resumen

Staphylococcus aureus puede afectar la economía de la producción cunícola debido a

infeccines cutáneas superficiales o profundas, por mastitis, pododermatitis y septicemia.

El antibiotipo ORSA/MRSA representa un riesgo potencial en salud pública. El objetivo

de este trabajo fue identificar el antibiotipo ORSA/MRSA de S. aureus en una granja

cunícola. Se estudió un caso de dermatitis ulcerativa en una granja del Valle de Toluca,

en el que la población presentaba infecciones dérmicas y abscesos crónicos. Se tomaron

hisopos y se realizó una biopsia para examen histopatológico, después de sedar al

conejo con xilacina-ketamina (0.1mg/kg/25mg/kg) y butorfanol (0.4 mg/kg)

intramuscular. Se cultivaron placas de agar sal y manitol a 37°C durante 24 hrs. Se

identificó S. aureus a través de técnicas bacteriológicas de rutina. Se realizó la tinción

de Gram, pruebas de catalasa y coagulasa en tubo utilizando plasma de conejo, Voges

Proskauer, nitrito en caldo, fermentación anaeróbica del manitol y pruebas de maltosa

aeróbica. Se realizaron pruebas de sensibilidad in vitro para antibióticos β-lactámicos a

través del método de difusión en agar Mueller-Hinton (MH), utilizando unidiscos de

amoxicilina/ácido clavulánico (10/20mg), que se incubaron a 37°C (NaCl 4%) y de

oxacilina-meticilina (1μg and 6μg) incubando a 35 y 42°C. Los resultados muestran que

el S. aureus fue resistente a todos los antibióticos.



Al estudio histopatológico se observó una reacción granulomatosa, necrosis del tejido y

neoformación capilar. Se concluye que el antibiotipo ORSA/MRSA de S. aureus estaba

presente en la granja cunícola, representando un riesgo a la salud pública, debido a la

posibilidad de provocar infecciones en humanos a partir de fuentes animales.

Palabras clave: Staphylococcus aureus, antibiotipo, resistencia, ORSA/MRSA

414

Introduction

In the farms, two types of infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) LA-

MRSA strains may be distinguished. The first one, caused by low virulence strains, is

limited to a small number of animals. In the second one, produced by highly virulent

strains, disseminates through the farm, causing production loss (Hermans et al., 2003).

The State of Mexico is ranked in the first place regarding rabbit production and

consumption. 80% of the meat production comes from small family holder farms and

only 5% from technified ones (SAGARPA, 2012). S. aureus in humans and animals

may produce a broad variety of infections from superficial ones in the skin up to deep

ones as well as septicaemia (Peton and Le Loir, 2013).

In rabbits, S. aureus infections produces similar signs such as pododermatitis lesions,

subcutaneous abscesses and mastitis. Abscesses are present in internal organs such as

lungs, liver and uterus causing production problems, infertility and death (Meulemans et

al., 2007). Studies have demonstrated a high proportion of S. aureus associated to

pathologic processes in intensive breeding rabbit farms, thus deserving special attention

from the sanitary point of view, due to the fact that it is pathogenic not only for animals

but for humans too, which could affect animal and public health (Ortega et al., 2009). S.

aureus meticillin resistant strains (MRSA) is nowadays one of the most problematic

antibioresistant bacteria. Added to meticillin resistance, it is also resistant to other

antibiotics, with the possibility of cross transmission between humans and animals and

therefore potential risk for public health (Morales and Chaves, 2006).

The objective of this study was to detect S. aureus MRSA in small holder rabbit farms

from the Toluca Valley.




An isolated case from a rabbit presenting skin lesions in a farm in Toluca Valley was

studied. After sedation with xylacine - ketamine (0.1mg/kg/25mg/kg) and butorfanol

(0.4 mg/kg) intramuscullarly, swab samples and a biopsy of the affected region were

taken, for further analysis (Bimonte et al, 2007). for S. aureus bacteriological

identification, manitol salt agar plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hrs. For S. aureus

identification, CFU were observed and identified through routine bacterilogical

procedures. Gram stain, catalase and coagulase in tube using rabbit plasma tests were

performed, as well as Voges Proskauer and nitrate broth, anaerobic manitol and aerobic

maltose fermentations (Manjarrez et al., 2012). In vitro sensibility to β-lactamic

antibiotics was evaluated through the difussion method in Mueller-Hinton (MH) agar,

using using amoxicillin/clavulanic acid unidiscs (10/20mg), which were incubated at

37°C (NaCl 4%), oxacillin-meticillin and cephotoxin unidiscs (1μg and 6μg) incubated

at 35 and 42°C (López et al., 2011).


Results showed that the S. aureus isolated from the farm was resistant to all antibiotics,

suggesting an MRSA and ORSA/MRSA phenotype. Histopathologically, a proliferative

granulomatose reaction was observed, tissue necrosis and capilar neoformation, which

indicate chronic inflammation and infection. S. aureus may cause infections in animals

and humans due to its capacity of colonizing skin as well as other tissues, producing

acute and chronic infections in humans that may recquire treatment and hospitalization

if more virulent strains produce them such as MRSA strains (Díaz et al., 2006).

Mammals as carriers of S. aureus represent an infection source for animals as well as a

potential risk for cross infections between animals and humans, through direct contact

or animal cohabitation (Weese et al., 2006). In this sense, MRSA strains constitute an

important worldwide epidemiolgical alert due to the fact of producing severe infections

which could compromise health and life (Kim et al., 2014) by epidemic clone existance

affecting humans and animals in acute and chronic infection. Live animal MRSA strains

from animal origin have been identified in humans (Peton and Le Loir, 2013). In

rabbits, low and high pathogenic strains have been identified, which could affect

416

humans from rabbit carriers of S. aureus (Ortega et al., 2009). This microorganism has

been initially considered as a nosocomial pathogen. Isolations are multiresistant to

several antibiotic groups incluiding betalactamics. During the last decade, numerous

colonization and infection reports due to MRSA in community members have been

published, including people without previous hospital contact, with prevalence in

several body zones including skin, perineum, underarm and inner thigh (Fosch et al.,

2012). An increasing phenomenon is the pathogens’ resistance to conventional

antibiotics considered as a public health problem, due to the turning up of multiresistant

strains, which makes them difficult to treat and reducing therapeutical options (Acosta

et al., 2012).

Conclusion

It is concluded that S. aureus ORSA/MRSA phenotype was present in the small holder

rabbit farm, which might have been associated to the chronic granulomatose skin lesion.

References

Acosta P.G., Rodriguez A.G., Longoria R.E. Castro M.M.E. 2012. Evaluación de

cuatro métodos para la detección de Staphylococcus aureus meticilino-resistente de

muestras clínicas en un hospital regional. Salud Pública de México. 54 (1): 1-6.

Bimonte P.D., Rodríguez N.C., Vedovatti M.E. 2007. Anestesia general en el conejo

(General Anaesthesia in rabbit) RED. VET. 1695-7504. VIII. 6.

http://www.veterinaria.org/revistas/redvet 10/05/2014

Díaz J. A, Rios D, Gaona M. A, Matheus L. M. 2006. Apoptosis de células

endoteliales inducida por aislamientos colombianos de Staphylococcus aureus.

BISTUA. 4(1): 21-28. Fosch S., Yones C., Trossero M., Grosso O., Nepote A. 2012.

Fosch S., Yones C., Trossero M., Grosso O., Nepote A. 2012. Portación nasal de

Staphylococcus aureus en individuos de la comunidad: factores epidemiológicos.

ABCL. 46(1): 59-67.



Hermans K., Devriese L.A., Haesebrouck F. 2003. Rabbit staphylococcosis:

difficult solutions for serious problems. Vet. Mic. 91: 57–64

Jordá B.G., Marucci S.R., Guida M.A., Pires S.P, Manfredi A.E. 2012. Portación y

caracterización de Staphylococcus aureus en manipuladores de alimentos. Revista

Argentina de Microbiología (2012) 44: 101-104

Kim, H.K., Missiakas D., Schneewind O. 2014. Mouse models for infectious

diseases caused by Staphylococcus aureus, J. Immunol. Methods (2014),

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jim.2014.04.007

López V.M., Velázquez O.V., Alonso F.M.U., Díaz Z.S., Pulido G.G. 2011.

Identificación de cepas de Staphylococcus aureus resistentes a la meticilina

(ORSA/MRSA) y con resistencia borderline (BORSA) aisladas de vacas lecheras en

el valle de Toluca. XXXV Congreso Nacional de Buiatría.

Manjarrez L.A.M., Díaz Z.S., Salazar G.F., Valladares C.B., Gutiérrez C.A.C.,

Barbabosa P.A., Talavera R.M., Alonso F.M.U., Velázquez O.V. 2012.

Identificación de biotipos de Staphyloccocus aureusen vacas lecheras de producción

familiar con mastitis subclínica en la región centro-este del Estado de México.

Rev.Mex. 3: 265-274.

Morales M.M., Ruiz de Chávez R.C. 2006. Diferencias en la resistencia a los

antimicrobianos de cepas de Staphylococcus aureus obtenidas de diversas fuentes de

aislamiento Rev. Centro de Investigación. Universidad la Salle. 7(25): 45-64.

Meulemans L., Hermans K., Duchateau L., Haesebrouck F. 2007. High and low

virulence Staphylococcus aureus strains in a rabbit skin infection model. Vet.

Microbiology 125: 333–340

Peton V, Le Loir Y. 2014. Staphylococcus aureus in veterinary medicine. Infect

Genet Evol. 21:602-615.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=%E2%80%A2%09Peton+V%2C+Le+Loir+Y.+2013.+Staphylococcus+aureus+in+veterinary+medicine.+INRA%2C+UMR1253+STLO%2C+F-35042+Rennes%2C+France+Agrocampus+Ouest%2C+UMR1253+STLO%2C+F-35042


418

Ortega C., Simón M.C., Alonso J.L., Mateo A., 2009. Caracterización y riesgos

para la salud pública de la antibiorresistencia de Staphylococcus aureus en la

cunicultura intensiva. Rev. sci. tech. Off. int. Epiz., 2009, 28 (3), 1119-1128

SAGARPA. 2012. Delegación en el Estado de México comunicación social.

Weese J.S., Dick H., Willey B.M., McGeer A., Kreiswirth B.N., Innis B., Low D.E.

2006. Suspected transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

between domestic pets and humans in veterinary clinics and in the household.

Veterinary Microbiology 115. 148–155

420

ALONSO-FRESÁN MU1, GARDUÑO-GUADARRAMA V

2, VELÁZQUEZ-

ORDOÑEZ V1, ZAMORA-ESPINOSA JL

1, TALAVERA-ROJAS M

3, DÍAZ-

ZARCO S4, MENDOZA-BECERRIL J

4



Salud Animal (UAEM-CA-3 Salud Animal).

2. Programa de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Recursos Naturales – UAEM. Área salud animal.



3. Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal.. Facultad de Medicina

Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México.


Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Campus “El Cerrillo”.

El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, México.


Abstract

Microbial counts are worldwide accounted for food meat safety. There is not an specific

method to determine the superficial microbial count in rabbit carcasses. Therefore, a

non invasive surface sampling method had to be developed taking into consideration the

sampling method intended for other food animal species to determine microbial counts

for Staphylococcus aureus. S. aureus is an important pathogen that may be involved in

food poisoning and represents a public health risk regarding antibiotic resistant strains.

Rabbit carcasses were sampled, taking a different surface sample per group. Wet swabs

with 2% peptone water were scrubbed in different regions: in the thigh, back, ribs and

shoulder. The surface sampled for Group 1 was 2.5 X 2,5 cm; Group 2, 5 X 5 cm and

Group 3, 10 X 10 cm. Serial decimal dilutions were made and cultured in Baird Parker

Agar for Staphylococcus aureus plate counts.

The most feasible and representative surface for sampling of the rabbit carcass was the

smallest for S. aureus contamination. CFU/cm2 in the samples exceeded the national

and international maximum limits, representing a hygiene alert due to possible S. aureus

strain dissemination.

PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF A NON INVASIVE METHOD FOR

DETECTION OF BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION BY

Staphylococcus aureus IN RABBIT CARCASSES FROM HIGH

VOLUME SLAUTHTERHOUSES



Key words: surface sampling, non destructive method, Staphylococcus aureus, rabbit

carcass, CFU/cm2.

422

ESTUDIO PRELIMINAR DE UN MÉTODO NO INVASIVO PARA

DETERMINAR LA CONTAMINACIÓN POR Staphylococcus aureus EN

RASTROS CON ALTO VOLUMEN DE SACRIFICIO

ALONSO-FRESÁN MU1, GARDUÑO-GUADARRAMA V

2, VELÁZQUEZ-

ORDOÑEZ V1, ZAMORA-ESPINOSA JL

1, TALAVERA-ROJAS M

3, DÍAZ-

ZARCO S4, MENDOZA-BECERRIL J

4



Salud Animal (UAEM-CA-3 Salud Animal).







Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Campus “El Cerrillo”.

El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, México.


Resumen

Como bien se sabe, la carne de conejo se consume cada día más por la población

mundial. Sin embargo, se desconoce ampliamente las propiedades microbiológicas de

este alimento y sumado a ello en la actualidad no existe un método específico para

determinar la carga bacteriana en la canal de conejo sin que esta se vea afectada. Por tal

razón se implementó el método no destructivo de toma de muestra en superficie que se

utiliza para grandes especies, aplicado al canal de conejo con la finalidad de determinar

la carga bacteriana, para este caso de Staphylococcus aureus. Se muestrearon 15 conejos

de un rastro ubicado en el Valle de Toluca, divididos en tres grupos, cada uno de 5

conejos, a los cuales se realizó una toma de muestra en superficie diferente para cada

grupo; la muestra se tomó con hisopo humedecido en solución de agua peptonada y de

diferentes regiones de la canal del conejo; en el grupo uno se muestreo una superficie de

2.5cm2 por 2,5cm

2; en el grupo dos una superficie de 5cm

2 por 5cm

2; y en el grupo tres

una superficie de 10cm2 por 10cm

2.

Posteriormente se realizaron distintas diluciones y se inoculo en cajas Petri con medio

de Agar Baird Parker específico para crecimiento de Staphylococcus aureus.

Dentro de los resultados no se encontró diferencia significativa entre el muestreo por

región individual en comparación con el análisis de las cuatro regiones en un solo



muestreo; se trabajó mejor con la superficie de menor tamaño, sin embargo, se encontró

que la presencia de UFC/cm2 de S. aureus presentes en esta investigación, sobrepasan

los límites mínimos permisibles de legislación nacional y extranjera, representando una

alerta sanitaria por la posible diseminación de cepas de S. aureus a causa de la

manipulación de las canales de conejo en sus diferentes centros de distribución.

Palabras Clave: muestreo en superficie, método no destructivo, Staphylococcus

aureus, canal de conejo, CFU/cm2.

424

Introduction

Over the years, it has been undoubtable the people’s interest on achieving and

maintaining a healthy life according to today’s needs and demands, through the

implementation of optimal diet strategies directed towards disease prevention.

Therefore, it has been necessary to look for new food sources, as well as screening their

microbiological quality. Meat is one of the main foods providing nutrients such as

proteins, lipids and vitamins amongst others. Nevertheless, there are controversies

nowadays regarding its nutritional role, due to the fact that consumers consider that high

ingestion is correlated with health problems, including obesity and cardiovascular

diseases, therefore reducing its consumption (Schönfeldt and Gibson, 2008). This is the

reason why people tend to modify their lifestyle by exploring new healthy diet habits, in

which rabbit meat (Oryctolagus cuniculus), stands out as a nutritious and healthy

election (Hu and Willett, 2002; Hernández, 2008; Hernández and Dalle, 2010;

Simonová et al., 2010). Nevertheless, there has not been developed specific sampling

methods to determine its bacterial load without affecting the carcass presentation

quality.

Several pathogens which could be present in raw meat might as well contaminate the

workers’ hands during processing and handling of the meat, with posterior transmission

to other food, equipment and other workers as well (Rodríguez, 2002). To guarantee the

microbiological quality of rabbit’s meat, a screening program should be followed, in

compliance with microbiological criteria which could demonstrate that the implemented

measures for quality assurance in meat maintains an adequate control of

microorganisms. There is not an specific method to determine the superficial microbial

count in rabbit carcasses. Therefore, a non invasive surface sampling method had to be

developed taking into consideration the sampling method intended for other food animal

species to determine microbial counts for Staphylococcus aureus.




Fifteen rabbit carcasses were randomly selected in a slaughterhouse in Toluca Valley to

carry out surface sampling using different area templates. Baird Parker medium was

prepared as established in NOM-115-SSA1-1994, (DOF, 1995a). In the same way,

peptone water was prepared, which was used as moisturizing solution for the swabs

used when sampling (10 mL per sample), from which different dilutions were prepared

according to NOM-110-SSA1-1994, (DOF, 1995b).

Samples were taken from different carcass regions: thigh, back, ribs and shoulder (one

rabbit per region) according to the European Union approved method (European

Directive 2001/471/EC) (U.E., 2001). This sampling technique was performed in three

groups with 5 rabbits each, limiting the sampling surface area per group. In the first one,

a surface area of 2.5 X 2.5 cm was sampled, rubbing this area in a different region per

rabbit: R1 in the thigh, R2 in the back, R3 in the ribs and R4 in the shoulder. In the fifth

rabbit the sample was taken by rubbing the same area in the four regions. This same

procedure was followed for the other two groups with the difference of sampling

surface in group 2 (5 X 5 cm) and group three (10 X 10 cm).

Serial decimal dilutions were performed in accordance to NOM-115-SSA1-1994, (DOF,

1995a), from which 0.1mL of each dilution was cultured in Baird Parker agar, which

was distributed using a 90º sterile glass rod. Plates were incubated at 35°C for 48 hours

to determine CFU counts in the carcasses. Results were analyzed using variance

analysis (P<0.05) in a random block experimental design using Megastat for Microsoft

office Excell 2007.


In Table 1 the microbial contamination is shown at CFU 10-4

dilution. Calculation for

CFU/cm2, was obtained according to the formula: Ns = (N*F/A) * D established by

MAP-SOIC (2004).

426

Table 1. CFU counts from rabbit carcasses according to sampled area

Sampled Area

(cm)

Region CFU/cm2 CFU 10

-4

2.5 X 2.5

1 320000 20000

2 640000 40000

3 480000 30000

4 780000 60000

4 REGIONS 520000 130000

5 X 5

1 80000 20000

2 40000 10000

3 160000 40000

4 120000 30000

4 REGIONS 90000 90000

10 X 10

1 20000 20000

2 3000 30000

3 70000 70000

4 70000 70000

4 REGIONS 40000 160000

The microbial contamination found in all regions and sampled surfaces were different

(P<0.05), with the highest numbers probably representing the zones with more exposure

to the environment or handling. Nevertheless, regarding the sampling template area, we

suggest as the most suitable one 2.5 X 2.5 cm, due to the rabbit´s size. There were some

handling problems when sampling with the 5 X 5 cm template, and the 10 X10 cm

template was simply too big for the rabbit carcass. There may have been more sampling

errors when using the mid-size or biggest one, and less when using the smallest. A

previous study in which microbial load in popular markets was performed, only 1 cm2

was sampled from the right dorsal region of the carcass, finding 36% of the carcasses

contaminated with S. aureus (Velázquez et al., 2008). Based on our results, there is a

high contamination of the carcasses by Staphylococcus aureus. Mexican legislation

establishes a minimal detection count of 100 CFU/g for solid foods or 10 CFU/mL for

liquid ones. Nevertheless, the maximum limits per cm2 have not been established, but

when comparing our results with the limits stated in different international legislations

they are above 106 CFU/g in food according to Mexican legislation (DOF, 1995a), 10

3

UFC/g according to Venezuelan legislation (MSAS, 1996) and 105 CFU/g according to

Northamerican legislation (Jablonkin y Bohach, 2001). Heinz and Hautzinger (2007)

recommendations for microbiological criteria in fresh meat (total plate counts/cm2) are:



good with less than 10000, critical between 10000 and 100000 and not acceptable with

more than 100000. The microbiological counts found in this study might have resulted

from rabbit carcass mishandling, representing a potential public health risk if the strains

are capable of producing enterotoxins. Exotic S. aureus strains from humans and rabbits

can be present in the slaughterhouse’s environment or may reach the carcass via cross

contamination (USDA, 2005). These results in the sacrifice line suggest a potential risk

for meat safety and for public health.

Conclusions

Based on these results, it can be inferred that the surface method used for the analysis of

big species carcasses can be used for small ones, such as the rabbit carcass, with slight

modifications according to surface sampling, concluding that the most feasible one for

rabbit carcasses is 2.5 X 2.5 cm specially when a large number of rabbits are sacrificed.

The other two are discarded due to the small surface area of the whole rabbit.

References

DOF. 1995a: Diario Oficial de la Federación. Publicación de la Norma Oficial

Mexicana NOM-115-SSA1-1994. Bienes y Servicios. Método para la

Determinación de Staphylococcus aureus en alimentos, México.

DOF. 1995b: Diario Oficial de la Federación. Publicación de la Norma Oficial

Mexicana NOM-110-SSA1-1994, Bienes y Servicios. Preparación y Dilución de

Muestras de Alimentos para su Análisis Microbiológico. México.

Heinz, G. and Hautzinger, P. 2007. Meat processing technology for small-to

medium-scale producers. FAO. Bangkok.

Hernández, P. 2008. Enhancement of nutritional quality and safety in rabbit meat.

In: Proc. 9th World Rabbit Congress, Verona, Italy. p. 1287-1299.

428

Hernández, P. and A. Dalle Z. 2010. Influence of diet on rabbit meat quality. In: C.

De Blas and J. Wiseman (Eds). Nutrition of the rabbit. 2nd edition. CPI Antony

Rowe Ltd. p. 163-178.

Hu, F. B. and Willett W. C. 2002. Optimal diets for prevention of coronary heart

disease. J. American Med. Assoc., 288 (3), 2569-2578.

Jablonskin L.M. and Bohach G.A. 2001: “Staphylococcus aureus” In:Doyle M.

Beuchat. L:R. & Montville T:J. (Eds.) Food Microbiology Fundamentals &

Frontiers. ASM. USA: 411-434.

MAP-SOIC. 2004: Manual de Procedimientos para Muestreo Microbiológico en

Establecimientos Certificados. Departamento de Productos Cárnicos y Mataderos.

Sistema Oficial de Inspección de Carnes. Dirección de Inocuidad de los Alimentos.

Gobierno de Guatemala.

MSAS. 1996: Ministerio de Sanidad y Asistencia Social. Buenas prácticas de

fabricación, almacenamiento y transporte de alimentos para consumo humano.

Ministerio de Sanidad y Asistencia Social, Gaceta Oficial de la República de

Venezuela Nº 36.081. Caracas, Venezuela.

NOM-110-SSA1-1994. 1995. Preparación y Dilución de Muestras de Alimentos

para su Análisis Microbiológico. Diario Oficial de la Federación. Publicación de la

Norma Oficial Mexicana, Bienes y Servicios. México.

NOM-115-SSA1-1994. DOF. Método para la Determinación de Staphylococcus

aureus en alimentos, México. 1995. Diario Oficial de la Federación. Publicación de

la Norma Oficial Mexicana Bienes y Servicios. México.

Rodríguez P. H. 2002. El Sacrificio y Procesamiento del Conejo Para el

Autoconsumo. Departamento de Industrias Pecuarias. Recinto Universitario de

Mayagüez. Servicio de Extensión Agrícola. Universidad de Puerto Rico.



Schönfeldt, H. and Gibson N. 2008: Changes in thenutrient quality of meat in an

obesity context. Meat Sci, 80 (1), 20-27.

Simonová, M., Chrastinová L., Mojto J., Lauková A., Szabóová R. and Rafay J.

2010: Quality of rabbit meat and phyto-additives. Czech J. Food Sci, 28 (3), 161-

167.

Rodríguez P. H. 2002: El Sacrificio y Procesamiento del Conejo Para el

Autoconsumo. Departamento de Industrias Pecuarias. Recinto Universitario de

Mayagüez. Servicio de Extensión Agrícola. Universidad de Puerto Rico.

U.E., 2001: Unión European Directive 2001/471/EC. Reglamentos del Consejo y

Parlamento de la Unión Europea 178/2002, 882/2004, 852/2004, 853/2004,

854/2004, 2073/2005 y Directivas 2002/99 y 2004/41; por los que se establecen la

nueva normativa relativa en materia de higiene de los alimentos de origen animal

denominada “Paquete de Higiene”.

USDA.2005. Meat and poultry hazards and controls guide. Food Safety and

Inspection Service. USA.

Velázquez OV, Alonso FMU, Lagunas BS, Díaz ZS, Gutiérrez CA, Monroy SH,

Mendoza BJ. 2008. Microbial contamination levels in rabbit carcasses obtained

from popular markets in Toluca Valley. PROCEEDINGS OF THE 9th WORLD

RABBIT CONGRESS. ITALY.

430

VELAZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V.1, RODRIGUEZ-CORREA JL.

2, VALLADARES-

CARRANZA B.1, ALONSO-FRESÁN, MU.

1*, DÍAZ-ZARCO S.

3; TALAVERA-

ROJAS M.4, ZAMORA-ESPINOSA JL.

1, MENDOZA-BECERRIL J.

3



Salud Animal (UAEM-CA-3 Salud animal).




3. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Campus “El Cerrillo”. Universidad

Autónoma del Estado de México.




Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is widely distributed in production animals. It is considered as

an opportunistic pathogen, which causes multiple deep skin infections as well as

abscedative processes and mastitis. Regarding food contamination it causes food

poisoning through enterotoxins and by exotic strains such as MRSA foodborne strains.

In this study, two methods were compared to estimate S. aureus microbial load in rabbit

carcasses. Sampling was undertaken in the sacrifice area of a small holder rabbitry in

Toluca Valley. Fifteen rabbits per group were tested in 3 repetitions of five rabbits each

per method: 1, in which an area of 2.5 X 2.5 cm was delimited in four zones of the

carcass, and a swab was scrubbed vertically and horizontally. Swabs were placed in 10

mL 2% peptone water. In method 2, the carcass was washed in 400 mL of peptone

water, from which 30 mL were taken. Baird Parker agar plates were inoculated and

placed at 37°C for 48 hrs. to determine S. aureus microbial load in colony forming units

(CFU). Results for method A were 4.8X10-4

CFU/cm2 and B 5.0X10

-4 CFU/mL (P >

0.05). There was no statistical difference within methods to estimate carcass microbial

load, therefore suggesting the use of superficial sampling due to sampling feasibility

and lower cost.

Key words: Staphylococcus aureus, sampling, surface, microbial load, carcass.

PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF Staphylococcus aureus

CONTAMINATION IN RABBIT CARCASSES FROM SMALL

HOLDERS BY SUPERFICIAL SAMPLING AND TOTAL IMMERSION



ESTUDIO PRELIMINAR DE LA CONTAMINACIÓN POR

Staphylococcus aureus EN CANALES DE CONEJO DE GRANJAS

FAMILIARES UTILIZANDO MUESTREO DE SUPERFICIE E

INMERSIÓN TOTAL

VELAZQUEZ-ORDOÑEZ V.1, RODRIGUEZ-CORREA JL.

2, VALLADARES-

CARRANZA B.1, ALONSO-FRESÁN, MU.

1*, DÍAZ-ZARCO S.

3; TALAVERA-

ROJAS M.4, ZAMORA-ESPINOSA JL.

1, MENDOZA-BECERRIL J.

3



Salud Animal (UAEM-CA-3 Salud animal).




3. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Campus “El Cerrillo”. Universidad Autónoma

del Estado de México.




Resumen

El Staphylococcus aureus está ampliamente distribuida en la industria alimentaria y en

animales para abasto. El crecimiento del S. aureus en los alimentos es de relevancia

para la salud pública, por producir enterotoxinas que al ser ingeridas son responsables

de un alto porcentaje de los brotes de intoxicación alimentaria a nivel mundial. En el

presente estudio se compararon dos métodos para estimar la carga microbiológica en

unidades formadoras de colonia (UFC) en la canal de conejos y determinar cuál es el

más apropiado para la realización de la toma de muestra. El muestreo se realizó al azar

en el área de sacrificio de una unidad de producción familiar. Se probaron 3 muestras

con tres repeticiones para cada uno de los siguientes métodos: Método A, delimitando

un área con una placa de 2.5X2.5 cm esterilizada en cuatro zonas de la canal, se colocó

sobre la superficie a muestrear, con un hisopo se frotó 10 veces en forma horizontal y

10 veces de forma vertical, y se colocó en un tubo con 10 mL de agua peptonada. En el

Método B, la canal completa sin eviscerar se lavó con 400 mL de agua peptonada, y se

tomaron 30 mL para el análisis. Se inocularon placas de agar Baird-Parker y se

incubaron a 37ºC por 48 h para determinar la carga microbiana por S. aureus (CFU).

432

Las UFC se contabilizaron a partir de la 3ra. dilución. Los resultados obtenidos con el

Método A fue 4.8, y en el Método B fue de 10 UFC/cm2

de S.aureus respectivamente.

Los resultados fueron: MA 4.8X10-4

CFU/cm2

y MB 5.0X10-4

CFU/mL (P>0.05). No

existe diferencia significativa entre los métodos utilizados en este estudio para estimar

la carga microbiana, en donce se sugiere el uso del muestreo por superficie por

facilidad.

Palabras clave: Staphylococcus aureus, muestreo, superficie, carga microbiana, canal.



Introduction

Foodborne diseases are a priority in public health; foodborne intoxications caused by S.

aureus (Jordá et al., 2012) are usually atributted to enterotoxin producing strains (SEs),

which may be isolated from milk, milk products, meat and meat products (Velázquez,

2005). Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is an important pathogen not only for humans

but for animals as well (Morales and Ruiz, 2005). It colonizes skin, contaminates

medical-surgical material, infects wounds, with the possibility of producing superficial

and deep infections, and mastitis (Díaz et al., 2006; Viana et al., 2011). It may

contaminate meat and other foods from animal origin (López et al., 2011). Carcasses

contaminated with S. aureus may be carriers of foodborne infections, due to deficient

hygiene and sanitary quality during sacrifice and meat handling (Hernández et al, 2007).

S. aureus contaminates meat via surfaces, tools or by handling. because of its capacity

for environmental and food workers’ skin colonization. S. aureus in meat is frequently

related to human and environmental contamination (Yasser et al., 2009). In rabbits, S.

aureus is responsible for several infectious processes, and has been frequently isolated

from their skin, producing staphylococcosis which affects a limited number of animals

by low virulence strains. Another type of infection is caused by high virulent strains

which can infect a large number of animals and disseminate to other communities such

as LA-MRSA (live animal MRSA) and FB-MRSA (foodborne MRSA) strains

(Rodríguez et al., 2004, Peton and Le Loir, 2014). S. aureus in contaminated food tend

to be frequent in underdeveloped countries causing food intoxications and community

and epidemic acquired infections related to animal and food origin strains (Morales and

Ruiz 2005, López et al, 2011). Treatment of diseases caused by S. aureus represent

important expenses to the countries’ healthcare services (Hernández et al., 2007).

Prevention of foodborne diseases related with S. aureus involve microbiological count

evaluation of the carcass, process and products, to decrease food contamination and

increase food safety (Directive 64/433/EEC; SENASICA, 2010; MAP-SOIC-04, 2004).

The objective of this study was to evaluate surface and total immersion sampling in

rabbit carcasses from small holder rabbitries’ slaughterhouses, to determine the

microbial contamination by S. aureus.

434


Rabbit carcasses were randomly chosen from the sacrifice line in a small holder rabbitry

slaughterhouse in the Toluca Valley. Fifteen rabbits per group were tested in 3

repetitions of five rabbits each per method. In method 1, samples were taken from

regions proposed for big food animal carcasses by European Communities (Directive

64/433/EEC 2001), in which the surface sampling template was modified to 2.5 x 2.5

cm. A sterile swab moistured in 10 mL 2% peptone water for 5 seconds was rubbed ten

times vertically and horizontally. Samples were refrigerated at 4°C until studied in the

laboratory (NOM-109-SSA1-1994). In method 2, the carcass was totally immersed in

400 mL of peptone water, from which 30 mL were taken, according to the MAP-SOIC-

04 (2004), in which it is stated that the carcass is introduced in a sterile 30 X 45 cm

plastic bag with 400 mL. 2% peptone water. The closed bag was swayed and inverted at

least 30 times per minute to wash the carcass. Thirty mL of this washing solution were

placed in a sterile container and the sample was refrigerated under the same conditions

as the other one. For CFU S. aureus counting in plates, the method described in NOM-

115-SSA1-1994 was used. 1 mL was taken from A transport solution after

homogenization. Serial tenfold dilutions were prepared (NOM-109-SSA1-1994), from

which 0.1 mL of dilutions 10-1

to 10-6

were cultured in Baird Parker agar and incubated

at 37°C for 24 h. Characteristic S. aureus CFU were counted. Total count was estimated

using the following formulae: UFC/cm2 = (N*F/A) * D and UFC/mL = Number of

counted colonies x Dilution factor / mL of the cultured simple (MAP-SOIC-04, 2004).

Results were evaluated using analysis of variance in a random design with two

treatments and three repetitions per treatment (p < 0.05).


Results for the sampling methods used for microbiological carcass counts were: method

1, 4.8X10-4

UFC/cm2 and in method 2 5.0X10

-4/mL y (P > 0.05). When comparing both

methods, CFU numbers were similar. There was no difference between both methods

for evaluating contamination in rabbit carcasses. Nevertheless, this study suggests that

surface sampling may represent an accesible way for estimating microbial counts in

rabbit carcasses for sanitary screening of small holder rabbitry slaughterhouses. Method

2, which is used for sampling poultry, might result inconvenient when bigger sacrifice

volumes are handled (MAP-SOIC-04, 2004). S. aureus is an important pathogen that



should be evaluated in rabbit carcasses due to potential risk of animal origin strains that

could contaminate foods when processing meat, and derivate in foodborne intoxication

and infections by MRSA strains in human population (López et al., 2011). This agent is

sanitarily important in public health due to strain diversity that may carry risk factors

for human health.

Conclusion

It is concluded that the superficial sampling method may be used for screening

microbiological contamination by S. aureus in rabbit carcasses from small holder

rabbitry slaughterhouses.

References

Díaz J. A, Rios D, Gaona M. A, Matheus L. M. 2006. Apoptosis de células endoteliales

inducida por aislamientos colombianos de Staphylococcus aureus. BISTUA. 4(1): 21-

28.

Hernández S.S., Zúñiga E.A., Sánchez O.I., Castro R.J., Román G.A., Santos L.E.,

2007. Condiciones microbiológicas en el proceso de sacrificio en un rastro municipal

del estado de Hidalgo, México. Vet. Méx., 38 (2): 187-195.

Jordá B.G., Marucci S.R., Guida M.A., Pires S.P, Manfredi A.E. 2012. Portación y

caracterización de Staphylococcusaureus en manipuladores de alimentos. Revista

Argentina de Microbiología (2012) 44: 101-104

López V.M., Velázquez O.V., Alonso F.M.U., Díaz Z.S., Pulido G.G. 2011.

Identificación de cepas de Staphylococcus aureus resistentes a la meticilina

(ORSA/MRSA) y con resistencia borderline (BORSA) aisladas de vacas lecheras en el

valle de Toluca. XXXV Congreso Nacional de Buiatría.

Manjarrez L.A.M., Díaz Z.S., Salazar G.F., Valladares C.B., Gutiérrez C.A.C.,

Barbabosa P.A., Talavera R.M., Alonso F.M.U., Velázquez O.V. 2012. Identificación

de biotipos de Staphyloccocus aureus en vacas lecheras de producción familiar con

mastitis subclínica en la región centro-este del Estado de México. Rev.Mex. 3: 265-274.

Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Alimentación de Guatemala. MANUAL DE

PROCEDIMIENTOS PARA MUESTREO MICROBIOLOGICO EN

ESTABLECIMIENTOS CERTIFICADOS MAP-SOIC-04. Sistema Oficial de

Inspección de Carnes – SOIC. Dirección de Inocuidad de los Alimentos, Viceministerio

de Sanidad Agropecuaria y Regulaciones. 2ª. Edición, Guatemala, Guatemala. 2004

Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-092-SSA1-1994, Bines y Servicios. Método para la

Cuenta de Bacterias Aerobias en Placa y la norma Nom-109-SSA1-1994.

436

Norma Oficial Mexicana Nom-109-SSA1-1994, Bienes y servicios, Procedimientos

para la Toma, manejo y transporte de Muestras de Alimentos para su Análisis

Microbiológico.

Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-115-SSA1-1994, Bienesy Servicios. Método para la

Determinacion de Staphylococcus aureus en Alimentos.

Morales M.M., Ruiz de Chávez R.C. 2006. Diferencias en la resistencia a los

antimicrobianos de cepas de staphylococcusaureus obtenidas de diversas fuentes de

aislamiento Rev. Centro de Investigación.7: 45-64, México

Official Journal of the European Communities 2001. Directive 64/433/EEC on health

conditions for the production and marketing of fresh meat. L 165/48.

Official Journal of the European Communities. 2001. Directive 71/118/EEC on health

problems affecting the production and placing on the market of fresh poultry meat. L

165/48.

Ortega C., Simón M.C., Alonso J.L., Mateo A., 2009. Caracterización y riesgos para la

salud pública de la antibiorresistencia de Staphylococcusaureusen la cunicultura

intensiva. Rev. sci. tech. Off. int. Epiz., 2009, 28 (3), 1119-1128

Peton V, Le Loir Y. 2014. Staphylococcus aureus in veterinary medicine. Infect Genet

Evol. 21:602-615.

Rodriguez C.J.M., Santos J.A., Otero A., Garcia L.M.L. 2004. Microbiological Quality

of Rabbit Meat. Journal of Food Protection 64(5): 966-971.

Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria. Dirección General

de Agroalimentación, Acuícola y Pesquera. Programa nacional de Reducción de

Patógenos. México, SENASICA 2010.

Viana D., Selva L., Callanan J.J., Guerrero I., Ferrian S., Corp J.M. 2011. Strains of

Staphylococcus aureus and pathology associated with chronic suppurative mastitis in

rabbits. The Veterinary Journal. 190(3): 403-407.

Velázquez M.M. 2005. Surgimiento y diseminación de Staphylococcus aureus

meticilinorresistente. Salud Pública de México, 47: 381-387.

Yasser H., Al-Tarazi A., Mohamad A., Albetar b, Akram R. Alaboudi 2009. Biotyping

and enterotoxigenicity of Staphylococci isolated from fresh and frozen meat marketed

in Jordan. Food Research International. 42(3): 374-379.



438

GARCÍA SEGURA F*, ARANDA ABURTO MS,

ESPINO BARROS OSCAR AGUSTÍN, HERNÁNDEZ HERNÁNDEZ J,

CAMACHO RONQUILLO JC, PORTILLO MONROY A.

Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla,

Puebla.


Abstract

There are many parasites affecting rabbits, which also affect the income of rabbit

producers, however, no information is available in local rabbit farms, therefore the

objective of this research was to sample all of scats rabbit farms located in the

Municipality of Libres, Puebla, Mexico, to identify the parasites; 250 samples were

obtained and analyzed in the laboratory method used was saturated saline flotation,

results obtained were analysed by ANOVA. Some of the parasites that wered identified

were: Coccidia (Eimeria magna), Toxocara canis and Fasciola hepatica.

Keywords: Parasites, rabbits, flotation technique.

PREVALENCE STUDY OF EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL

PARASITES IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF RABBITS IN LIBRES,

PUEBLA, MEXICO



ESTUDIO DE PREVALENCIA DE EXTERNA E INTERNA PARÁSITOS

EN EL MUNICIPIO DE CONEJOS EN LIBRES, PUEBLA, MEXICO

GARCÍA SEGURA F

*, ARANDA ABURTO MS, ESPINO BARROS

OSCAR AGUSTÍN, HERNÁNDEZ HERNÁNDEZ J,

CAMACHO RONQUILLO JC, PORTILLO MONROY A.

Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla,

Puebla.

*Author correspondiente: [email protected]

Resumen

Hay muchos parásitos que afectan a los conejos, que también afectan a los ingresos de

los productores de conejo, sin embargo, no hay información disponible en granjas de

conejos locales, por lo tanto, el objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar excrementos

de conejo en todas las granjas, ubicadas en el Municipio de Libres, Puebla, México,

para identificar los parásitos; Se obtuvieron y analizaron 250 muestras, el método de

laboratorio utilizado fue la técnica de flotación con solución salina saturada, los

resultados obtenidos fueron analizados por ANOVA. Algunos de los parásitos

identificados fueron: Coccidia (Eimeria magna), Toxocara canis y Fasciola hepatica.

Palabras clave: Parásitos, conejos, técnica de flotación.

440

Introduction

A parasite is any organism that lives on or in another living organism, of which obtains

part or all of their nutrients, without further compensation to the host. In many cases,

parasites or disease-causing agent cause damage to the host organism.

Two components involved in host-parasite system; they are organisms that tend to

maintain an equilibrium, with continuous exchange between the two so that the basic

relationships having a host-parasite interface which is called the surface through which

the physiological and immunological exchange of importance takes place, Having

passage of substances, the host parasite antigens in the form of secretions, excretions.

Otherwise the absorption of nutrients, osmotic, ion-exchange and production of

antibodies in the host (Quiroz, 2009).

Metabolic Parasites are opportunists, if a molecule is available can be used, if available

oxygen is used for respiration or other metabolic function as amino acid oxidation

(Quiroz, 2009). The Socio-economic parasites importance lies in the fact that a country

has to suffer parasitic diseases with important indexes frequently, not only signal

underdevelopment, but also those parasitosis you are producing great economic people

losses that supports

Parasites are classified into two groups: the parasites that live inside their host and

parasites that live outside. Parasites that live inside their host are called endoparasites.

Endoparasites are divided into two groups: protozoa (unicellular microscopic animals)

and worms (roundworm, tapeworm, tapeworms and acanthocephalans). Parasites that

live outside their host are called ectoparasites. Ectoparasites are divided into several

groups: mites, ticks, mosquitoes and flies.

In Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus parasites that exist are: Nematodes:

Trichostrongylus retortaeformis (Zeder, 1800), Passalurus ambiguus (Rudolphi, 1819).

Platyhelminthes: Cysticercus pisiformis, Taenia pisiformis larvae (Bloch, 1780)

Multiceps serialis, larva of Taenia serialis (Gervais, 1847) Fasciola hepatica Linnaeus,

175 Arthropods: Haemodipsus sp. Penny, 1842 Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi

(Linnaeus, 1758 Notoedres var cuniculi cati (Hering, 1858 Psoroptes equi var cuniculi

(Delafond, 1859) Cheyletiella parasitivorax (Megnin, 1848) Listrophorus sp

Pagenstecher, 1861 Linguatula serrata (larvae and nymphs) (Froelich, 1779 Protozoa:

Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas, 1909Toxoplasma gondii Nicolle and Manceaux, only



Eimeria stiedae 1908 (Lindemann, 1865) Eimeria perforans (Leuckart, 1879) Eimeria

magna Perard, 1925 Encephalitozoon cuniculi Levaditi, Nicolau and Schoen, 1923

(HECTOR ALCAINO and TEXIA Gorma) antibody

Among the different protozoa that affect Rabbit, the most prominent are the various

forms of Coccidiosis in rabbits very often cause problems of varying severity.

Coccidiosis are protozoa which generally live in the intestine and have a life cycle that

includes an asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction. There are many species of

coccidiosis. Everyone has a preference for a particular host species and within host for

this particular cell type (usually parts of the digestive tract).

In economic terms will lose $ 55.41 in 100 rabbits, regardless mortality losses that

greatly increases costs by not using de-wormers which is a low investment to eliminate

this condition and a cost of 6.6 in 100 animals was determined dollars

Background

UAP in the dimension that is covered with this project - the study area, no similar

research to making the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry are

recorded.

Justification

For animal welfare in the rabbit you need to have a schedule of deworming by season

and by region, with the need to identify the parasites found on rabbits and deworm with

specific medication, avoiding unnecessary costs to combat these agents etiologic in

household production.

General objective

Sample 100% of rabbit farms in Libres, Puebla Mexico, to identify parasites using

sedimentation and flotation tests.

Specific objectives:

Identify parasites in rabbits on farms in each locality of RF Municiío Puebla, to map

based on the results obtained.

442

Hypothesis

Parasites present in rabbit farms in Libres, Puebla, are protozoa of the genera Eimeria

and Isospora.


The project was conducted in the Municipality of Libres, Puebla, Mexico.

Georeferencing Google INEGI, 2010.

Its name originates from the 'East Station', meaning the 'eastern' given to it in the eastern

state of Puebla. Its native name is Xalaco, meaning 'in the sand' because East was built

on an arid area, which is why so named.

Its coordinates are North Latitude 19 ° 24 '06 "west longitude and 97 ° 24' 12"

The surface of the town of Oriental is 298.52 km ². Therefore, the city ranks 30 among

217 districts Puebla for its size. To the north and Tepeyahualco Free; east to San

Nicolas Buenos Aires; San Salvador to the southeast Seco, and west San José Chiapa

and the state of Tlaxcala.

Its average altitude is 2360 m. It has a semi-temperate climate with summer rains. It is

reached by the federal highway 129 and is located 80 km from the city of Puebla.

Collection and storage of samples.

In the first stage a total of 250 samples were collected in understanding the March to

June period this year 2014 A total of 24 rabbit farmers in six communities. Barrio San

Carlos, Tétela neighborhood, Colonia la Libertad, Barrio Coatzolco, Fort Union,

Tepeyahualco Puebla (Center) Tepeyahualco Puebla (San Roque). The sampled rabbit

http://buscador.inegi.org.mx/ http:/www3.inegi.org.mx/sistemas/mapa/visualizador/Default.aspx?m=21094



breeds were: California, New Zealand, Rex, Chinchilla, Mariposa, Azteca, Belier.

English, Creole.

Material

Plastic bags (polypropylene material for anal sample), latex gloves, bata or filipino

masks, plastic bags (polypropylene material for protection of shoe), biotrol (liquid for

disinfection), ice (transportation to the laboratory samples), logs record, tapes (sample

identification), goggles.

Sampling method:

The technique used to analyze the samples was flotation method with saturated salt

solution is used to qualitatively detect oocysts, eggs of nematodes, tapeworms, and

occasionally acantocephalos nematode larvae.

The principle of this method is to float elements in feces. Saturated sodium chloride

solution is used (360 grams of salt in one liter of distilled water), which is then

homogenized.

444

They visited each of the farms, with the support of producers, a sample directly from the

rabbit anus was obtained, then one ml was added. physiological saline, each sample

number, owner name, email, city and municipality, address, phone, date, rabbit breed,

age, sex, then the samples were placed in the cooler for transport to the laboratory

identified.

To be analyzed in the Laboratory of Parasitology of the Multidisciplinary Laboratory,

the Posta Zootecnica, Colony El Salado, once admitted to the laboratory were added to

each sample, one ml TAF (Fixer conservative sample).



The material that was used in the art, mortar with pestle, 15 ml falcon tubes, rack,

funnel Strainer, plastic spoons, saturated saline solution, and slide covers, Centrifuge

Tubes, Falcon, Na Cl solution, iodine (staining) , bunsen burner, metal handles,

Microscope.

250 samples were collected on 5 samples on the following dates: 18/03/2014 46

samples; 01/04/2014- 47 samples; 04/29/2014- 53 samples; 05/21/2014,-47 samples;

06/26/2014- 57 samples.

All samples were analyzed with the flotation method with saturated saline. 3 grams of

feces were collected, macerated in mortar and was added 15 ml of saturated saline.

Subsequently slipped and the liquid was poured into a tube, labeled and placed in a

rack; were centrifuged for 3 minutes at a speed of 2000 RPMI (revolutions per minute)

for feces residues were skirt to the bottom of the tube; a drop was placed on the slide

more than a drop of Lugol's solution and were observed under a microscope with 10X

objective.

446

Results

The results obtained are 57 samples were positive for Coccidea; 18 samples positive for

Fasciola hepatica: 13 Toxacara canis and 162 had no parasites were identified.

In graph 1 the results do not occur.

Graphic 1. Parasites identified in rabbits. Of the 250 samples collected 23% were positive for

Coccidea, Fasciona and 7% to 3% to Toxocara canis.

Conclusion

In the land of Libres, Puebla, Mexico, 28 producers of rabbit, a total of 250 samples

were collected, and according to the flotation method with saturated saline 65% of

rabbits showed no evidence to indicate the presence of parasites which indicates that the

sanitary conditions in which they have rabbits in this region are optimal, and

consequently the carcasses have optimal conditions for consumption.

23%

7%

5% 65%

End result

Coccidia

Fasciola

Toxicara

no se encontro



References

Alcano H., T. Gorma 1999. PARASITES OF ANIMALS IN CHILE. Parasitol. Day 2

Santiago v.23 n.1-Jan. 1999.

Blood, D. 2002. Manual de Medicina Veterinaria. 9.ª ed. Editorial McGraw Hill.

Interamericana. España.

CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION 2010. (CDC): Parasites

and parasitic diseases.

Constable, Peter (2013). The Merck Veterinary Manual.

Entamoeba histolitica: URL: http://www.dpd.cdc.gov/dpdx/HTML/Amebiasis.htm

Gallego, Jaime (2007); Manual de parasitología: morfología y biología de los parásitos

de interés sanitario pp. 29-32, 101-122; Ediciones de la Universidad de Barcelona:

Barcelona. Libros google; (consulta: 5 de junio 2010

Giardia lamblia: URL: http://www.dpd.cdc.gov/dpdx/HTML/Giardiasis.htm

González, R. De Mar, A. Rabbit Treaty. Real official and Graduate School. Barcelona.

Volume III. PARASITIC DISEASES OF RABBITS. P 7-36

INEGI 2009. Prontuario municipal geographic information of the Mexican United

States. Tepeyahualco, Puebla

INEGI, 2010 Syllabus municipal geographic information of the United Mexican States.

NOM-032-SSA2-2002, PARA LA VIGILANCIA EPIDEMIOLOGICA,

PREVENCION Y CONTROL DE ENFERMEDADES TRANSMITIDAS POR

VECTOR

Pumarola, Agustín y cols. . Microbiología y parasitología médica (1995) pp 808-812

Editorial Salvat.

http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/digestive_system/coccidiosis/overview_of_coccidiosis.html

448

Quiroz romero, Arturo (2005) Parasitología y enfermedades parasitarias de animales

domésticos. Ed. Limusa. Mexico.

Quiroz R. 2009. Parasitology and parasitic diseases of domestic animals. p 23-25, 158-

162.

Ruiz, P. Rabbit: Management, Food, Pathology. Lido Ruiz P. Oxford University Press,

Madrid 1976.

Vázquez, L. Dacal, V. Baker, R. 2006. Principal internal parasitosis rabbits. Prevention

and control. Bulletin of rabbits. July-August, not 46. P 25-30.

450

ZAMORA E JL*, VALLADARES C B, FAJARDO M RC

Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México.

El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, CP 50200, Toluca, México, México.


Abstract

Disease monitoring in rabbit populations is scarcely done and epidemiological

surveillance is passive in type; reports are incomplete and isolated making it imperative

that strategies be established to strengthen this production sector, due to its relevance as

an alternative food producing species. The purpose of this study is to report the diseases

that affect rabbits found in the Valley of Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico and that were

sent for diagnosis to CIESA. Studies that were carried out included necropsy,

histopathology and bacteriology of live and dead rabbits of different genders, ages,

races and types of production, that were received between 2004 and 2013. From a total

of 75 cases the most frequent diseases were: coccidiosis 14,6%; pneumonia associated

to Pasteurella multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica 13.7%; mucoid enteropathy

10%; malnutrition 7.3%; salmonellosis 6.4%; hydatidosis 6.4%; interstitial pneumonia

6.4%; hepatic coccidiosis 4.5%; colibacilosis 4.5% and muscle and skeletal disorders

4.5%. The other 21.7% is represented by diseases such as: mycoplamosis, necrotic

hepatitis, otitis by ticks, pyometra, subcutaneous abscesses, psoroptic mange and stress.

Key words: rabbits, diagnosis, diseases.

DISEASES DIAGNOSED IN RABBITS SENT TO CIESA COMING

FROM THE VALLEY OF TOLUCA DURING 2004 TO 2013




ENFERMEDADES DIAGNOSTICADAS EN CONEJOS DEL VALLE DE

TOLUCA REMITIDOS AL CIESA EN EL PERIODO 2004 – 2013.

ZAMORA E JL*, VALLADARES C B, FAJARDO M RC.

Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. El

Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, CP 50200, Toluca, México, México.


Resumen

El monitoreo de las enfermedades en la población cunícola es escasa y se da bajo

vigilancia epidemiológica de tipo pasivo, los reportes son parciales y aislados por lo que

se hace impostergable el establecer estrategias que apoyen al sector productivo, por la

magnitud que representa como especie alternativa. El objetivo del presente trabajo es

dar a conocer las enfermedades que afectan a los conejos en el Valle de Toluca, México,

México y que fueron remitidos para diagnostico al CIESA, se utilizaron los resultados

de anatomopatología, histopatología y bacteriología, de conejos vivos y muertos de

diferentes sexos, edades, razas y tipos de producción recibidos de 2004 a 2013, de un

total de 75 casos las enfermedades más frecuentes fueron: coccidiosis 14,6%;

neumonía asociada a Pasteurella multocida y Bordetella bronchiseptica 13.7%;

enteropatía mucoide 10%; desnutrición 7.3%; salmonelosis 6.4%; hidatidosis 6.4%;

neumonía intersticial 6.4%; coccidiosis hepática 4.5%; colibacilosis 4.5% y trastornos

músculo esqueléticos 4.5%. El 21.7% restante ésta representado por enfermedades

como: micoplamosis, hepatitis necrótica, otitis por ácaros, piometra, abscesos

subcutáneos, sarna psoróptica y estrés.

Palabras clave: conejos, diagnóstico, enfermedades.


452

Introduction

Epidemiological surveillance in domestic animal species considered as conventional is

scarce and at its best it is carried out as passive epidemiological surveillance or as a part

of a project of status diagnosis of a certain animal species, and specific disease, as well

as within a specific geographical space and time frame. Rabbit breeding is not an

exception in this type of disease monitoring in Mexico. Likewise, there is the

inconvenience that there is no updated rabbit-breeding census, and there is a lack of

knowledge on their geographical distribution, breeding systems and population

densities. Another factor is that rabbit breeders do not have enough sanitary training to

be able to handle diseased and dead rabbits and are not used to sending them to

specialized diagnostic laboratories for their necropsy and complementary studies in

order to obtain an integral diagnosis and thus establish appropriate preventive medicine

programs to reduce economic losses and make the rabbit farm more income-yielding.

Due to the above, there is no sanitary profile objective in most of the rabbit breeding

farms, and therefore if there is a preventive medicine program in the best of cases it

only includes general and non-specific actions, according to community customs and

the criteria of the breeder and sometimes that of a veterinary doctor that may be

responsible for the farm.

Even though there are rabbit disease reports in specific geographical areas and within

limited time frames, these are not sufficient to have a true image of the zoosanitary

profile correlated to a census in order to establish morbidity, mortality and how lethal

the etiological agents are to the rabbit population.

Therefore, our objective is to cite the diseases that have been diagnosed more frequently

in the cases sent to the laboratory to identify the cause of death.

Materials

Results reports of necropsy, histopathology and bacteriology of live and dead rabbits of

different genders, ages, races and types of production, that were received between 2004

and 2013 at the laboratory were used for this analysis.



Method

Of all the cases that were received, the cases that corresponded to the study species were

selected, thus during the ten study years, a total of 75 cases were selected. These were

analyzed by results, listing all diagnosis and grouping them by disorder or disease and

reporting them in percentage.


The most frequent diagnosis were ten diseases that represent 78.3% of the total:

coccidiosis 14,6%; coccidiosis 14,6%; pneumonia associated to Pasteurella multocida

and Bordetella bronchiseptica 13.7%; mucoid enteropathy 10%; malnutrition 7.3%;

salmonellosis 6.4%; hydatidosis 6.4%; interstitial pneumonia 6.4%; hepatic coccidiosis

4.5%; colibacilosis 4.5% and muscle and skeletal disorders 4.5%. The other 21.7% is

represented by diseases such as: mycoplamosis, necrotic hepatitis, otitis by ticks,

pyometra, subcutaneous abscesses, psoroptic mange and stress, amongst others.

In 1984, the viral hemorrhagic disease of rabbits became known in China and it was

quickly disseminated throughout the world; in 1988 it infected European rabbits

Orictulagus cuniculi and rabbits in the American Continent. Mexico was the first

country affected by the illegal importation of rabbit carcasses from China and coming

from the United States of America.

Zamora et al., ( 2003), made a report of disease diagnosis in rabbits during nine years

underlining the importance that mucoid enteropathy has above other diseases; in our

current study this disease occupies the third place in frequency.

Our results are similar to the ones by Respaldiza (1990), in that coccidiosis is the most

frequent disease that affects rabbits, even though we must recognize that in difference

with our results, Respaldiza (1990), went further in the detection of the coccidian

species that were involved. As a second cause he identified passalurosis, the rabbit

pinworm; while in our study pasteurellosis is in second place.

454

The disease type is determined according to the geographical location and host, as is

shown in our results that are totally different with the ones reported by Insuasty et al.,

(2008), where they identified through histopathology, microbiology and parasitology

tests that the wild rabbit populations Sylvilagus brasiliensis found in a buffer zone of

the park known as Parque Natural el Nevado, in Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico act as

intermediate hosts for Taenias sp and Echinococcus sp., as well as suppurative

dermatitis caused by ectoparasites and bacteria such as Sthaphylococcus aureus.

Likewise, Valladares et al., (2009), reported the presence of hydatidosis in a wild rabbit

from an area close to the Nevado de Toluca, and in our study this parasitosis is amongst

the ten most frequent diagnoses.

We coincide with Valladares et al., (2011), in that the pneumonic problems are

associated mainly with Pasteurella multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica, and in our

results the first one was isolated most frequently in the bacteriological studies.

In the report of rabbit diseases by Zamora et al., (2003), there is a coincidence in that

the most frequent pathological processes are: hepatic coccidiosis, pneumonia by

Pasteurella, salmonellosis, colibacilosis, mucoid enteropathy and malnutrition. In that

report, there is a difference with our current study in that they also cite as important the

following: suppurative hepatitis, enterotoxaemia, aflatoxicosis and mycoplamosis and to

a lesser degree: interstitial nephritis, suppurative dermatitis and myositis; and

suppurative endocarditis and pericarditis.

Conclusions

The production of a rabbit population census can no longer be delayed as well as the

promotion of the laboratory diagnostic services use in order to establish the zoosanitary

profile and establish the respective preventive medicine programs. Likewise this study

shows that the most frequently diagnosed diseases were: coccidiosis; pasteurellosis;

enteropathy; malnutrition; salmonellosis; hydatidosis; interstitial pneumonia; hepatic

coccidiosis; colibacilosis and muscle and skeletal disorders.



Bibliography

Insuasty O. J.A., Ramírez B. G.F., Mejia M. L.M. 2008. Estudio epidemiológico del

conejo silvestre Sylvilagus brasiliensis en el parque nacional natural los nevados.

Boletín científico, centro de museos, museo de historia natural. 12, 90-110.

Respaldiza C.E., Respaldiza F.E. 1990. Aportación al estudio de las enteritis y

gastroenteritis de los conejos domésticos ocasionados por parásitos. XV SYMPOSIUM.

Boletín de cunicultura num 50. Murcia. 22-26.

Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria, Dirección Nacional de

Sanidad Animal, Dirección de Luchas Sanitarias. 2005. Enfermedad hemorrágica viral

de los conejos. 2-18.

Valladares C. B., Mendoza V.R., Castro M.J., Zamora E. J.L., Velázquez O.V., Ortega

S. C. 2009. Reporte de un caso de coenurosis en un conejo silvestre. XVII Congreso

Nacional de Patología Veterinaria. Sociedad Mexicana de Patólogos Veterinarios. 300-

304.

Valladares C. B., Ortega S. C., Velázquez O.V, Zamora E. J.L. 2011. Bordetella

bronchiseptica como un riesgo importante de salud pública. Estudio clínico patológico

en conejos. Revista Electrónica en Veterinaria. 12, 1-12.

Zamora E. J.L., Castro M.J., Valladares C. B., Mendoza B. J. 2003. I Taller sobre

enteropatía mucoide del conejo. Algunas experiencias en el diagnóstico de conejos

durante el periodo enero 1995 a noviembre de 2003 en el Centro de Investigación y

Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia.

Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones

Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias

456

*1HERNANDEZ R. M.,

2CAMPOS H. M.,

1RIVERA M. J.,

3HERRERA B. J.,

1NICOLAS G. A.

AND

3GONZALEZ S. J.

1. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Iztapalapa. Rafael Atlixco No. 186, Col.

Vicentina, Delegación Iztapalapa, C.P. 09340, D.F. México. Departamento de Biología de la

Reproducción.

2. Universidad Autónoma de Chapingo. Carretera México-Texcoco, Kilometro 38.5, Texcoco,

C.P. 56250, Estado de México.

3. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco. Calzada del Hueso 1100, Col.

Villa Quietud, Delegación Coyoacán, C.P. 04960, D.F. México. Departamento de Producción

Agrícola y Animal.


Abstract

The municipality of Texcoco has an average altitude of 2250 meters above sea level, its

climate is considered temperate semi-dry, with an average annual temperature of 15.9 °

C and an average annual rainfall of 686 mm. Any system of meat production has as

reason for the transformation of plants to animal protein of high nutritional value for

human consumption. The production of rabbit meat is valuable, especially when it

comes to providing high protein at low cost, since it is found that the rabbit can

transform 20 % of dietary protein absorbed in the flesh. In the Autonomous University

of Chapingo in Mexico, the records were studied and the percentage share of various

causes of death (9 categories) of rabbits in different climatic seasons (spring, summer,

autumn and winter) and three production stages (infant described, fattening and

breeding) for a consecutive year (May 210 -May 2011). During this period the total

rabbit population were 31,046. The highest mortality occurred during the summer.

Pneumonia was the leading cause of death cause with 53.80 %. Pneumonia deaths

occurred in a higher percentage during the autumn time, where most mortality was

detected in suckling and fattening stages with 37.19 % and 77.33 % respectively.

Digestive diseases were shown to be the leading cause of death in each of the

production stages during the summer with 22.40 %.

USE OF RECORDS TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF MORTALITY

IN RABBITS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE YEAR IN UNIT

EXPERIMENTAL COLLEGE AUTONOMOUS CHAPINGO

http://xanum.uam.mx/cgi-bin/openwebmail/openwebmail-send.pl?sessionid=rmjg*xanum.uam.mx-session-0.96590387434432&folder=INBOX&page=1&sort=date_rev&msgdatetype=sentdate&keyword=&searchtype=subject&action=composemessage&message_id=%3CBLU170-W29353A725BB93AB46376D7EB170%40phx.gbl%3E&compose_caller=read&[email protected]



We conclude that environmental facilities-effect relationship is an important risk factor

for the occurrence of diseases that results in death of the rabbits in all production stages.

Therefore animal welfare and economic losses by reducing mortality are factors when

root causes are considered as correct and the negative effects of risk factors through

changes in the management of the ship are identified. Knowledge of the causes of

mortality can be achieved through the inclusion of this variable in the records

maintained in production.

The more information concerning this variable is achieved to obtain the records, better

improvement strategies in handling animals.

Keywords: records, meat production, mortality, animal welfare.

458

USO DE REGISTROS PARA DETERMINAR LAS CAUSAS DE

MORTALIDAD EN CONEJOS EN DIFERENTES ÉPOCAS DEL AÑO EN

LA UNIDAD EXPERIMENTAL DE LA

UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA DE CHAPINGO

*1HERNANDEZ R. M.,

2CAMPOS H. M.,

1RIVERA M. J.,

3HERRERA B. J.,

1NICOLAS G. A.

AND

3GONZALEZ S. J.



Reproducción.

2. Universidad Autónoma de Chapingo.



Agrícola y Animal.


Resumen

El municipio de Texcoco tiene una altitud media de 2.250 metros sobre el nivel del

mar, su clima es considerado templado semi-seco, con una temperatura media anual de

15,9 ° C y un promedio anual precipitaciones de 686 mm. Cualquier sistema de

producción de carne tiene como motivo la transformación de plantas a proteínas

animales de alto valor nutritivo para el consumo humano. La producción de carne de

conejo es valiosa, especialmente cuando se trata de proporcionar proteína de alta

calidad a bajo costo; se ha encontrado que el conejo puede transformar el 20% de la

proteína consumida en la dieta en carne. En la Universidad Autónoma de Chapingo en

México, se estudiaron los registros y se analizó la participación porcentual de las

diversas causas de muerte (9 categorías) de conejos en diferentes estaciones climáticas

(primavera, verano, otoño e invierno) y tres etapas productivas (lactante, engorda y

hembras reproductoras) de un año consecutivo (mayo 2011-mayo 210). Durante este

período la población total de conejo eran 31.046. La mayor mortalidad se produjo

durante el verano. La neumonía fue la principal causa de la causa de muerte, con

53,80%. Las muertes por neumonía se produjeron en un mayor porcentaje durante el

tiempo de otoño, donde se detectó la mayor mortalidad en etapas lactante y de engorda

con 37.19% y 77.33% respectivamente. Enfermedades digestivas, mostró ser la

principal causa de muerte en cada una de las etapas de producción durante el verano

con 22.40%.

http://xanum.uam.mx/cgi-bin/openwebmail/openwebmail-send.pl?sessionid=rmjg*xanum.uam.mx-session-0.96590387434432&folder=INBOX&page=1&sort=date_rev&msgdatetype=sentdate&keyword=&searchtype=subject&action=composemessage&message_id=%3CBLU170-W29353A725BB93AB46376D7EB170%40phx.gbl%3E&compose_caller=read&[email protected]



Concluimos que el efecto de la relación medioambiental-instalaciones es un factor de

riesgo importante para la aparición de enfermedades que resulta en la muerte de los

conejos en todas las etapas de producción. Por lo tanto el bienestar animal y las pérdidas

económicas por mortalidad son factores de reducir cuando se identifican las causas que

la originan y cuando se consideran y corrigen los efectos negativos de los factores de

riesgo a través de cambios en el manejo de la nave. El conocimiento de las causas de

mortalidad puede lograrse a través de la inclusión de esta variable en los registros que se

llevan en la producción. Entre más información relativa a esta variable se logre obtener

de los registros, mejores serán las estrategias de mejoramiento en el manejo de los

animales.

Palabras clave: registros, la producción de carne, de mortalidad, de bienestar animal.

460

Introduction

In 2001, Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food

(SAGARPA), officially recognized the rabbits as livestock and the National Information

System startup statistical recording of this production. In 2007, the national inventory of

rabbits was 500.349 heads, the State of Mexico started off first as producer with

151,054 heads, which accounted for 30.2% of the national population (2)

.

For its production does not require large areas, they should not be of excellent quality,

and depending on the type of system, whether backyard, semi-industrial or industrial

work can it be fully or partially absorbed by the household. (5)

The rabbit production is a

relevant livestock industry in Mexico, despite its limited distribution and little

technological development. There are management issues that prevent relevant

information from the production units have. It is important that a record contain

information about disease incidence, housing conditions, quality of diet, genetics,

proper reproductive management, etc is kept. For other domestic species this activity is

some complexity in their zootechnical use (4)

. The objective of the study is to determine

the causes of mortality in rabbits at different reproductive stages and in different

climatic periods by analyzing records.

Methodology

The study was conducted in the experimental farm of the Autonomous University of

Chapingo during the period of May 2010 to May 2011 the study breed were: New

Zealand White, California, Chinchilla and Black Azteca. By using records were

evaluated, lactation fatting, doe, birth and mortality as well as recurrent respiratory and

digestive diseases were analysed. The results are presented in the program processed in

excel percentages.



Results

Rabbit mortality related by the season

The total rabbit population during this study was 31, 046 animals. The main cause of

death of a total of 5882 occurred in the total study period was pneumonia 53.8% and in

summer which had the highest frequency of 29.6%.

The digestive diseases accounted for 21.10% with a total of 1244 deaths, noting in

summer the highest number of cases (515) accounting for 41.4%. In winter time had the

lowest percentage of deaths (22.2%), corresponding to 1301 cases; in contrast to the

summer, where 1836 casualties out of a total of 5882 total deaths were submitted, which

represents 31.2%.

Rabbit mortality by productive stage and season

It can be seen that the highest frequency of deaths occurred during the lactation and

fatting stages (Table 1).

Table 1. Mortality percentage in rabbits at different stages of production during the four seasons.

PRODUCTIVE STAGE

SEASON

SPRING SUMMER AUTUM WINTER

LACTATION

(707/5438) (632/4157) (527/3446) (409/3272)

13.00% 15.20% 15.30% 12.50%

DOES (18/360) (63/360) (17/360) (21/360)

5.00% 17.50% 4.70% 5.80%

FATTING

(651/4847) (1141/3653) (825/2951) (871/2922)

13.40% 31.20% 28.00% 29.80%

TOTAL

(1376/10645) (1836/8179) (1369/6757) (1301/6554)

12.90% 22.40% 20.30% 19.90%

462

During the lactating stage the mortality (Table 2) shows that the category of

undetermined causes was the major cause of death with 31.78%. The pneumonia was

the second leading cause of infant mortality in rabbits in relation to the number of cases

filed, representing a loss of 26.73% (608 cases); followed by the presentation of 197

cases (8.66%) caused by digestive disorders.

Table 2. . Mortality percentage diseases in lactating rabbits during the four seasons

SEASON


PNEUMONIA

(143/707) (150/632) (196/527) (119/409)

20.23% 23.73% 37.19% 29.10%

DIGESTIVE

(23/707) (100/632) (46/527) (28/409)

3.25% 15.82% 8.73% 6.85%

UNDETERMINED CAUSES

(233/707) (194/632) (179/527) (117/409)

32.96% 30.70% 33.97% 28.61%

Of the total annual deaths (3488) presented in fattening rabbits stage, the 71.10% of the

mortality corresponds to those caused by pneumonia (2488), compared with 1008 cases

filed by digestive, corresponding to a 28.90% pathologies. Where most recurrent

pneumonia occurred in the spring and winter seasons with a 74.04% and 77.33%

respectively (Table 3). With respect to mortality caused by digestive pathologies, it can

be seen that the majority of cases (383) equivalent to 33.57%, 30.88% followed by the

cases corresponding to 269 occurs in winter time. Compared with autumn (187 cases)

was the period with the lowest number of cases presented 22.67%. Mortality with the

highest number of cases was en does (78) was caused by pneumonia (65.55%), where in

the winter time with 90.48% of the cases, compared with 47.62% in summer time

(Table 4) cases.



Table 3. Mortality percentage in the fatting stage during the four seasons

SEASON


PNEUMONIA

(482/651) (758/1141) (638/825) (602/871)

74.04% 64.43% 77.33% 69.12%

DIGESTIVE

(169/651) (383/1141) (187/825) (269/871)

25.96% 33.57% 22.67% 30.88%

Table N° 4. Mortality percentage for does during the four seasons

SEASON


PNEUMONIA

(15/18) (30/63) (14/17) (19/21)

83.33% 47.62% 82.35% 90.48%

DIGESTIVE

(2/18) (32/63) (3/17) (2/21)

11.11% 50.79% 17.65% 9.52%

PYOMETRA

(0/18) (1/63) (0/17) (0/21)

0.0% 1.59% 0.0% 0.0%

PROLAPSE

(1/18) (0/63) (0/17) (0/21)

5.56% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

The category of digestive diseases occupied the second cause of mortality in breeding

females with 32.77% per annum, of which 50.79% is the 32 cases presented in the

summer and winter time with 9.52%.

Conclusion

The main cause of mortality in this study was pneumonia (53.80%); where the stages of

fattening and does exhibited the greatest number of cases in autumn-winter where most

recorded occurrence of these. Lactanting stage was the second cause of mortality,

followed by deaths due to undetermined causes, which had the highest number of cases.

464

The second cause of mortality was caused by digestive diseases (21.10%), being the

stage of young does occurred in the summer period (50.79%).

This clearly shows that climatic factors, mainle the environment temperature and

relative humidity are both direct and indirect influence on rabbit health. However, not

only the environmental factors have bearing on the health of animals, as by observation

and analysis of farm management, other elements such as installation, housing and

sanity, show a strong influence on the health status of animals.

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thanks the authorities of the Universidad Autónoma de Chapingo

and Autonomous Metropolitan University for facilities given to the research for

facilitating the collection of information.

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468

1VICTORIA MJM,

1IBANCOVICHI CJ,

2SÁNCHEZ AP

1. Hospital Veterinario para Pequeñas Especies, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de

México. México.

2. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de

México. México.


Abstract

The osteosynthesis is a surgical procedure that allows stabilizing bone fragments by

metal implants in contact with bone (internal fixation), such as plaques, nails, screws,

wire, among others. This surgical procedure not only consider reducing and fixing the

fracture, one must also take into account variables and biomedical importance of soft

tissue, that is bone not those relating to the skeleton. The main was to evaluate the

rabbit as an animal model surgical procedure osteosynthesis of the tibia and fibula, with

reference to the findings reported in human and veterinary medicine in order to properly

address the fractures caused by trauma. Material and methods: a lagomorph

(Oryctolagus cuniculus) male 9 months with a history of falls from 1 meter high and

grade IV claudication came to Small Animal Veterinary Hospital of the University of

the State of Mexico, fracture was confirmed by radiography, was performed surgery

where intramedullary nails placed tied in with an external fixator configuration type 1

candle 1-2 and acrylic rod, the post-surgical advances were recorded for 4 months.

Results: With previous work, it has managed to establish osteosynthesis as a surgical

procedure for reduction and fixation of the fracture, therefore it is necessary to take this

research in an animal model such as the rabbit meets physiological characteristics

similar to the human, may be considered not only the fixation of the fracture, also

Medical variables and physiology of the soft tissues, as well as less invasive techniques.

Conclusion: The similarities between animal models and humans are not limited to the

bone structure in its basic mechanical properties if not in many cases gross anatomy has

many parallels.

RABBIT (Oryctolagus Cuniculus) AS A MODEL FOR ANIMAL SURGICAL

PROCEDURE OSTEOSYNTHESIS




The rabbit is an excellent animal model for studies that help evaluate techniques and

implants in fractures caused by high energy trauma in the tibial region, as in the field of

medical surgical procedures that can reach complicated microsurgical techniques are

required.

Key words: Osteosynthesis, Fractures, Rabbit, Microsurgical Techniques.

470

EL CONEJO (Oryctolagus cuniculus) COMO MODELO ANIMAL PARA

EL PROCEDIMIENTO QUIRÚRGICO DE OSTEOSÍNTESIS

1VICTORIA MJM,

1IBANCOVICHI CJA,

2SÁNCHEZ AP

1. Hospital Veterinario para Pequeñas Especies, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de

México. México.

2. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de

México. México.

* Author correspondiente: [email protected]

Resumen

La osteosíntesis es un procedimiento quirúrgico que permite la estabilización de los

fragmentos de hueso por los implantes de metal en contacto con el hueso (fijación

interna), tales como placas, clavos, tornillos, alambre, entre otros. Este procedimiento

quirúrgico no sólo considere la posibilidad de la reducción y la fijación de la fractura,

también hay que tener en cuenta variables e importancia biomédica de tejido blando,

que es el hueso no las relacionadas con el esqueleto. La principal era evaluar el conejo

como modelo animal procedimiento quirúrgico de osteosíntesis de la tibia y el peroné,

con referencia a los resultados reportados en la medicina humana y veterinaria, a fin de

abordar adecuadamente las fracturas causadas por trauma. Material y métodos: un

lagomorfo (Oryctolagus cuniculus) macho de 9 meses con antecedentes de caídas desde

1 metro de altura y grado IV claudicación llegó al Hospital de Veterinaria de Pequeños

Animales de la Universidad del Estado de México, la fractura fue confirmada por

radiografía, se realizó la cirugía donde los clavos intramedulares colocado en atados con

un tipo de configuración de fijador externo 1 vela 1-2 y la varilla de acrílico, los

avances post-quirúrgicas se registraron durante 4 meses. Resultados: Con el trabajo

anterior, se ha logrado establecer osteosíntesis como un procedimiento quirúrgico para

la reducción y fijación de la fractura, por lo tanto es necesario tomar esta investigación

en un modelo animal tal como el conejo se reúne características fisiológicas similares a

la humana, puede ser considerado no sólo la fijación de la fractura, también variables de

médicos y la fisiología de los tejidos blandos, así como técnicas menos invasivas.

Conclusión: Las similitudes entre modelos animales y los seres humanos no se limitan a

la estructura ósea en sus propiedades mecánicas básicas si no en muchos casos anatomía

macroscópica tiene muchos paralelos.




El conejo es un modelo animal excelente para los estudios que ayuden a evaluar las

técnicas y los implantes en las fracturas provocadas por traumatismos de alta energía en

la región tibial, como en el ámbito de los procedimientos quirúrgicos médicos que

pueden alcanzar complicadas técnicas de microcirugía son obligatorios.

Palabras clave: osteosíntesis, Fracturas, Conejo, técnicas de microcirugía.

472

Introduction

In recent years, the rabbit has great popularity as a pet. Such that, they run the risk of

accidents from falls, crushing furniture, vehicles and even damage being bitten by dogs

or cats. Which may cause injury endless and in the worst fractures occur. Since the early

90s and until now, has been considered a fracture is the loss of normal continuity of

bone or cartilage substance whose result is derived from a blow, or pulling force whose

intensity exceeds the elasticity of the bone (Murray , 1996; Currey, 2002). Most

unstable tibial fractures, that is, the oblique, spiral and comminuted fractures, have poor

rotation of the distal fragment relative to the proximal at the time that the initial injury

occurs (Tie Chen et al., 2012). Such fractures tend to move at a greater than 45 º oblique

stroke and obviously requires the use of an external fixator for remodeling.

Osteosynthesis is the surgical procedure that stabilize bone fragments by metal implants

in direct contact with the bone, which is called internal fixation respecting biological

and biomechanical rules (Ching-Jen et al., 2010). A fastening technique that stabilize

fractures from outside the body are called osteotaxis and is performed by an external

fixator. External fixators are intended, stabilize the bone to repair and allows natural

movement the animal (Owen, 2000). The surgeon should try to reproduce the shape of

the broken limb when not treat the fractured limb, this implies not only wrong but also

the rotation angle. He must choose whether the general or local trauma is to infer the

risk of shock, pain may be triggering this process so should be prevented and controlled.

The objective of this research was to perform the implementation of surgical treatment,

ostesentesis of tibia and fibula in the left hind limb in a rabbit.


It was presented to the Small Animal Veterinary Hospital of the University of the State

of Mexico, a lagomorph (Oryctolagus cuniculus) male 9 months with history of fall

from 1 meter high and lameness grade IV.



A clinical evaluation physiologic parameters were within the reference ranges, with 3.2

kg of body weight, the orthopedic examination increased volume static soft tissue at the

level of distal third tibia through the left hind limb was observed in the cranial face of

the tibia in the same member the presence of a hematoma was observed. On palpation

this a loss of bone continuity was perceived at the level of the distal third of shaft with

medial displacement of a bone fragment.

Raphic studies where fracture was observed in the distal metaphysis of the tibia and

fibula with presence of two laterally displaced free chips was performed.

Surgical procedure

After radiographic study, owners proposed performing the surgery because the fracture.

Considering the type of operation, it was decided to anesthetize the animal. The overall

health of the rabbit was assessed before the anesthetic or surgical event. Clinicians

ensured that had no clinical signs of respiratory disease (sneezing, lacrimation or nose)

in addition to the absence of diarrhea, since patients with these abnormalities should not

be considered candidates for surgical procedures. During surgery, an intramedullary nail

tied in with an external fixator configuration type 1 candle 1-2 and acrylic rod was

placed.

Postoperative management

It was decided to send the patient home because it showed stress immediately after

anesthetic recovery. Enrofloxacin was prescribed a 5 mg / kg / PO / BID for 10 days

and Meloxicam 0.3 mg / kg PO SID for 3 days.

474

Results

Postoperative follow-up

First review

Seven days after surgery, the patient was brought to review. The owners commented

that the rabbit ate less and had decreased water consumption, defecated and urinated

normally. They said that a day before the review had jumped from a height of 10 cm

and after that I do not support the operated limb as he had done before. We proceeded to

the physical and orthopedic examination. Lameness grade III, manipulation extension

angle decreased level tarso-tibial joint was identified. In distal tibia midshaft volume

increase of palpable bone tissue. When inspecting the surgical wound erythema and was

attached by 3 points with simple suture separate devitalization of tissue in the central

portion. Washing the wound and inserts nails external fixator applied aloe (aloe vera) in

the surgical wound was performed. Was administered via SC meloxicam 0.2 mg / kg

and was sent home with enrofloxacin 5 mg / kg PO BID.

Second review

17 days after surgery, anamnesis was performed identifying that the patient had diarrhea

after eating certain foods (toast, bread, chocolate and biscuits). Clinical examination

identified during exploration of Left member and the femorotibial region slight

erythema in the presence of an eroded in the proximal part of the tibia on the inside

area. The surgical wound was characterized by a process of healing with increased

volume of tissue adjacent to the hematoma decreased. Wound cleansing and pin

insertion of the external fixator was performed, all coupled with the application of aloe.

Meloxicam administration was suspended and sent home with enrofloxacin at 5 mg / kg

PO BID for 5 days, cleaning the wound, the external fixator once a day and you put an

Elizabethan collar to prevent licking the rabbit underwent surgery area.

Third review

30 days after surgery, the results indicate no history of diarrhea and absence placement

Elizabethan collar was take out. At physical examination, light skin lesions are

observed. Static orthopedic examination, enlargement of bone level distal palpable,

dynamically presents lameness grade III and slight decrease in the extent of tarsotibial

joint. It refers to relative rest house, usual diet and 0.05% chlorhexidine SID.



Fourth review

At 47 days post surgery, the owner says the patient and supports over the operated

extremity orthopedic examination shows lameness grade II, muscle atrophy and

increased bone level distal third of tibia. Study radiograph is performed and refers home

with cleaning the wound and insertion points of nails.

Fifth review

In 56 days this review was conducted, the clinical examination, the patient was

observed scratching ears and scabs were found in these. On inspection of ear canals

hyperemia active scabs and itching was observed. In left hind limb was confirmed that

the external fixator was clean and functional. In the medial surgical scar. Al orthopedic

examination grade 1 left hind limb claudication, although the patient continued decrease

in muscle mass.

The patient is sent home with 0.5 ml of benzoyl peroxide in each ear once a week until

the next revision, it was recommended to continue cleaning the pin insertion.

Radiograph in which the fracture line and minimal tissue formation was observed bone

repair was performed.

Sixth review

At 61 days, the patient no presented itching ears but a small crust was observed circular

1 mm in diameter at the entrance of the ear canal of the right ear. In left member in the

proximal nail hyperemia was observed in medial level without secretions and the

external fixator is kept clean and functional. Hair growth was observed in surgical site,

general decrease in muscle tissue throughout the member. The patient was sent home

with clean nails at its insertion into skin and benzoyl peroxide in each ear.

Seventh review

At 63 days, it was observed that the external fixator was functional and clean, it refers to

the area of sedation and anesthesia for removal of implants, enrofloxacin was

administered 8 mg / kg / sc single dose. Radiographic control study where persistence of

the fracture line was performed appreciated and scar tissue.

476

Eighth revision

At 129 days, the review of which patient was clinically healthy was performed

radiograph was observed callus formation and stability of the fracture. The patient was

discharged.

Discussion

In this clinical case, the surgeon identified a number of factors that allowed him to

know what type of injury he was facing and based on that, determine orthopedic

surgical technique that was recommended in these cases. Tasuyama et al. (2000)

reported that in cases of compound fracture, the veterinary surgeon must carefully

consider the type of injury you face, considering clinical, biological and mechanical

individual patient factors.

The basic principles for the treatment of fractures in small size mammals are similar to

those established in mammals large size for both rigid stabilization and anatomic

alignment with minimal disruption in the formation of callus tissue dissection and

included soft (Tista, 1993, Friedenberg et al., 2011). Whatever mentioned in literature,

working with rabbits patients, the orthopedic surgeon is faced with the problems

inherent in working with rabbit bones, highlighting the small size and fragility.

Although this difficulty, we must find a way to keep the forces exerted on the fracture.

Here, Avery (2013) reported that the compression, rotation and bending forces are

exerted on the fracture and be neutralized to promote fracture healing.

A study by Fornells et al. (2005) showed clearly that the fibula does not have enough to

stabilize a proximal tibia fracture rabbit capacity. Therefore, although a fractured tibia

which is not accompanied by a broken fibula can not be stabilized without the help of

an external fixator to occur. Any fixative used should be well tolerated by the patient

and in turn, should enable them to develop the extent possible, the natural behavior of

the species. The main factors for bone remodeling are the periosteum and neurovascular

factors (Hiertonn, 1956; Ring, 1957; Kellerova et al, 1970;. Weber, 1977; Houghton and

Dekel, 1979; Pauwels, 1980, Auer and Martens, 1982; Eckardt et al. 2003).



Ching-Jen et al. (2010) mentioned that the angle in the fracture affects the orientation of

the joint surfaces and the alignment of all the member and therefore does not cause

deformity only in the bone but also in the rest of the limb.

The misalignment of the surfaces of the joint will have a much stronger effect on the

mechanics of the misalignment extremity in the fracture (Bottinelli et al. 1996).

Furthermore, the owner cooperation is very important for patient controlling. It is

preferable to hospitalize the animal that is not going to be controlled (Hulse and

Johnson, 1999). It is considered that the success of this case was related to proper

cooperation of the owner, the appropriate surgical procedure and postoperative

management.

During the postoperative period, the rabbit remained content in their habitat and relative

rest given the severity of your fracture, it was suggested to stimulate the rabbit will

support slightly weight (not too much) on the operated to accelerate ossification

member. Chidgy, 1986 and Uri et al. 2008, indicate that the severity of the fracture

makes it necessary to take a number of precautions postoperatively. Ruiz (2001)

indicated the importance of the animal bear weight as soon as possible to stimulate the

creation of fracture callus, suggesting that it is a controlled movement without much

weight bearing, which can not be done if the patient is loose or without control. With

these considerations, the veterinary surgeon should be able to choose the containment

system used.

Orthopedic surgery currently has among its main challenges the treatment of

complicated fractures. The use and combination of various surgical and fixing methods

different techniques are, in most cases, the only way to carry out an effective treatment.

478

The results obtained with this type of case in the Small Animal Hospital of the

University of the State of Mexico have had a high success rate. However, we can not

standardize these treatments since variability and mechanical requirements make it

impractical fractures. The results in the treatment of these fractures are significantly

improved thanks to the emergence of new materials. This, coupled with the gradual

trend towards specialization of the clinician, is reflected in a greater number of

treatment options and a marked improvement in the prognosis of these diseases.

Conclusion

Surgical treatment combined with the medical treatment the patient's condition

improved, avoiding the loss of function of the left member. This includes an integrated

management, taking into account the needs and abilities of the patient, physical therapy

is a complementary part and is one of the most important resources that are generally

not given the importance it deserves, both in orthopedic diseases, such as joint,

neurological and muscle.

References

Fornells P., Gómez M.J., García J.M,. Bea J.A, Seral B., Albareda J., Doblaré M.

2005. Estudio de la capacidad estabilizadora del peroné en fracturas de tibia de conejo.

Biomecánica. 13(1):7-15.

Currey J.D. 2002. Bones. Structure and mechanics. Princeton and Oxford: Princeton

University Press.

Avery Bennett R. 2013. Rabbit and rodent orthopedics. Western Veterinary

Conference. Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA

Murray D.W., Wilson-MacDonald J., Morscher E., Rahn B.A., ka slin M. 1996. Bone

growth and remodelling after fracture. British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint

Surgery. 78-b(1).

Hiertonn T. 1956. Arteriovenous anastomoses and acceleration of bone growth. Acta

Orthop Scand. 26:322-324.

Ring P.A. 1957. Shortening and paralysis in poliomyelitis. Lancet. 2:980-983.



Kellerova E., Delius W., Olerud S., Strom G. 1970. Changes in the muscle and skin

blood flow following lower leg fracture in man. Acta Orthop Scand. 41:249-260.

Weber B.G. 1977. Fibrous interposition causing valgus deformity after fracture of the

upper tibial metaphysis in children. J Bone Joint Surg. 59-B:290-292.

Houghton G.R., Dekel S. 1979. The periosteal control of long bone growth: an

experimental study in the rat. Acta Orthop Scand. 50:635-637.

Pauwels F. 1980. Biomechanics of the locomotor apparatus. Translated by Maquet P

and Furlong R. Berlin, etc: Springer-Verlag.

Auer J.A, Martens R.J. 1982. Periosteal transection and periosteal stripping for

correction of angular limb deformities in foals. Am J Vet Res. 43:1530-1534.

Tie Chen., Ren-Fa L., Zhi-Ying Z., Qing-Tong Z., Zhong-Da Y. 2012. Application of

ultrasonic inspection in monitoring dynamic healing of mandibular fracture in rabbit

model. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine. 406-409

Chidgy L. 1986. Vascular reorganization and return of rigidity in fracture healing. J

Orthop Res. 4(2): 73-175.

Bottinelli O., Calliada F., Campani R. 1996. Bone callus possible assessment with

color Doppler ultrasonography normal bone healing process. Radiol Med 91(5):537-

538.

Uri F., Javier N., Estela D. 2008. Ultrasonography as a diagnostic modality of tibial

stress fractures. J Musculoskeletal Res. 11(2):55-61.

Owen M.A. 2000. Use of the Ilizarov method to manage a septic tibial fracture

nonunion with a large cortical defect. JSAP. 41(3):124-127.

Ruiz MP. 2001. Ortopedia en Pequeños Animales. 1ª Ed. Pfizer Salud Animal,

Madrid. 59-60; 64-71.

Hulse DA, Johnson AL. 1999. Manejo de Fracturas específicas.En: Fossum TW.

Cirugía en Pequeños Animales. 1ª Ed. InterMédica, Buenos Aires. 831-955.

Tista C. 1993. Tranquilización y anestesia en animales de la fauna silvestre y algunos

casos médico quirúrgicos. FMVZ-UN.A.M., México.

480

Friedenberg Z.B., Roberts P., Gdidizian N.H., Brighton C.T. 2011. Stimulation of

Fracture Healing by Direct Current in the Rabbit Fibula. J Bone Joint Surg Am.

53:1400-1408.

Ching-Jen W., Ko-En Huang M.D., Yi-Chih Sun B.A., Ya-Ju Yang B.A., Jih-Yang Ko

M.D., Lin-Hsiu Weng M.D., Feng-Sheng Wang. 2010. VEGF Modulates

Angiogenesis and Osteogenesis in Shockwave-Promoted Fracture Healing in Rabbits.

Journal of Surgical Research. 1-6.

Tasuyama K., Maezawa Y., Baba H. 2000. Expression of various growth factors for

cell population and cytodifferentiation during fracture repair of bone. Eur J

Histochem. 44:269.

Eckardt H., Bundgaard K.G., Christensen K.S. 2003. Effect of locally applied vascular

endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF inhibitor to the rabbit tibia during

distraction osteogenesis. J Orthop Res. 21:335.

482

ALONSO-FRESÁN MU1*, VALLADARES-CARRANZA B

1, VELÁZQUEZ-

ORDOÑEZ V1, BARBABOSA-PLIEGO A

1, CASTRO-GANDARILLA J

1,

REYES-ÁNGELES JF1, LEE-MORENO JL

2, TREMARI-TRUEBA RM

2,

ORTEGA-SANTANA C1







Abstract

Copper is an essential enzymatic cofactor involved in connective tissue formation,

pigmentation and energy production. Due to its importance, the objective of this study

was to analyse the physiopathology of renal and hepatic damage in rabbits fed alfalfa

with high copper concentration in a rabbit farm in the State of Mexico. Twelve rabbits

were sampled, taking 4 mL of blood from the auricular vein with and without

anticoagulant in different periods to evaluate physiological parameters: ALT (alanine

aminotransferase), AST (aspartate transferase), GGT (gamma glutamyl transferase),

urea, creatinine, hematocrit and total proteins. The first samples were taken when the

rabbits aged 8 weeks, and then 15, 30, 45 and 60 days afterwards.

PHYSIOPATHOLOGY IN RABBITS DUE TO DIETS WITH

INCREASED COPPER CONCENTRATION



Each sample was centrifuged for serum separation, and biochemical analysis performed.

Initial ALT levels were 48 ± 13.89 UL increasing to a final level of 64 ± 4.16 UL in day

60; AST levels on day 45 were 33 ± 4.73 increasing to 51 ± 23.12 UL on day 60;

average GGT levels were 10 ± 2 UL; initial hematocrit found was 43 ± 2.50% and 37 ±

14.57 % at 60 days; total protein concentration started in 7.2 ± 0.49 and decreased to

5.83 ± 0.15g/dL 45 days after; urea increased from 0.3 ± 0.10 mmol/L up to 27 ± 1.65

mmol/L on day 60; initial creatinine levels were 90.18 ± 6.47 µmol/L increasing up to

121 ± 6.53 µmol/L in the last period. The parameters obtained showed altered

erythrocyte, renal and hepatic physiology, due to rabbit exposure to high copper levels

in feed.

Key words: Copper, rabbit, hematocrit, total proteins, clinical enzymology, liver,

kidney.

484

FISIOPATOLOGÍA EN CONEJOS OCASIONADA POR EL

INCREMENTO EN LA CONCENTRACIÓN DE

COBRE EN EL ALIMENTO

ALONSO-FRESÁN MU1*, VALLADARES-CARRANZA B

1, VELÁZQUEZ-

ORDOÑEZ V1, BARBABOSA-PLIEGO A

1, CASTRO-GANDARILLA J

1,

REYES-ÁNGELES JF1, LEE-MORENO JL

2, TREMARI-TRUEBA RM

2,

ORTEGA-SANTANA C1







Resumen

El cobre actúa como cofactor enzimático, es esencial para la utilización del hierro, la

formación de tejido conectivo, la pigmentación y la producción energética. El objetivo

del presente estudio fue analizar la fisiopatología del daño renal y hepático en conejos

alimentados con alfalfa con alto contenido en cobre, se trabajó en una explotación

cunícola del Estado de México en donde se muestrearon 6 conejos en diferentes

periodos de muestreo, colectando 4 mL de sangre en tubos de vidrio con y sin

anticoagulante, de la vena marginal auricular para evaluar los parámetros fisiológicos de

hematocrito, proteínas totales, ALT, AST, GGT, urea, creatinina, el primer muestreo

se realizó a partir de las 8 semanas de edad y a los 15, 30, 45 y 60 días posteriores, cada

una de las muestras se centrifugaron y se dividieron en alícuotas para su posterior

análisis en el laboratorio, y los resultados de los parámetros obtenidos se compararon

con los de referencia.



El valor del hematocrito al día 1 fue de 43 ± 2.50% y de 37 ± 14.57 % a los 60 días; la

concentración de proteínas totales de 7.2 ± 0.49 a 5.83 ± 0.15g/dL a los 45 días; los

valores de ALT fueron de 48 ± 13.89 UL al muestreo 1 y al final de 64 ± 4.16 UL; para

el caso de GGT los valores promedio fueron de 10 ± 2 UL; para la AST al día 45 con

33 ± 4.73 a 51 ± 23.12 UL al día 60; en urea de 0.3 ± 0.10 mmol/L en el muestreo basal,

y de 27 ± 1.65 mmol/L al día 60; en los valores de creatinina el valor inicial fue de

90.18 ± 6.47 µmol/L hasta 121 ± 6.53 µmol/L en el último periodo. Los parámetros

obtenidos muestran que los conejos expuestos a cobre sufren cambios fisiológicos que

alteran la fisiología eritrocitaria, renal y hepática.

Palabras clave: Cobre, conejo, hematocrito, proteínas totales, enzimología clínica,

hígado, riñón.

486

Introduction

Copper is an essential body mineral, which is part of the enzymes ferro-oxidase,

cytochrome oxidase, superoxide dismutase, amine oxidase, uricase and dopamine--

hydroxylase and some others. Therefore, it should be present in low quantities as a

micronutrient, needing it for growth, energy production, pigmentation, connective tissue

formation, blood cell production and for functional and structural maintainance of

nervous cells. Copper from feed reaches the intestine where it is absorbed in small

quantities, and the rest (more than 90-95%) is eliminated through feces. It passes to

blood and transported to the liver, where it accumulates. Copper as the rest of the

essential minerals may become toxic when concentrations exceed the limits. Copper

intoxication phases include: copper accumulation first, lasting days to months

depending on the quantity in the diet, the absorption percentage and factors regarding

deposition and mobilization, with no effect on the animal’s behavior. During the

second phase, known as hemolytic crisis, the apoptosis of hepatic cells and copper

liberation to circulation occurs. This circulating copper destroys red blood cells (up to

60%) liberating hemoglobin. The toxic effect of this element provokes hemolysis,

hepatic necrosis and gastrointestinal hemorrages. When chronic intoxications occur,

respiratory irritation, gastrointestinal alterations and contact dermititis may be present.

Systemically, hemolytic anemia, hepatic degeneration, renal, cerebral and visual

alterations are originated. The objective of this research was to evaluate the hepatic and

renal function in rabbits with exposure to copper in the diet and to document the effect

of high levels of this micronutrient.


A New Zealand rabbit farm with 100 fattening animals was chosen, due to spontaneous

diarrheic cases, weakness and mortality of 2-3%. Feeding was undertaken ad libitum

with commercial Purina® (16 % protein, 3% fat, 17 % fiber, 10 % ashes, 12% de

humidity, 42.5 % nitrogen free extract, 1 % calcium and 0.55 % phosphorus) and

drinking water. Green alfalfa was added, which was cultivated and fertilized with

poultry manure and well water, in which an atomic absorption spectrophotometric

analysis for copper was measured (19,2 mg/kg).



Twelve rabbits for human consumption were sampled in different periods, starting at

age 8 weeks, and then 15, 30, 45 and 60 days afterwards, collecting 4 mL of blood in

Vacutainer tubes with and without anticoagulant (Vacutainer, SST: Becton-Dickinson,

U.S.A.), taken from the auricular vein, to evaluate the following physiologic

parameters: ALT, AST, GGT, urea and creatinine, hematocrit and total proteins.

Samples were centrifuged to obtain serum and analysed in the laboratory, and the

results were compared with reference values for rabbits. Analite parameters were

obtained through spectrophotometry, ALT and AST activities through a modified

method without pyridoxal phosphate, measuring absorbance at 340 nm; for GGT the

Szazs/Persijn method was used; measuring absorbance at 405 nm; urea was measured

through urease/GLDH enzymatic method at 340 nm; and creatinine through

colorimetric method based on the creatinine reaction with picric acid in alcaline medium

at 510 nm (Clinical chemistry: Instrumentation laboratory®

). Hematocrit was measured

using heparinized capilar tubes by centrifugation at 5000 rpm, for 5 minutes and total

protein through refractometry (Veterinary Refractometer 10436, Reichert®

g/%).


Regarding serum enzymes, ALT initial value was 48 ± 13.89 U/L, in period 1, 49 ±

15.25 U/L, in period 2, 60 ± 22.50 U/L, stabilizing in period 3 to 46 ± 19.08 U/L, with

64 ± 4.16 U/L in the last period; GGT values were reported as normal; AST values

decreased in period 3 to 33± 4.73 U/L, maintaining normal values in the rest; urea

progressively increased up to 27 ±1.65 mmol/L, with an initial value of 0.3 ± 0.10

mmol/L; creatinine initial values were 90.18 ± 6.47 µmol/L and increased up to 121 ±

6.53 µmol/L in the last period (Table 1).

488

Table 2. Hepatic and renal physiological parameters in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

from a farm in the State of Mexico

Hematocrit significantly decreased from 43 ± 2.50% to 37 ± 14.57 % in the fourth

period, and total proteins just showed a slight decrease from 7.2 ± 0.49 to 5.83 ±

0.15g/dL in the third one. Due to the high affinity of copper to sulphur or nitrogen, it

forms very stable coordination complexes. It joins to thyolic groups in hemoglobin and

in the cellular membrane, provoking cellular lysis. By glutathione reductase inhibition

and hyperstimulation of the hexose monophosphate via, it depletes the glutathione

content, and also inhibits cellular respiration. The reported signology in rabbits is

probably associated to the alteration of the parameters which were evaluated. The

alteration of blood cell production and viability, with the cell pack observed can be

associated with anemia, and an adequate protein utilization in the metabolic processes

of the rabbits (Thrall et al., 2006).

The report on the copper content in the alfalfa may be considered high, therefore

assuming that the absorption for this species is also high. Moreover, the parameters

evaluated in this study corroborate that some of them fluctuate and tend to progressively

increase, and may be related to structural and functional damage of liver and kidney

(Thrall et al., 2006). Copper has been referred as highly toxic to inferior organisms and

low toxic for superior ones.

PARAMETER Day 0 Day 15 Day 30 Day 45 Day 60 Reference

values

ALT (U/L) 48±13.89 49±15.25 60±22.50 46±19.08 64±4.16 79 U/L

AST (U/L) 45±15.03 41±4.51 40±7.29 33±4.73 51±23.12 47 U/L

GGT (U/L) 10±2.56 10±2.23 13±2.07 8±3.21 13±3.21 9 U/L

UREA (mmol/L) 0.3±0.10 8±1.40 8±1.60 19±1.82 27±1.65 3.45 ± 0.85

CREATININE ( μmol /L) 90±6.47 98±14.34 118±28.50 94±7.70 121±6.53 70.7-227.2

HEMATOCRIT (%) 43±2.50 36±5.47 46±1.00 38±2.08 37±14.57 40.5 ± 2.11

TOTAL PLASMA PROTEINS (g/dL) 7±0.49 6±0.26 6±0.33 5±0.15 6±0.46 5.7 ± 0.6



Two genetic alterations have been documented for copper metabolism: Wilson disease

(caused by ceruloplasmin deficit) in which hepatic and brain degeneration are produced

and Menke’s syndrome, where brain degeneration caused by copper deficiency occurs.

Copper accumulates in the liver with no apparent intoxication signs, up to a point where

the accumulation capacity of the organ is overflowed. When this happens, necrosis of

the hepatocytes occur, with sudden high copper concentration in blood, unchaining

clinical intoxication, followed by an hemolytic crisis in ruminants (destruction of red

blood cells).

Conclusion

The parameters found show that the organisms with copper exposure suffer physiologic

changes which may permanently alter renal and hepatic functionality, interfering with

the animal’s normal development, by limiting nutrient absorption and growth.

References

SCHALM'S Veterinary Hematology. 2010. Weiss D.J. and Wardrop K.J. editors.

6th ed. Reference Erythrocyte Parameters of the New Zealand White (NZW)

Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Wiley-Blackwell. USA.

Equipo de toxicología de INIA (1986). La intoxicación por cobre en los animales

domésticos,http://www.magrama.gob.es/ministerio/pags/Biblioteca/Revistas/pdf_REA

%2FREA_1986_05_111_115.pdf

SAGARPA, NORMA Oficial Mexicana NOM-004-ZOO-1994. Control de residuos

tóxicos en carne, grasa, hígado y riñón de bovinos, equinos, porcinos y ovinos.

Thrall M.A., Baker D.C., Campbell T.W., DeNicola D., Fettman M.J. 2006.

Veterinary hematology and Clinical Chemistry. Blackwell, USA.

490

REPRODUCCIÓN

REPRODUCTION



1EIBEN CS*,

2SÁNDOR M,

2SÁNDOR F,

2TOKAI A,

3KUSTOS K

1; Centre for Farm Animal Gene Conservation (HáGK), Isaszegi út 200, Gödöllő, H-2100,

Hungary

2; S&K-Lap Ltd., Császár u. 135., Kartal, H-2173, Hungary

3; Szent István University, Páter K. u. 1., Gödöllő, H-2100, Hungary


Abstract

Reproductive traits of 210 rabbits inseminated on postpartum day 11 and induced to

ovulate by i.m. 0.84 µg or 1.26 µg buserelin acetate (Receptal® or Suprefact

®) or 20 µg

gonadorelin (Fertagyl®) or by i.vag. 25 µg GnRH analogue [des-Gly10, D-Ala6]-LHRH

ethylamide in 0.5 mL semen extender (MRAbit®) were studied according to

reproductive status under farm practice (only light stimulation). The data were evaluated

by the chi-squared test or by ANOVA using the Statgraphics 6.0 (1992) statistical

software. Pregnancy and kindling rates and the number of live born kits per litter were

not affected by the GnRH treatments but differed (P<0.05) with parity and receptivity

(94%, 89%, 11.7 in multiparous receptive vs. 77%, 69%, 9.42 in primiparous non-

receptive, or 10.2 kits in multiparous non-receptive does, respectively). Global

productivity (number of live born kits per 100 AI) with Receptal® in primiparous

receptive or non-receptive or in multiparous receptive or non-receptive does were 930,

450, 1020, 787, with Suprefact®

1064, 670, 1209, 895, with Fertagyl® 489, 763, 1003,

832 and with MRAbit® 715, 600, 1010, 850, respectively. With the studied i.m. and

i.vag. GnRH analogue treatments, the lactating does had good and similar performance

under the farm practice of light stimulation with no eCG use before insemination.

Reproduction was influenced by doe physiological status. Multiparous receptive does

had superior productivity.

Key words: intravaginal ovulation induction, buserelin, gonadorelin, LHRH

ethylamide, prolificacy

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT GNRH ANALOGUE TREATMENTS ON

THE PERFORMANCE OF LACTATING RABBITS


492

EFECTO DE DIFERENTES TRATAMIENTOS CON ANÁLOGOS DE

GNRH EN EL RENDIMIENTO DE CONEJOS LACTANTES

1EIBEN CS*,

2SÁNDOR M,

2SÁNDOR F,

2TOKAI A,

3KUSTOS K

1; Centre for Farm Animal Gene Conservation (HáGK), Isaszegi út 200, Gödöllő, H-2100,

Hungary

2; S&K-Lap Ltd., Császár u. 135., Kartal, H-2173, Hungary

3; Szent István University, Páter K. u. 1., Gödöllő, H-2100, Hungary


Resumen

El rendimiento reproductivo de 210 conejas inseminadas el día después del parto y 11

inducidas a ovular por inyección im con 0,84 mg o 1,26 mg de acetato de buserelina

(Receptal® o Suprefact®) o 20 mg gonadorelina (Fertagyl®) o por vía i.vag. 25 g del

análogo de GnRH [des-Gly10, D-Ala6] -LHRH etilamida en 0,5 ml del diluyente de

semen (MRAbit®) fueron estudiados de acuerdo con el estado reproductivo, bajo

prácticas de granja (sólo estimulación de luz). Los datos fueron evaluados mediante la

prueba de chi-cuadrada o por ANOVA utilizando el 6.0 (1992) software estadístico

Statgraphics. Los índices de gestación, nacimientos, y número de gazapos nacidos vivos

por camada no fueron afectados por los tratamientos de GnRH pero difirieron (P <0,05)

con la paridad y la receptividad (94%, 89%, 11,7 en multíparas vs. receptivas 77%,

69%, 9,42 en primíparas no receptivas, o 10,2 gazapos en multíparas no receptivas,

respectivamente). La productividad global (número de gazapos nacidos vivos por cada

100 IA) con Receptal® en primíparas receptivas o no receptivas o en multíparas

receptivas o no receptivas fueron 930, 450, 1020, 787, con Suprefact® 1064, 670, 1209,

895 , con Fertagyl® 489, 763, 1003, 832 y 715 con MRAbit®, 600, 1010, 850,

respectivamente. Con los tratamientos análogos de la GnRH estudiados i.m. e i.vag., las

conejas lactantes tuvieron un rendimiento bueno y similar en virtud de la práctica de

estimulación de luz sin el uso de eCG antes de la inseminación. La reproducción se vio

influenciado por el estado fisiológico de la coneja. Las conejas receptivas multíparas

tuvieron una productividad superior.

Palabras clave: induction intravaginal, ovulation, buserelina, gonadorelina, LHRH

ethylamida, prolificidad.




Introduction

With appearance of GnRH synthetic analogue products of various agents and efficacies

a novel way of ovulation induction in rabbits is possible (Dal Bosco et al., 2011).

Intramuscular (i.m.) or subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of GnRH analogue at insemination

(AI) can be substituted by intravaginal (i.vag.) absorption by supplementing the semen

extender with GnRH analogue. The method improves the welfare at AI (no injection)

and, faster or more rabbits can be inseminated (Viudes-de-Castro et al., 2007). The

disadvantage is that a higher i.vag. dose is needed to get efficacy similar to that of the

i.m. usage (Viudes-de-Castro et al., 2014).

The success of i.vag. GnRH analogue treatment for ovulation induction can be affected

by several factors. Besides agent and its concentration, the composition of semen

extender and doe physiological status are important. The i.vag. application was studied

only with receptive does (Viudes-de-Castro et al., 2007; Vicente et al., 2008, 2011) or

rabbits pre-injected with eCG hormone (Quintela et al., 2008, 2012; Zhang and Qin,

2012). To our knowledge, in Hungary the i.vag. ovulation induction by GnRH analogue

of rabbits has not yet been tried and its reproductive results reported.

Our aim was to compare different, intramuscular or intravaginal GnRH analogue

treatments and to investigate their effects on reproduction under the nursing and lighting

programs of farm practice.

Materials and Methods

The experiment was conducted at the rabbit farm of S&K-Lap Ltd. in Galgamácsa

between 21 February and 24 March, 2014. In the heated (18-20°C) building with

windows, the rabbits were housed in wire-net breeding cages (80 x 53 cm with 90 cm

height) equipped with a plastic mat, an elevated platform (40 x 53 cm) at 25 cm height,

a gnawing stick and an outer nest (23 x 53 cm) with metal sheet walls.

494

Lactating Hycole PS rabbit does (n=210) were distributed into four groups with respect

to parity and number of reared kits (primiparous (n=91): 8.02±0.08 kits per litter or two-

to three times kindled (n=119): 9.77±0.07 kits per litter).

Heterospermic pooled semen from Hycole bucks and four different GnRH analogue

treatments were used (Table 1). The control (i.m. 0.84 µg buserelin acetate)

corresponded with today’s routine practice (Zapletal et al., 2008).

Table 1. Different GnRH analogue treatments in lactating rabbits at AI on postpartum day 11

Group: 1. (Control) 2. 3. 4.

Treatment*:

Dose:

GnRH

analogue:

i.m.

0.2 mL=0.84 µg

buserelin acetate

Receptal A.U.V.®

i.m.

1.0 mL=1.26 µg

buserelin acetate

Suprefact®

i.m.

0.2 mL=20 µg

gonadorelin

Fertagyl A.U.V®

i.vag.

0.5 mL=25 µg

LHRH

ethylamide

in semen

extender

Semen

extender:

Merck III® Merck III

® Merck III

® MRAbit

®

Semen dose: 0.5 mL/doe 0.5 mL/doe 0.5 mL/doe 0.5 mL/doe

Sperm per

doe

30 million 30 million 30 million 30 million

* Injected into muscle (i.m.: intramuscular) or with semen extender in the vagina (i.vag.: intravaginal)

We also planned an i.vag. treatment with Suprefact®

but when adding it to Merck III

semen extender we observed the destruction of sperm, so this intravaginal GnRH

treatment failed. Quintela et al. (2004) reported a successful i.vag. use of Suprefact but

they used MA 24 semen extender.

Controlled nursing was applied by opening the metal-sheet nest door between 9:00 to

10:00 h from postpartum day 1 to 14 and free nursing thereafter. AI was done on

postpartum day 11 three hours after nursing. At AI does with red / violet and turgid

vulvas were judged to be receptive.

There was no hormonal pre-injection to synchronize estrus but on day 8 before AI, the

daily lighting of 9 h (light) L/15 h (dark) D (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) was abruptly increased by

7 hours, to 16L/8D (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.). The lighting was reduced by 2 hours on days 3

and 4 after AI (14L/10D, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 12L/12D, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and by 3 hours

on day 5 after AI (9L/15D, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) returning to the 9 h daily lighting.



Rabbit does were fed ad libitum, with a single diet (10.0 MJ/kg DE, 17.5% CP, 3.80%

EE, 14.9% CF, 7.70% ash).

The effects of different GnRH analogue treatments and reproductive status on

pregnancy and kindling rates were evaluated by the chi-squared test and on number of

kits born by ANOVA using the Statgraphics 6.0 (1992) statistical software.


At AI, 61% of the lactating does had red or violet, and 73% turgid vulva. The

receptivity rate was 57%. However, the pregnancy rate was very good, 89% and, 81%

of the rabbits kindled (Table 2). The check of receptivity is more precise with the male

(lordosis position of the doe) but this cannot be used in big farms. In ovulation the

neural and genital-someto-sensory stimuli associated with AI (catching, catheter

intromission, etc.) can also be important (Rebollar, 2011; Rebollar et al., 2012),

explaining the contradiction between the lower receptivity and good pregnancy.

The ovulation induction method did not significantly affect the pregnancy (84-93%) and

kindling rates (76-87%) or the number of live and total born kits (10.1-11.0 and 10.5-

11.1; Table 2).

496

Table 2. Reproductive traits of rabbits inseminated and induced to ovulate by i.m. buserelin acetate or

i.m. gonadorelin or i.vag. GnRH analogue [des-Gly10, D-Ala6]-LHRH ethylamide semen extender

Group

No.

of

does

Pregnancy

rate, % (no.)

Kindling

rate, % (no.)

Litter size

Live born Total born

Ovulation induction

i.m. 0.84 µg buserelin acetate

(Receptal A.U.V.®)

50 88 (44/50) 82 (41/50) 10.8±0.5 11.0±0.5

i.m. 1.26 µg buserelin acetate

(Suprefact®)

55 93 (51/55) 87 (48/55) 11.0±0.4 11.1±0.4

i.m. 20 µg gonadorelin

(Fertagyl A.U.V®)

50 92 (46/50) 76 (38/50) 10.8±0.5 11.0±0.5

i.vag. 25 µg LHRH ethylamide

in semen extender (MRAbit®)

55 84 (46/55) 80 (44/55) 10.1±0.4 10.5±0.4

Reproductive status

Primiparous lactating receptive 56 91ab

(51/56) 79ab

(44/56) 10.6±0.4ab

10.7±0.4a

Primiparous lactating non-

receptive

35 77a (27/35) 69

a (24/35) 9.42±0.6

a 9.62±0.6

a

Multiparous lactating receptive 64 94b (60/64) 89

b (57/64) 11.7±0.4

b 12.0±0.4

b

Multiparous lactating non-

receptive

55 89ab

(49/55) 84ab

(46/55) 10.2±0.4a 10.5±0.4

a

Total 210 89

(187/210)

81

(171/210)

10.5±0.2 10.7±0.2

Values in the same column with unlike superscripts (a, b) differ (P<0.05)

The performance of lactating does was influenced by reproductive status (Table 2,

Figure 1).

The multiparous receptive rabbits had 17% better pregnancy rate (94 vs 77%; P<0.05)

and among them 20% more kindled (89 vs 69%; P<0.05) than from the primiparous

non-receptive does. They also spawned 2.3 or 1.5-kit larger litters than the primiparous

non-receptive or the multiparous non-receptive rabbits (11.7 vs 9.42 or 10.2; P<0.05).

For the farmers global productivity (number of live born kits per 100 AI) is a very

important trait that is determined by kindling rate and born alive. The productivity of

multiparous receptive rabbits was by 64% better than the primiparous non-receptive

does’ (1051 vs 643 rabbits; Figure 1).



Figure 1. Global productivity according to the reproductive status of lactating does

At AI, there are does in different physiological status. It raises the question whether

there are differences in the effects of various GnRH analogue treatments if the above-

mentioned influence of physiological status is considered (Figures 2-4).

Values within treatments with unlike superscripts (a, b, c) differ (P<0.05)

Figure 2. Kindling rate (%) depending on GnRH analogue used and lactating does’ reproductive status

The kindling rate of multiparous receptive i.vag. LHRH ethylamide (MRAbit) treated

does was higher than the primiparous non-receptive i.m. 0.84 µg buserelin acetate

(Receptal) treated or primiparous receptive i.m. 20 µg gonadorelin (Fertagyl) treated

rabbits (100 vs 50 or 44%; P<0.05; Figure 2). Of note, the latter had a good, 89%

pregnancy rate based on abdominal palpation but only half of them delivered. Because

of the small number of does these findings should be taken with caution. However, our

results verify the producer’s recommendation that with the GnRH analogue containing

MRAbit semen extender, only receptive rabbits should be inseminated.

400

600

800

1000

1200

Reproductive status

Global productivity

(Number of live born kits /100 AI)

Primiparous receptive

Primiparous non-receptive

Multiparous receptive

Multiparous non-receptive

Total

bc bc

a

abc ab

abc abc

abc

abc abc abc

c

abc

bc

abc abc bc

bc

abc abc

0

20

40

60

80

100

Receptal Suprefact Fertagyl MRAbit

Kindling rate, %





Total

498

The number of live born kits within the groups was not significantly affected by the

physiological status. That is explained by the different result found with the i.vag.

(MRAbit) compared with the i.m. treatments (Figure 3).

In the i.m. GnRH analogue treatments (Receptal, Suprefact, Fertagyl) the number of live

born kits per litter of primiparous rabbits was lower than that of the multiparous does

and, the receptive does produced more live kits. Contrary to this, with the i.vag.

treatment (MRAbit) good litter size was found independent of doe physiological status

(Figure 3). The advantage of this can be that fewer rabbits need to be fostered to alien

does.

Figure 3. Number of live born kits per litter depending on GnRH analogue used

and doe reproductive status

Within the groups we calculated the global productivity according to the physiological

status (Figure 4). Based on this the i.m. 1.26 µg buserelin acetate (Suprefact) treatment

was the most effective, mainly in the receptive does (primiparous: 1064 rabbits,

multiparous: 1209 rabbits). Global productivity was similar by lower dose of i.m. 0.84

µg buserelin acetate (Receptal) or by i.m. 20 µg gonadorelin (Fertagyl) or by i.vag. 25

µg LHRH ethylamide (MRAbit). In productivity the superiority of receptive rabbits

versus non-receptive does is evident.

8

9

10

11

12

13

14


Number of live born kits per litter





Total



Figure 4. Global productivity according to GnRH analogue used and reproductive status

Perrier et al. (2000) applied i.m. 0.4 or 0.8 µg buserelin (Receptal). Reproduction did

not differ with the GnRH concentration but varied significantly with the physiological

status. Theau-Clément et al. (1990) used i.m. 0.8 µg buserelin (Receptal) or 20 µg

gonadorelin (Fertagyl) and reported similar numbers of live born kits per litter but the

litter size was higher in receptive than in non-receptive does. Quintela et al. (2001)

treated multiparous lactating does with i.m. 20 µg gonadorelin (Fertagyl) and noted 78-

80% kindling rate and 10.6-10.9 kits per litter depending on the lighting regime. In their

other studies (Quintela et al., 2008, 2009) the i.m. 20 µg gonadorelin (Inducel)

treatment or the i.vag. 25 µg LHRH ethylamide used via semen extender resulted in

similar 86 or 91% kindling rates, 10.3 or 10.8 live born kits per litter and productivity

(949 or 1029 rabbits) in pre-injected rabbits. Quintela et al. (2012) using 0.5 mL/doe

MRAbit semen extender or i.m. lecirelin (0.2 mL Dalmarelin) obtained identical

productivity. Our results are in agreement with those reports.

Conclusions

Under the farm practice with the studied i.m. and i.vag. GnRH analogue treatments and

without pre-injection the reproductive performance of lactating does was similar and

good. The reproductive traits were affected by doe physiological status. The

productivity of multiparous receptive rabbits is over average. For the producers, the use

of the i.vag. GnRH analogue treatment can be recommended in receptive rabbits.

Acknowledgements: This research was supported by KMR_12-1-2012-0195 grant.

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400


Global productivity

(Number of live born kits /100 AI)





Total

500

References

Dal Bosco A., Rebollar P.G., Boiti C., Zerani M., Castellini C., 2011. Ovulation

induction in rabbit does: Current knowledge and perspectives. Anim. Reprod. Sci., 129,

106-117.

Perrier G., Theau-Clément M., Jouanno M., Drouet J.P., 2000. Reduction of the GnRH

dose and inseminated rabbit doe reproductive performance. In: Proc. 7th World Rabbit

Congr, Valencia, Spain, pp. 225-230.

Rebollar P.G., 2011. Factors affecting efficacy of intravaginal administration of GnRH

analogues for ovulation induction in rabbit does. In: Proc. 4th Italian Rabbit Days,

Forlì, Italy, pp. 35-45.

Rebollar P.G., Dal Bosco A., Millán P., Cardinali R., Brecchia G., Sylla L., Lorenzo

P.L., Castellini C., 2012. Ovulating induction methods in rabbit does: The pituitary and

ovarian responses. Theriogenology, 77, 292-298.

Quintela L.A., Barrio M., Prieto C., Gullón J., Vega M.D., Sánchez M., García N.,

Becerra J.J., Peña A.I., Herradón P.G., Hernandez-Gil. R., 2012. Field test of the

effectiveness of rabbit semen extender MRA-bit® incorporating GnRH analogue. In:

Proc. 10th World Rabbit Congr, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, pp. 431-433.

Quintela L., Peña A., Barrio M., Vega M.D., Diaz R., Maseda F., Garcia P., 2001.

Reproductive performance of multiparous rabbit lactating does: effect of lighting

programs and PMSG use. Reprod. Nutr. Dev., 41, 247-257.

Quintela L.A., Peña A.I., Vega M.D., Gullón J., Prieto M.C., Barrio M., Becerra J.J.,

Maseda F., Herradón P.G., 2004. Ovulation induction in rabbit does submitted to

artificial insemination by adding buserelin to the seminal dose. Reprod. Nutr. Dev., 44,

79-88.

Quintela L.A., Peña A.I., Vega M.D., Gullón J., Prieto C., Barrio M., Becerra J.J.,

Herradón P.G., 2008. Ovulation induction in rabbit does by intravaginal administration

of the GnRH analogue [des-Gly10, D-Ala6]-LHRH ethylamide: field trial. In: Proc. 9th

World Rabbit Congr, Verona, Italy, pp. 427-430.

Quintela L.A., Peña A.I., Vega M.D., Gullón J., Prieto C., Barrio M., Becerra J.J.,

Herradón P.G., 2009. Reproductive performance of rabbit does artificially inseminated

via intravaginal administration of [des-Gly10, D-Ala6]-LHRH ethylamide as ovulation

inductor. Reprod. Dom. Anim., 44, 829-833.

Statgraphics 1992. Reference Manual, Version 6.0, Manugistics Inc., Rockville, MD,

USA

Theau-Clément M., Bolet G., Roustan A., Mercier P., 1990. Comparaison de differents

modes d’induction de l’ovulation chez les lapines multipares en relation avec leur stade

physiologique et la receptivite au moment de la mise a la reproduction. Mem. In: Proc.

5emes J. Rech. Cunic Paris, France 1 (Communication 6).

Vicente J.S., Lavara R., Lavara F., Marco-Jiménez F., Viudes-de-Castro M.P., 2008.

Rabbit reproductive performance after insemination with buserelin acetate extender.

Livest. Sci., 115, 153-157.

Vicente J.S., Lavara R., Marco-Jiménez F., Viudes-de-Castro M.P., 2011. Detrimental

effect on availability of buserelin acetate administered in seminal doses in rabbits.

Theriogenology, 76, 1120-1125.



Viudes-de-Castro M.P., Lavara R., Marco-Jiménez F., Cortell C., Vicente J.S., 2007.

Ovulation induced by mucosa vaginal absorption of buserelin and triptorelin in rabbit.

Theriogenology, 68, 1031-1036.

Viudes-de-Castro M.P., Mocé E., Lavara R., Marco-Jiménez F., Vicente J.S., 2014.

Aminopeptidase activity in seminal plasma and effect of dilution rate on rabbit

reproductive performance after insemination with an extender supplemented with

buserelin acetate. Theriogenology, 81, 1223-1228.

Zapletal D., Pavlik A., 2008. The effect of lecirelin (GnRH) dosage on the reproductive

performance of nulliparous and lactating rabbit does. Anim. Reprod. Sci., 104, 306-315.

Zhang Y.Q., Qin Y., 2012. Reproductive performance of rabbit does by adding

leuprorelin in semen to induce ovulation. In: Proc. 10th World Rabbit Congr, Sharm El-

Sheikh, Egypt, pp. 419-423.

502

MELÉNDEZ TC

Universidad Pedagógica Experimental Libertador, Instituto Pedagógico de Barquisimeto “Luis

Beltrán Prieto Figueroa”. Avenida José María Vargas con Avenida Las Palmas, Barquisimeto,

Lara state. Venezuela.


Abstract

Rabbits are the domestic mammals with the greatest reproductive capacity, which

makes this specie very suitable for breeding in Latin America by many members of the

family, since it does not require great physical effort for attending a rabbit farm. The

objective of the present study was to determine if there are differences in the weights of

the reproductive male rabbits after ninety (90) days of age, after the application of a

Selection System in a closed population. For reaching this objective, 81 crossbred male

rabbits and 160 female rabbits were used. Weight was calculated on the 90th

day of birth

of the reproductive males. The obtained results for weight gain of the animals in this

study were 246 gr. In conclusion, the selection system applied was successful.

Key words: reproductive rabbits, controlled mating, genetic selection, weight gain.

WEIGHT GAIN IN REPRODUCTIVE RABBITS THROUGH THE

APPLICATION OF A SELECTION SYSTEM AND BREEDER IN A

CLOSED POPULATION


504

INCREMENTO DEL PESO EN CONEJOS REPRODUCTORES

MEDIANTE LA APLICACIÓN DE UN SISTEMA DE SELECCIÓN

Y CRUZAMIENTOS EN UNA POBLACIÓN CERRADA

MELÉNDEZ TC

Universidad Pedagógica Experimental Libertador, Instituto Pedagógico Barquisimeto.

“Luis Beltrán Prieto Figueroa”. Avenida José María Vargas con Avenida Las Palmas,

Barquisimeto, Estado Lara, Venezuela.


Resumen

Los conejos son los mamíferos con la mayor capacidad reproductiva, lo cual hace que

esta especie sea muy apropiada para su cría en América Latina, ya que varios miembros

de la familia pueden contribuirr a su cuidado, dado que no se requiere aplicar gran

esfuerzo físico para realizar el manejo de una granja cunícola. El objetivo del presente

estudio fue determinar si existen diferencias en los pesos de los conejos machos

reproductores a los 90 días de edad, luego de la aplicación de un Sistema de Selección

en una población cerrada. Para el desarrollo de la investigación se emplearon 81 conejos

machos reproductores mestizos y 160 hembras. Se realizó el cálculo del peso a los 90

días de edad de los reproductores. En los resultados obtenidos se observó un incrementó

de 246 gr el peso de los animales estudiados. Se concluye que fue exitoso el sistema de

selección aplicado.

Palabras clave: conejos reproductores, apareamiento controlado, selección genética,

incremento de peso.




Introduction

A domestic rabbit, Oryctalagus Cuniculus, is the “domestic mammal with the greatest

reproductive capacity”; a doe is capable of producing up to 1.200% of its live weight in

a one-year exploitation, in relation to the number and weight of its young breeds during

that time; what makes of this sector, a definite alternative for human food all over the

world, especially in Latin America, in which the agricultural activities are related to the

family’s everyday activities. There are no limitations about gender and age for the

assistance of the rabbit breeding, so they could be assisted by young people and elderly

as well because it does not require any strong physical efforts.

The absence of technical specialized knowledge, in the rural production area, represents

a real challenge to obtain the best results in getting the meat weight considering time,

physical space and animal population.

The rabbit farm Madre Tierra, which is located near the city of Barquisimeto, Lara state

(Venezuela), and it has a tradition of over 20 years of rabbit breeding experience. Its

beginnings were with crossbreed animals from California and New Zealand mainly,

with no previous records of production, like in the majority of the farms in Venezuela in

which rabbit breeding is undertaken in an empirical manner, in part, because of the lack

of existing tradition of the consumption of rabbit meat in the population. Although

lately, there has been an sustained increase in the demand of rabbit meat, mainly in local

restaurants, which has obliged to incorporate management techniques and strategies in

order to increase the efficiency of the farm’s production.

For over 15 years, the farm had been selecting breeding in a traditional manner;

including the incorporation of selected animals of other national farms in order to reach

a level in which the farm’s productive parameters were satisfactory. However, as time

passed by, a type of stagnation or difficulty to improve them was observed different

from that initial success. This was basically because of the lack of national stallions

from other farms which could provide the genetic benefits taking into account the

increase of the productive and reproductive averages.

506

Breeding between rabbits were done, taking care of the direct origins of the sons, so

they were not mated with their immediate families. However, there was no control over

the consanguinity that might arise in the herd.

At this point, it was decided to incorporate some advisory in the area of genetics and

apply new strategies in the management of crossbreeding of animals with a new mating

model, grounded on the registry of information as the base of a strict selection program,

in a closed population; avoiding the maximum consanguinity and their possible adverse

effects. As an immediate consequence, an increase of the productive averages was

observed, measured as Daily Weight Gain, and Slaughterhouse Weight, as well as the

reproductive averages measured as the number of young rabbits born, weaned rabbits

per litter, accumulated young rabbits during the reproductive useful life of each female.

Nowadays, the farm is formed by 160 reproductive females and 24 reproductive males

which produce an average of 150 young rabbits a week weighing from 2.5 kg on the

90th

day of birth, and a return of 70 % (including head and guts), and that after three

years of the application of this method, a series of productive and reproductive

improvements have been obtained that will be exhibited in the content of this paper.

The selection of the breeders of the farm is based on the following criteria:

Females: The number of born young rabbits is considered, the number of weaned

rabbits is also considered, and the number of Reproductive Life Days (DVR). The

relationship between the number of young rabbits produced with time is very important;

because in this way, various characters are assessed simultaneously, such as the

prolificacy of each animal (multiple ovulation and fertility), through the size of the litter

birth, the maternal ability (milk production and breeding care), through a number of

weaned rabbits and the capability or reproductive efficiency maintained through time

(interval between births and number of births) destined to the reproduction.

For this, the farm applied an efficiency formula, called REPRODUCTIVE INDEX (IR),

which is the amount of weaned young rabbits accumulated in every birth, between the

days of interval between the first and the last birth to be assessed of its reproductive

useful life, multiplied by 30 days, to make the monthly correction. So we have:



Accumulated young rabbits

Reproductive Index = ----------------------------------------- x 30

Accumulated days

If the IR of a doe is deemed, which in a year has presented 8 births, and has 48 weaned

young rabbits accumulated; we will have:

48 weaned young rabbits

Reproductive Index = ------------------------------------------ x 30

365 days

Reproductive Index (IR) = 3.95 weaned rabbits per month.

Parting from this parameter, the does with greater IR are chosen, to select their

daughters as the next breeding of the herd, the less breeder are then put aside, what is

considered as the cause which has permitted to observe significant improvements

considering the number of born and weaned young rabbits.

Another achievement is that the does have an increase in the weight, greater to 3 Kg

after 120 days, which indicates that they could be in an optimal condition for the service

at that age. However, the service is done on the 135th

day of age in order to guarantee

greater physiological maturity.

The does mustn’t have physical defects or pathologies at the moment of being taken

into account for the selection.

The heritage with the genetically mother component are about 10%. The heritage of the

weight gain is in between 20 and 25%.

Male: The candidates to be postulated as the next breeders must have a series of

requirements:

They must be sons of “good mothers”, that is, only the sons of the Doe with a

Reproductive Index (IR) greater than the average of each group of comparison, which

guarantees the transmission to their daughters, the benefits of prolificacy and the

measured motherhood ability.

508

They must come from a large litter, over the average, so as to assess their individual

behavior in the same conditions with other individuals of the same litter and from other

contemporary litters, from birth, irrespective of the IR of the mother, as an extra

requirement, due to that other small litters, have a tendency to greater individual body

development because there is minor competence for the breast milk during nursing.

They must have a Weight Gain on the 90th

day, greater to the average of their group of

comparison, which makes of these future stallions, individuals capable of transmitting

to their offspring, the genetic capacity of being better meat producers, measured as body

mass in the less time possible.

When selecting males, taking into account the characters of the mother (high IR and

large litters) we would have the probability that those proper female characteristics

would be transmitted to their daughters.

They must not have any physical defects or diseases at the moment of being assessed.

The weight for the selection of the male players is determined on the 90th

day after birth.

Although at the beginning, when we did not have the current genetic material, the farm

produced animals of 2 Kg when they were 120 days old, and as the crossing system was

applied, improvements were observed in the production level. Nowadays, the average

weight has been increased to 2.5 Kg. At the same time, the time of achieving this weight

was diminished to 90 days. Also, we do a follow-up on the weight until they are 120

days old, to have a reference of that age. What is aimed at is to obtain male players

without diminishing the growing rate, close to the 90 days, but to keep that weight long

enough after the date of sacrifice.

In this way, the probability of gaining weight increases up to the 120th

day, and will not

diminish close to the date of sacrifice (90 days).

Materials

For the assessment of the application of SC6G, the data of the weights was taken from

the male players on the 90th

day from birth, since the previous year to the application of

the system (2010) until 2013. Table 1. In total, 81 male players were assessed in 4

consecutive years.



Table 1. Relation of weight of the male players in the time of study. The numbers in BLACK are the

ones with greater weight each year.

Method

In an initial population of 160 female players, 6 groups were added identified with their

respective numbers from 1 to 6; each group according to their identifiable ancestry to

try to keep the most genetic likeness possible within each group, and to obtain in this

way, the greatest genetic distance possible among the groups, to later proceed to the

cross breeding among the groups. Six (6) female genetic groups were then obtained,

formed by approximately 26 females each; the same procedure with the males grouped

also in six (6) groups according to their origins. So, the result was 6 groups of males

formed by 4 males each, for a total of 24 males.

510

The male players belonging to each group were assigned a number of 3 digits, of which

the first digit corresponds to the Mating Group and the other 2 digits are the

identification of each individual. For example: the male 103 corresponds to Group 1,

and it is the individual 03. The male 602 would be from Group 6 and the individual 02.

And like this with all the other players.

The female players were identified with three digits, assigning the corresponding

number of cage. Also, a number is assigned in every registry with the relative number to

the corresponding mating group to which it belongs to.

Like this, and in an illustrative manner the groups are crossed in a pre-established

sequence and the mating is done in this way:

The males from Group 1 would be crossed with the females from Group 3, and the

result would turn into Group 2. While the females from Group 1 mate with the males

from Group 5, generating Group 6.

The males of Group 2, would be crossed with females of Group 4 and the result would

be Group 3, while the females from Group 2 mate with the males from Group 6,

generating Group 1.

The males from Group 3 would be crossed with the females from Group 5 and the

results would be Group 4, and finally the females from Group 6 mate with the males

from Group 4, generating Group 5.

In this way, the males are the ones that determine to which group its progeny is

destined. Each group of males creates the immediate higher number.

The crossings among each one of the females with the male of the corresponding group,

are totally at random. A female could be crossed with any male of the corresponding

group.



Table 2. Mating scheme of 6 groups of breeding rabbits.

Results

The results of the compilation of the data of the obtained weights during the study are

reflected in Table 3. It shows that the increase in weight in the year 2011 is less than the

following years. For that moment, the players were still the product of the breeding

without the application of the SC6G. From the year 2012, the players are the product of

breeding of the SC6G which is where the greater increase in the weight gain can be

observed.

512

Table 3. Summary of the averages of the male players during the time of study.

Discussion

Based on the obtained results, it can be observed that the increase in weight gain of the

male was of 246 gr. After three years of having applied the SC6G.

If this weight gain is considered in the players to have the same incidence in the total of

young rabbits destined to the slaughterhouse, irrespective of the final weight, all of the

herd must gain weight in approximately 246 gr. at the same age of sacrifice.

In this case, there would be 150 young rabbits by 52 weeks/ year = 7.800 rabbits per

year.

7.800 rabbits by 0, 246 Kg = 1.918 Kg of rabbit in live weight /year.

1.918 Kg per 70% of revenue = 1.342 Kg of rabbit meat of increase from the

application of the SC6G.

Moreover, the increase in the gross income, it can be affirmed that the application of the

SC6G does not imply any type of dispensing of significant money for the structure of

costs of the farm.

However, the SC6G would not be of greater use if there were no clear objectives and

parameters that every commercial exploitation rabbit farm must have. The phenotypic

ranges that are desired the most to consolidate in the herd must be well defined, in order

to advance faster and more firmly.

In this case, it would be the weight gain on the 90th

day after birth, as one of the

parameters for the selection of the future players.



This system of breeding destined for closed populations is flexible in the sense that

other male players could be incorporated to the herd which might improve some

desirable features in any or in several of the 6 groups, introducing those genes to the

herd.

In Table 1, it is observed that every year, the male players increase. This is because

every time, there is more and more availability of animals of better weight to select

from.

In the broodstock from the year 2012 a greater weight gain is observed in relation to the

previous year, because these are the first product sons of the SC6G, being a

consequence of the greatest heterosis between the breeding of groups the most distant

possible.

Conclusions

Definitely, the application of the SC6G brought as a consequence, an increase in the

weights of the male players, after its application, if it is considered that during the time

of study, there were no feeding changes or different management practices that could

have affected in the weights, trying to keep the environmental conditions the same

during all that time.

Although it is not the objective of this paper, treating the reproductive characteristics of

the female, one can refer to an increase on: number of born rabbits, number of weaned

young rabbits, weaning weight, and interval diminishing between births, and also the

increase of the size and weight of the females in the age for service; understanding that

the SC6G keeps the level of consanguinity to the minimum in the herd, hence the

negative consequences over the production and reproduction.

As any other closed herd, the universe of genes is always the same. What is searched is

the genetic combination which is more beneficial taking into account the productive and

reproductive performance. That is why the Selection System is so important; it is

necessary to choose the desired characteristics of the herd.

514

The only fact of applying the SC6G does not guarantee the increase in the production.

We have to be capable of selecting the “elite” animals for them to be the next players

and so have the probabilities to improve the index of productivity.

References

Blasco A, Baselga M., Estany J., Cátedra de Fisiogénetica. ETSIA. Universidad politécnica

Camino de Vera, 14. 46002-Valencia.

Petersen J., Vásquez R., 2007. Influencia del rendimiento maternal antes y después del

parto sobre el desarrollo de conejos de engorde. Universidad ISA Rep. Dominicana.

Zamora M., MANEJO EN CUNICULTURA Responsable del área de Cunicultura de la

FESC-UNAM Presidenta de la Asociación Nacional de Cunicultores de México A.C. Deháquiz J., SISTEMA DE PRODUCCION CUNICOLA 2013. UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL

ABIERTA Y A DISTANCIA ESCUELA DE CIENCIAS AGRICOLAS, PECUARIAS Y DEL

MEDIO AMBIENTE.



INCREMENTO DEL PESO EN CONEJOS REPRODUCTORES

MEDIANTE LA APLICACIÓN DE UN SISTEMA DE SELECCIÓN

Y CRUZAMIENTOS EN UNA POBLACIÓN CERRADA

MELÉNDEZ TC

Universidad Pedagógica Experimental Libertador, Instituto Pedagógico Barquisimeto. “Luis

Beltrán Prieto Figueroa”. Avenida José María Vargas con Avenida Las Palmas, Barquisimeto,

Estado Lara, Venezuela.


Introducción

El conejo domestico, Oryctolagus cuniculus, es el “mamífero doméstico de mayor

eficiencia productiva”, siendo una coneja , capaz de producir hasta 1.200 % de su peso

vivo en un año de explotación, con relación al número y peso de sus crías durante ese

tiempo, lo que hace de éste rubro, una definitiva alternativa para la alimentación

humana, en todas partes del mundo y especialmente en Latinoamérica, donde las

actividades agropecuarias están ligadas a las labores del grupo familiar, por la no

existencia de limitantes de género y edad para la asistencia de la cría de conejos,

pudiendo ser atendidos por personas de temprana edad, hasta adultos mayores, ya que

no requiere de un esfuerzo físico notable.

La ausencia de conocimiento técnico especializado, a nivel del productor rural, nos

presenta, un verdadero desafío para la obtención de mejores resultados en cuanto a la

obtención de Kg. de carne en función del tiempo, del espacio físico, y de la población

animal.

La Granja Cunícola Madre Tierra, está ubicada cerca de la ciudad de Barquisimeto,

estado Lara, y cuenta con una tradición de más de 20 años en la cría de conejos; sus

inicios fueron con animales mestizos de las razas California y Nueva Zelanda

principalmente, que no tenían ningún tipo de antecedentes de registros de producción,

como en la mayoría de las granjas en Venezuela, donde la cunicultura es llevada de

manera empírica, en parte, debido a la poca tradición que existe hacia el consumo de la


516

carne de conejo por la población, aunque últimamente se observa un mantenido

incremento de la demanda de carne de conejo, mayoritariamente a nivel de restaurantes

locales, lo que ha inducido a incorporar técnicas y estrategias de manejo con el objeto

de incrementar la eficiencia de la producción .

Por más de 15 años, la granja estuvo seleccionado reproductores de manera tradicional,

incluyendo la incorporación de animales selectos de otras granja nacionales, hasta

alcanzar un nivel en el que los parámetros productivos de la granja fueron satisfactorios.

Sin embargo, al pasar de los años se observó a partir de ese logro inicial, una especie de

estancamiento o de dificultad de mejorarlos, debido básicamente a la inexistencia de

sementales nacionales de otras granjas que pudieran aportar beneficios genéticos en

cuanto a incremento de los índices productivos y reproductivos.

Los cruces entre los conejos se realizaban, cuidando el origen directo de los hijos, para

no aparearlos con sus familiares inmediatos, sin embargo, no se tenía un control sobre la

consanguinidad que pudiera presentarse en el rebaño.

En éste punto se decidió incorporar asesoría en el área genética y aplicar nuevas

estrategias de manejo en cuanto al sistema de cruzamiento de los animales, con un

nuevo modelo de apareamiento, fundamentado en el sistema de registro de datos, como

base para un estricto programa de selección, en una población cerrada, evitando al

máximo la consanguinidad y sus posibles efectos adversos. Como consecuencia

inmediata, se observó incremento de los índices productivos medidos como Ganancia

de Peso Diario, y Peso a Edad de Matadero, y de los índices reproductivos medidos

como número de gazapos nacidos, gazapos destetados por camada, gazapos acumulados

durante la vida útil reproductiva de cada hembra.

Actualmente la granja cuenta con un plantel de 160 hembras reproductoras y 24 machos

reproductores, que producen un promedio de 150 gazapos semanales con un peso de

2,5 Kg a los 90 días con un rendimiento en canal de 70 % (incluye cabeza y vísceras

rojas), y que luego de tres años de la aplicación de este método, se ha obtenido una serie

de mejoras productivas y reproductivas que serán expuestos en el contenido de este

trabajo.



La selección de los reproductores de la granja se hace en base a los siguientes

criterios:

Hembras: se toma en cuenta el número de gazapos nacidos, el número de gazapos

destetados, y el número de Días de Vida Reproductiva (DVR). Es muy importarte la

relación que existe entre el numero de gazapos producidos en función del tiempo,

puesto que de ésta manera se evalúan simultáneamente varios caracteres, como la

prolificidad de cada animal (ovulación múltiple y fecundidad), a través del tamaño de la

camada al nacer, la habilidad materna ( producción de leche y atención de las crías ) a

través del número de gazapos destetados, y la capacidad o eficiencia reproductiva

mantenida en el tiempo ( intervalo entre partos y número de partos ) destinado a la

reproducción .

Para esto, la granja aplica una formula de eficiencia, denominada INDICE

REPRODUCTICO (IR), que es la cantidad de gazapos destetados acumulados por cada

parto, entre los días del intervalo entre el primero y el último parto a ser evaluado de su

vida útil reproductiva, multiplicado por 30 días, para hacer la corrección mensual. Así

tenemos:

Gazapos acumulados

Índice Reproductivo = ----------------------------- x 30

Días acumulados

Si se estima el IR de una coneja que en un año ha presentado 8 partos, y cuenta con 48

gazapos destetados acumulados, tendremos:

48 gazapos destetados

Índice Reproductivo (IR) = ------------------------------------ x 30

365 días

Índice Reproductivo (IR) = 3,95 gazapos destetados por mes.

518

Partiendo de esta parámetro, se escogen las conejas con mayor IR , para seleccionar a

sus hijas como las próximas reproductoras del rebaño, y se van descartando la

reproductoras de menor índice, lo que se considera como la causa que ha permitido

observar mejoras significativas en cuanto al número de gazapos nacidos y gazapos

destetados .

Así como también se ha conseguido que las hembras tengan un peso mayor de 3 Kg a

los 120 días, lo que indica que pudieran estar óptimas para el servicio a esa edad. Sin

embargo, se realiza el servicio a los 135 días de edad, para garantizar mayor madurez

fisiológica.

Las hembras no deben presentas defectos físicos, ni patologías al momento de ser

tomadas en cuenta para la selección.

Las heredabilidades con la componente genética materna oscilan en torno a 10 %. La

heredabilidad de la ganancia de peso está entre un 20 y 25 %

Machos: Los candidatos a ser postulados como los próximos reproductores deben

cumplir una serie de requisitos, como lo son:

1.- Deben ser hijos de “buenas madres”, es decir, solamente los hijos de conejas con

Índice Reproductivo (IR) superior al promedio de cada grupo de comparación, lo cual

nos garantiza que puedan transmitir a sus hijas las bondades de prolificidad y de

habilidad materna medidos.

2.- Deben provenir de una camada numerosa, superiores al promedio, para evaluar su

comportamiento individual en las mismas condiciones con otros individuos de la misma

camada, y de otras camadas contemporáneas, desde el nacimiento, independientemente

del IR de la madre, como requisito adicional, debido a que conejos de camadas

pequeñas, tienen tendencia a mayor desarrollo corporal individual porque hay menor

competencia por la leche materna durante la lactancia.

3.- Deben tener una Ganancia de Peso a 90 días, superiores al promedio de su grupo de

comparación, lo cual hace de estos futuros sementales, unos individuos capaces de

transmitir a su descendencia, la capacidad genética de ser mejores en producción de

carne, medida como masa corporal en el menor tiempo posible.



Al seleccionar machos con respecto a características propias de sus madres, (alto IR y

camadas numerosas) tendríamos la probabilidad de que esas características propias

femeninas, se transmitan a sus hijas.

4.- No debe presentar defectos físicos ni enfermedades, en el momento en que es

evaluado.

El peso para la selección de machos reproductores se determina a los 90 días de edad.

Aunque en principio, cuando no se tenía el material genético de la actualidad, la granja

producía animales de 2 Kg de peso con 120 días de edad, y a medida que se aplico el

sistema de cruzamiento, se observaron mejoras en los niveles de producción. En estos

momentos se ha incrementado el peso promedio a 2,5 Kg, a la vez que se ha disminuido

el tiempo en que se consigue, a 90 días. Igualmente, se les hace un seguimiento del

peso, hasta los 120 días, para tener una referencia a esta edad. Lo que se busca es

obtener machos reproductores que no tengan una disminución de la taza del

crecimiento, próxima a los 90 días, sino que la mantengan hasta por días más allá del

peso de sacrificio.

De esta forma aumenta la probabilidad de que la ganancia de peso se proyecte hasta los

120 días, y no decaiga, próxima a la fecha de sacrificio (90 días).

Materiales

Para la evaluación de la aplicación del SC6G, se tomaron los datos de los pesos de los

machos reproductores a los 90 días de edad, desde el año previo a la aplicación del

sistema (2010) hasta el año 2013. Tabla 1. En total se evaluaron 81 machos

reproductores en 4 años consecutivos.

520

Cuadro 1. Relación del peso de los machos reproductores en el tiempo de estudio. Los números en

negritas son los de mayor peso de cada año.

Método

En una población inicial de 160 hembras reproductoras, se segregaron 6 grupos

identificados con sus respectivos números del 1 al 6; cada grupo según su ascendencia

identificable para tratar de mantener el mayor parecido genético dentro de cada grupo, y

lograr de ésta manera, la mayor distancia genética entre los distintos grupos, para luego

proceder a los apareamientos cruzados entre grupos. Se obtuvieron así las 6 grupos

genéticos femeninos , compuestos por 26 hembras aproximadamente cada uno,

procediendo igualmente con los machos quienes se segregaron también en 6 grupos, de

acuerdo a su origen y procedencia, quedando así, 6 grupos masculinos conformados por

4 machos cada uno, para un total de 24 machos.



A los machos reproductores pertenecientes de cada grupo, se les asigna una numeración

de 3 dígitos, donde el primer dígito corresponde al Grupo de Apareamiento y los otros 2

al número de identificación cada individuo. Por ejemplo el macho numero 103

corresponde al grupo 1, individuo 03. El macho 602, sería del grupo 6, individuo 02. Y

así sucesivamente con todos los demás reproductores.

Las hembras reproductoras se identifican con 3 dígitos asignándose el número de la

jaula que corresponda. Además se la asigna una numeración en cada registro con el

número relativo al grupo correspondiente de apareamiento al cual pertenecen.

Así, y a manera ilustrativa, los grupos se cruzan siguiendo una secuencia pre-establecida

y los apareamientos se realizan de éste modo:

Los machos del grupo 1 se cruzarían con hembras del grupo 3, y el resultado pasaría a

ser el grupo 2. Mientras que las hembras del grupo 1 se aparean con machos del grupo

5, generando el grupo 6.

Los machos del grupo 2, se cruzarían con hembras del grupo 4 y el resultado pasaría a

formar el grupo 3, mientras que las hembras del grupo 2 se aparean con machos del

grupo 6, generando el grupo 1.

Los machos del grupo 3, se cruzarían con hembras del grupo 5 y el resultado pasaría a

formar el grupo 4, y finalmente las hembras del grupo 6 se aparean con machos del

grupo 4, generando el grupo 5.

De esta manera los machos son los que determinan a qué grupo van destinada su

progenie. Cada grupo de machos, da origen al número inmediato superior.

Los cruces entre cada una de la hembras con el macho del grupo correspondiente, son

totalmente al azar. Una hembra se puede cruzar con cualquiera de los machos del grupo

que le corresponda.

522

Cuadro 2. Esquema de apareamiento de 6 grupos de cruzamiento de conejos reproductores.

Resultados

Los resultados de la recopilación de los datos de los pesos obtenidos durante el estudio

están reflejados en la tabla 3. Allí se observa que el aumento de peso en el año 2011 es

menor que en los años siguientes. Para ese momento, los reproductores todavía eran el

producto de los cruces sin la aplicación del SC6G. A partir del año 2012, los

reproductores son el producto del cruce del SC6G, que es donde se observa mayor

incremento en la ganancia de peso.

Tabla 3. Resumen de los pesos promedios de los machos reproductores durante el tiempo en estudio.



Discusión

En base a los resultados obtenidos, podemos observar que el incremento de peso de los

machos reproductores fue de 246 gr luego de tres años de haber aplicado el SC6G.

Si consideramos que este incremento de peso de los reproductores, pueda tener la

misma incidencia en el total de los gazapos destinados a matadero, independientemente

del peso final. Todo el rebaño debería incrementar se peso en aproximadamente 246 gr.

A la misma edad de sacrificio.

En este caso serian 150 gazapos por 52 semana / año = 7.800 gazapos / año

7.800 gazapos por 0,246 Kg = 1.918 Kg de conejo en peso vivo / año.

1.918 Kg por 70 % de rendimiento en canal = 1.342 Kg de carne de conejo de

incremento desde la aplicación del SC6G.

Además del incremento en los ingresos brutos, también podemos afirmar que la

aplicación del SC6G, no implica ningún tipo de erogación de dinero significativo para

la estructura de costos de la granja.

Sin embargo el SC6G no sería de mayor utilidad, si no se tienen bien claros los

objetivos y parámetros que deben tener cualquier explotación Cunícola comercial.

Debemos definir muy bien los rangos fenotípicos que queramos consolidar en el rebaño,

para que el avance sea más rápido y firme.

En este caso sería ganancia de peso a los 90 días de edad, como uno de los parámetros

para la selección de los futuros reproductores.

Este sistema de cruzamiento destinado para poblaciones cerradas es flexible en el

sentido que pudieran incorporarse al rebaño, machos reproductores que vayan a mejorar

alguna característica deseable en cualquiera, o varios de los 6 grupos, introduciendo

esos genes al rebaño.

Se observa en el cuadro 1, que cada año, se incrementa el número de machos

reproductores, esto debido a que cada vez, se dispone de mayor cantidad de animales de

mejor peso a seleccionar.

524

En los padrotes del año 2012 se observa una mayor ganancia de peso que el año

anterior, debido a que estos son los primeros hijos producto del SC6G, siendo

consecuencia de la mayor heterosis entre el cruce de grupos lo más alejado posible.

Conclusiones

Definitivamente, la aplicación del SC6G trajo como consecuencia, un incremento en

los pesos de los machos reproductores, luego de su aplicación, si se considera que

durante el tiempo de estudio, no se hicieron cambios alimenticios ni prácticas de manejo

diferentes que pudieran haber incidido en los pesos tratando de mantener las

condiciones ambientales iguales durante todo ese tiempo.

Aunque no es el objetivo de este trabajo, tratar las características reproductivas de la

hembra, podemos referir que también se observó un incremento en: numero de gazapos

nacidos, número de gazapos destetados, peso al destete, disminución del intervalo entre

partos, además del aumento de la talla y peso de las hembras a la edad de servicio.

Entendiendo que el SC6G, mantiene en un mínimo el nivel de consanguinidad en el

rebaño, y por ende sus consecuencias negativas sobre la producción y reproducción.

Como cualquier población cerrada, el universo de genes siempre va a ser el mismo. Lo

que se busca es la combinación genética que más nos beneficie en cuanto a rendimiento

productivo y reproductivo. De allí la importancia de un claro entendimiento del Sistema

de Selección que se escoja y las características que queramos acentuar en el rebaño.

El solo hecho de aplicar el SC6G no garantiza el incremento en la producción, debemos

ser capaces de seleccionar los animales “élites” para que sean los próximos

reproductores y así tener más probabilidades de mejorar los índices de productividad.



Referencias Bibliográficas

Blasco A, Baselga M., Estany J., Cátedra de Fisiogénetica. ETSIA. Universidad

Politécnica Camino de Vera, 14. 46002-Valencia.

Petersen J., Vásquez R., 2007. Influencia del rendimiento maternal antes y después del

parto sobre el desarrollo de conejos de engorde. Universidad ISA Rep. Dominicana.

Zamora M., MANEJO EN CUNICULTURA Responsable del área de Cunicultura de la

FESC-UNAM Presidenta de la Asociación Nacional de Cunicultores de México A.C.

Deháquiz J., SISTEMA DE PRODUCCION CUNICOLA 2013. UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL

ABIERTA Y A DISTANCIA ESCUELA DE CIENCIAS AGRICOLAS, PECUARIAS Y DEL

MEDIO AMBIENTE.

526

RIVERA MJ*1, NICOLAS GA

1, HERRERA BJ

2,

HERNANDEZ RM1, ALMARAZ AR

1 AND GONZALEZ SJ

1



Reproducción.



Agrícola y Animal.


Abstract

The backyard rabbit production is an activity in which, for easy keeping and relative

small space can provide protein for all the family members. To ensure that here is a

production it must be taken into account the technical aspect such as food, health and

specially the reproduction issues. Objective. The following management study shows

that small-scale breeders performed on their farms in the productive and reproductive

aspects. Methodology. The study was conducted in 10 municipalities in the volcanoes

area of at the Southeast of the Mexican Valley. 55 interviews were carried out to small

producers, using a structured survey. Results. A total of 2910 doe rabbits were located

in the area. The rabbit’s breeds were New Zealand, Hybrid, California and Creole;

28.5%, 27%, 22.6% and 21.8% were reported, respectively. Al most all runs an external

stallion and most uses 4 times per month (41.8%). The annual number of births varies

according to the intensity with which the doe but this data is handled accentuated

between 4 and 6 (66.1%), as reported 7 and 8 births (41.5%). The doe reproductive life

varies from 12 to 24 months; 38.8% cases reported that they use from 12 to 18 months

in 25.6% cases, and 39.6% cases for 24 months. 90% cases reported to give one

services per doe and 4% give two and 6% cases 3 services. None reported deformities in

their kits. Discussion and conclusion. Reproductive management for productions

backyard area of volcanoes in the state of Mexico courage positive data at weaning as

the number of weaned rabbits for the majority of backyard rabbit producers is high.

REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT OF RABBIT BACKYARD

PRODUCTION IN THE AREA OF VOLCANOES IN THE STATE OF

MEXICO




With these data rabbit production for auto-consumption is considered good enough, and

may cover part of the nutritional needs of farm families. Besides the local restaurants

consume most of the rabbit production, which made be consider as an important

touristic corridor at the volcanoes area.

Keywords: volcanoes area, reproduction, backyard production

528

MANEJO REPRODUCTIVO EN GRANJAS DE TRASPATIO EN EL

ÁREA DE LOS VOLCANES, ESTADO DE MÉXICO

*1RIVERA MJ,

1NICOLAS GA,

2HERRERA BJ,

1HERNANDEZ RM,

1ALMARAZ AR,

1GONZALEZ SJ


Vicentina,

Delegación Iztapalapa, C.P. 09340, D.F. México. Departamento de Biología de la

Reproducción.


Villa

Quietud, Delegación Coyoacán, C.P. 04960, D.F. México. Departamento de Producción

Agrícola y Animal.

* Autor correspondiente: [email protected]

Resumen

La producción de conejos traspatio es una actividad en la que, para el mantenimiento

fácil y el espacio pequeño en relación puede proporcionar proteína para todos los

miembros de la familia. Para asegurarse de que aquí es una producción debe tenerse en

cuenta el aspecto técnico como especialmente los problemas de reproducción de

alimentación, salud y. Objetivo. El siguiente estudio de gestión muestra que los

criadores a pequeña escala realizadas en sus fincas en los aspectos productivos y

reproductivos. Metodología. El estudio se realizó en 10 municipios de la zona de los

volcanes de al sudeste del Valle de México. 55 entrevistas se realizaron a los pequeños

productores, mediante una encuesta estructurada. Resultados. Un total de 2.910 conejas

se encuentra en la zona. Razas del conejo fueron Nueva Zelanda, híbrido, California y

criolla; Se reportaron 28.5%, 27%, 22,6% y 21,8%, respectivamente. Al más todas

ejecuta un semental externa y la mayoría utiliza 4 veces al mes (41,8%). El número

anual de nacimientos varía en función de la intensidad con que la hembra, pero esos

datos son procesados acentuadas entre 4 y 6 (66,1%), según ha informado 7 y 8

nacimientos (41,5%). La vida reproductiva gama varía de 12 a 24 meses; 38,8% de los

casos informaron que utilizan de 12 a 18 meses en 25,6% de los casos y el 39,6% de los

casos durante 24 meses. 90% de los casos reportados de dar uno de servicios por parto y

4% dan dos y 6% de los casos 3 servicios. Ninguno informó deformidades en sus kits.

Discusión y conclusiones.




El manejo reproductivo para producciones zona de los volcanes de corral en el estado de

los datos positivos Mexico coraje al destete como el número de gazapos destetados para

la mayoría de los productores de conejo de traspatio es alta. Con estos datos la

producción de conejos para autoconsumo se considera lo suficientemente bueno, y

puede cubrir parte de las necesidades nutricionales de las familias campesinas.

Además de los restaurantes locales consumen la mayor parte de la producción de

conejos, lo que hizo se considera como un importante corredor turístico de la zona de

los volcanes.

Palabras clave: Área de los volcanes, reproducción y producción de traspatio

530

Introduction

From the pre-Hispanic times the local rabbit known as teporingo or volcano rabbit

(Romerolagus diazi) has been an important part of the diet of local people. Since then

the rabbit activity has been significant as part of their agricultural and forest resources

management. The rabbit activity persists as familiar backyard in rural areas and is

orientated for home consumption; some animals are traded at the local market and

among neighbors. During the last years the rabbit activity has been increasing in

technology adapting new and modern systems intensifying the meat production. In spite

of this new technology the large production does not come from the modern systems. A

considerable meat and sub-products come from the backyard systems (Lopez, 1999)

were in most of the cases is carried out in rustic equipments. The domestic rabbit has

great potential of meat producing animal. Rabbits can produce more meat from forage-

based diets than can any other type of livestock. Feed conversion ratios‘ of 3-4: 1 can be

obtained with high roughage diets. Rabbits are adaptable to both small and large-scale

production, and may be especially useful in tropical developing countries. Profitability

of commercial rabbit production is currently limited by labour intensive management

techniques, severe disease problems, and inadequate knowledge of nutritional

requirements and nutritional effects on the development of reproductive management.

The rabbit systems must have an adequate supply of both feeding and the reproductive

management. These are two elements that must be very close to having efficient and

productive farms. The paper presents the reproductive management of farms in 10

municipalities of the volcanoes located in the State of Mexico.

Methodology

The study was conducted in 10 municipalities in the volcanoes area of at the Southeast

of the Mexican Valley. 55 interviews were carried out to small producers, using a

structured survey. The survey included open and close questions and social,

technological and economic aspects. Before to run the whole previous exhaustive

fieldwork test was developed. The producers were located visually, recommendation

among producers and by local authorities. The questionnaires were analysed using

frequencies and percentages the information was processed in excel software.



Results

The rabbit production reported include traditional backyard and more technical systems,

which satisfied the basic necessities of the family and is oriented for meat production.

97.6 reported private house and 2.3% rent. Rabbit production is mixed with other

domestic species like pigs, sheep, horses and bovine and agricultural and forest

activities. 66.4% of the producers reported combine with agricultural activities, 21.9%

as employer, 9.4% tradesman and 2.3% other occupations. The reported number of

births per year concentrated mostly between 4 and 6 births per year (66.1%) and to a

lesser extent with two to three births (4.2%), however some producers reported 7 and 8

births year (41.5) (Figure 1). The table 1 present that the New Zeland breed is the more

representative with 30.5%, following the hybrid and California with 23.55% and

21.25% but creole rabbits are representative with 16.6%.

Table 1. Number and average of rabbit breed located in the area of Volcanoes

N. Zeland 30.50%

California 23.55%

Hybrid 21.25%

Rex 4.25%

Ornamental 3.85%

Creole 16.60%

Total 100.00%

532

Figure 1. Percentage of producers and number of births per doe

The figure 2 present the number of birds per doe, most of rabbit producers 79.3%

weaning between 4 and 5 weeks, and 13.2% weaning at 5 weeks.

Figure 2. Percentage of producers and number of weaning per doe per weeks

According with the local rabbit producers 56.4% believe that has good quality of rabbit

breed and 43.6 do not consider that have good quality of rabbit breed.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

% o

f p

rod

uce

rs

Number of birds per year

0

10

20

30

40

50

1 2 3 4 5 6

% o

f p

rod

uce

rs

Number of weeks after weaning



Figure 3. Percentage of producer

Discussion and conclusion.

As shown the rabbit production reproductive management of rabbit backyard

production in the area of volcanoes is a productive system, which is clearly adapted to

the social and environment conditions. Rabbit production is an important option among

the folder opportunities of the local people. Apparently the incomes from rabbit activity

are not significant however the agricultural and forest activities which are linked with

the natural resources which are inserting into their life style. In this way producers build

a steady familiar income round the year. As well as producers combine the rabbit

activity with other occupations like employer, taxi driver, peasant, tradesman and

retired. However there is a profitable business for local people because of their location

as part of the ecotourism Popocatepetl and Iztaccíhuatl Park.

A good government program could include advice on areas such as the production of

reproduction, genetic food, facilities, sanitation, primarily but equally is marketing its

products and byproducts. This could be achieved with the diffusion and relevant

information about the rabbit and the existence of these small rabbit producers. In

technology, the production system could be considered as one of serious low-input near

a proposed sustainability. Rabbits generates direct and indirect jobs and is an activity

that generate other needs such as manure compost. As well as Important also should

consider the training courses for the elaboration of sub-products like handcraft, ham and

sausages and compost elaboration.

0

20

40

60

80

100

1 2 3

% d

e p

rod

uct

ore

s

Number of services per doe

534

Acknowledgements

Este trabajo fue llevado a cabo por la “Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-

Iztapalapa” y financiada con recursos del Instituto de “Ciencia y Tecnología del Distrito

Federal" 2013.

References

López, M., Losada, H., Sandoval, S., Bennett, R., Arias, L., Rangel, J., Soriano, R., and

Cortés, J. 1999 The influence of urban tourism on backyard agriculture: the rabbit as a

new guest in the southeast of the Metropolitan area of Mexico City. Livestock Research

for Rural Development. 11: 126.132

Rivera J., López M., Losada H., Soriano R., L. Arias, and Cortés J. 2004. Backyard

rabbit production as a sustainability system in the urban and peri-urban area of Mexico

city. 8th

world rabbit congress, Puebla Mexico.

536

GUADARRAMA VALDES II, VELÁZQUEZ CASTAÑEDA S, GUTIÉRREZ

DEHONOR A, PESCADOR SN, CANO TORRES R, FELIPE-PÉREZ YE*

Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia

Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Campus El Cerrillo, Toluca Estado de México.

C.P. 50200


Abstract

There is a great diversity of cryopreservation diluents for semen of different animal

species. The most common include different agents that act as cryoprotectors,

antibiotics, and nutrients, which may be used as fuel for sperm energy. The latest

researches have been trying to avoid sperm damage by adding different anti-oxidants.

Many studies have included vegetable extracts from spices, with good results.

Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of 5% aqueous

solution of Chenopodium ambrosioides to the rabbit sperm diluents, on the sperm

viability and plasma membrane response, before and after undergoing cryopreservation.

Semen samples were obtained from 3 sexually active New Zealand males, with an

artificial vagina, semen samples were pooled and routine evaluation was performed in

fresh samples as well as after freezing-thawing. Viability was evaluated by using eosin-

nigrosin staining; plasma membrane response was evaluated by HOST, from time 0, 30

and 60 min in fresh and frozen-thawed samples. T-test and Paired T-student test were

applied to analyze results. Although, no statistical differences were observed between

diluents with or without the addition of Chenopodium ambrosioides extract (P>0.05),

there was a slight tendency to obtained higher viability (87.16 vs 89.83 fresh and 31.33

vs 32.00 frozen-thawed) and HOST positive response (73.83 vs 78.5 fresh and 18.00 vs

24.66 frozen-thawed) on the samples enriched with the vegetable extracts before and

after cryopreservation of rabbit sperm.

Chenopodium ambrosioides ADDED TO RABBIT SEMEN DILUENTS

FOR CRYOPRESERVATION



In conclusion, the addition of Chenopodium ambrosioides extract should be further

studied, in order to find the best concentration to induce a positive antioxidant effect on

semen rabbit diluents for cryopreservation.

Keywords: rabbit semen cryopreservation, antioxidants, Chenopodium ambrosioides,

viability, sperm plasma membrane response.

538

Chenopodium ambrosioides ADICIONADO A LOS DILUYENTES PARA

CRIOPRESERVACIÓN DE SEMEN DE CONEJO

GUADARRAMA VALDEZ II, VELÁZQUEZ CASTAÑEDA S,

PESCADOR SN, CANO TORRES R, FELIPE-PÉREZ YE*

Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia

Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Campus El Cerrillo, Toluca Estado de México.

C.P. 50200


Resumen

Existe una gran diversidad de diluyentes para la criopreservación de semen de las

diferentes especies animales. Los más comunes incluyen diferentes agentes que actúan

como crioprotectores, antibióticos y nutrientes, los cuales pueden ser utilizados como

combustible para dar energía al espermatozoide, siendo el objetivo de las

investigaciones más recientes el evitar los daños celulares mediante la inclusión de

diferentes antioxidantes.

En varios experimentos se han incluido extractos vegetales de especias, con buenos

resultados. Por lo que el objetivo del presente fue evaluar el efecto de la adición de

epazote (Chenopodium ambrosioides) al 5% en solución acuosa al diluyente de

congelación de semen de conejo, sobre la viabilidad espermática y la respuesta de la

membrana plasmática, antes y después del proceso de criopreservación. Se obtuvieron

muestras de semen de 3 sementales raza Nueva Zelanda, con el uso de una vagina

artificial, las muestras fueron mezcladas en pool y se realizó la evaluación de rutina en

las muestras obtenidas en fresco, y después de la congelación-descongelación. La

viabilidad se evaluó con la tinción eosina-nigrosina, la respuesta membranal mediante la

prueba hiposmotica HOST, al tiempo 0, 30 y 60 minutos en muestras frescas y

descongeladas. Los resultados se analizaron mediante la prueba T de Student y la T-

pareada. A pesar de no haber encontrado diferencias estadísticas significativas entre los

diluyentes con o sin la adición del extracto de epazote (P>0.05), hubo un ligero

incremento en los porcentajes de viabilidad (87.16 vs 89.83 fresco y 31.33 vs 32.00

descongelado) y respuesta positiva a la prueba HOST (73.83 vs 78.5 fresco y 18.00 vs

24.66 descongelado) en las muestras enriquecidas con epazote.



En conclusión, el efecto de la adición del extracto de epazote (Chenopodium

ambrosioides) requiere un mayor estudio, para encontrar la mejor concentración, capaz

de inducir un efecto antioxidante positivo en los diluyentes para criopreservación de

semen de conejo.

Palabras clave: criopreservación de semen de conejo, antioxidantes, epazote

(Chenopodium ambrosioides), viabilidad, respuesta membranal espermática.

540

Introduction

Cryopreservation of rabbit semen has become an important challenge for application in

artificial insemination, since sperm survival and functionality must be maintained in

order to ensure good fertility rates in does that are artificially inseminated. There is a

great diversity of cryopreservation diluents for semen of different animal species, and

the most common diluents include different agents that act in different ways, either as

internal or external cryoprotectants, antibiotics, buffers and nutrients, which may be

used to protect the sperm from the different changes that they undergo through all the

cryopreservation process or could serve as a fuel to provide sperm of an energy source.

During the freezing process, when water temperature decreases, many ice crystals are

formed, excluding the solutes in the media, therefore, sperm cells are exposed either to

the direct contact with the ice crystals or to the hyperosmolarity induced by the solutes,

which in both cases, this exposure will end up by damaging the sperm structures,

mainly the plasma membrane (Holt, 2000).

It has been reported that there is a negative effect of ROS (reactive oxygen species),

which are liberated during freezing and thawing, and the latest researches have been

trying to avoid sperm damage by adding different anti-oxidants to the cryopreservation

diluents. Many studies have included vegetable extracts from spices, with good results

in semen of species as swine and sheep (Malo et al, 2011).

Chenopodium ambrosioides is an aromatic plant of approximately 40 cm high, their

leaves appear to be lancets and have about 4 cm long by 1 cm wide. It has small green

flowers and the seeds are black of about 0.8 mm long, it is commonly named “epazote”

or “paico”. This plant is widely used in the Mexican kitchen for food preparation as a

spice and aromatic plant, as well as in different countries of Latin America (Kumar et

al., 2007; Gómez, 2008). The use of Chenopodium ambrosioides is well known for the

wide variety of medical and anti-oxydant properties (Aksoy et al., 2010, Adejumo et al.,

2011; Tapondjou et al., 2002; Kumar et al., 2007; Jaramillo et al., 2012).



The rabbit semen cryoprotectors, which have been used in various studies, have not

been good enough, since they have given low fertility and prolificity rates. Many

protocols have been developed for rabbit semen cryopreservation, and among some of

the factors that could be affecting on the success rate for semen survival are the

following: the composition of the diluents, the type of cryoprotectors used, the

concentration at which these are been added to the media, the cooling, freezing and

thawing rates, as well as the individual effect among bucks (Iaffaldano, 2012).

The mechanism that causes the sperm damage during cryopreservation is not still well

understood; however, in different species it has been reported that the oxidative stress

that sperm suffers is related to temperature changes, ice crystal formation, the oxidative

damage, plasma membrane alterations and the toxicity of cryoprotectors, plus the

osmotic stress to which sperm are exposed before and after freezing (Aksoy, 2010;

Malo et al., 2011).

Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of 5% aqueous

solution of Chenopodium ambrosioides to the rabbit sperm diluents, on the sperm

viability and plasma membrane response, before and after undergoing cryopreservation.


Semen samples were obtained from 3 sexually active New Zealand males which fertility

had been previously proven. Three semen samples of each buck were obtained with an

artificial vagina, and after doing the routine semen evaluation, the semen samples were

pooled. Viability was performed in fresh samples as well as after freezing-thawing, it

was evaluated by using eosin-nigrosin staining by taking a drop of 60 µl of the stain and

adding a drop of 20 µl of semen sample, after mixing, two smears on glass slides were

prepared for each sample; which were later evaluated under an optic microscope

(Velab). Plasma membrane response was evaluated by HOST, from time 0, 30 and 60

min in fresh and frozen-thawed samples.

542

Briefly, each sample after mixed with the corresponding diluent, was placed in as

hypoosmotic solution (100mmOsm) prepared with 25mM Sodium citrate and 75mM

Fructose in distilled water and incubated at 37°C in a water bath for 30 min, then a drop

of 20 µl of each sample was placed on a slide, mixed with 4% formaldehyde and

smeared for later evaluation under a phase constrast microscope (Olympus i70X).

After motility and viability evaluation of the fresh samples, 4 aliquotes were made in

order to expose the sperm sample to the control diluent, prepared with Tris-glucose-

citric acid and DMSO diluent (Control) plus 0.1M glucose, all ingredients were solved

with bi-distilled water, the rest of the aliquotes were prepared with the same ingredients,

but water was replaced by aqueous solution of Chenopodium ambrosioides at 5%

concentration (weight-volume) (Chenopodium enriched), this diluent was prepared by

chopping the plant leaves and soaking them in distilled water at 50ºC for 3 h. After

cooling at room temperature, the solutions were filtered and added to the control diluent

instead of water.

Statistical analysis

Media comparisons between control and enriched samples were made by T- student

test, while response to cryoresistance of rabbit semen was analyzed before and after

cryopreservation with a Paired T-student test with SigmaPlot 12.5 (Systat Software,

Inc.); graphs were done with Excel for windows.


Viability evaluation was performed in fresh and frozen-thawed samples, which were

incubated at different times: 0, 30 to 60 min at 37°C in a water bath, these results can be

observed in graph 1.



Graph 1. Viability percentage of rabbit semen before and after freezing-thawing at different incubation

times.

The Control diluent was made with distilled water. The Chenopodium ambrosioides

enriched diluent contained the previous diluent but distilled water was substituted by

5% of Chenopodium ambrosioides in aqueous solution.

The viability results of rabbit sperm before and after freezing-thawing indicate that there

is a time dependent viability decline. Rabbit sperm viability was drastically affected

after the cryopreservation process. No statistical differences were observed between

treatments (with or without the addition of Chenopodium ambrosioides, however, there

is a slight tendency to obtain better results with the enriched diluents, either in viability

or in plasma membrane response, evaluated by HOST, as can be observed in graph 2.

544

Graph 2. Positive HOST, time response of rabbit sperm before and after freezing. The Control diluent

was done with distilled water. The Chenopodium ambrosioides enriched diluent contained the previous

diluent but distilled water was susbstituded by 5% of Chenopodium ambrosioides aqueous solution.

When observing the HOST positive response of rabbit sperm, there is a decline in the

plasma membrane response with the incubation time in the fresh samples, in both

treatments, in contrast, when rabbit sperm has undergone cryopreservation, the plasma

membrane response differs, obtaining better results after 30 min of incubation at 37°C,

and after this time a decline of plasma membrane response was also obtained.

Statistical analysis of results of viability and host positive response of rabbit sperm

before and after cryopreservation is shown on table 1.



Table 1. Viability and HOST (+) results of rabbit sperm in two different freezing media, before

and after cryopreservation.

Diluents Viability

HOST (+)

Fresh Frozen-Thawed Fresh Frozen-Thawed

Control

87,16 ± 2,75 a*

31,33 ± 2,3 b**

73,83 ± 9,75 a*

18 ± 3,6 b**

Chenopodium

ambrosioides

enriched

89,83 ± 2,51 a*

32 ± 4,58 b**

78,5 ± 6,87 a*

24,66 ± 7,23 b**

*P > 0.05; ** P < 0.001.

Results show the media ± SD. Different letters indicate statisyical differences within rows and

columns.

Although, no statistical differences were observed between diluents with or without the

addition of Chenopodium ambrosioides extract (P>0.05), neither on viability nor on

sperm plasma membrane response, there was a slight tendency to obtain higher viability

and HOST positive response on samples enriched with the vegetable extract.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the addition of Chenopodium ambrosioides extract should be further

studied, in order to find the best concentration to induce a positive antioxidant effect on

rabbit semen diluents for cryopreservation.

Acknowledgements: This research was supported by PROMEP 103.5/13/6535, Project

653511, FEPYPTC2013, Clave FE09/2013.

546

References

Adejumo O.E., Owa-Agbanah I.S., Kolapo A.L., Ayoola M.D. (2011):

Phytochemical and antisickling activities of Entandrophragma utile, Chenopodium

ambrosioides and Petiveria alliacea. Journal of Medical Plants Research. Sagamu,

Nigeria. 5(9): 1531-1535.

Aksoy M., Akman O., Lehimcio N., Erdem H. (2010): Cholesterol-loaded

cyclodextrin enhances osmotic tolerance and inhibits the acrosome reaction in rabbit

spermatozoa. Animal Reproduction Science. 120: 166-172.

Ávila-Portillo, Mabel, L., Madero, J.I., López, C., León, M.F., Acosta, L., Gómez,

C., Delgado, L.G., Gómez, C., Lozano, J.M., Reguero, M.T. (2006). Fundamentos

de Criopreservacion. Revista Colombiana de Obstetricia y Ginecología, vol 57,

núm. 4, diciembre, 2006, pp. 291-300.

Castellini C., Lattaioli P. (1999): Effect of number of motile sperms inseminated on

reproductive performance of rabbit does. Animal Reproduction Science. Italy. 57:

111-120.

Ferrian S. (2007): Influencia de las características seminales del eyaculado de

conejo sobre la calidad espermática post-descongelación. Trabajo final de master.

Departamento de ciencia animal. UPV. Valencia, España. p.p 75.

Gómez J.R. (2008): Epazote (Chenopodium ambrosioides) revisión a sus

características morfológicas, actividad farmacológica, y biogénesis de su principal

principio activo, ascaridol. Boletín latinoamericano y del caribe de plantas

medicinales y aromáticas. México DF, México. 7: 3-9.

Iaffaldano N., Di Iorio M., Rosato P. (2012): The cryoprotectant used, its

concentration, and the time are critical for the successful cryopreservation of rabbit.

Theriogenology. Campobasso, Italia. 78:1381-1389.

Jaramillo, B.E., Duarte R,E., Delgado, W. (2012). Bioactivity of essential oil from

Colombian Chenopodium ambrosioides. Rev Cubana Plant Med vol17 no.1 Ciudad

de la Habana ene.-mar. 2012



Kumar, R., Kumar M. A., Dubey, N.K., Tripathi, Y.B. (2007). Evaluation of

Chenopodium ambrosioides oil as a potential source of antifungal, antiaflatoxigenic

and antioxidant activity. International Journal of Food Microbiology 115; 159–164.

Malo, C., Gil, L., Cano, R., Martínez, F. y Galé, I. 2011. Antioxidant effect of

rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) on boar epididymal spermatozoa during

cryopreservation. Theriogenology 75: 1735-17

Tapondjou, L.A., Adler, C., Bouda, H., Fontem, D.A. (2002). Efficacy of powder

and essential oil from Chenopodium ambrosioides leaves as post-harvest grain

protectants against six-stored product beetles. Journal of Stored Products Research.

38: 395–402

548

ZAMORA E JL1*, FELIPE-PÉREZ YE

2, VELÁZQUEZ CASTAÑEDA S

2,

VALLADARES CB1, FAJARDO M RC

1, QUEZADA-BARRERA KCH

1,

CANO TR2, PEREZ S L

1, DIAZ GBA

1

1. Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal

2. Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia,

Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, CP 50200, Toluca,

México, México.


Abstract

Rabbit is an attractive species for making gonad studies, due to the early development,

compared to bigger mammals, as well as the fact that it is the only mammal species that

has the ability of descending or maintaining testicles within the abdominal cavity or in

the scrotum. The aim of the present study was to provide a histological description of

the rabbit testes and epididymis, which can be useful for the male gonadal studies in

order to compare healthy tissues from damaged ones. A total of thirty testicles from

slaughtered rabbits which ranged from 12 to 18 months of age were obtained and

processed for histopathological studies. Tissue sections of testes, including the

epididymis underwent fixation, dehydration and paraffin blocking, then they were finely

sliced and stained by hematoxylin and eosin. Testicle evaluation of the stained slides

was performed in a light microscope. Pictures of the testicle regions were taken under a

Nikon microscope (iX70) adapted to a photo-camera, images were taken using the

NisElements software. Micro-photographs of various sections of the testicles and

epididymis are shown and described within the text.

Key words: rabbit testicles, epididymis, histology

HISTOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE RABBIT (Oryctolagus

cuniculus) EPIDIDYMIS AND TESTICLES




DESCRIPCIÓN HISTOLOGICA DE TESTÍCULO Y EPIDÍDIMO DE

CONEJO (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

ZAMORA E JL

1*, FELIPE-PÉREZ YE

2, VELÁZQUEZ CASTAÑEDA S

2,

VALLADARES CB1, FAJARDO M RC

1, QUEZADA-BARRERA KCH

1,

CANO TR2, PEREZ S L

1, DIAZ GBA

1



2. Departamento de Reproducción Animal. Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción.

Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Campus “El Cerrillo”. Universidad Autónoma

del Estado de México. El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, CP 50200, Toluca, México, México.


Resumen

El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue describir la morfología histológica de testículo y

epidídimo de conejo para lo cual utilizamos 5 conejos (Oryctolagus cuniculus), machos

y sexualmente maduros, obtenidos de la unidad de producción cunícola de la Facultad

de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia de la Universidad Autónoma de Estado de México.

A los cortes histológicos se les realizó la tinción de Hematoxilina y Eosina. Los

testículos se hallan envueltos en el escroto, rodeados por una capsula de tejido conectivo

denso irregular, la túnica albugínea. Cubriendo la albugínea se encuentra la capa

visceral de la túnica vaginal, que consta de un mesotorio que se apoya en una capa

conectiva que se fusiona con la túnica albugínea. Desde la albugínea parten tabiques de

tejido conectivo que profundizan en el parénquima testicular dividiéndolo en forma

parcial o completa en lobulillos, cada lobulillo está formado por cuatro a seis túbulos

seminíferos los cuales están delimitados por tejido conectivo laxo poco manifiesto. En

el centro del testículo los tabiques se fusionan con el tejido conectivo laxo del

mediastino testicular. Los lobulillos testiculares están ocupados por los túbulos

seminíferos, revestidos por un epitelio estratificado de células espermatogénicas y

células de Sertoli. El tejido conectivo que separa los túbulos seminíferos contiene

células poliédricas productoras de testosterona, las células intersticiales o de Leydig y se

reconocen por su núcleo esférico y su citoplasma acidofilo, a menudo espumoso.


550

El epidídimo, es un cuerpo tubular superpuesto al testículo sobre su borde extremo (Fig.

11), es el lugar en donde los espermatozoides adquieren su capacidad fecundante, en el

conejo revela tres zonas continuas correspondientes a cabeza, cuerpo y cola. El epitelio

es pseudoestratificado cilíndrico simple, disminuyendo en altura hacia la cola midiendo

aproximadamente la mitad que en la cabeza.

Palabras clave: histología, testículo, epidídimo.



Introduction

The gonadal elements of male rabbits are the testes, which are the organs responsible

for sperm production as well as the male hormones or androgens secretion. The testes

are enveloped within the scrotum surrounded by a dense irregular connective tissue, the

albugineous tunic. Covering such a tunic is a fold of the peritoneum, the visceral fold of

the vaginal tunic, which has a mesothelium which is supported in a connective tissue

layer that fuses with the albugineous tunic.

Objective

The present study aimed to show a description of the normal rabbit testes architecture,

so that it could be used as an aid to distinguish altered from damaged testicle tissue on

rabbits that must be discharged from the rabbit farm due to reproductive problems,

involving sperm production.

Methodology

A total of thirty testicles from slaughtered rabbits which ranged from 12 to 18 months of

age were extracted and obtained at slaughter house, testicles were debridated from

adipose tissue and kept in saline solution (9%NaCl), testicles were taken to the

laboratory and were inmmediately processed for histopathological studies. Various

tissue sections of the testes were performed, including the epididymis, and later

underwent fixation, dehydration and paraffin blocking, then they were finely sliced and

stained by using hematoxylin and eosin routine staining technique. Testicle evaluation

of the stained slides was performed in a light microscope. Pictures of the testicle

regions were taken under a Nikon microscope (iX70) adapted to a photo-camera,

images were taken using the NisElements software.

552

Histological description of the rabbit testicles

The connective tissue septum originates in the albugineous tunic and enters the

testicular parenchyma, with the effect of partially or fully dividing it into lobules (Fig.

1).

Figure 1. Rabbit testicle connective tissue and parenchyma.

Each lobule is formed by four to six seminiferous tubules that are delimited by slightly

manifest areolar connective tissue (Fig. 2).



Figure 2. Rabbit seminiferous tubules.

At the center of the testicle is the septum fused with the areolar connective tissue of the

testicular mediastinum (Fig. 3).

Figure 3. Center of the rabbit testicle.

Testicular lobules contain the seminiferous tubules covered by stratified epithelium of

spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells (Fig. 4).

554

Figure 4. Rabbit testicular lobules.

Spermatogenic cells form spermatozoids. Spermatogonia are the most immature cells of

the germ line and can be found in the basal membrane. These are small, oval or

spherical cells that have the chromatin of their nuclei with varying degrees of

condensation. Spermatogonia divide by mitosis to produce primary spermatocytes

which are larger cells that carry out the first meiotic division. As a result of the latter,

small secondary spermatocytes are produced and these are rarely visible in tissue

preparations as they carry out the second mitotic division very quickly producing

spermatids (Fig. 5).

Figure 5. Secondary spermatocytes formed in the rabbit testicles.

Late-stage spermatids have small nuclei that are oval or elongated and dark, and have

long tails which project into the lumen (Fig. 6).



Fig. 6. Rabbit spermatids in late stage.

When spermatids are released in this stage into the tubule lumen they are known as

spermatozoids (Fig. 7).

Figure 7. Lumen of the Sertoli cells of Rabbit testicles. It can be seen the sperm

being released in the spermiation process.

Cells of the spermatic line are not necessarily identical within all seminiferous tubules

or among different segments of the same tubule. There are various combinations of cells

at certain stages of spermatogenesis that are always associated among themselves. Each

cell association occupies a specific segment within the seminiferous tubule.

556

In this manner, a transverse cut of a tubule reveals only one of such cell associations,

while proximal or distal segments of the same tubule have totally different associations.

Sertoli cells are found in lesser numbers than germinal cells. These have prominent pale

nuclei that are oval or triangular with frequent cleavages. The ample cytoplasm extends

from the basal membrane up to the luminal edge but the lateral limits become poorly

visible in conventional preparations. The plasmatic membrane of the lateral and vaginal

edges invaginate to form cavities where differentiating germinal cells are located.

Outside the basal membrane of the seminiferous tubule there are flat cells known as

myoid cells (Fig. 8 and 9).

Figure 8. Rabbit seminiferous tubules.



Figure 9. Myoid cells outside the basal membrane of rabbit testicles.

The connective tissue that separates the seminiferous tubules contains polyhedral cells

that produce testosterone, the interstitial or Leydig cells (Fig. 10 and 11), which are

recognized by their spherical nuclei and acidophilic cytoplasm that is commonly seen as

foamy.

Figure 10. Connective tissue and seminiferous tubules of rabbit testicles.

558

Figure 11. Instersticial or Leydig cell of rabbit testicles

The quantity of germinal cells decreases towards the end segment of the seminiferous

tubules, while the Sertoli cells increase. There is a transition region or segment that is

lined exclusively by Sertoli cells, which joins the seminiferous tubule to the straight

tubule. Straight tubules can be lined by simple flat, cubic or columnar epithelium and

they end at a network of anatomical canals known as rete testis. The rete is lined by a

simple flat or cubic epithelium. The canals are embedded within the areolar connective

tissue of the testicular mediastinum.

The efferent ducts originate from the rete testis, go through the albuginous tunic and

enter the head of the epididymis to form the epididymis duct. The efferent ducts have a

simple or pseudostratified columnar epithelium with some ciliated cells.

Histological description of the rabbit epididymis

The epididymis is a tubular body on top of the testicle at its outer edge (Fig 12), it is the

place where spermatozoids acquire their fertilizing capacity. In the rabbit there are three

continuous areas that correspond to the head, body and tail.



Figure 12. Outer edge of the rabbit epididymis.

A capsule of moderately vascularized regular dense connective tissue was observed,

which corresponds to the albugineous tunic of the organ (Fig 13).

Figure 13. Albugineous tunic of the rabbit testicle.

560

The albuginous tunic projects as septa consisting of collagen and elastic fibers among

histologically separate areas: the head, body and tail (Fig. 14).

.

Figure 14. Albugineous tunic separating the different regions of the rabbit epididymis.

The epididymis duct follows a highly tortuous path and its structure varies along the

various levels of the epididymis. The epithelium that lines the duct is pseudostratified

columnar with stereocillia that reaches its highest height at the level of the epididymis

head (Fig. 15) decreasing towards the tail (Fig. 16).

The duct is surrounded by a layer of smooth muscle cells that is thin at the level of the

head and body of the epididymis and becomes thick at the level of the tail (Fig. 15 y

16).



Figure 15. Rabbit epididymis head.

Figure 16. Rabbit epididymis body.

562

Conclussion

Histology studies of the testis of normal rabbits is a useful tool for determining different

tissue affections in damaged testicles, which can be found in reproductive males that

star to decrease their reproductive parameters, and various agents could be altering the

normal testicle function, which can be reflected by the alteration of the normal cell

architecture.

References

Arrayago M.J., Bea A. 1986: Atlas de citología e histología del aparato reproductor

masculino de los anfibios y reptiles del país vasco. 20-61.

Bacha W.J., Wood L.M. 1991: Atlas color de histología veterinaria. Ed. Intermédica.

189-198.

Parra R., Del Sol M. 2002: Estudios histológicos e histoquímicos del epidídimo del

conejo (Oryctolagus cuniculus), Rev. Chil. Anat., 20 (3): 269-274.

Sánchez M.B., 1994: Evolución testicular felina, estudio histológico,

inmunohistoquímico y ultraestructural. Departamento de patología animal, Facultad de

Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid. 106-165.

Sociedad Mexicana de Histología AC. Memorias del XXVIII Congreso nacional de

histología. Memorias 2004. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa. 41-50.

564

QUEZADA BARRERA KC

1, ZAMORA E JL

1*, VELÁZQUEZ CASTAÑEDA S

2,

CANO-TORRES R2, FELIPE-PÉREZ YE

2*


Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Campus “El Cerrillo”. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. 2. Departamento de Reproducción Animal. Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción.

Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia.Campus “El Cerrillo”. Universidad Autónoma del

Estado de México. El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, CP 50200, Toluca, Estado de México, México.

*Corresponding authors: [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract

Rabbit production in our country has been growing during the last years, as well as the

health risks of rabbits that greatly affect the profits, since it causes important loses.

Among some of the most important health problems in the rabbit farm, are the cases of

infertility in does. Various situations such as having a high charge of parasites, sub-

clinical infections transmitted by the male during copulation, likewise the high and low

drastic temperature changes, among others, can be the cause of reproductive problems.

Therefore, many does must be discarded from the reproductive programs. In the present

study, we report a case of one doe of 18 months of age, with a good reproductive

record; however, it was discarded from the reproductive program, since it received

many services in the last two months, in addition it presented problems of mastitis, and

therefore it could not become pregnant. In the present case, pyometra was detected after

sacrificing the doe. A histopathological study was conducted on the different regions of

the reproductive organ. Evaluation of the reproductive tissue damages was performed

by using the Eosin-Hematoxylin staining. Among some of the findings observed were

inflammation in all the uteral tissue, and the presence of various embryos in different

phases of destruction by the micro-organisms found in the abundant uterine exudate.

Key words: infertility, pyometra, doe, embryo

PIOMETRA INFECTION: FINDINGS IN RABBITS




INFECCIÓN POR PIOMETRA: HALLAZGOS EN LA CONEJA

1QUEZADA BARRERA KC, ZAMORA E JL

1 2*

, VELÁZQUEZ CASTAÑEDA S,

2CANO TORRES R,

2FELIPE-PÉREZ YE*


Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. 2. Departamento de Reproducción Animal. Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción.

Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México.

El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, CP 50200, Toluca, Estado de México, México.

*Corresponding authors: [email protected] [email protected]

Resumen

La producción cunícola en nuestro país ha ido creciendo en los últimos años, así como

los riesgos para la salud de los conejos que afectan en gran medida las ganancias de la

cunicultura, ya que ocasionan importantes pérdidas económicas. Entre algunos de los

problemas de salud más importantes en la granja de conejos, se encuentran los casos de

infertilidad. Varias situaciones tales como tener una alta carga de parásitos, infecciones

subclínicas de transmisión sexual por el macho durante la cópula, del mismo modo los

cambios altas y bajas temperaturas drásticas, entre otros, pueden ser la causa de

problemas reproductivos. Por lo tanto, muchos animales deben ser desechados de los

programas reproductivos. En el presente estudio, se presenta un caso de una hembra de

18 meses de edad, con un buen historial reproductivo; sin embargo, se descartó del

programa reproductivo, ya que recibió varios servicios en los últimos dos meses,

además de que presenta problemas de mastitis, y por lo tanto no podía quedar gestante.

La piometra abierta se detectó después de sacrificar a la coneja. Un estudio

histopatológico se llevó a cabo en las diferentes regiones del órgano reproductor. La

evaluación de los daños de tejidos reproductivos se realizó mediante el uso de la tinción

de eosina-hematoxilina. Entre algunos de los resultados encontrados se observó

inflamación en todas las regiones del útero y la presencia de varios embriones en

diferentes fases de destrucción por los microorganismos que se encontraron en el

abundante exudado uterino.

Palabras clave: infertilidad, piometra, coneja, embrión



566

KASSY GS*, UBIRAJARA IT, SAULO HW, LUIZ FCG

Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Rodovia BR 376 - Km 14

Bairro Costeira, São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, Brazil


Abstract

Introduction: An early pregnancy diagnosis is one of the important factors to improve

productivity in a rabbit production. The most common method is abdominal palpation,

but some experience is required to achieve a good success rate. Ultrasonography is used

as a tool for pregnancy diagnosis in many animals, including rabbits. But there is not a

study of success rate of pregnancy diagnosis in this species. The aim of this study was

to determine the rate of success in diagnosis of pregnancy in rabbit does using real time

ultrasound scanner. Methodology: Twenty sexually mature female rabbits of New

Zeland White, California and Chinchila breeds were randomly allotted to two groups

(10 rabbits/group, one rabbit/ cage). Rabbits in the group I were the control group (non-

pregnant), and the Group II was composed of pregnant does. All females of group II

were mated with sexually active bucks and the day of mating was considered as the Day

0 of pregnancy. This study was performed at 7-days intervals, from Day 7 after mating

until Day 28 of pregnancy. All animals were scanned using a linear probe of 5.0 MHz

attached to a Piemedical Medley DP 3200 real time scanner. The abdominal ventral

region of each rabbit was shaved and ultrasound gel was used to perform the exam. The

ultrasound scans were performed randomly by the same operator, who did not know the

group of origin of each female, with the animals maintained in lateral recumbent

position. We standardized the identification of two structural embryos per doe to

consider it pregnant.

ABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND FOR PREGNANCY DIAGNOSIS IN

RABBITS: IS IT AN INTERESTING ALTERNATIVE?




Results: At 7 days of pregnancy the failure rate was 35% because some difficulties to

discern embryonic vesicles from other abdominal structures were found. On 14th

, 21st

and 28th

days the success rates were 100%, being possible to visualize the pregnancy

existence easily. Conclusion: Abdominal ultrasonography is an efficient alternative for

pregnancy diagnosis in does after the 14th

day of pregnancy.

Key words: ultrasonography, female rabbit, success rate.

568

ULTRASONIDO ABDOMINAL PARA DIAGNÓSICO DE GESTACIÓN

EN CONEJOS: ¿ES UNA ALTERNATIVA INTERESANTE?

KASSY GS*, UBIRAJARA IT, SAULO HW, LUIZ FCG

Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Rodovia BR 376 - Km 14

Bairro Costeira, São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, Brazil


Resumen

Introducción: El diagnóstico de gestación precoz es uno de los factores importantes para

mejorar la productividad en una producción de conejos. El método más común es la

palpación abdominal, pero se requiere experiencia para lograr una buena tasa de éxito.

La ecografía se utiliza como una herramienta para el diagnóstico de gestación en

muchos animales, incluyendo conejos. Pero no hay un estudio de la tasa de éxito del

diagnóstico de gestación en esta especie. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la

tasa de éxito del diagnóstico de la gestación en conejas, utilizando escáner de

ultrasonido en tiempo real. Metodología: Veinte conejas sexualmente maduras de razas

Nueva Zelanda Blanco, California y Chinchila fueron asignadas al azar a dos grupos (10

conejos/grupo, 1 conejo/ jaula). Conejas en el grupo I fueron el grupo control (no

gestantes), y el Grupo II se componía de hembras gestantes. Todas las hembras del

grupo II se aparearon con machos sexualmente activos y el día de apareamiento se

consideró como el día 0 de gestación. Este estudio se realizó a intervalos de 7 días, a

partir del día 7 después del apareamiento hasta el día 28 de la gestación. Todos los

animales fueron escaneados utilizando una sonda lineal de 5,0 MHz conectados a un

escáner en tiempo real Piemedical Medley DP 3200. La región ventral abdominal de

cada coneja se afeitó y se utilizó gel de ultrasonido para realizar el examen. Las

ecografías se realizaron al azar por el mismo operador, que no conocía el grupo de

origen de cada hembra, con los animales mantenidos en posición de decúbito lateral. Se

estandarizó la identificación de dos embriones estructurales por hembra para

considerarla gestante.




Resultados: A los 7 días de gestación la tasa de fracaso fue del 35% debido a algunas

dificultades para discernir vesículas embrionarias de otras estructuras abdominales. A

los días 14, 21 y 28 las tasas de éxito fueron de 100%, siendo posible visualizar la

existencia de embarazo fácilmente. Conclusión: La ecografía abdominal es una

alternativa eficiente para el diagnóstico de gestación en conejas después del día 14 de la

gestación.

Palabras clave: ecografía, coneja, tasa de éxito.

570

1TREJO A*,

2RAMIREZ S,

2ANTONIO CM,

3MEZA VM

1. Universidad del Papaloapan, Laboratorio de Reproducción Animal Asistida, Av. Ferrocarril

s/n, sin colonia, CP 68400, Loma Bonita, Oaxaca. México.

2. Universidad del Papaloapan, Laboratorio de Nutrición Animal, Av. Ferrocarril s/n, sin

colonia, CP 68400, Loma Bonita, Oaxaca. México.

3. Universidad del Papaloapan, Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Circuito Central No. 200, Col.

Parque Industrial, CP 68301. Tuxtepec, Oaxaca. México.

*Corresponding Author: [email protected]

Abstract

In Mexico, rabbit production is located mainly in the states with an average annual

temperature of 20°C. The optimum temperature for the normal development of the

rabbits is between 18 and 20°C. Rabbits are very sensitive to high temperatures seeing

decreased production and reproduction. Rabbit production under tropical conditions

emerges as an alternative due to the ability of this species to consume forages. In

Mexico, the knowledge about the reproduction of rabbits under tropical conditions is

scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive parameters of two farms

of rabbit producers located in the region of Tuxtepec, Oaxaca. Data of 40 (farm A) and

35 females (farm B) was analyzed. Data of 183 births (farm A) and 158 (farm B)

recorded during two years was analyzed. Data was analyzed by two-way analysis of

variance (ANOVA) using the SAS program. Means were compared for significant

difference (p<0.05). Non-significant difference on fertility rate between both farms was

found (71.3 vs 68.5%), births during autumn and winter were different (p<0.05)

between both farms (38.7 vs 41.9%), there was no-significant difference in litter size

between both farms (7.35 vs 6.6) and significant differences were found (p<0.05) on

kits sex ratio (56.14 and 54.94% females, respectively). In comparison, results obtained

under non-tropical conditions from fertility rate, litter size, births and females kits (sex

ratio) are 87%, 7.60 and 41.7, respectively. We conclude that under tropical conditions

the reproductive parameters of rabbits are altered, such as fertility and female kit ratio.

Keywords: rabbit reproductive parameters, tropical conditions, litter size, fertility, sex

ratio

REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS OF RABBITS UNDER TROPICAL

CONDITIONS: CASE TUXTEPEC, OAXACA




PARAMETROS REPRODUCTIVOS DE CONEJOS BAJO

CONDICIONES TROPICALES: CASO DE TUXTEPEC, OAXACA

1TREJO A*,

2RAMIREZ S,

2ANTONIO CM,

3MEZA VM

1. Universidad del Papaloapan, Laboratorio de Reproducción Animal Asistida, Av. Ferrocarril

s/n, sin colonia, CP 68400, Loma Bonita, Oaxaca. México.

2. Universidad del Papaloapan, Laboratorio de Nutrición Animal, Av. Ferrocarril s/n, sin

colonia, CP 68400, Loma Bonita, Oaxaca. México.

3. Universidad del Papaloapan, Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Circuito Central No. 200, Col.

Parque Industrial, CP 68301. Tuxtepec, Oaxaca. México.

* Author correspondiente: [email protected]

Resumen

En México, la producción de conejos está localizada principalmente en los Estados con

una temperatura anual promedio de 20 °C. La temperatura óptima para el desarrollo

normal de los conejos es entre 18 y 20 °C. Los conejos son muy sensibles a altas

temperaturas viéndose disminuida su reproducción y producción. La producción de

conejos bajo condiciones tropicales surge como una alternativa debido a la habilidad de

esta especie para consumir forrajes. En México, el conocimiento acerca de la

reproducción de conejos bajo condiciones tropicales es escaso. El objetivo de este

trabajo fue evaluar los parámetros reproductivos de dos granjas productoras de conejos

localizadas en la región de Tuxtepec, Oaxaca. Datos de 40 (granja A) y 35 hembras

(granja B) fueron analizados. Datos registrados de 183 nacimientos (granja A) y 158

(granja B) durante dos años fueron analizados. Los datos fueron analizados a través de

un análisis de varianza de dos vías (ANOVA) usando el programa SAS. Promedios

fueron comparados por diferencia significativa (p<0.05). Diferencias no significativas

en la tasa de fertilidad entre ambas granjas fueron encontradas (71.3 vs 68.5%),

nacimientos durante otoño e invierno fueron diferentes (p<0.05) entre ambas granjas

(38.7 vs 41.9%), hay diferencias no significativas en el tamaño de la camada entre

ambas granjas (7.35 vs 6.6) y diferencias significativas (p<0.05) fueron encontradas en

la proporción de sexos de las crías (56.14 y 54.94% hembras, respectivamente).


572

En comparación, resultados obtenidos bajo condiciones no tropicales de la tasa de

fertilidad, tamaño de la camada, nacimientos y crías hembras (proporción de sexos) son

87%, 7.6 y 41.7, respectivamente. Concluimos que bajo condiciones tropicales los

parámetros reproductivos de los conejos son alterados, tales como fertilidad y

proporción de crías hembras.

Palabras clave: parámetros reproductivos conejos, condiciones tropicales, tamaño de la

camada, proporción de sexos.

574

FELIPE PEREZ YE*, SOTO MARQUEZ V, CASTAÑEDA VELASQUEZ S,

GUADARRAMA VALDES II, CANO TORRES R, PESCADOR-SALAS N

Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción. Facultad

de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Campus “El Cerrillo” Universidad Autónoma del Estado

de México. El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, Toluca Edo de México. CP. 50200.


Abstract

Semen evaluation is a very important duty in any reproduction program. Different

viability techniques are available for many species; however, not all can be applied to

some species, since the phospholipid and protein composition of the sperm plasma

membranes differ, allowing to obtained different patterns to evaluate and distinguish

live from dead sperm, as well as the acrosome integrity. Viability is mostly important

to evaluate when sperm is preserved for artificial insemination. Therefore, the aim of

the present study was to compare rabbit sperm viability using two different staining

techniques. Semen from 3 reproductive active New Zealand rabbits was obtained and

pooled. Right after obtaining the fresh semen samples, evaluation of viability was

performed before and after dilution in a freezing diluent, right after the cooling period

of one hour at 4°C, by staining the samples with eosin-nigrosin, as well as triple-

staining. After the eosin-nigrosin, slides were evaluated under an optic microscope

(VELAB, VE-V1), incubation with 20%-giemsa was performed, and a new evaluation

of the slide was done under a phase constrast microscope (Olympus, IX70). Countings

of 100 sperm-cells was performed twice by each slide. Our results differed between

techniques, while evaluating with eosin-nigrosin, viability was higher for all samples

(P<0.05), when evaluation was done with the triple staining, viability results decreased

drastically (80 to 40%, P<0.05).

COMPARISON OF RABBIT SPERM VIABILITY EVALUATION

USING EOSIN- NIGROSIN AND TRIPLE- STAINING



Therefore, no concordance on the viability results was found between both staining

techniques. In the present study, evaluation of viability and acrosomal status using

triple staining for rabbit sperm was very difficult, since patterns were not clear to

differentiate live from dead sperm, neither the presence of the acrosomal vesicle. In

conclusion, the triple staining technique used in the present study was not appropriate

for evaluation of rabbit semen; therefore, it is necessary to continue research in

formulation of stainings that give better patterns to distinguish live sperm and

acrosomal status of the sperm.

Keywords: rabbit sperm viability, eosin-nigrosin, triple-staining, semen preservation.

Acknowledgements: This research was supported by PROMEP 103.5/13/6535,

Project 653511, FEPYPTC2013, Clave FE09/2013.

576

COMPARACIÓN DE LA EVALUACIÓN DE LA VIABILIDAD

ESPERMATICA DEL CONEJO USANDO EOSINA-NIGROSINA Y LA

TRIPLE TINCIÓN

FELIPE PEREZ YE*, SOTO MARQUEZ V, CASTAÑEDA VELASQUEZ S,

GUADARRAMA VALDES II, CANO TORRES R, PESCADOR-SALAS N

Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción. Facultad

de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Campus “El Cerrillo” Universidad Autónoma del Estado

de México. El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, Toluca Edo de México. CP. 50200.


Resumen

La evaluación del semen es una tarea muy importante en cualquier programa de

reproducción. Diferentes técnicas de viabilidad están disponibles para muchas especies;

sin embargo, no todos se pueden aplicar a algunas especies, ya que la composición de

fosfolípidos y proteínas de las membranas plasmáticas de los espermatozoides difieren,

lo que permite obtener diferentes patrones para evaluar y distinguir desde

espermatozoides vivos y muertos, hasta la integridad del acrosoma. Es importante

evaluar la viabilidad, especialmente cuando el esperma se conserva para la inseminación

artificial. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar la viabilidad de los

espermatozoides de conejo utilizando dos técnicas de tinción diferentes. El semen se

obtuvo a partir de 3 conejos reproductivamente activos de la raza Nueva Zelanda y se

mezclaron en pool. Justo después de la obtención de las muestras de semen fresco, se

realizó la evaluación de la viabilidad antes y después de la dilución en un diluyente de

congelación, después del período de enfriamiento por una hora a 4 ° C, mediante la

tinción de las muestras con eosina-nigrosina, así como de triple tinción. Después de

realizar los frotis con eosina-nigrosina fueron evaluados bajo un microscopio óptico

(VELAB, VE-V1), se realizó la incubación con giemsa al 20%, y una nueva evaluación

del frotis se realizó bajo un microscopio de contraste de fase (Olympus, IX70). Se

contaron 100 células espermáticas por duplicado en cada laminilla. Nuestros resultados

difieren entre las técnicas, mientras que en la evaluación con eosina-nigrosina, la

viabilidad fue mayor para todas las muestras (P <0,05), cuando la evaluación se llevó a

cabo con la triple tinción, los resultados de viabilidad disminuyeron drásticamente ( del

80 al 40%; P <0,05).



Por lo tanto, no hay concordancia entre los resultados de viabilidad encontrados en las

dos técnicas de tinción. En el presente estudio, la evaluación de la viabilidad y el estado

acrosomal utilizando triple tinción para los espermatozoides de conejo fue muy difícil,

ya que los patrones no estaban claros para diferenciar entre los espermatozoides vivos

de los muertos, tampoco pudo distinguirse la presencia de la vesícula acrosomal. En

conclusión, la técnica de triple tinción utilizada en el presente estudio no fue apropiada

para la evaluación del semen de conejo, por lo tanto, es necesario seguir investigando

acerca de la formulación de las tinciones que permitan visualizar mejor los patrones de

viabilidad y estado acrosomal del espermatozoide.

Palabras clave: viabilidad espermática de conejo, eosina-nigrosina, triple tinción,

congelación espermática.

Agradecimientos: El presente estudio fue financiado por PROMEP 103.5/13/6535,

Proyecto 653511, FEPYPTC2013, Clave FE09/2013.

578

FELIPE-PÉREZ YE*, CASTAÑEDA VELÁZQUEZ S,

CANO TORRES R, PESCADOR SN

Departamento de Reproduccción Animal, Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción.

Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Campus “El Cerrillo”. Universidad

Autónoma del Estado de México. El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas. Toluca, Estado de México.

C.P. 50200.


Abstract

Male rabbits must be selected for reproduction replacements in the rabbit farm,

however, sometimes testicles do not descend into the scrotum at 2 months of age,

due to various genetic factors. The aim of this study was to observe the inguinal

channel structures in young rabbits to see how they were arranged in the normal

descended testes of rabbits. A total of 30 New Zealand male rabbits of 70 days of

age were weighted before slathered and both test testicles were obtained. Using a

Bernier scale both testicles were measured, identifying left and right, as well as the

different regions of the epididymis and inguinal channel was explored. Results

obtained were as follows: the living body weight media: 2,184±5.5 gm, total size of

both testicles: 5.5±0.79 cm. We found a low correlation (0.38, P<0.05) between

body weight and testicular development of rabbits at 70 days of age. About the

inguinal channel sac, a soft connective tissue that maintains the testicles together

inside abdominal cavity was observed in all samples, testicles are enveloped by their

various tunics, however, the outermost muscular sheet has the ability to surround the

testicles and unfold like a sock when they descend into the scrotum and it is three

times longer than the testicle length.

RABBIT TESTICULAR AND INGUINAL CHANNEL SAC

MORPHOMETRIC FINDINGS



In conclusion, in young rabbits, previous to reaching puberty, there is not a marked

correlation between testicular development and living body weight; however, this

parameter could be useful in order to select males as buck replacements.

Furthermost, inguinal channel sac must be well developed in order to function

actively to allow the testicles to descend into the scrotum and to get back into the

abdominal cavity.

Key words: New Zealand rabbits, testicular morphometry, inguinal channel, male

replacements.

Acknowledgements: This research was supported by PROMEP 103.5/13/6535,

Project 653511, FEPYPTC2013, Clave FE09/2013.

580

HALLAZGOS MORFOMÉTRICOS TESTICULARES Y

DEL SACO DEL CANAL INGUINAL DEL CONEJO

FELIPE-PÉREZ YE*, CASTAÑEDA VELÁZQUEZ S,

CANO TORRES R, PESCADOR SN

Departamento de Reproduccción Animal, Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción.

Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Campus “El Cerrillo”. Universidad

Autónoma del Estado de México. El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas. Toluca, Estado de México.

C.P. 50200.


Resumen

Los conejos machos deben ser seleccionados sustituir a los reemplazos en la granja de

conejos, sin embargo, a veces los testículos no descienden al escroto a los 2 meses de

edad, debido a diversos factores genéticos. Los objetivos del presente estudio fueron

obtener las mediciones morfológicas de los testículos normales descendidos y de las

estructuras del canal inguinal en conejos jóvenes. Un total de 30 conejos machos Nueva

Zelanda de 70 días de edad se pesaron antes del sacrificio y se obtuvieron los dos

testículos. Utilizando una escala de Bernier se midieron ambos testículos, identificando

el testículo izquierdo y derecho, así como las diferentes regiones del epidídimo y el

canal inguinal fue explorado. Los resultados obtenidos fueron los siguientes: el peso

corporal: 2.184 ± 5.5 g, el tamaño total de ambos testículos: 5,5 ± 0,79 cm. Se encontró

una correlación baja (0,38, P <0,05) entre el peso corporal y el desarrollo de testículos

de conejos a los 70 días de edad. Referente al saco canal inguinal, en todas las muestras

se observó un tejido conectivo blando que mantiene a los testículos juntos dentro de la

cavidad abdominal, los testículos están envueltos por sus diversas túnicas, sin embargo,

la capa muscular más externa, tiene la capacidad de rodear los testículos y desplegarse

como un calcetín cuando éstos descienden en el escroto, y tiene una longitud tres veces

mayor que la longitud del propio testículo.



En conclusión, en conejos jóvenes, antes de llegar a la pubertad, no se encontró una

marcada correlación entre el desarrollo testicular y el peso corporal; sin embargo, este

parámetro podría ser útil para seleccionar a los machos como reemplazos. Además el

saco del canal inguinal debe estar bien desarrollado para funcionar activamente y

permitir que los testículos desciendan al escroto y les permita volver a la cavidad

abdominal.

Palabras clave: Conejos Nueva Zelanda, morfometría testicular, canal inguinal,

reemplazos, machos.

Agradecimientos: El presente recibió apoyo por PROMEP 103.5/13/6535,

Proyecto 653511, FEPYPTC2013, Clave FE09/2013.

582

GONZÁLEZ SJA2, JIMÉNEZ SE

3, GONZÀLEZ GAN

4, HERRERA BJA

2,

ÁVALOS RA2, RIVERA MJG

1

1. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana – Iztapalapa. Department of Biology of Reproduction.

Mexico, D.F.

2. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana – Xochimilco. Department of Agricultural and Animal

Production. Mexico, D. F.

3. Student of the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, UAM-X.

4. Student of Bachelor of Animal Production, UAM-I.


Abstract

The ornamental rabbit production has increased in the last 10 years, this

production is given by the demand for companion pets for their different aspects

and phenotypic characteristics, however, in this type of production have been no

studies on its reproductive management, particularly in the quality of semen of

stallions used much less in the cryopreservation of genetic material. Therefore

the objective of this study was to determine the seminal indicators in fresh and

thawed sperm lion head rabbit. 10 ejaculates were collected by artificial vagina

three stallions lion's head, the sample obtained was evaluated gross motility,

progressive motility and live sperm then cryopreserved using DMSO 6% to

defrost gross motility and live spermatozoa was evaluated. The results obtained

in fresh for gross motility were 4, progressive motility 91.15 ± 6.18 and live

spermatozoa 94.55 ± 5.10. When thawing was obtained a progressive mobility of

44.23 ± 6.41 and live sperm 49.38 ± 6.64. We conclude that sperm lion head

rabbit can be cryopreserved, obtaining acceptable results to defrost.

Keywords: ornamental rabbits, lion head, sperm, cryopreservation.

CRYOPRESERVATION OF ORNAMENTAL

RABBIT (LION HEAD) SPERM




CARACTERIZACIÓN MORFOMÉTRICA DE ESPERMA EN TRES

LÍNEAS DE CONEJOS ORNAMENTALES

RIVERA MJG1, LÓPEZ RO

3, RAZO CV

3, MARTÍNEZ PES

3, GONZÀLEZ

GAN4, HERRERA BJA

2, ÁVALOS RA

2, GONZÁLEZ SJA

2

1. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana – Iztapalapa. Departamento de Biología de la

Reproducción.

2. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana – Xochimilco. Departamento de Producción Agrícola

y Animal.México, D. F.

3. Estudiante de Medicina Veterinaria, UAM-X.

4. Estudiante de Maestría, UAM-I.


Resumen

Producción de conejos ornamentales encontró un auge en los últimos diez años debido a

la demanda de estos animales por sus características fenotípicas que los hacen

atractivos, sin embargo, no existen estudios en los que se evaluaron las características

morfométricas de su esperma. Por lo tanto el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la

morfometría de espermatozoides mediante la evaluación de tres líneas de conejos

ornamentales (Enano Holandés, Mini Rex y Lop cabeza de león). Cinco eyaculados se

obtuvieron de cada poste, utilizando una vagina artificial, para la evaluación de la

morfometría, se utilizó un microscopio digital; OPTISUM MIC990FT DC-M900,

software Scop-Photo y observadas con un objetivo de 100X. Los resultados en términos

de longitud total fueron: Enano Holandés 30,56 ± 0,025 m, Mini rex 30,50 ± 0,22

micras y Lop Lion Head 30,22 ± 0,39 micras. Llegamos a la conclusión de que hay

morfométricos diferencia entre el esperma de las tres líneas estudiadas conejos

ornamentales.

Palabras clave: morfometría, esperma, conejos ornamentales.


584

RIVERA MJG

1*, LÓPEZ RO

3, RAZO CV

3, MARTÍNEZ PES

3, GONZÀLEZ

GAN4, HERRERA BJA

2, ÁVALOS RA

2, GONZÁLEZ SJA

2

1. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana – Iztapalapa. Department of Biology of Reproduction.

Mexico, D. F.

2. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana – Xochimilco. Department of Agricultural and Animal

Production. Mexico, D. F.

3. Student of the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, UAM-X.

4. Student of Bachelor of Animal Production, UAM-I.


Abstract

Production of ornamental rabbits found a boom in the last ten years due to the demand

for these pets by their phenotypic characteristics that make them attractive, however, do

not have any studies where the morphometric characteristics of their sperm are

evaluated. Therefore the objective of this study was to evaluate the sperm morphometry

by evaluating three lines of ornamental rabbits (Dutch Dwarf, Mini Rex and Lop Lion

Head). Five ejaculates were obtained from each stud, using one artificial vagina, for

morphometry evaluation, a digital microscope was used; OPTISUM MIC990FT DC-

M900, software Scop-Photo and observed with a 100X objective. The results in terms of

total length were: Dwarf Dutch 30.56 ± 0.025 µm, Mini rex 30.50 ± 0.22 µm and Lop

Lion Head 30.22 ± 0.39 µm. We conclude that there is difference morphometric

between sperm of the three lines studied ornamental rabbits.

Keywords: morphometry, sperm, ornamental rabbits.

MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF SPERM IN THREE

LINES OF ORNAMENTAL RABBITS




CARACTERIZACIÓN MORFOMÉTRICA DE ESPERMA EN TRES

LÍNEAS DE CONEJOS ORNAMENTALES

RIVERA MJG1*, LÓPEZ RO

3, RAZO CV

3, MARTÍNEZ PES

3, GONZÀLEZ

GAN4, HERRERA BJA

2, ÁVALOS RA

2, GONZÁLEZ SJA

2

1. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana – Iztapalapa. Departamento de Biología de la

Reproducción.

2. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana – Xochimilco. Departamento de Producción Agrícola

y Animal. México, D. F.

3. Estudiante de Medicina Veterinaria, UAM-X.

4. Estudiante de Maestría, UAM-I.


Resumen

Producción de conejos ornamentales encontró un auge en los últimos diez años debido a

la demanda de estos animales por sus características fenotípicas que los hacen

atractivos, sin embargo, no existen estudios en los que se evaluaron las características

morfométricas de su esperma. Por lo tanto el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la

morfometría de espermatozoides mediante la evaluación de tres líneas de conejos

ornamentales (Enano Holandés, Mini Rex y Lop cabeza de león). Cinco eyaculados se

obtuvieron de cada macho, utilizando una vagina artificial, para la evaluación de la

morfometría, se utilizó un microscopio digital; OPTISUM MIC990FT DC-M900,

software Scop-Photo y observadas con un objetivo de 100X. Los resultados en términos

de longitud total fueron: Enano Holandés 30,56 ± 0,025 m, Mini rex 30,50 ± 0,22

micras y Lop Lion Head 30,22 ± 0,39 micras. Llegamos a la conclusión de que hay

diferencia morfométrica entre el esperma de las tres líneas estudiadas de conejos

ornamentales.

Palabras clave: morfometría, esperma, conejos ornamentales.


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