Haematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters of New Zealand rabbits housed at different stocking densities

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different stocking densities on oxidative stress, some hematological and biochemical blood parameters in New Zealand rabbits, and to determine the ideal cage area where rabbits can live without being stressed. A total of 36 1–month–old mixed sex New Zealand weaned rabbits were selected for the study. The rabbits were placed in cages at different densities of stocking. Experimental groups were 1 rabbit per cage (C1), 2 rabbits per cage (C2) and 3 rabbits per cage (C3). There was no significant differences between groups in terms of RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophlis, basophlis, AST, ALT, trigliseride, cholesterol, HDL and LDL parameters (P>0.05). C2 group had lower count of PLT comparing C1 and C3 groups. C1 group had the highest value for MCHC (P<0.05). As oxidative stress parameters, there was no significant differences between IMA and TAS parameters (P>0.05). C2 group had the lowest value in terms of SOD (P<0.05). In conclusion C2 group was determined more advantageous in terms of breeding and welfare, since C1 group does not support social needs of the animals and C3 group leads to increased stress levels due to reduced individual space and restricted movement.