The present study was conducted to determine the effect of the use of varying amounts of fermented rapeseed meal in diets for rabbits on the immune status and microbiota of segments of the GIT. Forty 35 day old rabbits used in the experiment were assigned to four groups: the control group (group C) were fed a standard diet and the experimental received 4%, 8% or 12% fermented rapeseed meal (included in place of standard soybean meal). Class A, G and M immunoglobulins were determined in the blood plasma. In the food content collected after slaughter, microbiological parameters were determined for individual sections of the digestive tract. Rabbits from the groups receiving a diet with an increased proportion of fermented rapeseed meal (8% or 12%) had lower concentrations of anaerobic bacteria and Escherichia coli in the intestinal contents. Research has shown that the increase in intake of fermented rapeseed meal was correlated with an increase in the correlations between the immunoglobulin level and the size of the microbial population in the GIT. In light of the presented results fermented rapeseed meal, by supplying valuable bioactive substances, appears to be a good component in the diet of rabbits, enhancing immune system development and helping to prevent disturbances of the gut microbiota.

Background/Objectives: Improving rabbit welfare through alternative housing systems requires a better understanding of how environmental conditions modulate physiological and immune responses at the molecular level. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different rearing systems on the expression of genes associated with inflammation, immune regulation, and stress response in Termond White rabbits. Methods: After weaning (35 days of age), Termond White females (n = 16 per group) were allocated to five housing systems differing in space allowance and activity opportunities: hutches with outdoor runs, rabbit tractor cages with outdoor runs, single-floor indoor cages without bedding, indoor pens on deep litter, and modified indoor cages (two cages connected with a plastic pipe). At slaughter weight (2600–2900 g; 90–120 days), blood and spleen samples were collected. The relative expression of IL6, CXCR1, IL10, TGFB1, IL8, PTGS2, IL1B, and TNF was quantified by RT-qPCR using the 2^−ΔΔCt method, with ACTB and B2M as reference genes. Results: The housing system significantly affected the expression of most analysed genes in peripheral blood (IL6, CXCR1, IL1B, PTGS2, IL8, TNF, and IL10; p ≤ 0.05), whereas in the spleen significant differences were observed only for selected genes (IL1B, TNF, CXCR1, IL10, and TGFB1), with no effect detected for IL6, IL8, and PTGS2 (p > 0.05). In blood, system-dependent differences were observed for both pro-inflammatory and regulatory genes, with some housing conditions associated with higher expression of inflammatory markers. In the spleen, the response was more selective and gene-specific, suggesting tissue-dependent modulation of immune-related pathways. Conclusions: Rearing environment influences the expression of immune-related genes in Termond White rabbits; however, these effects appear to be tissue-dependent and vary among specific genes. The observed transcriptional changes suggest potential associations between housing conditions and immune responses, but further studies integrating behavioural, physiological, and protein-level data are required to confirm their relevance for animal welfare assessment.

Reducing the environmental impact of animal production is a major challenge in the context of climate change and sustainable agriculture. Although rabbit farming is generally considered less resource-intensive than other livestock systems, it still contributes to emissions of ammonia (NH₃), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), and methane (CH₄), which can negatively affect air quality and the climate. This study aimed to evaluate whether dietary supplementation with selected natural feed additives could mitigate gaseous emissions and lower the environmental footprint of rabbit production. An experimental feeding trial was conducted in which gaseous emissions from rabbit housing were monitored, and the gas composition of feces was analyzed. Emissions were quantified and expressed as carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂e) to allow comparative assessment of environmental impact. The inclusion of natural feed additives significantly reduced the emission of gaseous pollutants compared with the control diet, resulting in a lower calculated environmental footprint of the production system. These findings indicate that targeted modification of rabbit diets using natural feed ingredients can be an effective strategy for reducing harmful gaseous emissions and enhancing the environmental sustainability of rabbit farming.

The focus of modern livestock production is increasingly shifting toward improving animal health, welfare, and product quality through the use of natural feed ingredients. Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.) and its seeds are of interest because they contain biologically active compounds, including tocopherols and phenolic antioxidants. This study evaluated the effects of pumpkin seed cake (PSC) in rabbit diets on blood parameters, oxidative status, and trace element distribution in tissues. Sixty Popielno White rabbits were initially assigned to three dietary groups: control (0% PSC), 5% PSC, and 10% PSC. At 90 days of age, samples from 30 rabbits (10 per group) were collected and analysed. PSC supplementation significantly increased red blood cell count, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and platelet indices (p ≤ 0.05), indicating affected haematological status. It also reduced (p ≤ 0.05) urea, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. Antioxidant status significantly improved, as indicated by higher superoxide dismutase activity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power, together with lower malondialdehyde levels (p ≤ 0.05). Mineral analysis showed lower manganese concentrations in muscle and kidney tissues; cadmium remained low, and lead was below the detection limit in muscle and liver samples. Overall, PSC may be considered a promising feed ingredient that supports haematological status, antioxidant protection, and metabolic balance under the conditions of the present study.

This study evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with biochar and Tribulus terrestris (TT) on oxidative stress and metabolic parameters in New Zealand White rabbits. A total of 80 weaned rabbits (35 days of age) were assigned to four groups (20 each): a control group (C) and three experimental groups supplemented with 0.25% biochar (E1), 0.25% biochar and 0.1% Tribulus terrestris (E2), or 0.1% Tribulus terrestris (E3). The feeding experiment lasted 78 days following a 7-day adaptation period. Hematological, biochemical, and redox parameters, including malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), total reducing capacity (FRAP), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and testosterone levels, were assessed and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Rabbits from group E1 exhibited the highest FRAP values (8.16 µmol/L; p < 0.05), whereas MDA concentrations were significantly elevated in groups E1 and C (2.02 and 1.83 µmol/L; p < 0.05), indicating increased lipid peroxidation. Groups E2 and E3 showed lower MDA levels (1.38 and 1.59 µmol/L; p < 0.05) and higher IgG concentrations (44.72 and 37.82 ng/mL; p < 0.05) compared to the control, suggesting improved antioxidant defense and immune status. GSH levels were significantly higher in groups E1 and E2 (6.34 and 6.79 µmol/L; p < 0.05). No adverse changes were observed in basic hematological and biochemical parameters. The results indicate that dietary supplementation with biochar and T. terrestris is safe and can beneficially modulate redox balance and immune response in rabbits, confirming their potential as natural feed additives in sustainable rabbit production.