Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation impairs sperm function; however, its impact on ejaculated rabbit sperm remains unexplored. This dose-response study aims to determine the LPS concentration that negatively affects sperm motility in vitro, while also providing the first identification of TLR4 localization on rabbit spermatozoa. Additionally, it evaluates malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in seminal plasma as an indicator of oxidative stress. Sperm motility was analyzed using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) after incubation with increasing LPS concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 600, and 800 µg/mL) at multiple time points (0, 1, 2, and 4 h). LPS doses ≥ 400 µg/mL significantly reduced progressive and non-progressive motility, as well as curvilinear velocity (all p < 0.001), while increasing the proportion of static spermatozoa (p < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identified 300 µg/mL as the threshold dose for motility decline. Immunofluorescence revealed TLR4 localization in the midpiece of sperm tails, with weak labeling in control samples and a marked increase after 4 h of incubation with 400 μg/mL LPS. MDA levels were assessed using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay with a colorimetric kit, showing no significant effect of LPS treatment. No correlation was found between MDA and other semen parameters. ccThese findings identify TLR4 on rabbit sperm for the first time and establish a threshold LPS dose for future in vitro studies.

EU regulations on organic rabbit farming are relatively recent, and scientific evidence on key technical aspects remains limited. Outdoor systems may improve health and welfare by allowing natural behaviours, but their effectiveness depends on management practices, environmental conditions, and breed. The objective of this study was to explore breed-related differences in rabbit behaviour under outdoor rearing conditions. A total of 15 Leprino di Viterbo (LV) and 15 New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were weaned at 29 days of age and reared under outdoor conditions until 84 days of age, during October and November. All animals had ad libitum access to a commercial pelleted diet and pasture, and the intake of both was measured weekly. Animal behaviour was monitored by video recording, and eight one-minute sample intervals per day were analysed using focal sampling and continuous recording methods. Grass intake and estimated digestible energy (DE) were assessed on a weekly basis. Data were analysed using Generalized Estimating Equations to evaluate the effects of time, time of day, and breed. Behavioural patterns varied depending on genetic strain and time of day. Notably, LV rabbits exhibited a higher frequency of grazing and active behaviours compared to NZW rabbits, whereas NZW rabbits showed a higher frequency of resting behaviours and social contact. Breed-related differences in other behaviors and in grass intake patterns were not statistically robust. In conclusion, LV rabbits appear to be better adapted to outdoor conditions, exhibiting a greater pasture utilization, but further studies are recommended to confirm these findings and to evaluate their robustness across different seasonal and environmental conditions.

Over the years, poultry supply chains have prioritized highly productive genetic lines to meet consumer demand, often at the expense of meat quality, animal welfare, and animal health. Recently, however, industry trends have shifted toward a greater awareness of welfare, reduced farming intensity, and improved product quality. In response, the European Chicken Commitment (ECC) has advocated for the use of slower-growing genotypes, even within conventional production systems. This study aimed to evaluate the meat quality of two ECC-approved chicken genotypes with differing growth rates—slow-growing (SG: 30–40 g/day, Kabir) and medium-growing (MG: 40–50 g/day, Ranger Gold) in comparison with a fast-growing strain (FG: >65 g/day, Ross 308). A total of 300 chickens were assigned to two experimental conditions: a control group (C), with spontaneous activity, and a treatment group (M), subjected to induced moderate kinetic activity. The results demonstrated that genotype influenced the meat quality of chickens raised indoors more significantly than kinetic activity. Comparisons revealed that SG and MG chickens exhibited superior meat quality, particularly regarding protein content, oxidative status, and a more suitable fatty acid profile. Overall, our findings support the adoption of ECC-approved genotypes in indoor systems to simultaneously improve animal welfare and enhance the nutritional and technological quality of poultry meat.

The research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of adding linseed oil to an alfalfa-based diet for fattening rabbits. At 30 days, 360 hybrid rabbits were divided into three homogeneous groups and fed: Control feed composed of 15% wheat, 17% alfalfa hay, and 8% dehydrated alfalfa; experimental feed composed of 40% alfalfa hay and 30% dehydrated alfalfa (Alfalfa); another experimental feed composed of 38% alfalfa hay, 30% dehydrated alfalfa, and 2% linseed oil (Alfalfa+Linseed). The alfalfa-based diet showed higher crude fiber, but lower lipid, protein, and digestible energy content. Regarding performance, a reduction in slaughter weight was observed only in the Alfalfa group, while the addition of linseed oil eliminated the gap with the Control group. The lipid content of the meat was significantly lower in the Alfalfa group. Significant changes were observed in the fatty acid composition, with higher levels of n-3 precursors and derivatives of the n-3 series in the Alfalfa+Linseed group, followed by Alfalfa and Control. Furthermore, the addition of linseed oil worsened lipid oxidative stability. In conclusion, the proposed dietary treatment represents a promising strategy for producing rabbit meat with a high nutritional profile, without compromising productive performance.