Assessing Rabbit Body and Carcass Traits with Non-invasive and Non-destructive Image Techniques

The possibility of measuring body or carcass composition in animals is crucial for carrying out performance tests, carcass classification, and selection programs. The advances observed with non-invasive techniques, particularly imaging, have allowed for obtaining accurate, objective phenotypic data in the meat-producing species. This chapter will discuss the use of several imaging techniques, such as real-time ultrasonography (RTU), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), to assess rabbit body and carcass traits. The preference for a specific imaging technique depends on the target to be evaluated and on technical and practical aspects such as accuracy, reliability, cost, portability, speed, and ease of use. Among the above techniques, CT and RTU are the ones that have been most used in rabbits. CT is more accurate than RTU, but the latter can be used more widely, even under field conditions. Therefore, a dual RTU and CT approach may be meritorious for a rabbit selection program.