Rabbit Farming: Cages and Related Equipment

Rabbits for production purposes are currently mainly reared in individual and collective confinement. Cages and related equipment provide protection to animals, make the management of large groups more suitable, such as band systems, and improve the implementation of sanitary measures to produce safe food. Nonetheless, the intensification of rabbit production, which is highly productive, has led to new challenges related to animal welfare and health. A significant technical evolution of cage design associated with automatization of feed and water supply has been observed in the last two decades. Currently, the traceability and safety of rabbit meat and rabbit derivative products provided to consumers are fully ensured. This chapter describes the main characteristics of cage-based housing in both large- and small-scale rabbit production.