الفهرس 
Productive performanceOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Sixty six male and female weaned rabbits (5 weeks old) were
randomly divided into four groups to evaluate the use of stocking density as a
biostimulation method under winter conditions on productive performance of
New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. In the control group (C), rabbits were
kept as control, every 3 rabbits were housed in one cage (25 rabbits/m
2
). In the
first group (D1), every 4 rabbits were housed in one cage (33 rabbits/m
2
). In
the 2
nd
group (D2), every 3 rabbits were housed in one cage (25 rabbits/m
2
)
for two weeks then the rabbits were kept every 2 rabbits housed in one cage
(17 rabbits/m
2
) for four weeks. In the 3
rd
group (D3) every 4 rabbits were
housed in one cage (33 rabbits/m
2
) for two weeks then the rabbits were kept
every 2 rabbits housed in one cage (17 rabbits/m
2
) for four weeks. Body
weight, feed intake and total gain were recorded and feed conversion ratio was
calculated. Carcass traits of rabbits were measured. Total plasma protein,
glucose, total lipids, triiodothyronine (T3) hormone concentrations and
neutrophil/ lymphocyte (N/L) ratios were determined. Results showed that no
significant differences in final body weight of all rabbit groups. Daily gain
and total weight gain was significantly increased in D1 by 11 % as compared
to D3 group. However, it was increased (insignificantly) as compared to the
other groups. Total feed intake was significantly decreased in D3. Also, feed
conversion ratio was significantly improved in D1 by (10 %) as compared to
D2 group. Stocking densities 33 rabbits per m
2
(D1) significantly decreased
the cost of feeding for producing 1 kg live weight by 13.3 % as compared to
D2. It also decreased the cost of housing than the other groups. No significant
effects of stocking densities on mortality rate, pre-slaughter weight, fur, heart,
lung, dressed weights and dressing percentage were observed. Weights of
liver and kidneys decreased (P<0.05) in D1 group. The N/L ratio, serum
glucose concentrations, total protein and total lipids were not significantly
affected by stocking densities. However, T3 hormone was significantly
decreased in D1. It was concluded that stocking densities of 33 rabbits per m
2
(D1), under winter conditions, was not negatively associated productive
performance, metabolism and carcass traits. However, it decreased the cost of
housing and reduced investment costs in cages.