Rabbit gains: Does a free-range rearing build better muscle in rabbits?

This study evaluated the effects of two rabbit housing systems—conventional cages and park platforms—on slaughter traits, meat quality, and muscle fiber characteristics in broiler rabbits (PS19 × PS59). Rabbits reared in the park system exhibited significantly higher slaughter weights and lower fat deposition compared to those raised in cages. While hot and chilled carcass weights showed a tendency to increase in park-reared rabbits, dressing percentages remained unaffected. Organ weights such as liver and skin were significantly higher in the platform group, suggesting increased metabolic activity and physiological adaptation to enhanced mobility.

Meat from platform-reared rabbits demonstrated significantly lower pH and increased redness and yellowness indices, indicating improved color intensity. Texture analysis revealed higher plasticity in these rabbits, especially in the hindquarters, reflecting softer meat without altering shear force or nutritional composition. Although the proportions of muscle fiber types (I, IIA, IIB) were consistent across housing systems, rabbits from the park system showed significantly larger cross-sectional area, perimeter, and diameters of type IIA and IIB fibers, suggesting muscle fiber hypertrophy due to increased physical activity.

These findings suggest that enriched environments, such as park systems, not only improve animal welfare but also enhance meat quality attributes desirable to consumers—such as color and texture—without compromising nutritional value or production efficiency. The study supports the adoption of alternative housing systems in commercial rabbit farming as a viable strategy for promoting leaner, high-quality meat and improved muscle development, in line with consumer expectations for ethical and sustainable animal production.