GO WELFARECUN is making progress in the study of animal welfare during the transport of rabbits

• The project promotes new, more sustainable and animal welfare-friendly models of handling, baiting, and transport in rabbit farming

The WELFARECUN Operational Group is working on the development of new fattening, transport, and slaughter processes in rabbit farming aimed at improving animal welfare and the sustainability of the sector . This project, funded through grants for the preparation and implementation of innovation projects of general interest by supra-regional operational groups (AEI-AGRI) , within the framework of the Spanish CAP Strategic Plan (PEPAC) , brings together research centers, companies, and organizations in the rabbit farming sector with a common goal: to identify innovative practices that reduce stress and improve the living conditions of animals during critical production phases .

Within the different lines of work of the project, one of the most outstanding is that dedicated to the welfare of rabbits during transport , a particularly sensitive stage that influences both the health of the animals and the final quality of the product.

The initial results focus on studying the physical and environmental conditions that affect rabbit behavior and comfort during transport . Trials conducted to date have analyzed the surface area and height of transport compartments , as well as the animals' posture and movement in different configurations and load densities . Climatic and ventilation variations have also been considered in order to establish optimal parameters that minimize heat stress and improve overall well-being .

These investigations, developed by the technical team of IMASDE Agroalimentaria and IRTA , provide a solid scientific basis for defining more appropriate transport recommendations and protocols , which will later be validated under real commercial conditions.

The GO WELFARCUN is an example of public-private cooperation within the Spanish AKIS system , combining scientific knowledge, business experience and sectoral commitment to advance towards a more ethical, efficient and competitive rabbit farming .

With the progressive incorporation of the results of this project, it is expected that the sector will have new tools and technical criteria that contribute to improving animal welfare, strengthening productive sustainability and responding to the growing social demands in terms of responsible production .