INNOVATIVE APPROACHES IN RABBIT FARMING (Review)

DOI: 10.32900/3083-7987-2026-137-45-57

Oksana KORKH,
Candidate of Agricultural Sciences,
Senior Researcher,
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7010-1574,
Livestock farming institute of NAAS of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine,
Volodymyr SHABLIA,
Doctor of Agricultural Sciences,
Professor,
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6510-5397,
State Biotechnological University, Kharkiv, Ukraine,
Institute of Pig Breeding and Agricultural Sciences of the NAAS, Poltava, Ukraine,
Igor KORKH,
Candidate of Agricultural Sciences,
Senior Researcher,
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8077-895X,
Livestock farming institute of NAAS of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine,
Olena TKACHUK,
Assistant,
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6274-6092,
State Biotechnological University, Kharkiv, Ukraine

Keywords: rabbits, rabbit farming, feeding, feeding conditions, feed additives


UDC 636.92.084

Received: April 14, 2026

Revised:  April 20, 2026

Published: May 29, 2026

This is an Open Access article under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license

 

Improving the efficiency rabbit breeding largely depends on the improvement of feeding systems, which should ensure a high level of productivity, maintain animal health and environmental sustainability of production. In this regard, the implementation of innovative approaches to optimizing feeding conditions, forming rations and using new feed resources and functional additives is relevant. The aim of the work was to summarize the current state of scientific research and identify the main innovative approaches to feeding rabbits based on the analysis of the results of experimental and review studies published in scientific publications. The methodological basis of the study was the analysis of scientific literature by Ukrainian and foreign authors. The search for publications was carried out in international scientific databases using thematic keywords related to the field of rabbit breeding, feeding conditions, use of feed additives, alternative feed resources, introduction of organic production and animal welfare research. A total of 89 scientific papers were processed, of which 47 were selected for preparation of the article. The study used methods of analysis and synthesis of materials from scientific publications, comparative and historical methods, as well as generalization and critical analysis of information. Modern innovative approaches to optimizing rabbit diets were substantiated, in particular, the role of structural fiber, protein, energy and amino acids in ensuring the normal functioning of the digestive system of animals was determined. It was shown that the optimal ratio of fiber and rapidly fermented carbohydrates is an important factor in the prevention of digestive disorders and increasing the safety of young animals. The issue of improving the system of rationing protein and amino acids was considered, which contributes to increasing the efficiency of feed use and reducing the negative impact of production on the environment. Considerable attention was paid to the use of functional feed additives – probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids and phytogenic components, which positively affect the state of the intestinal microbiota and the immune status of animals. The prospects of using alternative protein sources in feeding, in particular feed yeast, microalgae and insect processing products, which can increase the biological value of feed and improve product quality, are analyzed. The implementation of precision animal husbandry technologies and the integration of feeding systems with the principles of animal welfare, as well as organic production, are separately considered. It is proven that the modern system of innovative feeding of rabbits is based on a comprehensive combination of physiological, technological and environmental approaches aimed at increasing productivity, preserving animal health and ensuring sustainable development of the industry.

 

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