The European citizens' initiative ‘End the Cage Age’ marks a major turning point for livestock farming in Europe. Faced with growing societal and regulatory pressure, the phasing out of cages is no longer just a possibility, but a goal towards which all players must work.
Discover how the French rabbit industry has proactively engaged in these transitions and how Techna is supporting the deployment of alternative farming systems.
Towards a new cage-free era : an essential transition led by Europe
The European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) ‘For a new cage-free era’, launched in 2019, has been a powerful accelerator, gathering nearly 1.4 million signatures across the European Union. In response, the European Commission has committed to proposing legislation to phase out cages for many species, including rabbits. The legislative proposals are a stated priority for 2026.
Proactive anticipation of ‘End the Cage Age’ by the French rabbit industry
Far from waiting for regulatory deadlines, the French rabbit industry shows remarkable dynamism. Although numerous studies have been conducted on females, without satisfactory results in terms of either welfare or performance, the industry has chosen to begin its transition in the housing of rabbits for fattening: a thoughtful transition, supported by research programmes and concrete objectives, demonstrating a desire to jointly develop the farming models of tomorrow.
Clear commitments and a European structure
To support this transition, the French rabbit industry has set itself ambitious animal welfare targets:
At the same time, aware of supranational challenges, the french rabbit industry contributed to the creation of the European Rabbit Association (ERA) in 2022. This organisation's mission is to represent the interests of the rabbit industry at European level, promote quality standards and support a sustainable transition through the exchange of best practices between producing countries.
A variety of alternative rabbit housing systems already in the field
The proactivity of the rabbit industry can already be seen in the field, with a variety of alternative systems in place for fattening rabbits, already representing 10% of the fattening population. These new housing methods aim to improve the capacity of rabbits to express their natural behaviours, while ensuring economic viability for breeders.
The central dilemma: balancing welfare and performance
The main challenge of transitioning to ‘cage-free’ farming involves a complex balance. Systems that improve the expression of rabbits' natural behaviours, such as floor pens, also present increased zootechnical and health complexities and raise questions about the the hardship of the work for breeders and the economic efficiency of such systems. Much of the current research and development effort is focused on finding this balance, as demonstrated by the most recent studies.
Proven benefits for animal behaviour
Studies conducted by Techna* confirm the positive impact of floor systems on behavioural well-being. Although resting remains the main activity of rabbits (approximately 66% of animals observed), animals raised in pens or parks benefit from notable improvements:
In summary, Techna's study concludes that the floor systems tested better meet certain behavioural needs of rabbits (moving around, standing on their hind legs), thus meeting consumer expectations in terms of animal welfare.
Zootechnical and health challenges to address
Despite these benefits, the same Techna* study and feedback from the field highlight real difficulties in floor systems:
To go further
The “End of the Cage Age” is a profound and inevitable step forward. It places the French rabbit industry in front of a complex challenge, which it is responding to with remarkable maturity and proactivity. Rather than simply complying with regulations, it has embarked on a collaborative approach (involving public research, production organizations, genetics, veterinary science, feed, slaughterhouses, equipment, etc.), actively looking for viable solutions.
The success of this transition will depend on a multi-criteria approach, combining animal welfare, technical performance, economic viability, and working comfort for breeders. It is through constant innovation, knowledge sharing, and close collaboration between all links in the value chain that the French industry will succeed in transforming this regulatory constraint into a sustainable, modern farming model that is better valued by society.
For several years, Techna has been conducting studies comparing different housing systems, different group sizes, and different feeding methods.
In this context, Techna has developed new feeding strategies based on feed specifications, distribution methods, and access to feeders, in order to mitigate health risks in large groups and compensate for reduced growth performance due to increased rabbit mobility. New additive solutions from the Suriance range are available to support the management of the increased risk of the spread of health problems and the emergence of parasites.
Sources :
(*) ETUDE DU COMPORTEMENT DU LAPIN D'ENGRAISSEMENT SELON QUATRE MODES DE LOGEMENT, Rebours G., Raffin J., Vastel P., Reys S., Techna France Nutrition, 44220 Couëron, France. 19èmes Journées de la recherche cunicole 2023
(**) STUDY OF THE FATTENING RABBIT BEHAVIOR ACCORDING TO FOUR HOUSING SYSTEMS, Rebours G., Raffin J., Vastel P., Reys S., Techna France Nutrition, 44220 Couëron, France. 13th World Rabbit Congress, Tarragona Spain, october 2024
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