Effect of genotype, housing system and hay supplementation on carcass traits and meat quality of growing rabbits

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of genotype (Pannon Large×Pannon Ka/Large/or Hungarian Giant×Pannon Ka/Hung), housing system (Cage or small Pen) and hay supplementation (Pellet without or with Hay/P+Hay/) on carcass and meat (Longissimus dorsi/LD/ and hind leg/HL/) quality of growing rabbits. Large rabbits showed higher carcass weights, as well as higher fatness and meatiness compared to Hung rabbits. Caged rabbits were heavier, with higher prevalence of the mid part of the carcass, and showed higher fatness and lower meat toughness than Penned rabbits. Caged rabbits meat was richer in MUFA, but poorer in PUFA and Σ n−6 FA. Hay supplementation impaired carcass weight, carcass fatness, L* and a* color, and lipids content. P+Hay increased the HL meat content of C18:3 n−6 and C20:5 n−3 FA. Overall results offer further information on how alternative breeds, housing systems and feeding strategies can affect carcass traits and meat quality. •Two rabbit genotypes, housing systems and feeding methods were compared.•Large rabbits had higher dressing out percentage than Hung rabbits.•Rabbits in small pens had higher fore and hind parts ratios and lower fat depots than those in cage.•Dressing out percentage and fat depots decreased when diet was supplemented with hay.•Fatty acid profile was modified by housing system and hay supplementation.