EFECTO DEL ENRIQUECIMIENTO AMBIENTAL SOBRE EL BIENESTAR E INDICADORES PRODUCTIVOS EN CONEJAS GESTANTES

<p><strong>Background:</strong> In productive systems, confinement limits the natural behaviors of rabbits, causing stress that affects their animal welfare (AW) and productive performance. The reduction of space and lack of environmental stimuli aggravate these conditions. Environmental enrichment (EE) is presented as a key strategy to improve AW by promoting natural behaviors and reducing stress in captive animals. <strong>Objective:</strong> To evaluate the effect of EE on welfare and productive indicators in the rabbit production unit “La Coneja Roja” in Palo Gacho, Veracruz, Mexico. <strong>Methodology: </strong>The study included 60 multiparous rabbits, divided into two groups: with EE (CCEE, n=30) and without EE (CSEE, n=30). The EE items (log with hay, rope, stuffed bamboo, rattle and pine nut) were offered during pregnancy and lactation. Behaviors such as exploration, inactivity, locomotion, grooming, feeding and lactation were evaluated through video recordings, as well as productive parameters (number of total born rabbits, live born rabbits, stillborn rabbits and birth weight per litter). Data were analyzed with ANOVA and non-parametric tests (<em>P</em><0.05). <strong>Results:</strong> Rabbits with EE showed greater exploration (<em>P</em>=0.001), locomotion (<em>P</em>=0.001) and grooming (<em>P</em>=0.001), while those without EE had greater inactivity (<em>P</em>=0.002). These results reflect a greater AW in rabbits with EE when expressing natural behaviors. No significant differences were observed in productive parameters between groups (<em>P</em>>0.05). <strong>Implications:</strong> Although EE did not significantly impact productive parameters, it improved AW by promoting natural behaviors and reducing stress. However, further studies are required to evaluate its effect under different management conditions. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The EE is a viable strategy to improve AW in rabbit production systems without affecting productivity, contributing to more ethical and sustainable practices.</p>