Resistance concerns and coccidiosis management in rabbit farming: Insights from robenidine, diclazuril and feed evaluations

Rabbit coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria species and presenting in both hepatic and intestinal forms, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in meat rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Effective control strategies are urgently needed. This field study assessed the efficacy of two coccidiostats - robenidine and diclazuril - as well as a nutritionally optimized feed (referred to as "altered feed"), either on its own or supplemented with a resin acid-based additive, in managing coccidiosis. A total of 579 rabbits were allocated to five distinct feeding groups across two farms during two consecutive fattening cycles. Rabbits receiving diclazuril exhibited significantly lower oocyst per gram (OPG) values in environmental fecal samples and a markedly reduced risk of liver coccidiosis compared to all other groups (p < 0.0001). In contrast, robenidine did not have a significant effect on OPG values, although it reduced the risk for liver coccidiosis. An overall mortality of 20.9 % was observed, with gastrointestinal and pulmonary alterations identified as the main causes of death in necropsy. This highlights the critical need for improved health management during the fattening cycles. The altered feed, particularly when supplemented with the resin acid-based additive, shows promise but warrants further investigation, as it performed either similarly to or better as the commercial feeds in terms of morbidity and mortality.