Effect of lighting on rabbits and its role in rabbit production: A review

• Vision of rabbit.
• Effect of light on daily rhythms.
• Effect of light on reproduction.
• Effect of light on fur and wool production.

Life is based on sunlight. Light is important for the crepuscular or nocturnal animal species such as wild or domesticated rabbits. They are able to see well at night; however their colour vision is limited. Rabbits are exposed to a periodic light and dark environment which generates a 24 h (circadian) rhythm of almost every function of the body. When rabbits lived in continuous light or dark the daily rhythms were a little longer or shorter than 24 h, respectively. The daily activity of European wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) depends on the season (the time of sunrise and sunset), and that of farmed rabbits on the times that the lights are switched off and on. Strong seasonal effects can be found in reproduction and moulting. In farms, the seasonal effects are limited when 16 h lighting is applied year around. Change of 8 h light to 16 h light eight days before insemination is effective to increase the receptivity and kindling rate. Maturation of Rex rabbit fur can be accelerated and its quality can be improved changing the photoperiod from a long to a short daily lighting period. The wool production of Angora rabbits can be increased by shortening the light period or by melatonin treatment. Light schedules are applied for different purposes on rabbit farms. Further research on the effects of light intensity, colour and LED lighting are needed.