Un lapin qui mange une pomme
LAPOESIE - Exploratory project (2020 - 2022)
Metabio
Topics
Design of multi-performance systems
LAPOESIE - Exploratory project (2020 - 2022)

LAPOESIE - Interspecific ecosystem benefits between rabbits and apple orchards

This transdisciplinary project analyzes the feasibility and added-value of associating rabbits with an organic apple orchard.

OBJECTIVES

The main hypothesis is that the association between apple trees and rabbits induces reciprocal benefits for both species (food, animal health and well-being, weed control, soil fertility, etc.), as well as constraints: damage to apple trees caused by rabbits, exposure of rabbits to predators and diseases (coccidiosis, RHD, etc.). 

From a sociological point of view, this project presents challenges in terms of getting arboriculture and livestock specialists to work together.

REALISATIONS

Un lapin qui mange une pomme
© © INRAE / Servane Penvern

The first part of the project involved setting up an original system for animal experimentation in an orchard (regulations, prototypes) and co-designing an original housing and management system for rabbit farming with a wide range of stakeholders from both the tree and rabbit farming sectors.

In terms of ecosystem services, the rabbits thoroughly cleaned up the area around the tree trunks, consuming the grass, fallen apples and leafs, and offering a potential prophylactic and soil fertilization service. The orchard also provided a number of services for the rabbits: protection from aerial predators, a source of food that reduced the consumption of pellets, and an environment allowing the expression of rabbits' natural behaviour. 

On the down side, despite the installation of tree guards, the bark of some trees was eaten away, although this did not affect tree survival. Another point of vigilance concerns work ergonomics. In addition, among the project's many prospects, agronomic elements and the technical management of both orchard and animals are priorities for continuing the design of an orchard dedicated to raising rabbits (and other livestock). 

This work will be pursued on animal welfare issues, in particular, via strengthened cooperation with the French organic rabbit breeders' association and foreign researchers

Participants

INRAE units

  • AGIR, Toulouse
  • Ecodeveloppement, Avignon
  • IHAP, MM
  • GenPhySE, Toulouse
  • LISIS, Marne-la-Vallée
  • UERI, Gotheron

Partners

  • Independent socio-anthropologist, IUT of Perpignan

 

Contact

See also

Publications

  • Savietto D., Fillon V., Fetiveau M., Bannelier C., Despeyroux M., Guillermin A., Morel K., Rodriguez A., Borne S., Simon S., Grillot M., Derbez F., Drusch S. (2024). Identification of Interspecific Benefits (and Some Limits) in an Agroforestry System Combining Rabbits and Apple Trees. → http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4772533
  • Savietto D., Fillon V., Temple-Boyer-Dury A., Derbez F., Aymard P., Pujol S., Rodriguez A., Borne S., Simon S., Grillot M., Lhoste E., Dufils A., Drusch S. (2023). Design of a functional organic agroforestry system associating rabbits and apple trees. Animal - Open Space, vol.2, December 2023. → https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anopes.2023.100051
  • Plagnet A-S, Bannelier C., Fillon V. , Savietto D. (2023). Estimation of grass biomass consumed by rabbits housed in movable paddocks. World Rabbit Science, January-March 2023. https://doi.org/10.4995/wrs.2023.18243

Papers for a conference/seminar, posters

  • Savietto D., Fillon V., Simon S.,  Lhoste E., Grillot M., Dufils A., Lamothe L., Derbez F., Fetiveau M., Drusch S. (2023). Benefits and limits of an organic agroforestry system associating rabbits and apple tree. 74th EAAP ANNUAL MEETING, August 27th- 1st September 2023, Nantes, France. → Abstract

Modification date: 05 September 2024 | Publication date: 08 June 2021 | By: Com