Technical note: Residues of gaseous air pollutants in rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) tissues

Bożena Nowakowicz-Dębek; Jacek Petkowicz; Grzegorz Buszewicz; Łukasz Wlazło; Mateusz Ossowski

doi:10.4995/wrs.2020.13175

Authors

Bożena Nowakowicz-Dębek University of Life Sciences in Lublin https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2510-1062
Jacek Petkowicz Medical University in Lublin https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0087-2207
Grzegorz Buszewicz Medical University in Lublin https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7637-6387
Łukasz Wlazło University of Life Sciences in Lublin https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1086-182X
Mateusz Ossowski University of Life Sciences in Lublin https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4734-8293

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4995/wrs.2020.13175

Keywords:

gaseous air pollutant, residual pollutant, tissue, farm, Oryctolagus cuniculus, rabbit

Abstract

The modern consumer is concerned not only for meat quality, but also about animal welfare and the environment. Studies were conducted to determine the concentration of gaseous residues in the tissues of rabbits. For this purpose, gaseous air pollutants were measured at the height of rabbit cages. Immediately after slaughter, samples were taken for analysis to determine the level of residual pollutants in the tissues (blood, perirenal fat and lung). Headspace gas chromatography was performed on the tissue samples to test for volatile toxic substances. Gas residues of 11 compounds were determined in the samples of blood, perirenal fat and lungs. The same chemicals were present in the air of the farm and the animal tissues, which may indicate their capacity for bioaccumulation. We recommend that the results should be used to develop guidelines regarding the welfare of meat rabbits and requirements for laboratory rabbits.

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Author Biographies

Bożena Nowakowicz-Dębek, University of Life Sciences in Lublin

Department of Animal Hygiene and Environmental Hazards

Jacek Petkowicz, Medical University in Lublin

Laboratory Diagnostics Department

Grzegorz Buszewicz, Medical University in Lublin

Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology

Łukasz Wlazło, University of Life Sciences in Lublin

Department of Animal Hygiene and Environmental Hazards

Mateusz Ossowski, University of Life Sciences in Lublin

Department of Animal Hygiene and Environmental Hazards

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