The effect of olfactory exposure on the heart rate of rabbits during transport

• Main Authors: Anouck Haverbeke (Author), Stefania Uccheddu (Author), Dieter Everaert (Author), Maya Lagae (Author), Marie Lacoste (Author), Heidi Arnouts (Author), Adinda Sannen (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Open Journal of Environmental Biology - Peertechz Publications, 2022-12-13.
• Subjects: Research Article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

<p>Summary</p><p>Rabbits can experience stress during transport. This study explores the effects of Essential Oils (EOs) on the heart rate of rabbits during transport. Rabbits were submitted to 3 different treatments: no olfactory exposure to EOs (treatment 1, control); olfactory exposure to 30 drops of Lavandula angustifolia EO (treatment 2); and olfactory exposure to 30 drops of a blend of 5 EOs (treatment 3, Cananga odorata, Citrus aurantium, Cupressus sempervirens, Lavandula angustifolia, Litsea citrata EOs) in a randomized controlled crossover study design. Treatment 1 and Treatment 2 did not induce a significant change in rabbits' heart rates, however, treatment 3 did induce a significant decrease in rabbits' heart rates after transport. These results suggest that olfactory exposure to this blend of 5 EOs decreased the rabbit's heart rate after transport. More research is needed to further evaluate the effects of olfactory enrichment with EOs in rabbits during transport.</p><p>Abstract</p><p>The study explores the effects of Essential Oils (EOs) on the heart rate of rabbits during transport. Rabbits (n = 35) were individually transported three times by car in a transport box for 5 minutes. Each rabbit was subjected to three treatments: no olfactory exposure to EOs (treatment 1, control); olfactory exposure to 30 drops of Lavandula angustifolia EO (treatment 2); and olfactory exposure to 30 drops of a blend of 5 EOs (treatment 3, Cananga odorata, Citrus aurantium, Cupressus sempervirens, Lavandula angustifolia, Litsea citrata EOs) in a randomized controlled crossover study design. Heart rate was measured before and after transport. Compared to the control, treatment 3 showed a significant decrease in HR after transport (mean = -24.33, SD = 41.77; post hoc Tukey test p = 0.007). Results suggest that the blend of EOs might help rabbits to recover homeostasis quicker after a stressful event. This suggests interesting potential field applications not only for rabbit owners but also for veterinarians. There is more research needed regarding the specific effects of EOs on rabbits.</p>