What does "cannibalism" refer to in rabbit behavior?

The term "cannibalism" in rabbit behavior specifically refers to a doe eating her own young. This behavior can occur for several reasons, including stress, lack of resources, or instinctual drives to protect the remaining offspring by removing weaker or sickly individuals. It is a distressing behavior commonly observed in animal husbandry, and understanding its causes is important for managing rabbit breeding effectively.

The other options do not accurately define cannibalism. For instance, consuming excessive food relates more to overeating than to cannibalism, while fighting over territory pertains to aggression rather than consumption. Lastly, poor hygiene may affect the health of rabbits but doesn’t relate to the act of one rabbit consuming another, which is the defining characteristic of cannibalism. Understanding these distinctions is critical for anyone involved in rabbit care and breeding.