Embryo Manipulation Techniques in the Rabbit

Abstract

Rabbits are both productive and classic laboratory animals. Some particularities of female reproductive physiology make the rabbit an extraordinary model for the study of embryology and assisted reproductive techniques. For instance, as the ovulation is induced, the embryo development can be known with accuracy. Embryos are surrounded by a mucin coat which is crucial to prevent embryo mortality. Besides, the anatomy of the uterus does not allow embryo transmigration between both uterine horns, and so it is possible to test different reproductive techniques. Knowledge on early embryo development, and on influencing factors, has allowed to develop new insights into embryo manipulation, such as recovery, transfer, cryopreservation, in vitro fertilisation, cloning, or transgenesis. Also the rabbit may be used as a model for human reproductive health, because rabbit embryo and feto-placental development are similar to the human. This chapter reviews the aspects of the reproductive physiology in the female rabbit and discusses some embryo manipulation techniques available in the species.

Fatty Acid Profile of Blood Plasma at Mating and Early Gestation in Rabbit

“…As expected, arachidonic acid was found in lower concentration at 72 hpm. Arachidonic acid is a crucial precursor of prostaglandins [ 8 ], which are found in low concentration in the first days of pregnancy due to their luteolytic action [ 21 , 22 ].…”

Relationship between Prenatal Characteristics and Body Condition and Endocrine Profile in Rabbits

“…Female rabbits have a duplex uterus, i.e., constituted by two separated fully functional uterine horns and cervices opening into a sole vagina. Therefore, embryo inter-horn migration is not possible [ 39 ]. This anatomical characteristic implies that foetal growth depends on their number, irrigation and position in the uterine horn [ 40 , 41 ].…”

Profitability in Rabbit Breeding

“…When the female is mated or inseminated, the ovula in the follicles are liberated, and the follicles become corpus luteum, which liberate progesterone to maintain the possible pregnancy and prevent new ovulations. In the case of negative pregnancy, at 17 days of mating, the uterus starts the liberation of prostaglandins that eliminate the corpus luteum [3]. Therefore, females with negative palpation can be inseminated again in the next batch as long as inseminations differ in more than 17 days, although the period can be shortened with the inoculation of prostaglandins.…”