Factors of success of rabbit doe insemination and methods for oestrus induction

Abstract

This review analyses the main factors of success of artificial insemination and the methods suitable for oestrus induction in order to improve reproductive efficiency of rabbit does in terms of fecundity (combing fertility and prolificacy). Parity, lactation status, pseudopregancy as well as sexual receptivity at the time of insemination highly influence reproductive performance. Pseudopregnancy at the time of AI strongly depresses fertility, but the cause of these ovulations is still unknown. The routine use of eCG on lactating does, consistently increases the proportion of receptive does at the time of AI and, therefore, long-term productivity, without any important immune risk. Different alternative methods applied just before insemination were studied: animal manipulation (a change of cage, doe gathering), «buck» effect, short dam-litter separation, feeding programmes and light stimulations. Some of these methods improve fecundity, but they sometimes also decrease the kits growth (dam-litter separation, lighting programmes...). Consequently, for an optimal application on farms, it is important to consider long-term effects, such as global productivity (combining fertility, prolificacy and litter weight) and durability of the effects. However, a better knowledge of the underlying physiological mechanisms would allow a better control of reproduction on rabbit farms.