Neuroendocrinology applied to rabbit breeding

Successful rabbit production relies heavily on the use of adequate practices that enhance specific aspects reproduction, such as mating, ovulation and lactation. Regardless type unit or strain rabbits used, these processes rely a complex chain neuroendocrine steps include particular hormones, peripheral stimuli activation discrete brain regions. Such is case, for instance, reflex ovulation, which occurs in response to copulation but inhibited throughout Little known about mechanisms mediating lactational anoestrus restoration oestrus following cancellation single suckling episode (biostimulation). Nevertheless, latter procedure (adopted worldwide accelerate reproduction) has unwanted consequences doe her litter. After successive episodes biostimulation, former shows loss fertility body mass. In kits, alterations are observed their mildly aversive stimulation adulthood, well reductions sexual behaviour. addition milk intake, good nest essential normal litter growth development. If this not available, if it deteriorates, caretakers can easily (re) build one from hair sheared off other using synthetic material. Lactating does will nurse equally own ‘alien’ young, placed inside nest. It crucial have minimum six kits nest, maintain nursing behaviour, i.e., only once day Recent work revealing similarities differences responsiveness mating among oestrous, lactating biostimulated does. The relevance findings likelihood additional contribution factors contained semen warrant more in-depth research. New insights issues, reproductive neuroendocrinology, emerge by fostering richer interaction between academic laboratories settings worldwide.