Effective rabbit breeding and fur farming

THE USE OF SULFUR-CONTAINING BIOREGULATORS IN FEEDING AMERICAN MINK

O.F. Honchar — 2026-01-01

Two synthetic bioregulators were used to conduct the study: DNS (disodium salt of succinate) and C (cysteine derivative). Biochemical blood tests were performed on the semi-automatic biochemical analyzer BTS-330 “BioSystems” using generally accepted and unified methods using standard sets of reagents from “BioSystems”. To conduct the study, a control and two experimental groups of males and female minks were formed (25 heads of females and 5 heads of males in each group).

The purpose of the work was to study the effect of sulfur-containing bioregulators on the level of realization of the reproductive ability of male and female minks under unstable feeding in the conditions of modern fur farms, the dynamics of growth and development and preservation of young animals, and the quality characteristics of the fur of young American minks when using mineral sorbents as a feed additive. An increase in the fertility of females by 4.7% and the registration yield of

young animals by 20%, as well as an improvement in the fertilization capacity of males by 7%, was established. The physiological state and protective properties of

the body improve. A probable increase in the level of total protein in the blood serum by 14.5% in group D1 and creatinine by 24 and 31%, respectively, in the groups was established.

At 60 days of age, puppies of both experimental groups with a significant difference prevailed in weight over young animals of the control group, while the

most effective was the administration of the disodium salt of succinate, at a dose of 0.2 g/head. Young minks grew more intensively and significantly outweighed the

peers of the control group by 23.3 g (P>0.99). Maximum live weight gain Masses in young animals of experimental groups (+11.8...+15.4%) were recorded up to 90 days of age; in the future, the predominance of this indicator was observed in animals of the control group.

According to the results of the study of the morphological composition of the blood of minks of 180 days of age, there was no significant difference in the number

of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and leukocytes. The above indicators were within the physiological norm; however, in animals that additionally added a sulfur-containing

drug to the diet, the number of erythrocytes in the blood was higher by 6.1%, hemoglobin by 8.8%, and leukocytes by 3.4%.

Morphometric characteristics of the juvenile hairline of young minks of the studied groups at the age of 45 days did not have a probable difference in hair length

(P<0.95). At the age of 60 days, the predominance of hair length of different categories in animals of experimental groups was established (P>0.95). The

average value of the integumentary hair length was 14-15 mm, axial 10-11, and downy 6-8 mm. When comparing the average values of hair thickness of different

categories at this age, a probable difference was noted (P>0.95). A similar trend persisted until the beginning of molting. Molting of animals of the studied groups

began on August 20 and ended on October 24; the duration of this period varied within the groups from 56 to 67 days.

GENETIC EVALUATION OF GROWTH TRAITS IN V-LINE MATERNAL RABBITS UNDER EGYPTIAN CONDITIONS

M. Ali Intesar — 2026-01-01

The objective of this study was to assess the productivity of a rabbit maternal line that has been created synthetically (V line). Many random and non-random

factors influenced body weight at weaning (WW), Slaughter weight (SW) and Daily. weight gain at 4-9 weeks (DWG), including year of birth, month of birth, sex,

parity, gestation length, litter size born alive, and lactation length of V Line rabbits. This study was spreading over five season's production of production at

the Poultry Research Center, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Alexandria's nucleus breeding rabbit farm Population. Least-squares means estimates WW

varied significantly (P≤ 0.001) from one year of birth to another. SW declined by 250.6 g from the 1st to the 6th year of kindling. DWG was in the 1st year at 2013

increased by 5.87 g over the 2nd one and by 7.1 g over the 6th year of birth at 2020.

The lowest averages were recorded for rabbits born in July and August while the highest averages of rabbits born during November, and March for WW. Significant

(P≤ 0.001) differences due to month of birth on WW, SW and DWG. No significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) exist between sexes for WW, Significant differences due to

the two sexes for SW and DWG. In generally was significant effect of parity (P ≤ 0.001) on growth performance traits, the gestation length was non-significant on

WW, however it had a significant effect on SW and DWG. Litter size born alive were highly significant differences (P ≤ 0.001) in WW and SW. The effect of lactation length was significant on SW and DWG. For all growth traits studied the sire component of variance was lower than the dam component of variance.

Heritability values were 0.46, 0.32 and 0.43 for WW, SW & DWG, respectively.

ІНТЕГРАЦІЯ BLUP-МОДЕЛЕЙ І МОЛЕКУЛЯРНО-ГЕНЕТИЧНОГО АНАЛІЗУ В СЕЛЕКЦІЇ КРОЛІВ ПОРОДИ ПОЛТАВСЬКЕ СРІБЛО

E. А Shevchenko — 2026-01-18

The study presents the results of a comprehensive genetic and breeding evaluation of Poltava Silver breed rabbits using the BLUP AM methodology

combined with an analysis of polymorphisms in the myostatin (MSTN) and progesterone receptor (PGR) genes. The analysis of allele and genotype frequencies

demonstrated that the population meets Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium for the MSTN gene and revealed a two-cluster structure for the PGR gene, which is due to the

intensive selective use of certain lines, particularly the Hraf line. The frequency of the T allele (MSTN) significantly exceeded that of C, while the A allele (PGR)

predominated over G. A positive fixation index (F) for MSTN indicates a predominance of heterozygotes and an adequate level of genetic diversity.

The developed BLUP AM selection index, integrated with molecular-genetic data, enabled a comprehensive assessment of both meat productivity and

reproductive performance. According to the BLUP evaluation results (2022–2024), the highest breeding values were obtained for males 1727215, 2118127, 1847213,

1871817, and 1894136 (up to +0.157) with high reliability of estimation (REL up to 81.3%). A correlation was found between the number of daughters included in the

evaluation and EBV accuracy (r = 0.512). Line 1871817 showed the highest values for the MSTN gene (BLUP 1385, EBV 1.458) and superiority in reproductive traits

compared with line 1811231 (BLUP 5.81 vs. 5.68); both lines were characterized by high selection potential and stability of prediction (REL 0.603–0.615). The obtained

results confirm the effectiveness of integrating molecular-genetic markers into breeding programs for Poltava Silver breed rabbits and demonstrate the promise of

using BLUP and G-BLUP models to increase the accuracy of genetic evaluations and enable early prediction of animals’ breeding potential.

PRODUCTIVE INDICATORS OF YOUNG RABBITS USING THE FEED ADDITIVE “NUTRIL SE”

B. S. Barilo — 2026-01-18

The article presents the results of a scientific and economic study devoted to assessing the impact of the water-soluble feed additive "Nutril Se" on the productive and biological indicators of young rabbits of the Californian breed during the fattening period. The relevance of the work is due to the need to increase the efficiency of rabbit farming by optimizing feeding, in particular, the use of modern feed additives containing a complex of vitamins, essential amino acids and trace elements, in particular selenium, which plays an important role in metabolic processes, immune protection and animal growth. The studies were conducted in a private rabbit farm in the Rivne region in 2024–2025 on 160 heads of 43-day-old young rabbits, which were divided into a control and three experimental groups according to the principle of pairs of analogues. The rabbits of the control group received the main diet without the supplement, while the animals of the experimental groups were fed with drinking water with the feed supplement "Nutril Se" in doses of 0.25; 0.5 and 1.0 ml per head per day, respectively, according to the recommended application scheme. During the experiment, the dynamics of live weight, absolute, average daily and relative gains, as well as indicators of the survival of young animals were evaluated. It was established that the effectiveness of the effect of the supplement significantly depended on the level of its introduction into the diet. The best results were obtained in the second experimental group, where "Nutril Se" was used in a dose of 0.5 ml/head/day. These animals showed a significant increase in growth rate, the largest absolute gain in live weight for the
entire fattening period (1800 g), higher average daily gains and maximum live weight at the time of slaughter at 77 days of age, which exceeded the control by 0.11 kg (3.55%; p≤0.001). At the same time, the survival of young animals in this group was 100%, which indicates good tolerability of the supplement and its positive effect on the general physiological condition of animals. The use of the supplement in lower (0.25 ml/head/day) and higher (1.0 ml/head/day) doses did not provide a similar positive effect and was accompanied by a decrease in productive indicators and, in the case of the maximum dose, a decrease in the survival of the livestock. The results obtained prove the feasibility of using the feed additive "Nutril Se" in the optimal dose of 0.5 ml per head per day as an effective means of increasing the productivity and zootechnical indicators of young rabbits in industrial and farm farms.

ENCREASING MEAT PRODUCTIVITY OF RABBITS USING INDUSTRIAL CROSSBREEDING

M.I. Bashchenko — 2026-01-18

The research was conducted at the Cherkasy Agricultural Research Station of Bioresources of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The genotype of rabbits used in the research: Poltava Silver, Soviet Chinchilla, New Zealand White
and their crosses.

The study found that the third group of domestic young (1/4PS1/4NB1/2RSh) at 28 days of age significantly (p<0.001) exceeded the analogues of the 1st control
group (PS) in terms of live weight by 107 g. The fourth group of domestic young (p<0.01) exceeded the control by this indicator by 83 g. The highest intensity of
development up to 28 days of age (p<0.001) was observed in the litter of young
animals of 1/4PS1/4RSH1/2NB origin - 609±28.26 g, which is 116 g more than the control.
In terms of live weight at the age of 90 days, the second group of domestic
young animals (1/4PS3/4RSh) exceeded (p<0.05) the first control group of young animals of the Poltava Silver breed by 117 g, the third by 156 g (1/4PS1/4NB1/2RSh) (p<0.05), the fourth by 80 g (1/4PS3/4 NB), and the fifth was significantly (p<0.05)
(1/4PS1/4RSh1/2NB) by as much as 207 g.
The chest girth index (90 days) had a significant difference in the young rabbits of the fourth and fifth experimental groups (p<0.01, p<0.001) genotype: 1/4PS3/4 NB, 1/4PS1/4RSh1/2NB and exceeded the rabbits of the control group by 1.9; 2.2
cm. This indicator was influenced by the heredity of the New Zealand white, which was 50.75% in the crossbred young of these groups.
In-life meat assessment - loin width, at 90 days of age, was the best in crossbred young rabbits of groups 2, 3, 4 and 5. The measurement of loin width is an important
indicator, it is positively correlated with indicators of slaughter weight, slaughter yield. It was the highest in the fifth group 5.95 cm (p <0.05) and exceeded the control by 4%.

An objective indicator that positively correlates with slaughter and meat qualities - the crushing index - absolutely prevailed in the crossbred young rabbits
of the 5th experimental group (1/4PS1/4RSh1/2NB). Rabbits of this group by this indicator prevailed over their counterparts of the 2nd group by 9.17%; 3-0th by
4.36%; 4th by 2.24%; and purebred young rabbits of the 1st group by 10.23%. According to the results of the research, the best tendency to high fattening,
lifetime meat and constitutional indicators was observed in the domestic young rabbits of the following origins: 1/4PS3/4 NB, 1/4PS1/4RSh1/2NB.
The index of general heterosis by groups according to the growth intensity of young rabbits in the experimental groups was: 4.2; 5.6; 2.9; 7.5%. The index of general heterosis according to the waist width indicator was 2.1; 3.5; 1.9; 4.0%.
The decrease in the cost of feed per 1 kg of gain to the 1st control group (32.4 UAH) occurred to the 5th group: 2nd experimental 31.05 UAH; 3rd experimental
30.6 UAH, 4th experimental 30.78 UAH. The cost of feed in the cost structure of the 5th experimental group turned out to be the lowest - 29.78 UAH. Such dynamics
affected the net profit indicator and profitability of production. The highest profitability of production, in terms of direct costs, was in young
rabbits of group 5 and amounted to 63.2%. Animals of this group were three-breed crosses by origin - 1/4PS1/4RSH1/2NB.
Studies have shown that the use of Poltava Silver rabbit dams as maternal breeds and Soviet Chinchilla and New Zealand White males as paternal breeds in
industrial crossbreeding allows for increased fattening and meat performance of young rabbits, especially of three breeds: 1/4PS1/4NB1/2RSH; 1/4PS1/4RSH1/2NB.

REPRODUCTIVE CAPACITY OF MIXTURES OF THREE BREEDS OF RABBITS UNDER RECIPROCAL CROSSING

O.V. Boiko — 2026-01-01

The research was conducted on the basis of an experimental rabbit farm of the Cherkasy Research Station of Bioresources of the National Academy of Sciences of

Ukraine. The farm uses the technology of intensive rabbit production. The weight of the nest summarizes all the indicators of female rabbits at the time of farrowing. It

was the highest in female rabbits of the first control group - 544±19.9 g, in the second (♀RШ x ♂1/2РШ1/2НБ) - 541±20.0 g and in the fifth (♀1/2РШ1/2СВ x

♂РШ) - 547±20.5 g, which is significantly higher than in the third group of female rabbits (♀1/2РШ1/2НБ x ♂РШ), the fourth group (♀РШ x ♂ 1/2РШ1/2СВ) and

the seventh (♀1/2НБ1/2СВ x ♂РШ). The highest milk yield was in the sixth group of female rabbits - 2.44±0.079 kg for the combination ♀РШ x ♂ 1/2НБ1/2СВ. In all

experimental groups, the milk yield was higher by 50–140 g (P<0.95) compared to the first control group of female rabbits (2.3±0. The mass of the nest of rabbits

weaned at 28 days of age from the queens was higher in the queens of the fifth-seventh experimental groups (P>0.99; P>0.95) by 5.05±0.18 kg; 5.45±0.135 kg;

5.22±0.172 kg, respectively, which is 400–800 g more than the control. Considering the different levels of productivity indicators of female rabbits, the IVYAK index was

used for their objective assessment. The highest IVYAK index was in female rabbits of the sixth (♀RШ x ♂1/2НБ1/2СВ) group – 124.9 and the fifth (♀1/2РШ1/2СВ x ♂РШ) group – 124.0. For the selection assessment of the reproductive properties of queen rabbits, the index of general heterosis was determined according to the formula of V. Gorin. The index of general heterosis by the mass of the nest at weaning in the experimental groups was: 4.09%; 6.45%; 2.36%; 8.6%; 17.2%; 12.26%. The index of general heterosis by the indicator of IVYAK was 1.16%; 0.41%; 1.24%; 2.9%; 3.65%; 1.16%.

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF A RABBIT RANGE WITH A MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM ON THE FORMATION OF THE MICROCLIMATE USING TWO METHODS OF MANURE ACIDIZATION

O.V. Boiko — 2026-01-19

The research was conducted on Poltava Silver, Californian and New Zealand White rabbits on the basis of the rabbit farm of the Cherkasy Research Station of Bioresources of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The subject of the research is a comparative assessment of air pollution in a rabbit farm by greenhouse gases based on the factor of manure acidification. The purpose of the work is to assess the potential of applying ground double calcium superphosphate and an

aqueous solution of orthophosphoric acid to the manure channels of a rabbit farm to reduce the concentration of polluting gases and the physicochemical properties of rabbit manure. In addition, to identify cause-and-effect relationships between the properties of double calcium superphosphate and an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid and gaseous emissions from rabbit farms. Research methods are bibliographic, analytical, microbiological, physical, biometric. It was found that the use of double calcium superphosphate and orthophosphoric acid solution for manure acidification significantly reduced the concentration of ammonia and carbon dioxide in the rabbit farm by periods of the year by 10.2-27.8% and 9.6-18.4%, respectively. Acidification of rabbit manure by applying double calcium superphosphate and phosphoric acid solution is an effective measure to control this source of polluting gases NH3 and CO2 in the indoor air of rabbit farms with a prolonged weekly effect. The influence of the manure acidification factor on the variability of the concentration of carbon dioxide, ammonia and methane in the air of the rabbit farm was determined (probable but low, at the level of 0.016-0.106). It has been shown that during storage of rabbit manure, due to its high buffering capacity, its active acidity increases from acidic and weakly acidic to neutral (6.78-7.14 pH H2O) during the storage period from 8 (at a stable temperature regime above 210 ⸰C) to 90 days.

MYOSTATIN (MSTN) AND GROWTH HORMONE (GH) GENES POLYMORPHISMS IN DIFFERENT BREEDS OF RABBITS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH PRODUCTIVITY TRAITS

V.V. Dzitsyuk — 2026-01-01

The article highlights the results of a study of the genetic structure of populations of three breeds of rabbits (New Zealand White, Chinchilla, Poltava Silver) by markers of economically useful traits. The main attention is focused on the analysis of polymorphisms of two candidate genes: myostatin (MSTN), which is a key regulator of muscle tissue development, and growth hormone (GH), which controls the somatotropic axis and metabolic processes. The aim of the work was to establish the features of the distribution of alleles and genotypes at these loci, as well as to assess the associative effect of the MSTN gene polymorphism on meat productivity indicators. Genotyping was performed for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) c.34C>T in the MSTN gene and c.-78C>T in the GH gene. Allele and genotype frequencies were calculated, and the correspondence of their distribution to the Hardy-Weinberg genetic equilibrium was analyzed. For the MSTN gene (c.34C>T) in the New Zealand White rabbit population, which was in equilibrium, a statistically significant association with economically useful traits was established. A selective advantage of heterozygotes was revealed: individuals with the ST genotype outperformed homozygotes (SS and TT) in average daily gains and paired carcass weight. Analysis of the c.-78C>T polymorphism of the GH gene in the Chinchilla and Poltava Silver breeds also confirmed the state of genetic equilibrium. At the same time, a high level of actual heterozygosity (Ho) was recorded for both populations, which significantly exceeded the expected (He). This, together with negative values of the fixation index (Fis), indicates an excess of heterozygotes, which indicates high genetic diversity and potentially better adaptability of populations. The results obtained prove that the studied polymorphisms of the MSTN and GH genes are effective markers for use in breeding programs (MAS) to monitor the genetic structure and accelerate the selection of rabbits for meat qualities.

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF SPERM QUALITY OF MALE RABBITS OF DIFFERENT BREEDS USING DOMESTIC AND IMPORTED DILUENTS

O.A. Katsaraba — 2026-01-01

The article presents the results of a comprehensive study of the quality of sperm of male rabbits of different breeds and the effectiveness of the use of domestic and

imported diluents in artificial insemination technology. The relevance of the work is due to the limited possibilities of long-term storage of rabbit sperm at refrigeration

temperatures and the need to increase reproductive efficiency in industrial rabbit breeding. The aim of the study was to evaluate the biological, morphological and

functional indicators of sperm of males of the Gray Giant, Californian and New Zealand White breeds, as well as to determine the effect of various diluents on the

preservation of sperm viability and fertilizing ability in laboratory and production conditions. The study was conducted on 40 males aged 4 to 18 months using

standard spermiological methods. The ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and motility, sperm pH, the proportion of pathological forms, and the integrity of the

acrosome were determined by the differential staining method. It was established that the largest volume of ejaculate and the highest indices of acrosome integrity are

characteristic of males of the Gray Giant breed. No significant interbreed differences were found in sperm concentration, motility, and pH. It was shown that

the use of both domestic glucose-citrate and imported Galap diluents ensures the preservation of sperm activity for up to 72 hours. In the first 36–48 hours of storage,

sperm motility and viability indices were somewhat higher when using the domestic diluent, especially in males of the Gray Giant breed. The level of pathological forms

of sperm in all studied groups did not exceed the permissible regulatory values. The results obtained indicate the feasibility of using domestic diluents as an effective and economically justified alternative to imported ones in the practice of artificial insemination of rabbits. Prospects for further research are to optimize the

composition of domestic sperm extenders by including antioxidants, energy substrates and membrane-stabilizing components in order to extend the shelf life of

sperm. It is advisable to conduct an in-depth study of molecular and biochemical markers of the functional fullness of sperm, in particular the state of the plasma

membrane, mitochondrial activity and DNA fragmentation. The results obtained can be used to improve artificial insemination technology and increase reproductive efficiency in industrial rabbit breeding.

FORMATION OF THE PRODUCTIVE POTENTIAL OF YOUNG RABBITS WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE USE OF PROBIOTIC AND PHYTOBIOTIC FEED ADDITIVES IN FEEDING

O. V. Korkh — 2026-01-01

The article presents the results of determining the effect of the complex use of probiotics (Immunobacterin D) and phytobiotics (nettle flour) on growth, metabolism, slaughter rates and quality of meat products of young rabbits of the meat-skin direction of productivity. It was found that starting from the age of 60 days, the young animals of the experimental group significantly exceeded the live weight of their peers in the control group by 93.6 g or 6.0% (p<0.05), at the age of 90 days the difference between these groups increased to 133.5 g or 6.3% (p<0.05), and at the age of 120 days it reached 176.5 g or 5.6% (p<0.05). Similarly, to the changes in live weight in the young animals of the experimental group, their total gains also increased, which during the growing period amounted to 373.7; 605.1 and 1104.6 g or 30.2; 7.1 and 4.1% more against the background of a higher growth intensity of 5.8 g (30.4%), 1.4 g (7.4 and 4.0%) at 60, 90 and 120 days, respectively, compared with the peers of the control group. According to the results of the balance experiment, it was found that the rabbits of the experimental group were characterized by better assimilation and use of feed nutrients compared with the analogues of the control group. At the same time, the digestibility coefficients of crude protein and fiber were significantly higher and exceeded the control by 8,5 and 12.5% (p<0.05). The nitrogen balance in the body of animals of the experimental group was characterized by a higher level of its intake (+0.17 g or 5.1%; p<0.05) and a greater deposition in the body – 1.58 g versus 1.21 g – in rabbits of the control group (p<0.05). The metabolism of Calcium and Phosphorus also indicated a sufficient level of their assimilation in the body, while the digestibility of calcium in experimental animals was higher by 0.20 g compared to the peers of the control group. The inclusion of a complex feed additive in the diet of rabbits also provided a significant increase in meat productivity. In particular, the pre-slaughter live weight of rabbits of the experimental group reached 4031.9 g, which significantly exceeded the corresponding indicator of control analogues by 3732.7 g (p<0.01), with a simultaneous increase in slaughter yield by 1.9%. The advantage of experimental rabbits was also maintained in terms of the weight of a paired carcass: with the head and liver it was 2405.8 g or 11.4% more, compared to the control (p<0.01), while without the head and liver – 2014.2 g or 12.3% more (p<0.01). The meat obtained from the young animals of the experimental group was characterized by increased protein value (21.16% versus 20.88% in the control; p<0.01), better water-retaining properties (0.92% higher) and a physiologically optimal level of active acidity. The obtained results of the experiment confirmed the feasibility of the complex use of probiotic-phytobiotic feed additive in feeding rabbits as an effective means of increasing growth, improving the absorption of basic nutrients of feed in the body, improving meat productivity and quality of meat products.

THE INFLUENCE OF LIGHTING INTENSITY IN THE RABBIT HUSBANDRY ON THE PRODUCTIVE QUALITIES OF RABBITS OF THE POLTAVA SILVER BREED

Y. Sotnichenko — 2026-01-01

The results of the assessment of the influence of light intensity during daylight hours on the productive qualities of Poltava Silver rabbits are presented. The research

was conducted on the Poltava Silver rabbit population of the Cherkasy region on the basis of the experimental rabbit farm of the Cherkasy Research Station of Bioresources of the NAAS. According to zoohygienic standards, the minimum light intensity for a rabbit is up to 50 Lux. (EFSA). This level is necessary for animals to make visual contact, explore their environment, and demonstrate active behavior. Our research has proven that increasing lighting intensity has a positive effect on the manifestation of the genetic potential of animals and ensures an increase in productivity. It was established that the largest number of offspring per brood (10.8 heads (maximum number in the nest is 15 and minimum – 8 heads), fertilization of females (98%) was achieved at a lighting intensity of 100 Lux. The worst fertility rates were obtained in the control group, where the animals were left under 30 Lux of lighting, which is used mainly in fattening groups. Under these conditions, the fertilization rate from the first insemination was only 72% - with an average yield of 7.8 rabbits per female (the maximum number in the nest was 9 and the minimum was 3 animals). Under the same temperature, feeding, and housing conditions (except for the light factor), a difference was observed in the percentage of offspring surviving in the nest until weaning. With increasing light intensity, the survival rate of offspring increased: from 85.3% in the control group to 95.2% in the third experimental group at a light intensity of 100 Lux. The highest indicators were obtained among the female rabbits of the second and third experimental groups, which ranged from 5950.4±84.7 g to 6789.2±9.22 g. Accordingly, these groups obtained significantly higher values for nest mass at 21 days. Rabbits of the second and third experimental groups at illumination from 75 Lux to 100 Lux significantly outperformed their peers in terms of live weight in virtually all age periods. The average absolute gain during the growing period in the group of rabbits where the lighting intensity of 30 Lux was used was 2952.5±23.50 g. At a lighting intensity of 100 Lux, it was over 3321.4±18.97 g, which is 12.5% more than the control. In males and females raised under different lighting intensities, a significant difference was found in chest girth (from 2.3 to 3.4 cm), body length (from 2.3 and 2.4 cm), and the hump index (from 2.5 to 5.1%). Under conditions of increased lighting intensity during daylight hours, the replacement young rabbits of the Poltava Silver breed had not only more intensive growth, but also better body development.

MEAT PRODUCTIVITY AND MEAT QUALITY OF RABBITS USING PUREBRED MALES IN CROSS-BREEDING

T. Yakubets — 2026-01-01

The paper presents the results of scientific research on the meat productivity of rabbits descended from different male parental forms of crosses, as well as from

purebred males. The chemical composition of the meat of rabbits from different experimental groups was also studied. It was found that the slaughter weight, which

was determined as the weight of the carcass with kidneys but without the liver, heart, and lungs, varied from 1175.5 to 1411.8 g. According to these indicators, rabbits

obtained from PS59 males prevailed over their peers descended from Hyla Max males, Termond White breed, and Poltava Silver breed by 4.3% (p ≤0.01), 8.0%, and 16.7%, respectively. The slaughter yield of rabbits of the experimental genotypes ranged from 52.1 to 54.6% and was highest in young rabbits whose parents were PS59 males. It was found that the rabbits obtained from PS59 males had the highest flesh and bone mass, which is logical, since they were characterized by the highest live weight. However, due to the higher bone weight, the meat yield of rabbits of this genotype was the lowest (77.2%), while in young rabbits obtained from Hyla Max males and Termond White breed males, it was 2.7 (p ≤0.001) and 2.5% higher, respectively. A similar situation was observed with the meatiness coefficient – it was highest in rabbits with the 1/2HM1/2NG genotype, with young rabbits from males of the Termond White breed lagging behind by only 0.04 units, and the lowest in rabbits whose parents were PS59 males, with the difference being significant (p ≤0.01). The moisture, protein, fat, and ash content of the longest back muscle samples from rabbits of the experimental genotypes was examined. Based on the results of studies of the chemical composition of meat from rabbits descended from different males, it can be stated that meat obtained from rabbits whose parents were males of the Termond White breed is characterized by a higher content of protein, fat, and ash, which may indicate its higher biological value.

THE BIOAKTIV ADDITIVE: PERFORMANCE, METABOLISM, AND ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY IN RABBITS

M.A Caraman — 2026-01-01

The study evaluated the effects of the mineral additive BioAktiv on reproductive, productive, metabolic, and economic performance in rabbits under commercial farm conditions recently affected by rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD). BioAktiv is a mineral product obtained using a patented technology that applies controlled electromagnetic fields to modify the physicochemical properties of a mixture of calcium carbonate, sodium chloride, and magnesium sulfate. The final product contains 36.3% calcium and exhibits stable physical characteristics, low toxicity, and high safety for animals and the environment. The experiment was conducted at the commercial rabbit farm SRL “Sof Fest,” on breeding females and their offspring, following a bifactorial design with control and experimental groups, where BioAktiv was administered at a dose of 400 g/t of compound feed. Monitored parameters included prolificacy, kit survival until weaning, growth dynamics, feed conversion, blood biochemical profile, and economic efficiency. Although reproductive performance showed no statistically significant differences between groups, kit survival was higher in the experimental group both at weaning (92.0% vs. 88.7%) and throughout the entire fattening period until slaughter (82.0% vs. 75.5%). Growth performance indicated a beneficial effect of the additive, with slaughter weight 18.3% higher in the experimental group compared to the control. Additionally, feed conversion ratio improved by 17.96%, indicating superior biological efficiency. Blood biochemical analyses showed that BioAktiv administration did not induce metabolic imbalances, with all values remaining within physiological limits. However, the experimental group demonstrated a metabolic profile suggestive of more efficient lipid and protein utilization, evidenced by increased total cholesterol, decreased triglycerides, and reduced urea and creatinine levels. Economic assessment revealed clear advantages in treated groups, with profit increasing by 28–30% and feed-cost efficiency improving by over 55 percentage points compared to controls. The results support the use of BioAktiv as a functional feed additive in commercial rabbit production, with further studies recommended under stable sanitary conditions to fully validate the observed effects.

CLINICAL PARAMETERS OF RABBITS UNDER DIFFERENT TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS

I.I. Kovalchuk — 2026-01-01

In modern conditions of intensive animal husbandry, research into the impact of ambient temperature conditions on the clinical and physiological state of farm animals

is of particular importance, since the microclimate determines their level of productivity and resistance to disease. This is especially true for rabbits, which are extremely

sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, leading to metabolic disorders and reduced viability. The aim of the study was to determine the nature of changes in the main physiological parameters of rabbits under conditions of periodically elevated temperature (28–30 °C) and reduced temperature (2–5 °C) for ten days of the experiment, as well as to evaluate the informative value of infrared thermography as a non-invasive method for diagnosing heat and cold stress. The results obtained indicate that environmental temperature conditions have a significant impact on the clinical and physiological condition of rabbits. The study found that rabbits in the experimental group, which were kept at elevated temperatures, had a 2.8% increase in body temperature, a 20.8% increase in heart rate (P<0.01), an increase in respiratory rate (P<0.01), and a significant decrease in body weight (P<0.01). A decrease in feed consumption and a doubling of water consumption compared to the control group were observed, indicating a disturbance in the water-feed balance. Thermography data showed an increase in the temperature of the surface areas of the body (eye, base of the ear, abdominal area, groin, thoracic spine, hind limbs) (P<0.05), confirming the development of heat stress and systemic thermoregulation disorders. In rabbits of the experimental group II, which were kept at low temperatures, a decrease in body temperature by 3.6%, an increase in heart rate by 15.0% (P<0.05) without changes in respiratory rate, and a decrease in body weight by 4.1% (P<0.05) were observed. An increase in feed consumption and a twofold decrease in water consumption compared to the control group were observed, indicating compensatory reactions of the body to cold stress. According to thermography data, rabbits in group II showed a decrease in the temperature of the abdominal area, groin, and hind limbs by 27.5–43.7% (P<0.05), confirming the cooling of peripheral areas of the body and the body's adaptation to low temperatures

THE EFFECT OF NANOPARTICLES OF MICROELEMENTS ON THE HEMATOLOGICAL INDICATORS OF RABBITS DURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF HEAT STRESS

Y. Lesyk — 2026-01-01

The use of traditional technological methods to reduce heat stress in rabbit breeding is ineffective, unlike various dietary supplements in the diet. Experiments

were carried out on young rabbits of the Thermon White breed from 35 to 78 days of age. The rabbits were kept in a vivarium, where conditions of elevated ambient

temperature (moderate and severe heat stress) were created, with a temperature- humidity index ranging from 28.1 to 29.9 °C and relative humidity from 84.3 to

85.7%. For the study, a control group of rabbits was formed, which were kept on standard granulated feed produced on the farm and given water ad libitum. Rabbits

in groups I, II, and III consumed the same feed as the control group, but for 24 hours they received the following with their water: Group I – zinc citrate – 60 mg/l or 12

mg/kg of body weight; Group II – selenium citrate – 300 μg/l or 60 μg/kg of body weight; Group III – germanium citrate – 62.5 μg/l or 12.5 μg/kg of body weight. The

blood parameters of rabbits were examined on the 14th day of the preparatory period and on the 14th and 29th days of the study under conditions of moderate and

severe heat stress. It was found that the most pronounced effect on changes in the hematological parameters of rabbits' blood was observed when zinc citrate and

selenium citrate were added to the diet. These changes were more pronounced under conditions of severe heat stress and were characterized by higher levels of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytes, and their individual forms throughout the study. It was found that the most pronounced effect on changes in hematological parameters of rabbits' blood was observed when zinc citrate and selenium citrate were added to the diet. These changes were more pronounced under

conditions of severe heat stress and were characterized by higher levels of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytes, and their individual forms throughout the study. The effect of germanium citrate was less pronounced compared to other supplements used in the control group, which was reflected in increased hemoglobin levels under conditions of moderate heat stress and the number of leukocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes under conditions of severe heat stress on the 14th and 29th days of the experiment.

CLINICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CYSTIC PERITONIAL LESIONS IN RABBITS

R. M. Sachuk — 2026-01-01

Cyst-like lesions of the serous membranes of the abdominal organs are a poorly studied, but clinically and diagnostically significant pathology in rabbits. Despite the relative prevalence of serositis of various genesis, the morphological features of cystic changes of the peritoneum in this species of animals remain insufficiently systematized, which complicates their correct interpretation during pathological examination and post-mortem control. In the practice of veterinary medicine, such lesions are often regarded as parasitic or neoplastic processes, which increases the risk of diagnostic errors. The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical and morphological features of cystic lesions of the peritoneum in rabbits based on the results of pathomorphological examination of the abdominal organs. The studies were conducted on the basis of a private rabbit farm in the Rivne region. The objects of the studies were rabbits in which pathological changes of internal organs were detected during clinical examination and post-mortem control. The material was the liver, stomach, small intestine and mesentery. Macroscopic assessment of serous membranes was carried out taking into account the localization, number, size and morphological characteristics of cyst-like formations, as well as the condition of the serosa, the presence of effusion and vascular changes. During the studies, it was established that the dominant morphological changes in rabbits were multiple thin- walled cyst-like formations localized on the serous membranes of the liver, stomach, intestine and mesentery. The lesions detected were accompanied by thickening of the serosa, accumulation of serous effusion and focal petechial hemorrhages. The morphological picture indicated a chronic course of aseptic serositis with the formation of serous-cystic structures. The features of the location of the formations, in particular their localization along the vessels of the mesentery, indicated the probable role of microcirculation disorders and lymphatic drainage in the pathogenesis of the pathology under study. The results obtained are consistent with the literature data on the mechanisms of development of chronic serositis and have important practical significance for pathoanatomical diagnostics. The proposed clinical and morphological characteristics of cystic lesions of the peritoneum allow to increase the accuracy of differential diagnosis with parasitic and neoplastic processes and can be used in the practice of veterinary medicine, the educational process and in post-mortem control of rabbit products.