Effective rabbit breeding and fur farming

Reproductive qualities of rabbits depending on paratypic factors during their maintenance

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Experimental studies were conducted on the population of rabbits of the Poltava Silver breed on the basis of the experimental rabbit farm of the Cherkasy Research Station of Bioresources of NAAS. The fertilization ability of rabbit sperm and the features of embryonic and postembryonic development of young animals depending on the season were studied. To assess the main indicators of the microclimate, an Electronic microclimate analyzer “EMA-5” was used. It was established that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the room was within the permissible limits - 970 ppm in winter, 982 ppm - in spring and 1210 ppm - in summer. Atmospheric pressure in all seasons was at the level of 751-754 mm Hg. st. The average daily illumination in the room was 47.5 Lx in winter, 81.5 Lx in spring and 87.8 Lx - in summer, that is, it corresponded to the permissible parameters. The exception was the winter season, during which the average daily light levels were 26.9% lower than the minimum permissible value. The reproductive qualities of rabbits using artificial insemination technology were experimentally studied. In addition, the individual development of the resulting offspring under conditions of maintenance in a capital production facility. Studies of sperm productivity indicators of males and reproductive ability of females depending on paratypic factors showed their seasonal variability. In particular, according to these indicators, the highest sperm productivity of males was observed in the winter period, and the reproductive ability of females was in the spring. The lowest sperm productivity of males was in the summer - during the period of high air temperatures, and the lowest reproductive ability of females - in winter when kept in a capital rabbits without heating. In the process of research, a clear pattern was revealed regarding the gradual decrease in the vast majority of sperm productivity indicators of males and an increase in the reproductive ability of females from winter to summer. The analysis of variance showed a significant influence of the season on the vast majority of the studied indicators ‒ both on the sperm productivity of males and on the reproductive ability of females. Therefore, to increase the production efficiency of industrial farms with a flow system of meat production, it is necessary to plan the reproduction of the herd, taking into account the seasonal variability of the indicators of the reproductive qualities of animals. This applies to the sperm productivity of males in the summer, in particular, it is recommended to increase the volume of insemination of rabbits by at least 10%. In addition, to improve the reproductive ability of females in winter, it is necessary to provide equipment for heating the queen cell of the required power, according to the calculation of the heat balance. To improve the industrial technology of keeping rabbits, it is necessary to additionally study the reproductive qualities of males and females, depending on the season, taking into account the regulatory parameters of the microclimate when kept in cages in a closed room and fed with complete granular feed.

Genetic potential of Poltava silver rabbits: G-BLUP evaluation based on polymorphism of MSTN and PGR genes

E. А. Shevchenko, O. F. Honchar, V. V. Dzitsiuk — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article presents the results of the assessment of rabbits of different lines of the Poltava Silver breed using the G-BLUP method with the analysis of the influence of polymorphic variants of the myostatin (MSTN) genes on live weight and progesterone receptor (PGR) on reproductive ability.

The indicators of gene diversity in different lines of the Poltava Silver breed for these polymorphisms showed a positive value of the Wright fixation index (Fis), indicating the predominance of heterozygotes for the C and T alleles. Based on the obtained heterozygosity data, Wright fixation indices were calculated.

The inbreeding coefficient (Fis) for the genes – MSTN and PGR – showed different distributions between rabbit lines. A higher value of Fis for the MSTN gene indicates a greater deficit of heterozygosity, potentially indicating higher inbreeding effects. On the other hand, a lower value of Fis for the PGR gene means smaller inbreeding effects or that the population is closer to panmixia.

Analysis of the influence of the SNP C34T polymorphism in the MSTN gene on the average daily gain of rabbits revealed the following patterns. Heterozygous rabbits with the ST genotype demonstrated higher average daily gains. Their gains were 2.3% higher than those of homozygotes for the C allele (39.0 ± 0.3 g vs. 38.2 ± 0.2 g, p<0.05). At the same time, the average daily gains of homozygotes for the T allele were 2.6% lower than those of heterozygotes for the ST (38.2 ± 0.2 g vs. 39.0 ± 0.3 g, p<0.05).

It was found that line 1871817 is the most promising in terms of meat productivity, showing the highest values of BLUP-index (1358), estimated breeding value (EBV, 1.412) and reliability (REL, 1.827), which confirms its high genetic potential. Lines 1847213 and 1832221, on the contrary, have small negative EBV and low REL, which indicates their lower productivity. The G-BLUP method also confirmed the influence of the PGR gene on reproductive traits. Lines 1871817 and 1811231 showed the highest BLUP-index (5.57) for these indicators, which indicates their high potential for transmitting reproductive potential to offspring. In general, the line 1871817 demonstrates high genetic potential both in terms of live weight and the number of weaned rabbits, which makes it a priority in the selection of the best individuals for future breeding programs in rabbit breeding

The influence of rabbit breeding on their meat productivity

M. I. Bashchenko, O. V. Boiko, Y. M. Sotnichenko — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article presents the results of a comparative analysis of slaughter indicators and tasting evaluation of meat of rabbits of different breeds common in Ukraine. The aim of the research was to conduct a comparative assessment of the quality of rabbit meat of the studied breeds. The following methods were used during the research: theoretical analysis, formulation of hypotheses, biometric and statistical methods, assessment of pre-slaughter and slaughter qualities, tasting evaluation. All rabbit carcasses selected for fattening assessment belonged to the first category. It was established that the highest slaughter yield was determined in 4-month-old rabbits of the New Zealand White (56.9±0.96) and Poltava Silver (56.4±0.67) breeds. The largest absolute mass of flesh is possessed by rabbits of the New Zealand White breed - 1604±4.28 g. The Poltava Silver rabbits were somewhat inferior in absolute values - 1459±9.6 g. In terms of meat yield, rabbits of the Poltava Silver breed did not have a significant difference compared to their peers of the New Zealand White breed: 82.9±0.77% versus 83.5±0.45%. However, after slaughter, Poltava Silver rabbits received the smallest share of waste – only 12.8% of live weight. The tasting evaluation of meat samples from 4-month-old rabbits of the New Zealand White, Californian, and Poltava Silver breeds determined that it has high, practically equivalent, organoleptic and tasting characteristics. The meat from rabbits of the New Zealand White (4.7-4.9 points out of 5) and Poltava Silver (4.6-4.7 points out of 5) breeds was tender, juicy, and the most delicious in terms of the highest score after cooking. When evaluating the broth, the lowest score was given to the characteristic such as aroma – 3.6-4.1 points, although all broth from the meat of experimental rabbits had a delicate, refined aroma and taste and good transparency. Therefore, breeding rabbits of the New Zealand White and Poltava Silver breeds ensures high meat qualityThe carcasses of rabbits of this group contained the smallest bone mass, and in terms of meat yield and meatiness coefficient, they were superior to rabbits of the Californian breed by 2.7-3.3%. In the future, it is advisable to conduct research aimed at studying the meat qualities of industrial hybrids obtained from crossing the studied breeds, and to assess the economic efficiency of industrial crossing in farms of various forms of ownership.

Productive and genetic-selection features of rabbit dogs of rabbit breed suitable for intensive industrial use in Ukrainian conditions

O. V. Boiko , B. P. Perig, I. S. Luchyn — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The research was conducted on the basis of an experimental rabbit farm Cherkassy Experimental Station of Bioresources of the National Academy of Sciences the livestock consists of 15 female rabbits and 3 males of each of the breeds: Soviet Chinchilla (SСh), Gray Giant (GG), and New Zealand White (NZWIt was established that in terms of multiparity, the rabbits of the 1st group of purebred combination Soviet chinchilla prevailed. (SСh)- 12.1±0.59, which is 1.2 and 1.4 heads more than in a purebred combination of Grey Giant (GG) and New Zealand White (NZW) queens (10.9±0.71; 10.7±0.6).

The 3rd group of New Zealand White breed female rabbits stood out for their high fertility - 58±2.17 g, the difference from other groups was 2 g.

Summarizes previous indicators of nest mass at birth. It was highest in female rabbits of the 1st group (SСh) – 623 ± 11.35 g (p < 0.05), which is 55 and 69 g more than in the following groups.

The highest milk yield was in female rabbits of the 1st (RCh) and 3rd (NZW) groups in combination with purebred males and amounted to 2.75; 2.74 kg, they exceeded this indicator of the 2nd (GG) group by 80 and 90 g.

The indicator, the number of rabbits at weaning, in the studies was again higher in the female rabbits of the 1st group (RCh) 10.0 ± 0.45 heads, which is 0.3 heads higher than in the 2nd group (9.7 ± 0.56; p < 0.05) and 2.0 heads higher than in the 3rd group (8.0 ± 0.39; p < 0.01).

The mass of the nest at weaning was higher in the gray giant female rabbits (group 2) – 5.06 ± 0.17 kg (p< 0.05), which is 555 and 570 g more than in the 1st and 3rd groups.

During the research, a high level of individual indicators of rabbit productivity was revealed, which makes it possible to develop breeding measures when combining these breeds and obtain the maximum effect of heterosis under conditions of intensive rabbit meat production in Ukraine.

Rabbit breeds: Soviet Chinchilla, Grey Giant, New Zealand White in conditions of industrial intensive production of rabbit meat positively show reproductive qualities. Due to heredity and adaptability to the conditions of keeping in the farm of Cherkasy Research Station, according to most indicators, female rabbits of the Soviet Chinchilla breed prevailed, in terms of multiplicity by 10.0; 11.6%, in terms of mass of the nest at birth by 8.8 (p<0.05); 11.1%, in terms of the number of rabbits at 20 days of age by 5.8; 14.6% (p<0.05), in terms of the number of rabbits at 28 days of age by 3.0 (p<0.05); 20% (p<0.01).

Female rabbits of the gray giant breed were superior to counterparts of the other two breeds in terms of stillborn rabbits – 0.7 heads, which is 12.5 and 30% less. Also, female rabbits (SB) had a higher percentage of survival of rabbits up to 20 and 28 days of lactation.

Females of the New Zealand white breed were superior to other groups in terms of the weight of one head when weaning the nest at 28 days of age – 600 g, which is 24% more than female rabbits of the first group (SB) and 11.7% more than the second.

Summarizing the results of the study - in conditions of industrial intensive production of rabbit meat, the breeds of rabbits: Soviet chinchilla, gray giant and New Zealand white have high reproductive properties. In the process of research, the level of individual productivity indicators was identified, which makes it possible to develop breeding measures when combining these breeds and obtain the maximum effect of heterosis to increase the competitiveness of the rabbit breeding industry in our country.

Analysis of the state of the fur animal breeding industry in the world and Ukraine for the period 2020-2025

O. M. Havrysh, O. V. Boiko, O. F. Honchar, N. V. Yaremych, A. V. Nevesenko — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The state of the fur farming industry in Ukraine for the period 2020-2025 was analyzed. It was found that global fur production for the period 2020-2025 underwent significant changes and, under the influence of a number of factors (decreased demand for products, the COVID-19 pandemic, and environmental initiatives in a number of European countries) has halved production from 33 million (2020) to 17 million in 2022 and even lower to 15 million skins in 2023, and is therefore in decline. China, the world's largest fur producer until 2020, has also seen a decline in production against this backdrop, which is another factor that significantly affects global production.

An analysis of the global fur market shows that among cage-raised fur animals, the main species are traditionally various color types of American mink – 95%, silver-black fox fur accounts for only 2%, and fur of other species, such as chinchilla, nutria, sable, etc., accounts for only 3%.

The largest producers of mink fur remain Denmark (about 30% of the global volume), Poland (about 5 million skins/year), the Netherlands (4 million), Finland (2 million), and the United States (3.9 million). . Estimates show that in 2024 – 2025, China produced 3 – 4 million mink skins per year, which is equal to 6 – 8% of the global volume, but imports more than 10 million skins. Ukraine's share in the pre-war period was 1 – 1.5%.

As of 2025, there are about 10 modern enterprises operating in Ukraine; these main farms are concentrated in the Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Zhytomyr, and Lviv regions, and they account for ~95% of exports. The main type of fur animal is also the American mink – 98%.

Existing fur farms are oriented more towards European markets, so they breed minks whose fur is in demand among EU consumers – short-haired minks of Scandinavian selection of various colors (scanbrown, scanglow, scanblack, pearl, sapphire, etc.). In 2022 – 2025, the fur farming sector focused on compliance with WelFur standards in order to be able to sell products at international auctions (Saga Furs, Kopenhagen Fur).

Improving the technology of feeding American mink using mineral sorbents zeolite and vermiculite

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The influence of mineral sorbents vermiculite and zeolite on the level of realization of reproductive ability of male and female minks under unstable feeding in conditions of modern animal husbandry, dynamics of growth and development and survival of young animals and qualitative characteristics of mink fur of young American mink was studied.

Females of the experimental groups were characterized by high sexual activity, as evidenced by 100% coverage. Also, in two experimental groups - D1 and D3, a lower percentage of emasculated females was established compared to the control - 33 and 66%, respectively. An increase in fertility was observed only in females that were additionally fed the mineral sorbent zeolite in their diet. A probable increase in fertility by 13.4% was established in female minks of group D1, which were fed zeolite in the diet at the rate of 0.5 g/head before the mating season.

The analysis of male fertility, which is calculated by the total number of offspring obtained from them, indicates that the maximum value of the output of puppies per male was observed in the breeders of the third experimental group, which were additionally fed the mineral sorbent zeolite 0.9 g/head. From the females covered with males of this group, 28.4 heads of newborns were obtained.

Also, the positive effect of the drug in this dose is evidenced by the greater number of offspring obtained per female that gave birth. Compared with the similar indicator of females of the control group, the advantage was 17.4%, but when comparing the average values, the difference was not significant. In other experimental groups, the difference was not significant and not reliable.

The study of the growth and development of young mink shows that the puppies of the experimental groups outweighed the puppies of the control group in weight, but the most effective at this stage of the study was the additional introduction of the mineral sorbent zeolite into the diet at a dosage of 0.5 g/head.

Adding mineral sorbents to the main feed contributed to improving the safety of the young. The maximum live weight indicators at the age of 90 days were mink of group D3 - 1157 g, which outweighed their counterparts by 16-137 g. The maximum difference value was recorded when compared with the control group (P>0.99). At the age of 120 days, the value of the studied indicator was noted in the young of group D5, which outweighed their peers by 11-79 g, the difference was significant when compared with the control (P>0.99). At the age of 150 days, it was registered in animals of group D6, with an addition to the vermiculite diet, and the minimum in animals of group D1, the difference in which was 80 g, which turned out to be insignificant (P<0.95). The use of mineral sorbents in the feeding of fur animals did not have a significant effect on the morphological indicators of the blood of the studied groups.

Current challenges of safe keeping of rabbits

O. F. Honchar, M. S. Nebylytsia, O. M. Havrysh, T. G. Osokina — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This work analyzes existing methods of keeping rabbits, the effectiveness of their use, as well as the impact on the environment. Our own developments and international experience were used. The research was conducted on experimental rabbit farms of the Cherkasy Research Station of Bioresources of the NAAS.

Modern rabbit farming is not only a promising branch of livestock farming, but also a challenge in terms of safety, ethics and ecology. With the growing demand for meat, fur and organic products, the issue of safe rabbit keeping is becoming increasingly important for both small farms and industrial enterprises.

With the development of rabbit breeding, the methods of keeping rabbits changed. In the 18th - early 20th centuries, there were several types of keeping, including: keeping in pits, hares. Modern rabbit breeding mainly uses three main types of keeping: outdoor (open), combined, closed (in sheds, rabbit hutches). Outdated keeping methods were also considered: semi-free, trench and aviary., which were practiced in the past, but over time were recognized as ineffective due to the high risks of diseases and the impossibility of carrying out selection work. Analysis of the experience of leading farms and scientific research proves the effectiveness of cage keeping technology. Cage keeping allows you to achieve high indicators in the meat and fur directions, and also provides economic efficiency by optimizing resources. It was also established that when preparing project documentation and implementing the construction of premises for keeping rabbits, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the biology and behavior of animals. For keeping rabbits, it is important to ensure optimal microclimate parameters in the premises. In particular, for normal development and well-being of rabbits, a comfortable temperature of the environment of 14-16°C is considered. Significant fluctuations in air temperature contribute to an increase in feed consumption and a noticeable decrease in the growth rate of animals. The temperature in the working area of the premises is measured in places remote from heating devices and at a distance of at least 1.5 m from walls, doors, and windows.

The impact of industrial rabbit breeding on the environment

L. Zlamaniuk, R. Umanets, D. Umanets — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This review article presents some elements that allow us to quantify the main contributions of rabbit farming to global warming, pollution (mainly nitrogen losses, particulate matter in the air), water footprint and biodiversity loss. Since the vast majority of meat rabbits in the world are raised in closed cage systems, the bulk of research only covers this production system.

The only attempt has been made to quantify the environmental impact of an alternative system based on raising rabbits under photovoltaic panels. Although it gives some idea of possible alternatives, the results obtained are not based on real data.

Regarding the contribution of rabbit farming to global warming, estimates of greenhouse gas emissions range from 3.13 to 3.25 kg CO2 eq. per rabbit over 35 days (or from 3.78 to 4.04 kg CO2 eq. per kilogram of live weight). Pollution related to nitrogen losses ranged from 40.1 to 59.1 g nitrogen per kg live weight. Air pollution related to particulate matter (10 μm) emissions ranged from 0.082 to 0.045 mg per m3, and there are no data on the impact on water, which is probably between those observed for poultry and pig farming. Regarding biodiversity loss, there are no studies on the actual impact of rabbit farming on wildlife (flora and fauna). As for greenhouse gas emissions, they may be related to land use change for agricultural crops, mainly soybeans, which are used for feed production. Wild rabbits, however, can be considered a keystone species of Mediterranean scrub.

For rabbit farming (in its current form), alternatives that have been tried in other livestock production systems, including crop-livestock integration, agroforestry and agroecology, may not be possible. The current socio-economic and political context may limit the evolution of existing food production systems and the development of alternative models. Furthermore, the rabbit farming sector, at least in Europe, is facing a steady decline in demand. This fact will certainly not help us find alternatives unless policies are put in place to support the necessary evolution.

It is currently not possible to assess the environmental impact of alternative rabbit meat production systems. This is partly because they are still rare or experimental. Second, the reference methodologies used to estimate greenhouse gas emissions may not be sufficiently adapted, leading to biased estimates. The lack of harmonization of current methodologies used to assess the environmental impacts of livestock farming, at least for life cycle assessment methodologies, is an additional limitation.

Thirty years of progress of artificial insemination in rabbit breeding

D.P. Umanets , L. M. Zlamaniuk, R.M. Umanets — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The use of artificial insemination in industrial rabbit breeding is relatively recent, especially in comparison with cattle breeding or pig breeding, where artificial insemination has been used for over 60 years. The large-scale use of artificial insemination in rabbit breeding began in the late 1980s. However, despite its short history, it continues to develop. Despite numerous modifications, two important directions in the optimization of this method can be distinguished: the introduction of biostimulation and the addition of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues to the sperm dose for ovulation induction. In the first case, by means of various biostimulation methods, such as appropriate feeding and slight reddening of the genitals and/or weaning of the rabbits in the days preceding artificial insemination, the use of hormones to synchronize ovulation with the moment of artificial insemination has been practically eliminated. Today, the possibility of using pheromones for the same purpose is being investigated, even to increase the frequency of ovulation or improve sperm production. Although pheromones are on the market for other animal species, in the case of rabbits, knowledge about them is limited. However, given the proven effects that pheromones cause in other animals, expectations are high. In the latter case, after several attempts with other methods, intramuscular injection of GnRH or its synthetic analogues has usually been used to stimulate ovulation. However, in recent years, it has been shown that the possible administration of gonadotropin via the vagina, by adding it to the sperm dose, offers numerous advantages in terms of health, animal welfare and the required workforce. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recently approved this practice, so it is likely to become the most widely used method in the near future. But even in this case there is room for improvement, since the required dose of GnRH is higher than with intramuscular administration. Research on this topic allows us to predict that this problem should be solved in the coming years. Other alternatives, such as the β-Nerve Growth Factor, require further research to become a realistic option.

Measuring on-farm welfare in rabbits

R. Umanets , L. M. Zlamaniuk, D. P. Umanets — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0300

According to modern definitions, animal welfare should be associated with a life that animals believe is worth living, through positive experiences, not just the absence of negative ones. Determining animal welfare on a farm is crucial for improving farming systems, identifying critical points and comparing different farming systems with regard to welfare labeling protocols (a list of indicators that indicate welfare). To this end, species-specific protocols are needed, which should use different types of indicators, i.e. resource-based indicators, management-based indicators, and especially animal-based indicators. These indicators should work in different farming systems and for different categories of animals and can be used to assess welfare in the short term or over the productive life of the animal. Last but not least, indicators should be able to measure the affective state of animals in terms of positive emotions. In this case, rabbits are quite unique as there is little information available on their behavioral needs in farm settings; the degree of suffering associated with behavioral limitations that may occur in farm settings; indicators that can be used in the very different systems and housing conditions in which rabbits may be raised; the relationship between emotions and affective states of animals, and their impact on the viability of rabbits in different settings. In this context, the purpose of this review is to summarize the current state of the art and develop a protocol for assessing rabbit welfare on farms based on the most current knowledge and approaches to measuring both negative and positive affective states of rabbits. Identifying positive indicators of well-being is a great challenge, given the biological and behavioral characteristics of rabbits. Accordingly, a comprehensive and reliable assessment of rabbit welfare on farms cannot do without indicators based on the structure and management of a multi-indicator approach.

Dynamics and trends of the development of the rabbit breeding industry in Ukraine and the world

V. P. Shablya, O. V. Korx, P. V. Shablya, A. S. Syabro — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article analyzes changes in the number of rabbit livestock, productivity indicators, feeding, maintenance and breeding methods in the world and Ukraine over the past 50 years. It is shown that rabbit breeding has undergone significant transformations during this time, aimed at intensification of production and increasing economic efficiency. The dynamics of the number of rabbits in the world are presented - from approximately 400 million heads in the 1970s to stabilization at the level of about 500-700 million in the 2010-2020s, with the meat sector dominating. In Ukraine, the number of rabbits decreased from over 20 million heads in the 1970s to 2-3 million in 2010-2020s. Rabbit productivity has increased significantly over the specified period: the average slaughter weight has increased to 2.6 – 2.8 kg in the world and 2.4 – 2.5 kg in Ukraine, while the age of reaching slaughter condition has decreased from 110 – 120 to 70 – 75 days. An increase in multiparity to 10 – 12 rabbits per litter, an increase in the number of litters per year to 8 – 9, as well as an increase in feed conversion were noted. In breeding, a transition took place from traditional phenotypic selection to multiparametric, genomic and marker-associated selection. The evolution of feeding and housing technologies was also analyzed. A global trend towards a reduction in the combined meat-skin direction of productivity was identified. In Ukraine, the main challenges today remain the insufficient level of breeding work, limited investments and weak integration into international standards. The main directions of rabbit breeding development are specialization in the meat sector, introduction of modern biotechnology and automation, as well as the search for niche markets. In Ukraine, cooperation and export opportunities also provide an additional chance, provided that production is modernized. The main factors of positive changes in the world rabbit breeding industry are the introduction of intensive feeding and housing technologies, breeding achievements (transition to genomic breeding, use of hybrid lines), improvement of reproduction management and automation of production processes. Ukraine is also gradually integrating into these processes, but needs the development of breeding centers, modern laboratories and investments in the latest technologies and genetic research.

Analysis of the growth and productivity of rabbits obtained from males of different breeds used in a crossbreeding scheme

T. Yakubets, V. Bochkov — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The development of rabbit breeding is extremely relevant today, as rabbits are characterized by high growth rates, short generation intervals and high fertility, and rabbit meat is a valuable dietary product with a high content of easily digestible protein.

Sire males occupy an important place in the structure of the herd and are the basis of the gene pool of a modern rabbit meat production enterprise. Given the high cost of importing males, there is an urgent question of the effectiveness of using purebred males of the local gene pool as a parental form to obtain young animals for fattening. In this regard, a study was conducted on the productivity of rabbits obtained from males of different breeds to study the effectiveness of their use in the crossbreeding scheme.

As a result of the research, it was found that the highest live weight in newborns was in rabbits obtained from PS59 males. They were 2.4 g higher (p ≤ 0.01) than newborn rabbits obtained from Hyla Max males. The live weight of newborn rabbits from Hyla Max and Thermon White males was approximately the same - 58.6 and 58.1 g, respectively. Newborn rabbits from Poltava Silver males had the lowest live weight. At the time of weaning, the highest live weight was characterized by rabbits obtained from PS59 males, but the difference in this trait compared to young animals from Hyla Max and Thermon white males was insignificant - 11.5 and 21.5 g.

At the time of completion of fattening (70 days), the highest live weight was in rabbits obtained from PS59 males - 2581.9 g. In young animals that came from Hyla Max males, it was 65.6 g less (p ≤ 0.05), and in rabbits obtained from Thermon White males - 94.2 g. The lowest value of live weight at the age of 70 days was characterized by rabbits obtained from males of the Poltava Silver breed - it was 250.0 g less (p ≤ 0.001) than in their peers from Hyla Max males.

Thus, the results of the conducted studies indicate that the highest live weight at the time of slaughter was characterized by rabbits that came from males of the parental form of the HyPlus cross, while the lowest was in young animals that came from purebred males of the Poltava Silver breed. The data obtained indicate the need for further breeding work with the population of Poltava Silver rabbits in the direction of increasing their live weight and growth rate.

Morphological, histological and enzymatic changes in rabbits (oryctolagus cuniculus) with strongyloidiasis caused by Strongyloides papillosus

Yu. V. Duda , M. P. Prus, L. V. Koreyba — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Strongyloidiasis is a common parasitic disease of rabbits caused by the nematode Strongyloides papillosus. This pathogen has a complex life cycle with alternating parasitic and free-living generations, which significantly complicates the process of eradication of the invasion and contributes to its chronicity. Parasites are localized mainly in the small intestine, causing destructive, inflammatory and toxic lesions that negatively affect the general condition of the body, liver function, intestinal barrier function and metabolic processes.

The aim of this study was a comprehensive study of strongyloidiasis in rabbits by assessing the morphological characteristics of the eggs and larvae of the parasite, the enzyme profile of the blood of animals at different degrees of invasion intensity, as well as histomorphological changes in the large intestine. For this purpose, the egg cultivation method was used with the subsequent identification of L1 – L3 larvae, in parallel, biochemical analysis of blood serum was performed to determine enzyme activity and histological examination of intestinal tissues.

As a result, it was found that the intensity of invasion was 459.26 ± 46.91 eggs/g in the first experimental group (low level) and 2370.37 ± 311.45 eggs/g in the second (high level). The morphological features of the eggs – oval shape, thin shell, dimensions 38.2 – 54.5 μm in length and 21.7 – 36.1 μm in width – correspond to the typical strongyloid morphotype. The cultivation method was effective for distinguishing larval stages, which provided reliable diagnostics of the species.

Biochemical analysis revealed a statistically significant (p<0.001) increase in transaminase levels (ALT – by 36.37%, AST – by 67.78%) and GGT (by 41.48%) in animals with high intensity of invasion. At the same time, a significant decrease in cholinesterase activity was observed (by 1.32 – 1.64 times), which indicates toxic liver damage and impaired detoxification function. The results obtained are consistent with the data of international studies and confirm the systemic nature of the pathology in strongyloidiasis.

Histological analysis showed the presence of pronounced destructive-inflammatory changes in the mucous and muscular membranes of the cecum: epithelial desquamation, necrosis, destruction of crypts, edema of the submucosal base, eosinophilic and lymphoid infiltration. Pathomorphological changes were similar to those described in other nematodoses in animals, which indicates the commonality of the mechanisms of parasitic intestinal damage.

Thus, the results of the study prove the pathogenic role of S. papillosus in the formation of enteropathology in rabbits, confirm the feasibility of using morphological, histological and biochemical assessment as diagnostic criteria for the severity of the invasion. The data obtained can be the basis for improving approaches to early diagnosis, monitoring and therapy of strongyloidiasis in laboratory and agricultural veterinary practice.

Influence of nanotechnological selenium citrate on clinical parameters of the organism and productivity of rabbits

I. I. Kovalchuk, O. V. Prodanchuk, Y. V. Lesyk — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article presents the results of the study of the effect of different amounts of nanotechnological selenium citrate on the clinical parameters of the rabbit organism. The study was carried out in a private rabbit farm on young rabbits of the Termon breed. The animals were divided into four groups - control and three experimental. The rabbits in the control group consumed standard pelleted feed and water without restrictions, in accordance with current requirements. The experimental group, in addition to the standard diet with drinking water throughout the day, received an aqueous solution of nanotechnology selenium citrate in the amount of 50 μg Se/l. Accordingly, the second experimental group consumed selenium citrate at the rate of 100 μg Se/L; the third experimental group received selenium citrate at the rate of 200 μg Se/L. During the experimental period (days 15 and 30 of the study), daily monitoring of the safety, growth and development intensity was carried out. In the preparatory period - on day 45 and in the experimental period - on days 60 and 75 of life, temperature, respiratory rate, and pulse rate were determined. All the obtained digital data were processed using the STATISTICA computer program using the method of variation statistics.

The analysis of the results obtained indicates a positive effect of selenium citrate feeding on the clinical parameters of the rabbit body, depending on its amount and period of use. The use of selenium citrate in the diet of rabbits has activated metabolic processes in their body.

Influence of organic additive on rabbit blood parameters under heat stress

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The use of traditional feed additives in the diet of rabbits during heat stress is ineffective, which necessitates the search for alternative dietary components. The study was conducted on young rabbits of the Thermon White breed from 35 to 65 days of age. The rabbits were kept in a separate room of an industrial rabbit farm in the village of Zahirya, Ivano-Frankivsk region, where conditions were created for elevated ambient temperature in the range of 28.9 to 30 °C and relative humidity from 80 to 87.5 %. To conduct the study, a control group of rabbits was formed, which were kept on standard balanced pelleted feed produced on the farm and water to their heart's content. The experimental groups of animals were given a phytogenic supplement (medicinal herb) in addition to the pelleted feed: Group I - common calendula (3 g/0.6 kg of feed); Group II - creeping thyme (9 g/0.6 kg of feed); Group III - lavender (9 g/0.6 kg of feed). Blood for the study was taken on day 45 of life in the preparatory period and on days 50 and 65 in the experimental period. It was found that the most pronounced effect on the change in haematological parameters of rabbits' blood was observed when calendula officinalis was added to the diet. Creeping thyme, in contrast to calendula, did not affect some haematological parameters, but had a similar effect on some blood parameters of animals. The effect of lavender was marked by less pronounced changes compared to other applied medicinal herbs in relation to the control, which was reflected in an increased level of red blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit value, average haemoglobin content in a single red blood cell, average platelet volume and a decrease in the absolute content of leukocytes and lymphocytes on the 50th and 65th day of the experiment.

Toxico-ecological characteristics of tocopherol and selenium complex on rabbits in the context of school teaching of biology and chemistry

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article presents the results of a toxicological and ecological study of the veterinary drug "Devivit Selen", containing tocopherol and selenium, on laboratory rabbits. One milliliter of the drug contains active ingredients (mg): alpha-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E) - 50.0; selenium (in the form of sodium selenite) - 0.5. Excipients: benzyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide, water for injection. The study aimed to determine the safety of the drug for further clinical use, as well as the possibility of integrating scientific results into school biology and chemistry teaching. It was established that when applied to the skin in doses up to 3000 mg/kg of body weight and instilled into the eye, the drug does not cause toxic reactions, irritation of the skin or mucous membrane, which allows it to be classified as class IV of low-hazard substances.

The experiment was conducted in compliance with bioethical standards. Standard toxicological assessment methods were used, in particular the point system for determining the irritant effect. In addition to the scientific aspect, special attention was paid to the didactic potential of the study: the authors developed integrated educational tasks for school biology and chemistry courses. Students are offered the analysis of experimental data, calculation of dosages, study of the antioxidant properties of tocopherol and the trace element action of selenium. This approach contributes to the formation of interdisciplinary connections, the development of critical thinking and interest in natural sciences.

The results of the study have not only veterinary and medical, but also pedagogical significance, in particular for the creation of STEM lessons based on real experimental data. The proposed material can serve as an effective tool for integrating modern science into the educational process.

In the future, it is advisable to expand the range of toxicological tests of the tocopherol and selenium complex, including studies of chronic toxicity, effects on reproductive function and genetic stability. Also a promising direction is the study of the interaction of the complex with other biologically active substances and the development of educational STEM modules based on real data of veterinary toxicology for secondary education institutions.