[Establishment of inbred rabbit strains]

Area of Science:

• * Animal Genetics and Breeding
• * Laboratory Animal Science

Context:

• * Establishment of inbred rabbit strains is crucial for reproducible research.
• * The Nippon Institute for Biological Science developed two distinct strains: JWY-NIBS and NWY-NIBS.

Purpose:

• * To document the origin, breeding history, and biological characteristics of the JWY-NIBS and NWY-NIBS rabbit strains.
• * To provide a foundation for future research utilizing these specific inbred rabbit models.

Summary:

• * JWY-NIBS strain originated from Japanese white rabbits, with the first full-sib mating in April 1964 and the 20th in June 1981. Mature females reach 2.8-3.0 kg at 7 months, males 2.8-2.9 kg at 7.5 months. Marker genes include Hemopexin (HxS), Esterase (Est-1s), and alpha-Protein (F type).
• * NWY-NIBS strain originated from New Zealand white rabbits (Strain III) from The Jackson Laboratory, USA, with the first full-sib mating in November 1967 and the 20th in July 1982. Mature females reach 2.8-3.0 kg at 7.5 months, males 2.9-3.1 kg at 8 months. Marker genes include Hemopexin (HxF), Esterase (Est-1S, Est-2f), and alpha-Protein (S type).

Impact:

• * Provides well-characterized inbred rabbit strains for use in diverse scientific research fields.
• * Facilitates genetic and physiological studies requiring consistent animal models.