Why choose the rabbit to work in reproductive technology?

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology and biotechnology
• Animal models in research

Background:

• Rabbits are crucial in livestock and reproductive science due to unique traits like induced ovulation.
• Their reproductive processes closely mimic humans, making them valuable research models.
• Rabbit size aligns with the 3Rs principles: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement in animal research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review effective reproductive biotechnologies for male and female rabbits.
• To assess how these methods align with the 3Rs principles for ethical research.
• To highlight the significance of rabbits in genetic and biomedical research.

Main Methods:

• Review of minimally invasive gamete collection and embryo recovery techniques.
• Assessment of artificial insemination and embryo transfer applications.
• Evaluation of in vitro fertilization and embryo culture advancements and challenges.
• Incorporation of genomic editing tools like CRISPR/Cas9.

Main Results:

• Minimally invasive techniques for gamete and embryo handling are established.
• Artificial insemination and embryo transfer are effective reproductive applications.
• In vitro fertilization and embryo culture refinement remain areas for development.
• Genomic editing has enhanced the rabbit's role in biomedical research.

Conclusions:

• Rabbit reproductive biotechnologies support ethical research aligned with the 3Rs.
• These techniques are essential for advancing genetic and biomedical studies.
• Continued refinement of in vitro methods will further enhance rabbit model utility.