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Chen X, Jin R, Yang A, Li J, Song Y, Zhao B, Chen Y, Wu X. Behavioral and Physiological Differences in Female Rabbits at Different Stages of the Estrous Cycle. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3414. [PMID: 37958169 PMCID: PMC10648029 DOI: 10.3390/ani13213414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrus involves a series of complex physiological signs and changes in behavior before ovulation, which play a crucial role in animal reproduction. However, there have been few studies that evaluate behaviors during the different stages of estrus cycle in female rabbits. Therefore, more detailed information is needed on distinguishing the various stages of the estrous cycle. This study explored the behavioral and physiological differences at various estrous cycle stages in female New Zealand White rabbits. The continuous recording method was employed to record the daily behaviors of twenty postpartum female rabbits during the estrous cycle. Compared with the diestrus stage, the duration of foraging and drinking behavior in estrus decreased significantly, and the frequency of grooming and biting behaviors increased (p < 0.05). Differences in reproductive hormone levels (FSH, LH, P4, and E2) and follicle development were measured at each stage via ELISA and HE staining. The FSH and LH levels showed an increasing trend and then decreased, with the lowest being in late estrus (p < 0.05). The P4 level was the lowest in estrus (p < 0.05), and E2 showed a gradually increasing trend. There was no significant difference in the number of primordial follicles at each stage, but the number of primary follicles in estrus was significantly higher than at the other stages (p < 0.05). To further understand the molecular regulation mechanism of the estrous cycle in female rabbits, we analyzed the ovarian transcription patterns of female rabbits in diestrus (D group) and estrus (E group) employing RNA-seq. A total of 967 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened from the ovaries of female rabbits between the diestrus and estrus groups. A KEGG analysis of DEGs enriched in the estrogen signaling pathway, aldosterone synthesis, and secretion pathway, such as CYP19A1 and IGF1R, was performed. The rabbits' behavior, related physiological hormones, and molecular regulation also differed at different estrous cycle stages. The results provide recommendations for the adequate management practices of postpartum re-estrus and breeding female rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yang Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (X.C.); (R.J.); (A.Y.); (J.L.); (Y.S.); (B.Z.)
| | - Xinsheng Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (X.C.); (R.J.); (A.Y.); (J.L.); (Y.S.); (B.Z.)
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Oliveira ACF, Bernardi LM, Monteiro ALB, Silva KG, Weber SH, Borges TD, Dalmau A, Costa LB. Induced Stress and Tactile Stimulation Applied to Primiparous does and their Consequences on Maternal Behavior, Human-Animal Relationships, and Future Offspring's Sexual Disorders. Vet Res Commun 2022; 46:925-938. [PMID: 35353323 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-022-09920-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate whether tactile stimulation in rabbits during the gestation phase improve the maternal behavior and human-animal relationships as well as the effects on reproductive behavior of male kits when reached maturity compared to induced stress. A total of 33 primiparous New Zealand does were selected after pregnancy confirmation and allocated in a randomized complete block design. The treatments applied were as follows: (C) animals not stimulated during the experimental period; (TS) animals that received tactile stimulation; and (SS) does which were immobilized. The nest building behavior as well as the weight, sexual behavior, mortality, and semen analysis of the offspring was recorded. In addition, the novel object, flight distance, social isolation, and human-approach tests were conducted. Under the conditions of the present trial, TS animals showed more trust in the unfamiliar observer when compared to the other two treatments. The treatments applied to the females (TS and SS) were sufficient to confirm that the control group presented better values for the number of stillbirths and the proportion of deaths in the first week. Finally, the handling of does reduce the males' ejaculation and sperm presence but not inhibited sexual behavior or impaired semen quality. It is possible to conclude that TS did not impair does welfare or maternal behavior and it improved the human-animal relationship, however there was a negative impact on the litter. More studies that directly assess impact on the future reproductive capacity of the offspring are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela C F Oliveira
- Graduate Program of Animal Science - PPGCA, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná - PUCPR, Imaculada Conceição, 1155 - Prado Velho, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Luiza M Bernardi
- Graduate Program of Animal Science - PPGCA, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná - PUCPR, Imaculada Conceição, 1155 - Prado Velho, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Ana Larissa B Monteiro
- Graduate Program of Animal Science - PPGCA, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná - PUCPR, Imaculada Conceição, 1155 - Prado Velho, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Kassy G Silva
- Graduate Program of Animal Science - PPGCA, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná - PUCPR, Imaculada Conceição, 1155 - Prado Velho, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Saulo H Weber
- Graduate Program of Animal Science - PPGCA, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná - PUCPR, Imaculada Conceição, 1155 - Prado Velho, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Tâmara D Borges
- Graduate Program of Animal Science - PPGCA, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná - PUCPR, Imaculada Conceição, 1155 - Prado Velho, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Antoni Dalmau
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries - IRTA, Monells, Spain
| | - Leandro B Costa
- Graduate Program of Animal Science - PPGCA, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná - PUCPR, Imaculada Conceição, 1155 - Prado Velho, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
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Peruri A, Morgan A, D’Souza A, Mellon B, Hung CW, Kayal G, Shin H, Nguyen K, Zahed M, Yount M, Ellis R, Wynne T, Fritz V, Simmons Z, Roballo KCS. Pineal Gland from the Cell Culture to Animal Models: A Review. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12071057. [PMID: 35888145 PMCID: PMC9317964 DOI: 10.3390/life12071057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This review demonstrates current literature on pineal gland physiology, pathology, and animal model experiments to concisely explore future needs in research development with respect to pineal gland function and neuro-regenerative properties. The pineal gland plays an integral role in sleep and recovery by promoting physiologic circadian rhythms via production and release of melatonin. Yet, the current literature shows that the pineal gland has neuroprotective effects that modulate both peripheral and central nerve injuries through several direct and indirect mechanisms, such as angiogenesis and induction of growth factors and anti-inflammatory mediators. Animal models have also shown correlations between pineal gland function and metabolic homeostasis. Studies have shown that a functional pineal gland is essential in preventing and slowing the progression of certain diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, vertebral osteoarthritis, and neurodegenerative processes. Lastly, the array of cell culturing methods and animal models that can be used to further develop the study of pineal gland function and nervous system injury were reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alekhya Peruri
- Biomedical Affairs and Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (A.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.); (B.M.); (C.W.H.); (G.K.); (H.S.); (K.N.); (M.Z.); (M.Y.); (R.E.); (T.W.); (V.F.); (Z.S.)
| | - Alexandra Morgan
- Biomedical Affairs and Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (A.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.); (B.M.); (C.W.H.); (G.K.); (H.S.); (K.N.); (M.Z.); (M.Y.); (R.E.); (T.W.); (V.F.); (Z.S.)
| | - Alida D’Souza
- Biomedical Affairs and Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (A.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.); (B.M.); (C.W.H.); (G.K.); (H.S.); (K.N.); (M.Z.); (M.Y.); (R.E.); (T.W.); (V.F.); (Z.S.)
| | - Bridget Mellon
- Biomedical Affairs and Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (A.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.); (B.M.); (C.W.H.); (G.K.); (H.S.); (K.N.); (M.Z.); (M.Y.); (R.E.); (T.W.); (V.F.); (Z.S.)
| | - Carey W. Hung
- Biomedical Affairs and Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (A.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.); (B.M.); (C.W.H.); (G.K.); (H.S.); (K.N.); (M.Z.); (M.Y.); (R.E.); (T.W.); (V.F.); (Z.S.)
| | - Gabriella Kayal
- Biomedical Affairs and Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (A.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.); (B.M.); (C.W.H.); (G.K.); (H.S.); (K.N.); (M.Z.); (M.Y.); (R.E.); (T.W.); (V.F.); (Z.S.)
| | - Haejung Shin
- Biomedical Affairs and Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (A.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.); (B.M.); (C.W.H.); (G.K.); (H.S.); (K.N.); (M.Z.); (M.Y.); (R.E.); (T.W.); (V.F.); (Z.S.)
| | - Kim Nguyen
- Biomedical Affairs and Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (A.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.); (B.M.); (C.W.H.); (G.K.); (H.S.); (K.N.); (M.Z.); (M.Y.); (R.E.); (T.W.); (V.F.); (Z.S.)
| | - Malek Zahed
- Biomedical Affairs and Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (A.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.); (B.M.); (C.W.H.); (G.K.); (H.S.); (K.N.); (M.Z.); (M.Y.); (R.E.); (T.W.); (V.F.); (Z.S.)
| | - Mason Yount
- Biomedical Affairs and Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (A.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.); (B.M.); (C.W.H.); (G.K.); (H.S.); (K.N.); (M.Z.); (M.Y.); (R.E.); (T.W.); (V.F.); (Z.S.)
| | - Reilly Ellis
- Biomedical Affairs and Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (A.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.); (B.M.); (C.W.H.); (G.K.); (H.S.); (K.N.); (M.Z.); (M.Y.); (R.E.); (T.W.); (V.F.); (Z.S.)
| | - Taylor Wynne
- Biomedical Affairs and Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (A.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.); (B.M.); (C.W.H.); (G.K.); (H.S.); (K.N.); (M.Z.); (M.Y.); (R.E.); (T.W.); (V.F.); (Z.S.)
| | - Virginia Fritz
- Biomedical Affairs and Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (A.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.); (B.M.); (C.W.H.); (G.K.); (H.S.); (K.N.); (M.Z.); (M.Y.); (R.E.); (T.W.); (V.F.); (Z.S.)
| | - Zachary Simmons
- Biomedical Affairs and Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (A.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.); (B.M.); (C.W.H.); (G.K.); (H.S.); (K.N.); (M.Z.); (M.Y.); (R.E.); (T.W.); (V.F.); (Z.S.)
| | - Kelly C. S. Roballo
- Biomedical Affairs and Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (A.P.); (A.M.); (A.D.); (B.M.); (C.W.H.); (G.K.); (H.S.); (K.N.); (M.Z.); (M.Y.); (R.E.); (T.W.); (V.F.); (Z.S.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, 1410 Prices Fork, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
- Correspondence:
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Balogh AL, Sudy R, Petak F, Habre W, Dos Santos Rocha A. Sevoflurane and Hypercapnia Blunt the Physiological Variability of Spontaneous Breathing: A Comparative Interventional Study. Front Physiol 2022; 13:871070. [PMID: 35480042 PMCID: PMC9035625 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.871070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although spontaneous breathing is known to exhibit substantial physiological fluctuation that contributes to alveolar recruitment, changes in the variability of the respiratory pattern following inhalation of carbon dioxide (CO2) and volatile anesthetics have not been characterized. Therefore, we aimed at comparing the indices of breathing variability under wakefulness, sleep, hypercapnia and sedative and anesthetic concentrations of sevoflurane.Methods: Spontaneous breathing pattern was recorded on two consecutive days in six rabbits using open whole-body plethysmography under wakefulness and spontaneous sleep and following inhalation of 5% CO2, 2% sevoflurane (0.5 MAC) and 4% (1 MAC) sevoflurane. Tidal volume (VT), respiratory rate (RR), minute ventilation (MV), inspiratory time (TI) and mean inspiratory flow (VT/TI) were calculated from the pressure fluctuations in the plethysmograph. Means and coefficients of variation were calculated for each measured variable. Autoregressive model fitting was applied to estimate the relative contributions of random, correlated, and oscillatory behavior to the total variance.Results: Physiological sleep decreased MV by lowering RR without affecting VT. Hypercapnia increased MV by elevating VT. Sedative and anesthetic concentrations of sevoflurane increased VT but decreased MV due to a decrease in RR. Compared to the awake stage, CO2 had no effect on VT/TI while sevoflurane depressed significantly the mean inspiratory flow. Compared to wakefulness, the variability in VT, RR, MV, TI and VT/TI were not affected by sleep but were all significantly decreased by CO2 and sevoflurane. The variance of TI originating from correlated behavior was significantly decreased by both concentrations of sevoflurane compared to the awake and asleep conditions.Conclusions: The variability of spontaneous breathing during physiological sleep and sevoflurane-induced anesthesia differed fundamentally, with the volatile agent diminishing markedly the fluctuations in respiratory volume, inspiratory airflow and breathing frequency. These findings may suggest the increased risk of lung derecruitment during procedures under sevoflurane in which spontaneous breathing is maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam L. Balogh
- Unit for Anaesthesiological Investigations, Department of Acute Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Adam L. Balogh,
| | - Roberta Sudy
- Unit for Anaesthesiological Investigations, Department of Acute Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ferenc Petak
- Department of Medical Physics and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Walid Habre
- Unit for Anaesthesiological Investigations, Department of Acute Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Andre Dos Santos Rocha
- Unit for Anaesthesiological Investigations, Department of Acute Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Pohanka M. New uses of Melatonin as a Drug, a Review. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:3622-3637. [PMID: 34986763 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220105115755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin is a simple compound with a proper chemical name N-acetyl-5-methoxy tryptamine and known as a hormone controlling circadian rhythm. Humans produce melatonin at night which is the reason for sleeping in the night and awakening over the day. Melatonin interacts with melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2 but it was also revealed that melatonin is a strong antioxidant and it also has a role in regulation of cell cycle. Currently, melatonin is used as a drug for some types of sleep disorder but the recent research points to the fact that melatonin can also serve for the other purposes including prophylaxis or therapy of lifestyle diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and exposure to chemicals. This review summarizes basic facts and direction of the current research on melatonin. The actual literature was scrutinized for the purpose of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Pohanka
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defense, Trebesska 1575, Hradec Kralove CZ-50001, Czech Republic
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González-Mariscal G, Hoy S, Hoffman KL. Rabbit Maternal Behavior: A Perspective from Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, Animal Production, and Psychobiology. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 27:131-176. [PMID: 36169815 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-97762-7_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Rabbit maternal behavior (MB) impacts meat and fur production on the farm, survival of the species in the wild, and pet welfare. Specific characteristics of rabbit MB (i.e., three-step nest building process; single, brief, daily nursing bout) have been used as models for exploring particular themes in neuroscience, like obsessive-compulsive actions, circadian rhythms, and cognition. Particular hormonal combinations regulate nest building by acting on brain regions controlling MB in other mammals. Nonhormonal factors like type of lodging and the doe's social rank influence nursing and milk production. The concurrency of pregnancy and lactation, the display of nonselective nursing, and the rapid growth of altricial young - despite a minimal effort of maternal care - have prompted the study of mother-young affiliation, neurodevelopment, and weaning. Neurohormonal mechanisms, common to other mammals, plus additional strategies (perhaps unique to rabbits) allow the efficient, adaptive display of MB in multiple settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela González-Mariscal
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico.
| | - Steffen Hoy
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kurt L Hoffman
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico
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Braconnier M, González-Mariscal G, Wauters J, Gebhardt-Henrich SG. Levels of testosterone, progesterone and oestradiol in pregnant-lactating does in relation to aggression during group housing. WORLD RABBIT SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.4995/wrs.2021.14897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The neuroendocrine regulation of rabbit maternal behaviour has been explored in detail. However, little is yet known about the hormonal regulation of aggression in concurrently pregnant-lactating does, a reproductive condition that prevails during group housing of rabbits on farms. Therefore, in this study we determined the relation between a) the levels of progesterone, testosterone, and oestradiol during lactation; b) the anogenital distance at artificial insemination; and c) the timing of grouping with the intensity of agonistic behaviour, published previously. We performed four consecutive trials, where three groups of eight does each were artificially inseminated on day 10 postpartum (pp) and grouped on either day 12, 18 or 22 pp. Using Dipetalogaster maxima, a reduviid blood-sucking bug, we collected blood samples during the pregnant-lactating phase (days 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 pp) on one or two randomly chosen does per treatment group. Testosterone levels varied little across the pregnant-lactating phase, agreeing with results from pregnant-only rabbits, while progesterone levels increased from day 3 (=13 dpp) to day 7 (=17 dpp) and remained unchanged until day 13 (=23 dpp) of pregnancy. All oestradiol concentrations fell below the limit of detection. Overall, all concentrations were slightly lower in comparison to rabbit studies with pregnantonly does. The agonistic behaviour was not related to the respective hormonal concentrations at grouping. In conclusion, the time point of grouping does after artificial insemination (AI) in the semi-group housing system only had a weak influence on aggression and the hormonal profile did not indicate an optimum time for grouping.
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Evaluation of a Configurable, Mobile and Modular Floor-Pen System for Group-Housing of Laboratory Rabbits. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11040977. [PMID: 33915697 PMCID: PMC8066506 DOI: 10.3390/ani11040977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The major responsibility of researchers and laboratory animal facilities is to ensure animal well-being during the time of acclimatization, experiments, and recovery. In this context, animal housing conditions are of utmost importance. Here, we implemented a mobile and modular floor-pen housing system for laboratory rabbits that combines rabbits' natural behavioral requirements and the high hygiene standards needed in biomedical science. Twelve female New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were single- or group-housed for 12 months in mobile and modular floor-pens. Their general health status was evaluated at the end of the experimental setup. Further, we performed behavioral analysis of six additional NZW females group-housed for eight weeks in pens of two different sizes. We show that our improved housing concept supported species-specific behavioral patterns. Taken together, our housing system provides an optimal setup for rabbits in animal facilities that combines strict requirements for animal experiments with animal welfare.
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García Fernández HL, Chavira-Ramírez DR, González-Mariscal G. Long-lasting behavioral and neuroendocrine changes provoked in rabbits by cancelling a single nursing bout in early lactation. Dev Psychobiol 2019; 61:988-998. [PMID: 31211424 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
To restore estrus in lactating doe rabbits, nursing was prevented on lactation day 10 and allowed again from day 12 onward. This "biostimulation" procedure, used to accelerate reproduction, allows kit survival despite a 48 hr fast. Yet, the consequences of "biostimulation" on their psychobiological and neuroendocrine development are largely unknown. Therefore, we determined, in adult males and females, tested in the morning or afternoon: corticosteroid secretion (baseline and reactive), sexual behavior, and responses in six tests measuring stress/anxiety. The latter were not affected by maternal deprivation or time of testing in either sex. The lordosis quotient was reduced in deprived does (relative to controls), an effect eliminated when only non-kins (of both groups) were compared. Deprived males showed altered sexual behavior, evidenced by a large number of mounts not culminating in ejaculation. Corticosterone and cortisol secretion increased (relative to baseline) following i.m. saline in all groups, but the magnitude of the response was affected by maternal deprivation, time of day, and sex. Results indicate that particular behaviors and reactivity to stress have different thresholds regarding the effects of mother-litter separation in early lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilda L García Fernández
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México.,Maestría en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
| | - David R Chavira-Ramírez
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Mexico City, México
| | - Gabriela González-Mariscal
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
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