Abstract

The aim of the present work was a comparative study of the ovaries of local Algerian rabbit population, based on their sexual receptivity at mating. A total of 60 rabbits were divided equally into 3 groups according to the expression of their sexual receptivity at the time of presentation to a male: receptive (R⁺), non-receptive + assisted mating (R^-+AM), non-receptive + AM + an injection of GnRH (R^-+AM+GnRH). They were weighed and sacrificed 0 to 14h p.c. to study ovarian structures. Receptive does were heavier than non-receptive (2.010 vs. 1.979 kg, P <0.05). Females from groups R⁺ and R^-+ AM had a higher number of preovulatory follicles than does of group R^-+AM+GnRH (60%, P <0.05). The frequency of ovulation was significantly influenced by the receptivity of rabbits and the p.c. stage, but the ovulation intensity did not vary between groups. All receptive does ovulated at 10hp.cwhile for non-receptive, ovulations were still observed between 10 and 14h. The diameter of antral follicles of R^-+AM + GnRH was significantly higher (722 vs. 567, 604 µm) due to the injection of GnRH. The number of Call Exner bodies was influenced by treatmentgroup and p.c.stage. We noted itwas particularly high in R-+AM+ GnRH group (respectively 2.81, 3.20 vs. 3.99, + 30%, P <0.001). In conclusion, sexual receptivity and GnRH influence ovarian structures and frequency of ovulation of nulliparous local Algerian rabbits.

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