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ABSTRACT
The small animals known as rabbits, scientifically classified as Oryctolagus cuniculus and part of the Leporidae family in the Lagomorpha order, have been a source of interest and utility to humans for many years. They have been used for food, fur, and as pets, and have been admired for their unique characteristics. Rabbit breeding plays a substantial role in fulfilling the growing need for animal protein, especially in developing nations (Finzi, 2000). The rapid reproduction rate of rabbits makes them an attractive option for small-scale farmers and large-scale rabbit enterprises (Lukefahr, 2007). A crucial factor in successful rabbit production is the effective use of artificial insemination (AI) techniques, which have gained popularity due to their numerous advantages (Castellini, 2008).
Semen storage is one of the major challenges for a wide use in artificial insemination. AI in rabbits may be accompanied with some detrimental factors affecting fertilizing ability of spermatozoa during storage (Alvarino, 2000). Rabbits spermatozoa are more sensible to hypertonic solutions, causing a reduction in storage ability and consequently a decrease in kindling rates. Although Al yields fertility rates similar to those of natural mating when freshly collected semen is used, this practice requires that bucks are kept on the same farm as does thereby increasing the number of animals that need to be managed (Theau-Clément, 2007).
