Embryo Manipulation Techniques in the Rabbit

Rabbits are both productive and classic laboratory animals. Some particularities of female reproductive physiology make the rabbit an extraordinary model for the study of embryology and assisted reproductive techniques. For instance, as the ovulation is induced, the embryo development can be known with accuracy. Embryos are surrounded by a mucin coat which is crucial to prevent embryo mortality. Besides, the anatomy of the uterus does not allow embryo transmigration between both uterine horns, and so it is possible to test different reproductive techniques. Knowledge on early embryo development, and on influencing factors, has allowed to develop new insights into embryo manipulation, such as recovery, transfer, cryopreservation, in vitro fertilisation, cloning, or transgen- esis. Also the rabbit may be used as a model for human reproductive health, because rabbit embryo and feto-placental development are similar to the human. This chapter reviews the aspects of the reproductive physiology in the female rabbit and discusses some embryo manipulation techniques available in the species.