Fertility factors in lactating rabbits mated 24 hours and 25 days after parturition

Abstract

Fertility is compared in lactating rabbits mated 12-18 hours postpartum and 24 days postpartum. The lower fertility in the former group is the result of lower ovulation rate and a larger number of oocytes remaining unfertilized. 11 .1 oocytes are shed in the early mated lot, while 14.0 are shed in the other group. 23 p. 100 of the oocytes remain unfer- tilized in the first group, while 5 p. 100 are unfertilized in the second. These differences are significant. However, there is no difference in embryonic mortality before or after implan- tation and corpus luteum weight does not differ significantly in the two groups. Under constant daylight ratio (16 L x 8 D) no fertility change during the year is noted in either group.