Laboratory Rabbits Research Articles

A novel wound dressing material with prolonged action

The development and creation of non-toxic dressing materials exhibiting pronounced antimicrobial effect and accelerating wound-healing process without increasing pathogenic microorganisms drug resistance is an actual task of modern medicine. Aim. Evaluation of toxicological characteristics of a dressing material containing 6 % and 9 % active chlorine in a single application on the skin as well as the study of dressing material effect on the epithelization rate of the uninfected wound surface and determination of its antimicrobial and wound healing activity in vivo on a model of S. aureus ATCC 6538-infected wound. Materials and methods . An experimental study of the dressings with immobilized polymeric N-chlorosulfonamide sodium and N,N-dichlorosulfonamide was performed to evaluate the safety in use and pharmacological activity in vivo . Evaluation of the dressing material toxicological characteristics in a single application on the skin was carried out on laboratory rats and rabbits according to the generally accepted method, the wound healing effect was studied using the test by L. N. Popova and antimicrobial activity in vivo - on a model of wound infected by the insertion of a 24-hour culture of S. aureus ATCC 6538 contaminated silk thread through the skin. Results . Acute toxicity pharmacological studies of material test-samples containing 6 % and 9 % active chlorine in a single application on the skin of rats and rabbits found that these applications did not lead to deaths, as well as changes in their behavioral pattern, consumption of feed and water. The epithelization rate of uninfected wound surface in application of dressings containing both sodium N-chlorosulfonamide and N, N-dichlorosulfonamide was significantly, on average 1.5 times, faster at the end of the observational period (day 14) in comparison with the control group animals. According to the data obtained, the application of dressings containing sodium N-chlorosulfonamide on the 24-hour culture of S. aureus ATCC 6538 infected wound significantly reduced the intensity of the inflammatory process local manifestations and 4–10 times decreased the number of pathogenic staphylococci under bandages on day 8 of observation. Conclusions . Thus, a single application of native materials on the animal skin does not cause a lethal outcome. Skin application of polymeric materials on uninfected wounds stimulates the processes of natural reparation, and decreases the number of pathogenic microorganisms in wound fluid as well as shortens the healing time in staphylococcus-infected wounds.

First insight into Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in laboratory and pet rabbits in Iran

Encephalitozoon cuniculi infects a wide variety of domestic and wild mammalian species including humans. Although the infection status has been studied in laboratory and pet rabbits worldwide, there is shortage of information regarding the disease in Iran. In the present study, the occurrence of infection in brains of 117 asymptomatic rabbits from six breeding and experimental units with highest population of rabbit colonies in the country (n = 60) as well as pet rabbits of pet stores in two cities (n = 57) were examined by nested-PCR. Histological sections of brains and kidneys were also studied by light microscopy. PCR results revealed that 3.3% of laboratory rabbits (2/60) and 59.6% of pet rabbits (34/57) harboured E. cuniculi in their brains. Histopathology on the other hand showed spores of the parasite in kidney and brain of one and kidney of another pet rabbit. As encephalitozoonosis may interfere with results of experiments performed on laboratory rabbits, routine screenings for identification and culling of infected animals is recommended. Furthermore, infected companion rabbits can transmit E. cuniculi to people in close contact with them, therefore, improving public knowledge of this zoonotic infection is suggested.

In Solitary Rabbits, Does the Presence or Absence of a Mirror Affect Stress, Fear and Anxiety?

<strong>PICO question</strong><br /><p>In solitary rabbits, does the presence or absence of a mirror affect stress, fear and anxiety?</p><strong>Clinical bottom line</strong><br /><p>Four studies were reviewed in this knowledge summary. Despite the small number of papers available, the controlled trials and their methodologies provide strong evidence that the behavior of solitary laboratory rabbits is affected by the presence or absence of mirrors. This evidence also indicates an effect on their welfare.</p><p>The studies suggest that the presence of mirrors provides environmental enrichment and have a positive effect on the subjects health and welfare. However, it is also suggested that mirrors may have some detrimental physical and psychological effects for some individuals. There are also many gaps in the available research and these need to be addressed to give better insight into the effect of mirrors on rabbits.</p><p>Because of the current level of knowledge, clinical recommendations cannot be made at present on the use of mirrors in solitary rabbits to improve their veterinary care whilst hospitalised.</p><br /> <img src="https://www.veterinaryevidence.org/rcvskmod/icons/oa-icon.jpg" alt="Open Access" /> <img src="https://www.veterinaryevidence.org/rcvskmod/icons/pr-icon.jpg" alt="Peer Reviewed" />

Relationship between seropositivity of Encephalitozoon cuniculi and renal biochemical markers in clinically healthy rabbits

Encephalitozoon cuniculi can cause latent disease, especially in lagomorphs and many wild and domestic animals in various countries. This infection is important for veterinary and public health because it is caused by a potentially zoonotic and opportunistic pathogen. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between seropositivity of E. cuniculi and renal function markers, which may be useful in predicting the disease in clinically healthy rabbits. In this study, the seropositivity of E. cuniculi infection in clinically healthy rabbits was determined, and necropsy findings were evaluated along with the results of renal function tests. In a laboratory rabbit breeding facility, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests showed that 48 (49.5%) of 97 rabbits were seropositive against E. cuniculi. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels were significantly elevated in seropositive animals. Two seropositive rabbits were necropsied to confirm the infection. According to histopathological findings in the kidney, degenerative changes and E. cuniculi spores were identified in the tubule epithelia. Serum creatinine (p<0.001) and BUN (p<0.01) levels were found to have a statistically significant relationship with the serological status of rabbits. Serological and histopathological methods are not routinely used in rabbits to diagnose E. cuniculi infection. The kidneys were one of the most affected organs in encephalitozoonosis in rabbits. As revealed in this study, the testing blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels would be useful for the evaluation of general health status and renal function of the seropositive rabbits, and clinical interpretation as well.

Effects of an enrofloxacin-silver sulfadiazine emulsion in the ears of rabbits with perforated tympanic membranes.

To determine whether an enrofloxacin-silver sulfadiazine emulsion (ESS) labeled for treatment of otitis externa in dogs has ototoxic effects in rabbits following myringotomy. 6 healthy adult New Zealand White rabbits. Rabbits were anesthetized for brainstem auditory-evoked response (BAER) tests on day 0. Myringotomy was performed, and BAER testing was repeated. Saline (0.9% NaCl) solution and ESS were then instilled in the left and right middle ears, respectively, and BAER testing was repeated prior to recovery of rabbits from anesthesia. Application of assigned treatments was continued every 12 hours for 7 days, and rabbits were anesthetized for BAER testing on day 8. Rabbits were euthanized, and samples were collected for histologic (6 ears/treatment) and scanning electron microscopic (1 ear/treatment) examination. Most hearing thresholds (11/12 ears) were subjectively increased after myringotomy, with BAER measurements ranging from 30 to 85 dB in both ears. All day 8 hearing thresholds exceeded baseline (premyringotomy) values; results ranged from 30 to 85 dB and 80 to > 95 dB (the upper test limit) in saline solution-treated and ESS-treated ears, respectively. All ESS-treated ears had heterophilic otitis externa, epithelial hyperplasia of the external ear canal, various degrees of mucoperiosteal edema, and periosteal new bone formation on histologic examination. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that most outer hair cells in the ESS-treated ear lacked stereocilia or were absent. Results supported that ESS has ototoxic effects in the middle ear of rabbits. Further research is needed to confirm these findings. Myringotomized laboratory rabbits may be useful to study ototoxicity of drugs used in human medicine.

Formation and evaluation of bilio-digestive and interintestinal anastomoses by the method of high-frequency electric welding of tissues in experiment

Objective. To develop a new method of the anastomoses formation, that would allow to form bilio-digestive and entero-entero anastomoses both on unchanged and inflamed tissues.
 Маterials and methods. In experimental on 50 laboratory rabbits the single-layer everting cholecysto-entero and entero-entero anastomoses on the Roux-defunctionalized loop of small intestine was created by the method of a high-frequency electric welding. The welding anastomoses were formed both on non-inflamed tissues and in the setting of biliary peritonitis. Patency, hermeticity, strength, macroscopic and microscopic pictures of the obtained joints were evaluated at different postoperative periods.
 Results. All anastomoses, formed by the method of a high-frequency electric welding, were not only patent and hermetic, but also sufficiently strong (40 – 100 mm Hg). The tissues were joined using thermo-adhesion; a coagulation scar was rather narrow, its complete epithelization was accomplished in 3 mo, and a scar maturation completed – in 6 mo.
 Conclusion. The method of a high-frequency electric welding permits to form both, bilio-digestive and inter-intestinal, anastomoses of equal reliability in the settings of non-inflamed and inflamed tissues.

A combined outbreak of Clostridial enterotoxemia and HCN poisoning in laboratory rabbits

A combined outbreak of Clostridial enterotoxemia and HCN poisoning in laboratory rabbits

Evaluation of stress in laboratory rabbits used for teaching purposes

This study was intended as a contribution to the argument about possible suffering of animals used for demonstrative purposes during teaching at universities. Pharmacology lectures at the University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic were selected for this experiment. The study focused on stress assessment using haematological and biochemical indices. Blood samples were drawn from 20 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculusf.domesticusL.) 10 days after arrival at the institute (before the first practical lesson), and then in the 7thand 12thweeks of the semester with practical lessons. The haematological and biochemical indices were compared between the experimental group (n = 10) used for practical demonstrations and the control group (n = 10) which was kept in its hutch. Practical lessons included manipulation with rabbits, health examination, topical or total application and observation of the drugs’ effects. All the acts were carried out by students. Significant changes were detected in some of haematological (erythrocytes, haemoglobin, haematocrit) and biochemical (glucose, total protein, enzymes aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase) variables compared to the control group. The values obtained from the last blood sampling indicate a possible habituation process in the experimental group between the 8thand 12thweek. The results were compared between the experimental and control group and also with the results of other studies with different stressors. In conclusion, the stress the rabbits used for teaching purposes at universities are exposed to, is tolerable.

ПАТОМОРФОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ИЗМЕНЕНИЯ ТКАНЕЙ ПАРОДОНТА В УСЛОВИЯХ ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОГО МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЯ ПАРОДОНТИТА У КРОЛИКОВ

Background. Developed local periodontitis in a laboratory rabbit was reproduced experimentally with a ligature method used. Clinical changes, peculiarities of anatomical structure and pathomorphological changes of periodontal tissues were considered at the stages of the experiment. Perfected the technique of local initiation of periodontitis around the incisors of the lower jaw was perfected with the help of ligature method by Volozhin A. I., Vinogradova S. I. modification of 1993. The features of the technique and recommendations for its implementation were stated. The possibility of using rabbits as a biological model for modeling inflammation in periodontal tissues was evaluated. 
 Object. The aim of the study was to assess in normal conditions and to compare the pathological changes of marginal division of the gums on the stages of artificially initiated periodontitis in the rabbit with the data obtained biopsy material in humans. 
 Materials and methods. The experiment was conducted on three rabbits of the Chinchilla breed weighing 2500 to 3000 grams, in which local periodontitis initiated according to the method of initiation of local periodontitis around the incisors of the lower jaw with ligature method by Volozhin A. I., Vinogradova S. I. modification of 1993. Clinical and histological data were collected during the experimental stages. Then they were compared with the data obtained in humans. 
 Results. The study has identified features of technology for artificial simulation of periodontitis. Also, it has been determined that the histological tissue samples in norm and pathology, and clinical signs of developed periodontitis proved similarity of anatomical and pathological structures at marginal division of the gum for both rabbits and humans. Thus, the use of rabbits as a biological model for the modeling of periodontitis and the choice of modern methods of treatment of periodontitis is possible.

Methods of Assessment of the Corneas of the Eyes Laboratory Rabbits Exposed to Solar Ultraviolet-B Radiation.

The goal of this review was to identify and discuss the specialized methods that have been used to assess the corneas of the eyes of living rabbits exposed to the damaging effects of ultraviolet-B (UV-B). From publications reviewed between 1916 and 2018, both albino and pigmented rabbits were used, usually being young adults weighing between 2 and 2.5 kg, and with many recent studies carried out under sedation. Older assessments were generally based on the use of in vivo slitlamp examinations, sometimes with the use of fluorescein or rose bengal to identify damaged cells, supported by light microscopy (histology) of excised corneas. In later years (after 1960), these structural studies have included in vivo and ex vivo specular microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy as well as impression cytology. Early studies included measurements of the thickness of excised corneal specimens but in vivo pachymetry methods were widely used from the 1980s. Other assessments have included measurement of light transmission spectra of excised corneas, measures of metabolites in isolated corneas or staining corneal specimens for enzyme activities. While a wide range of specialized methods have been used, most of them have provided only descriptions of the effects of UV-B.

Welfare assessment in rabbits raised for meat and laboratory purposes in enclosures with two floor types: Perforated plastic with holes versus slats

Due to welfare concerns and legal restrictions in certain countries, alternatives to wire net floors must be developed in rabbit husbandries. Also, there is a difference in regulations in Europe for laboratory rabbits vs. rabbits bred and kept for meat production. While there are regulations concerning floor design of enclosures for rabbits bred for meat production in many European countries, the European Directive 2010/63 lacks regulations for rabbits used for scientific purposes. This study compares two floors, which meet the Austrian legal requirements for growing rabbits intended for consumption as well as the requirements for laboratory rabbits. The dual use of rabbits bred for meat production and applicable for scientific purposes would avoid the problem of surplus animals of specialized producers for laboratory rabbits.A noryl floor with 12 mm circular holes was compared to a 10 mm slatted plastic floor. Parameters were soiling of cages and animals, parasitic burden, clinical health, and losses using objective scoring. Soiling of cages and animals and coccidial oocytes were significantly higher on the floors with circular holes. Obvious signs of disease showed a non-significant trend to be more frequent in the group with circular holes. This was linked with significantly higher losses. In conclusion, our study clearly shows that the floor with circular hole design cannot be endorsed, although it meets legal requirements. The slatted floor type can be cautiously recommended; however, to assure animal welfare in laboratory rabbits, legal authorities in Europe should take on the responsibility of regulating floor design in this sector.

A Versatile Model of Hard Tick Infestation on Laboratory Rabbits.

The use of live animals in tick research is crucial for a variety of experimental purposes including the maintenance of hard tick colonies in the laboratory. In ticks, all developmental stages (except egg) are hematophagous, and acquiring a blood-meal when attached to their vertebrate hosts is essential for the successful completion of their life cycle. Here we demonstrate a simple method that uses easily openable capsules for feeding of hard ticks on rabbits. The advantages of the proposed method include its simplicity, short duration and most importantly versatile adjustment to the needs of specific experimental requirements. The method makes possible the use of multiple chambers (of various sizes) on the same animal, which permits feeding of multiple stages or different experimental groups while reducing the overall animal requirement. The non-irritating and easily accessible materials used minimizes discomfort to the animals, which can be easily recovered from an experiment and offered for adoption or reused if the ethical protocol allows it.

Experimental and morphological substantitation of application of PRP-technology for endoprosthesis of anterior abdominal wall

In modern practical health care a large aspect is occupied by PRP-technology, the which effect is provided by growth factors located in alpha granules on the platelet membrane and responsible for the regeneration of connective tissue. The purpose of this study was a morphological assessment of reactive changes in periprosthetic tissue in PRP-technology application. Material and methods . The study was carried out on laboratory rabbits. Experimental animals were divided into two groups of observations - control and experimental. The endoprosthesis was implanted into the anterior region of the abdominal wall. Autoplasma enriched with platelets was injected after implantation under the endoprosthesis twice into experimental animals. A site with an endoprosthesis material was excised for a morphological study. Histological sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, according to Van Gieson, and Mallory methods, an immunohistochemical study was performed. The results of the morphometric study were processed using the Statistica v. 8.0. Results. In the experimental group the onset of the proliferative phase of inflammation occurred at an earlier time and provided the formation of a mature connective tissue periprosthetic capsule. By the 10th day of the experiment, a double dominance of the thickness of the capsule was observed in the experimental group. The proportion of cells of fibroblastic differon accounted for 60% of all cells, which resulted in an an increase in the cellular index by 1.6 times. The proliferation index was 2 times greater at all experimental days. Conclusion. The use of PRP-technology in endoprosthetics leads to an earlier formation of a mature periprosthetic capsule, accelerates the survival of the prosthesis and reduces the risk of postoperative complications.

Comparison of the fecal microbiota of domestic commercial meat, laboratory, companion, and shelter rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculi)

BackgroundRabbits are cecotrophic, hindgut-fermenters that rely heavily on their gastrointestinal microbiota for optimal digestion of plant-based diets. Dysbiosis, caused by disruption of the gastrointestinal microbiota, is known to predispose rabbits to rabbit enteritis complex (REC), a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study were to describe the fecal microbiota of domestic rabbits from a variety of settings (commercial meat, companion, laboratory, and shelter) and to identify how factors such as age, season, and routine antimicrobial use affect the fecal microbiota composition.ResultsA total of 86 pooled commercial meat, 54 companion, 14 pooled laboratory, and 14 shelter rabbit fecal samples were evaluated using 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V4 region. In all sample types, the predominant bacterial phylum was Firmicutes. Other commonly identified phyla (composing ≥ 1% of the total microbiota composition) were Verrucomicrobia, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Significant differences in composition were noted between commercial, companion, laboratory, and shelter rabbit samples for proportions of Verrucomicrobia (P < 0.01), Proteobacteria (P < 0.01), and Lentisphaerae (P = 0.01) within the total microbiota. Within the commercial meat rabbit samples, significant differences between the microbiota composition of growers (n = 42) and does (n = 44) were limited to one unclassified Firmicutes (P = 0.03) and no differences were identified at the phylum level. Significant differences were present between fecal samples taken from rabbits during the summer (n = 44) compared to the winter (n = 42), with Firmicutes (P = 0.04), Verrucomicrobia (P = 0.03), Proteobacteria (P = 0.02), Deinococcus-Thermus (P = 0.04), Armatimonadates (P = 0.003), and Actinobacteria (P = 0.03) forming significantly different proportions of the microbiota. The only significant difference in composition between those farms that routinely reported antimicrobial use and those that did not was in one unclassified Bacteroidetes (P < 0.05) and no differences were identified at the phylum level.ConclusionsRabbit husbandry and diet, in addition to season, significantly influence the fecal microbiota composition of domestic rabbits, while age of the rabbit post-weaning has minimal impact.

Еxperimental estimation of the stapler suture peritonization as a method of prevention of complications after sleeve resection of stomach

Objective. Estimation of expediency for peritonization of the stapler resection line, aiming to prevent the stapler suture hemorrhage and insufficiency.&#x0D; Маterials and methods. The investigation was conducted on laboratory rabbits, to which the sleeve gastric resection was performed: in 9 experimental animals (Group 1) – with peritonization of the stapler suture line, in experimental animals (Group 2) – without peritonization. Structural changes of gastric wall in the stapler suture portion in both groups of experimental animals were investigated.&#x0D; Results. Peritonization of the stapler suture line have caused exaggeration of the gastric walls ischemic changes.&#x0D; Conclusion. Peritonization of the sleeve gastric resection line promotes prophylaxis of postoperative hemorrhage from the stapler suture, but do not prevent its insufficiency.

Population structure and phylogenetic analysis of laboratory rabbits in Taiwan based on microsatellite markers

Laboratory rabbits used in Taiwan are primarily supplied by the Livestock Research Institute (LRI) and the Animal Drugs Inspection Branch (ADIB) of the Animal Health Research Institute. An analysis of the genetic characteristics and structure of these populations would thus be a fundamental step in building a long-term management programme for maintaining stable animal quality and preserving the genetic variation among the populations. In this study, DNA samples were isolated from founders of 5 populations: New Zealand White rabbits (NZW) and Japanese White rabbits (JPN) from the ADIB, NZW and Rex rabbits (REX) from the LRI, and NZW from a private rabbit breeding farm in Ban Ciao (BC). A set of microsatellite markers, 18 in total, was designed for genetic analysis. The average values for the allele number (Na), effective number of alleles (Ne), observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity (H&lt;sub&gt;E&lt;/sub&gt;), and Wright’s fixation index (F&lt;sub&gt;IS&lt;/sub&gt;) were 5.50, 2.437, 0.442, 0.568 and 0.232, respectively. These results revealed that this set of microsatellite markers has high diversity and that the major local populations have a tendency toward inbreeding. At the same time, analysis of molecular variance results showed that the laboratory rabbits used in Taiwan have maintained a high level of within-population genetic differentiation (83%). The genetic differentiation among clusters was moderate (F&lt;sub&gt;ST&lt;/sub&gt;=0.18), and Bayesian cluster analysis showed that the most likely number of groups was 4 (K=4). Principal component analysis (PCA) also showed 4 divergent clusters. The LRI and BC NZW populations were not separated when K=4 was used in a Structure software analysis and were also hard to split until principal component 3 in PCA. The individual unrooted phylogenetic tree showed that the 5 populations were separated, except that some individuals from the LRI NZW population overlapped with the ADIB NZW and BC NZW populations. As such, in order to counteract the reduced F&lt;sub&gt;IS&lt;/sub&gt; (0.232) and maximise heterozygosity, the 3 NZW populations could be interbred or have new genes introduced into them. The set of microsatellite markers used herein was useful for studying the relationships and genetic diversities among these rabbit populations of Taiwan. Based on the resulting data, rabbit farms in Taiwan could select parental stocks for planned mating in the future as part of strategies to preserve and restore the rational breeding of laboratory rabbits.

Methods of Pairing and Pair Maintenance of New Zealand White Rabbits (&lt;em&gt;Oryctolagus Cuniculus)&lt;/em&gt; Via Behavioral Ethogram, Monitoring, and Interventions

New Zealand White (NZW) laboratory rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), as well as their ancestors the European Rabbit, are a social species that exhibit numerous benefits to being housed accordingly. Although these rabbits are innately gregarious, certain behaviors can still arise when kept in captivity, which if left unchecked, can confound research results or lead to wounding, which in extreme cases can be severe. To prevent these issues, there must be a well-structured plan for the monitoring and maintenance of paired laboratory rabbits. The purpose of this protocol is to present effective procedures for establishing newly paired NZW rabbits as well as methods for successful maintenance. Multiple methods have been tested for the creation of newly paired female rabbits from the vendor, but the most efficacious technique emphasizes capitalizing on the stress bonding from transport, urine marking, pairing in a neutral cage with no forced sharing of resources and a system of monitoring and intervention. To determine the best method of housing paired rabbits in a standard caging environment, data were collected to generate a behavioral ethogram. Behaviors were then quantified as positive, neutral or negative and were tracked across the lifespan of the pair to determine which behaviors indicated pair success or failure. With the newfound knowledge of socially housed laboratory NZW rabbit behavior, enrichment intervention was applied to alleviate aggression and prevent wounding, thus resulting in a higher percentage of successful pairs. Through several years of trialing different pairing methods, the development of the ethogram and the resulting enrichment interventions, understanding of the highly complex social constructs that dominate pair housed rabbit behavior has dramatically increased and allowed for the provision of more species-specific care and increased standards of welfare.

SUSCEPTIBILITY OF MICE INTENDED FOR ESCHERICHIA COLI, PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA, SALMONELLA ENTERITIDIS AND STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS INFECTION

Laboratory mice may harbor a variety of viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal agents. Frequently, these organisms cause no overt signs of disease. However, many of the natural pathogens of animal may alter host physiology, rendering the host unsuitable for many experimental uses. While the number and prevalence of these pathogens have declined considerably, many still turn up in laboratory animals and represent unwanted variables in research. Investigators using mice in biomedical experimentation should be aware of the profound effects that many of these agents can have on research. What does the future hold regarding the natural pathogens of laboratory mice? Several events can be anticipated. First, the decline in the prevalence of natural pathogens will continue as housing and husbandry methods improve even more. Second, additional effects of currently known pathogens will be reported as new research uses are found for traditional laboratory animals, new questions are asked, and new technologies are applied to those questions. Third, new pathogens will continue to be discovered and reported. Most of these previously unknown agents will not result in clinical disease, but many may affect experimental results. According to Weisbroth (1996), many of these “emerging” pathogens may even be acquired from humans. While the range and magnitude of infections has decreased in laboratory mice, rats, and rabbits, continued diligence and additional study are required to ensure the wellbeing of animals used in biomedical research.

Listeria

Listeria

Use of iodine preparation in rabbit breeding

The territory of Ukraine is unique area in terms of iodine, which indicates the need for daily additional consumption of iodine along with the foodstuff. The major products applied for iodine deficiency prevention include salt and water optimized in terms of iodine and another microelements content. The thesis objective is to study influence of Iodis-Concentrate® preparation on rabbit meat quality parameters. Our aim was to find out the amino acid composition, the fatty-acid composition and mineral composition, as well as the iodine content in rabbit meat. There were two groups of two months old laboratory rabbits formed: the stud and control group (5 rabbits in each group). The rabbits of the control group were watered with the water taken from the well located in Obukhiv, Kyiv Oblast, while the rabbits of the study group were watered with the same water, although adding Iodis-Concentrate Preparation in the dosage of 0.35 mg/kg. In terms of organoleptic, physical and chemical indices, the rabbit meat corresponded to the fresh meat. The amino acid composition of the rabbit meat in the study and control group was slightly different. Subject to watering the rabbits with potable water with Iodis-Concentrate preparation added, the contents of certain indispensable and dispensable amino acids, and the aggregate contents thereof slightly increased, however, no trustworthy difference was recorded . No abnormal ratio of indispensable and dispensable amino acids was recorded . The biological value of the rabbit meat is preserved. As regards the fatty acids content, the meat of rabbits treated with Iodis-Concentrate preparation contained more fatty acids, as follows: lauric acid, myristic acid, Cys-10 heptadecenoic acid, elaidic acid, oleine acid, linolic acid, linolenic acid, Cys-11- eicosenic acid, Cys-8, 11,14- eicosatrienoic acid, Eicosatetraenoic acid, as compared to the control parameters, which indicates stimulation of lipid metabolism. During studying the influence of Iodis-Concentrate preparation on rabbit meat composition, the trustworthy high contents of the following microelements and microelements was ascertained: aluminum, calcium, chrome, ferrum, magnesium, manganese, natrium, strontium, and zinc. In the meat of rabbits treated with Iodis-Concentrate preparation, the researcher unveiled twice higher contents of iodine as compared to the performance in the control group of rabbits.