DEVELOPMENT OF A DUMMY FOR SEMEN COLLECTION IN RABBITS

In an attempt to make semen collection in rabbits easier, the feasibility of training male rabbits using a dummy with an artificial vagina (AV) inserted was investigated. Dummy was constructed using rabbit skin and frame of different dimensions of height, girth circumference and position of AV. Dummy A had height 12cm, girth circumference 40cm and position of AV 5cm from the floor in a hole, B had height 12 cm, girth circumference 33cm and position of AV 6cm in a slit behind, C had height 10cm, girth circumference 29.5cm and position of AV 7.5cm in a slit behind all with a length of 25.5cm. Animals were trained to use the dummy. Different methods used in the training were smearing of the dummy with feaces and urine from the doe, placing a doe on the dummy while introducing the dummy and placing the doe on the cage while introducing the dummy. Dummy C was successful with good and reproducible results. Ejaculate volume 0.45 mL, concentration 119.9×106 spermatozoa/mL, massal motility was moderate, % live 67.95, % normal 71.55 and % abnormal 28.45. Commercial farmers and small scale farmers can make use of the dummy for semen collection for artificial insemination in rabbits as it can be easily assembled.