Sexual maturity in rabbits defined by the physical and chemical characteristics of the semen

Abstract

Semen was collected weekly from New Zealand white rabbits from the 1st positive mounting test to 43 weeks of age by means of an artificial vagina. The mean values of the results obtained in the 1st and 20th collection weeks were respectively: volume (ml) 0·61 ± 0·30 and 0·70 ± 0·19; pH 7·22 ± 0·50 and 7·19 ± 0±15; concentration (sperm/mm3 x 103) 750 ± 207 and 381 ± 90; fructose (mg/l00 ml) 117 ± 58 and 203 ± 121; citric acid (mg/l00 ml) 256 ± 90 and 200 ± 97; sodium ions (mEq/l) 133 ± 31 and 163 ± 46; potassium ions (mEq/l) 40 ± 21 and 29 ± 14. On the basis of these results, New Zealand white rabbits reach sexual maturity by 6 months of age.