Guidelines for handling of rabbit bucks and semen

This paper contains recommendations for procedures to be used in applied reproduction trials performed with rabbit bucks and/or semen. The factors influencing sperm production (environment, age, health status and feeding strategies) are described as well as the effects of semen handling (dilution, storage conditions, etc) on spermatozoa characteristics. Basic tools for analysing spermatozoa characteristics are given. Procedures, material and methods to evaluate sperm metabolism are precisely defined in an appendix. The present guidelines have been discussed and approved by a panel of experts (see footnote) in the course of various meetings in the context of COST action 848 sponsored by EU.