Inducing ovulation and artificial insemination in the European brown hare (Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778)

Abstract: The aim of the study was to show whether it is possible to induce ovulation in the hare by GnRH analogue administration and to carry out an effective artificial insemination (AI). The research was carried out during the breeding and non-breeding season. During the breeding season, plasma progesterone concentrations increased on the 4th day after intramuscular injection of GnRH analogue (buserelin), indicating induced ovulation and corpus luteum development. Prostaglandin F2α (dinoprost) was an effective luteolytic agent on day 9. During the non-breeding season, the GnRH analogue injection does not cause an increase of progesterone. The 17β-estradiol concentrations during the breeding and non-breeding season were similar. It was shown that after GnRH analogue administration and artificial insemination with semen diluted in Tris buffer extender 80% females delivered live young (39–43 days after artificial insemination), which proves the effectiveness of inducing ovulation in the hare by means of hormonal stimulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]