Análisis comparativo de la calidad seminal en conejos (Oryctolagus cuniculus) de las razas Rex, Nueva Zelanda y Cabeza de León

This research was conducted in Patate canton, Tungurahua province, Ecuador, in a temperate climate zone at an altitude of approximately 2000 meters above sea level, conditions that influence agricultural and livestock activities. It was developed under a mixed approach, combining fieldwork and laboratory analysis, and was designed as a completely randomized experiment (CRD) to evaluate semen quality in three rabbit breeds (New Zealand, Rex, and Lionhead). The study was carried out in two phases: first, the collection of semen samples using an artificial vagina adapted to maintain physiological temperature; and second, the evaluation of parameters such as sperm concentration, motility, and viability through microscopy and histological tests. Data analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test at 5% to identify significant differences. The results showed important differences among the breeds. New Zealand rabbits presented the highest sperm concentration (217.40 million/mL), motility (45.75), and sperm viability (70.50), followed by Rex and Lionhead. These findings suggest that genetics influence semen quality, aligning with previous studies. The research provides relevant information for assisted reproduction and genetic improvement in rabbits, highlighting the importance of these parameters in reproductive efficiency.