Effect of pre-conception coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine treatments on ovulatory response, genital characteristics and in vitro embryo characteristics in rabbits

Abstract

To study ovulatory response and genital and in vitro embryo characteristics of control rabbit does (G1) compared with those treated with Coenzyme Q10 (10 mg CoQ10/kg LBW, G2) and L-Carnitine (40 mg LC kg-1 LBW, G3). Total of 15 mature NZW rabbit does (5.3 mo of age, 3.35 kg LBW) and 6 NZW bucks (7.0-9.0 mo of age and 3.85 kg LBW) were used in this study for 21 days prior to natural mating. All does were slaughtered 64-66 h post-mating to determine genital measurements and follicular and Corpora Lutea (CLs) number, Ovulation Rate (OR) and embryo Recovery Rate (RR) rates. By flushing the oviducts, embryos was counted and evaluated. Also, post-thawing Survival Rate (SR) and Viability Rate (VR) rates were determined. Results showed that dose in G2 showed greater number of follicles (18.2), CLs (13.6) and embryos (16.3) per dose and the highest OR (74.7%), RR (100%), excellent embryos (86.8%) and the lowest good and fair embryos (10.4% for each) compared with G1. Genital characteristics were not affected. Post-thawing SR was not affected, while VR was higher (p<0.05) in G2 and G3 than in G1 (88.9 and 87.5 vs. 76.9%). In vitro blastocyst production rate was higher (p<0.05) in G2 and G3 than in G1 (64.58 and 60.00 vs. 52.63%). In conclusion, pre-conception daily oral dose of rabbit does for 21 days with 10 mg CoQ10/kg LBW has impact on yield, quality, survival and viability of vitrified embryos and in vitro blastocyst production.