A Histomorphological and Histochemical changes of Postnatal Developmental in the Ovaries and Uterus of Local Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Duhok Province

This study aimed to detect histomorphology and histochemical changes of the ovaries and uterus in local rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) during postnatal development from 7 to 150 days. Eighty rabbits were used from local breeders and divided into 8 groups, with 10 rabbits selected for each age group. The rabbits were euthanized and subsequently dissected. The ovaries and uterus were obtained and stored in a solution of 10% neutral buffered formalin for preservation. Subsequently, the sample was subjected to standard histology procedures. Ultimately, 5 µm slices were utilized and subjected to hematoxylin-eosin Masson Trichrome staining, as well as alcian blue and periodic acid shift staining. Results of the microscopic investigation indicated clear morphological changes in the ovaries and uterus during the postnatal maturation of the young. The study indicated that the rabbit ovary, which was between one week and six weeks old, consisted of follicles of type 1-5b. Nevertheless, G7 and G8 exhibited the presence of sizable follicles categorized as type 6 and 7. This study detected a growth in all layers of the uterus, especially in the tunica mascularis, throughout postnatal development. These findings indicated that young female rabbits undergo significant developmental progress and changes after being weaned. This study determined that pre-ovulatory follicles and Corpus luteum were observed in mature female rabbits at the age of 4 months, suggesting that these rabbits reached puberty at that age. The study concluded that the maturation of the follicles and uterus in this breed based on the age of the individual.