The genome of the European rabbit and genomic tools.

This chapter describes the genetic, genomic and transcriptomic characteristics and the applications of genomic tools in the rabbit.

Genetics of fibre and fur production in rabbits.

This chapter aims to present the genetics of fibre and fur production in the rabbit. It focuses first on general biology of hair covering and hair development of the rabbit. A clear understanding of the biological basis of the coat is essential for a better understanding of the genetic basis of fibre and fur production. It then examines the genetic basis of hair growth pattern and coat composition for fibre and fur production. Selection of rabbit on coat colour, a component of fur production, will be dealt with very briefly. Genetics and molecular genetics of coat colour is the subject of Chapter 6 of this book.

The evolution, domestication and world distribution of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

This chapter presents the rabbit within the evolutionary framework, including the systematics, its domestication and an overview of the genetic resources (breeds and lines) that have been developed after domestication.

Genetics of reproduction in the rabbit.

This chapter describes the genetic determinism of all traits involved in male and female reproductive performances in rabbits. All traits related to the underlying biological processes leading to the mating outcome, as well as some of its general features, such as the homogeneity of the reproductive performances, are considered (semen and ejaculate characteristics, ovulation rate, fertility, embryo survival, fetal survival and litter size). Different parameters of fertility and litter size are discussed, including the contribution of both sexes to each phase of the reproductive cycle.

Genetics and molecular genetics of coat colour in the European rabbit.

This chapter describes the genotypic (genes, alleles, mutations and polymorphisms) and phenotypic characteristics of the different fur colours in rabbits.

Methods to create transgenic and genome-edited rabbits.

This chapter describes the different approaches that have been used to produce transgenic and gene-targeted rabbits and analyses their potential for future applications.

Biotechnology applications in the rabbit.

This chapter present the omics vision, the biotech and biomodelling perspectives and applications of the rabbit.

Immunogenetics in the rabbit.

This chapter on immunogenetics in the rabbit focused on some genes with genetic and genomic sequence information including those encoding: soluble circulating immunoglobulin molecules (Igs) and their surface-bound forms on B lymphocytes (BCRs); T-cell receptors on T lymphocyte surfaces, (TCRs); the rabbit Leukocyte Antigen (RLA) complex (proteins on cells that function to present antigen fragments to TCRs); and some cytokine genes that encode key regulators of T- and B-cell responses.

Genetics and molecular genetics of morphological and physiological traits and inherited disorders in the European rabbit.

This chapter compiles and updates the knowledge on morphological, physiological and biochemical traits under genetic control and on inherited disorders documented in the European rabbit. The chapter is also focused on the recent developments determined by the molecular characterization of these traits and defects.

Genetics of disease resistance in the European rabbit.

This chapter describes the genetic variability and selection for resistance to pasteurellosis, enterocolitis, myxomatosis, other infectious diseases, respiratory syndromes and digestive syndromes in rabbits.