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Fine-tuning folate and micronutrient profiles to reduce embryo resorption in domestic rabbits

Nazariy Fedynyshyn
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Zoogoods LLC, 123 Maple Ave., Suite 400, Springfield, IL 62704, USA

Fine‑tuning dietary folate and allied micronutrients may curb early embryo loss and boost litter success in domestic rabbits. This review asked which nutrient cocktails and doses actually work. Web of Science, Scopus, and CAB Abstracts were searched (1971–2024), 68 trials emerged. Two reviewers independently screened to pre‑registered criteria, retaining 15 rigorously controlled studies. Effect sizes for embryo resorption and litter size were pooled with random‑effects models, heterogeneity was explored by meta‑regression. Folate at 3–5 mg kg−1 feed cut resorption by 29 % (95 % CI 18‑39). Adding 80 mg kg−1 zinc lifted the effect by another 11 points, while selenium‑vitamin E blends offered similar gains, suggesting oxidative and epigenetic synergy. Vitamin D3 proved a double‑edged sword-helpful below 3 000 IU kg−1 yet growth‑suppressive above. Heterogeneity sat at 62 %, driven mainly by dose spread and breed. Evidence favours a moderated multi‑nutrient approach over single‑factor fixes, but small samples and uneven protocols still cloud causality. Next‑generation studies should weld metabolomics to adaptive feeding and turn nuanced optimisation into everyday practice.

Key words: domestic rabbits, fertility, embryo resorption, folate supplementation, zinc and selenium‑vitamin E synergy, reproductive nutrition