Novum is an orange-colored powder that can be added to rabbit semen extenders to support ovulation and pregnancy. Its action is based on protecting the components of rabbit semen that naturally induce ovulation. Therefore, no registration as a veterinary medicine is required for preserving these ovulation-inducing factors. It can be regarded as asupplement.
Packaging
Novum powder is packaged in plastic bottles, each containing 2,4 grams. This 2,4-gram quantity can be added to 500 ml of rabbit semen extender. Depending on the amount of extender needed, the contents of a single bottle can be used either fully or partially. Alternatively, other packaging sizes can be produced upon request.
Instructions for Storage
Novum is shipped chilled. Upon receiving it, Novum must be stored immediately at -20°C.
Instructions for Use
Before adding Novum to the extender, the powder must be brought to room temperature. You may take a bottle from the freezer either a day before use or on the day of use. If bringing it to room temperature on the day of use, roll the bottle between your hands to speed up the process.
The recommended amount of powder per quantity of extender is as follows: 2,4 grams of powder should be added to 500 ml of extender. When adding the powder to the extender, stir slowly to avoid the formation of lumps, although the powder is easily soluble in the medium used to dilute rabbit semen. You may use any commercially available extender.
The time between adding Novum to the extender and insemination should be kept as short as possible. To achieve acceptable results, the maximum allowable time between adding Novum and insemination is 12 hours.
Performance of Novum
When it comes to the performance of using Novum as a supplement in a diluent, the primary focus is on pregnancy rate and litter size. Since the performance depends on many variables, including farm management, parent lines, and season, it is necessary to conduct extensive experiments under varying conditions.
The first experiments were conducted during and after the summer of 2023 using small groups of animals. Later that year, follow-up experiments were also carried out to optimize the formula of Novum. Large-scale experiments, in which many hundreds of female animals were inseminated, did not begin until 2024.
In 2024, collaboration began with various parties in different countries, including the Netherlands, France, Hungary, and Italy. Generally, we can say that the application of Novum, under the right conditions, results in a pregnancy rate in the high 80s and sometimes nearly 90%. The litter size then ranges between 10 and 12.
In addition to performance, research was also conducted on the shelf life of Novum. Based on theoretical grounds, a shelf life of at least 2 years is expected when Novum is stored at -20 degrees Celsius. However, transport—albeit refrigerated—must also be considered. Experiments have shown that Novum remains effective for at least 9 months while maintaining good performance.
Experiments on performance and shelf life under various conditions will continue in order to gather as much knowledge as possible on these subjects.
Recent evidence from literature as well as own experiments suggest that Novum plays a crucial role in preserving Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a key molecule involved in reproductive processes. It achieves this through two primary mechanisms that help prevent NGF degradation within the female reproductive tract and semen.
The first mechanism involves proteolytic enzyme inhibitors. These inhibitors specifically target and reduce the breakdown of NGF, allowing it to remain active for a longer period. By prolonging NGF’s presence, Novum increases the likelihood of successful ovulation induction.
The second strategy revolves around protein hydrolysates, a complex mixture of peptides derived from various sources such as whey, soy, and grains. These hydrolysates act as decoys, engaging proteolytic enzymes and preventing them from attacking NGF. This creates a steric hindrance effect, effectively shielding NGF and enhancing its bioavailability.
By combining these two approaches, Novum significantly extends the lifespan of NGF in the reproductive environment, increasing its effectiveness in supporting ovulation and fertility.
