Mouse Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology
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Male
Penis
- Os penis lies within the tissue of the penis.
Testes
- Two testes in an external scrotum.
- Open inguinal canals throughout life.
- Allows testes to shrink and return to the abdomen in the non-breeding season.
Puberty and Sexual Maturity
- Sexually mature at 6-7 weeks.
Mammary Gland
- Teats are absent.
Female
Reproductive Tract
- Bicornate uterus
- Short uterine body
- Single cervix
Puberty and Sexual Maturity
- Sexually mature at 2-4 weeks.
Oestrous Cyclicity
- Oestrus cycle 4-5 days.
- Post-partum oestrus.
- Delayed if lactating.
Gestation and Offspring
Gestation
- Gestation period 19-21 days.
Litter
- Litter size 6-16
- Altricial young
- Eyes open at 12-14 days.
- Earliest weaning age 21 days.
- Care not to stress mother or she may cannibalise the young.
Mammary Gland
- 7 pairs of teats.