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Ferret Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 11:25, 21 July 2008
, 11:25, 21 July 2008no edit summary
= MALE =
* Male is known as the Hob.
* Male is known as the Hob.
== Penis==
== Penis==
* Opening of the prepuce is on the ventral abdomen.
* Opening of the prepuce is on the ventral abdomen.
== Testes ==
== Testes ==
** Testes become noticeably enlarged in preparation for the breeding season (March-August).
** Testes become noticeably enlarged in preparation for the breeding season (March-August).
== Accessory Glands ==
== Accessory Glands ==
* The only accessory sex gland is the '''prostate gland'''.
* The only accessory sex gland is the '''prostate gland'''.
** A fusiform enlargement around the proximal part of the urethra at the neck of the bladder.
** A fusiform enlargement around the proximal part of the urethra at the neck of the bladder.
== Puberty and Sexual Maturity ==
* Males mate the year after they are born.
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= FEMALE =
* Known as the Jill.
== Reproductive Tract ==
* [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Anatomical_Types_of_Uteri|Bicornuate uterus]]
** Long uterine horns
** No uterine body.
* Vulva lies on the perineum, ventral to the [[Anus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|anus]].
** During the non-breeding season, it is small and slit-like.
** During oestrus it becomes swollen and resembles a small doughnut.
== Puberty and Sexual Maturity ==
== Puberty and Sexual Maturity ==
* Males mate the year after they are born.
* Females mate the year after they are born.
== Oestrous Cyclicity ==
* Seasonally polyoestrus
** Breeding season is from March for 2-3 months.
* Oestrus is shown by a swollen, pink vulva which regresses 2-3 weeks after mating.
* Induced ovulator
** If mated, [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovulation]] occurs within 30-40 hours of coitus.
** If not mated, may remain in continual oestrus for up to ~4 months.
== Copulation ==
* Initiated on the 14th day after the onset of vulval swelling.
== Gestation and Offspring ==
* [[Reproductive_System#Gestation|Gestation]] period is 42 days.
* [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-Placenta_Classification_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|Placenta]] is zonary
* Average litter 8-10 kits, but can be as large as 18.