Mouse Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology

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.