Difference between revisions of "Gerbil Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology"
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* Bicornuate uterus | * Bicornuate uterus | ||
* Two channels of the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Cervix_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|cervix]] separated almost to the single entrance into the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|vagina]]. | * Two channels of the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Cervix_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|cervix]] separated almost to the single entrance into the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|vagina]]. | ||
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* Sexual maturity is at ~9-12 weeks. | * Sexual maturity is at ~9-12 weeks. | ||
* Monogamous (in contrast to [[Small_Mammals_-Rat-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|rats]] and [[Small_Mammals_-Mouse-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|mice]]). | * Monogamous (in contrast to [[Small_Mammals_-Rat-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|rats]] and [[Small_Mammals_-Mouse-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|mice]]). | ||
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* Pseudopregnancy may occur. | * Pseudopregnancy may occur. | ||
* Post-parturient oestrus. | * Post-parturient oestrus. | ||
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| + | * Altricial offspring. | ||
| + | ** Hairless, blind and virtually helpless. | ||
Revision as of 14:29, 17 July 2008
Male
- Active spermiogenesis and mating apparent from 10 weeks of age.
- Anogenital distance in the adult is ~10mm (twice that of the female).
- In the young animal, scrotum is obvious and dark in colour.
- Abdominal sebacious gland is large and apparent at ~4 weeks.
Female
- Bicornuate uterus
- Two channels of the cervix separated almost to the single entrance into the vagina.
- Sexual maturity is at ~9-12 weeks.
- Monogamous (in contrast to rats and mice).
- Mating usually occurs in the evening.
- Copulation plug is small and lies deep in the vagina, so cannot easily be detected.
- Gestation period is 22-26 days.
- Mean litter size is 4-5.
- May produce a litter every 30-40 days and can produce a total of 10 litters.
- Maximum breeding age is 20 months, but usually the time between the first and last litter is ~1 year.
- Pseudopregnancy may occur.
- Post-parturient oestrus.
- Altricial offspring.
- Hairless, blind and virtually helpless.