Difference between revisions of "Gerbil Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology"
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− | + | <big><center>[[Reproductive System|'''BACK TO REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM''']]</center></big> | |
− | + | <big><center>[[Reproductive_System#Small_Domestic_Mammals|'''BACK TO SMALL DOMESTIC MAMMALS''']]</center></big> | |
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− | == | + | == Male == |
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* Testes descend at 30-40 days. | * Testes descend at 30-40 days. | ||
* Active spermiogenesis and mating apparent from 10 weeks of age. | * 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. | * In the young animal, scrotum is obvious and dark in colour. | ||
+ | * Abdominal sebacious gland is large and apparent at ~4 weeks. | ||
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− | + | * Form monogamous pairs/harems | |
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− | * Form monogamous pairs/ | ||
** Fighting among males is common | ** Fighting among males is common | ||
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== Female == | == Female == | ||
− | + | * [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Anatomical_Types_of_Uteri|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 [[ | ||
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* Polyoestrous | * Polyoestrous | ||
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* Post-parturient oestrus | * Post-parturient oestrus | ||
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− | * Monogamous (in contrast to [[Rat | + | * 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]]). | ||
* Mating usually occurs in the evening. | * Mating usually occurs in the evening. | ||
− | * Copulation plug is small and lies deep in the [[ | + | * Copulation plug is small and lies deep in the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|vagina]], so cannot easily be detected. |
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− | + | * [[Reproductive_System#Gestation|Gestation]] period is 22-26 days. | |
− | + | * Mean litter size is 4-5. | |
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* May produce a litter every 30-40 days and can produce a total of 10 litters. | * 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. | * Maximum breeding age is 20 months, but usually the time between the first and last litter is ~1 year. | ||
* Pseudopregnancy may occur. | * Pseudopregnancy may occur. | ||
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* Altricial offspring. | * Altricial offspring. | ||
** Hairless, blind and virtually helpless. | ** Hairless, blind and virtually helpless. | ||
** Ears open at 5 days. | ** Ears open at 5 days. | ||
** Eyes open at 16-17 days. | ** Eyes open at 16-17 days. | ||
− | ** Cannibalisation/ | + | ** Cannibalisation/abandoment is rare. |
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* 4 pairs of teats. | * 4 pairs of teats. | ||
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Revision as of 12:08, 18 July 2008
Male
- Testes descend at 30-40 days.
- 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.
- Form monogamous pairs/harems
- Fighting among males is common
Female
- Bicornuate uterus
- Two channels of the cervix separated almost to the single entrance into the vagina.
- Polyoestrous
- Post-parturient oestrus
- 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.
- Altricial offspring.
- Hairless, blind and virtually helpless.
- Ears open at 5 days.
- Eyes open at 16-17 days.
- Cannibalisation/abandoment is rare.
- 4 pairs of teats.