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| = The Mating Process = | | = The Mating Process = |
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| + | * Male will approach with tail held high, head and neck extended towards the female. |
| + | * Female should tolerate the approaching male. |
| + | * The male will ''''orgle'''', the unique gutteral call of mating. |
| + | * Female will ''''kush'''' (lie down) immediately or when he mounts her if she is receptive. |
| + | * Male positions himself tightly over her hind-quarters, with his forelimbs clasped around her chest. |
| + | * Copulation may last ~30 minutes. |
| + | ** Sometimes the female lies down with her head outstretched, and occasionally will lie on one side. |
| + | ** Male may dismount, reposition himself, and begin again. Occasionally he will get up and move away before recommencing. |
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| == Rejection == | | == Rejection == |
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| + | * Typically the female spits vigorously at the male to discourage his approach. |
| + | * Experienced stud males may be insistent, and if the female has enough space she will run from him. |
| + | ** Receptive females may run initially, then allow themselves to be caught. |
| + | * Males are uninterested in non-receptive females. |
| + | ** May sniff females of the herd in turn and ignore the non-receptive ones. |
| + | * Triggered by high progesterone levels in the female. |
| + | ** With a persistent corpus luteum, she will continue to reject the male even if she is not pregnant. |
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| = Timing of Mating = | | = Timing of Mating = |