Difference between revisions of "Gerbil Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology"
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
(12 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
+ | {{toplink | ||
+ | |backcolour =EED2EE | ||
+ | |linkpage =Reproductive System - Anatomy & Physiology | ||
+ | |linktext =Reproductive System | ||
+ | |maplink = Reproductive System (Content Map) - Anatomy & Physiology | ||
+ | |sublink1=Reproductive System - Anatomy & Physiology#Small Domestic Mammals | ||
+ | |subtext1=SMALL DOMESTIC MAMMALS | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | <br> | ||
== Male == | == Male == | ||
Line 31: | Line 40: | ||
=== Reproductive Tract === | === Reproductive Tract === | ||
− | * [[ | + | * [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Anatomical_Types_of_Uteri|Bicornuate uterus]] |
− | * Two channels of the [[ | + | * 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]]. |
Line 43: | Line 52: | ||
* Polyoestrous | * Polyoestrous | ||
− | * [[ | + | * [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-Oestrous_Cycle_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|Oestrous cycle]] length: 4-6 days |
* Post-parturient oestrus | * Post-parturient oestrus | ||
− | * Spontaneous [[ | + | * Spontaneous [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovulator]]. |
=== Breeding Characteristics === | === Breeding Characteristics === | ||
− | * Monogamous (in contrast to [[Rat | + | * 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. |
=== Gestation and Offspring=== | === Gestation and Offspring=== | ||
Line 57: | Line 66: | ||
==== Gestation ==== | ==== Gestation ==== | ||
− | * Gestation period is 22-26 days. | + | * [[Reproductive System - Anatomy & Phyiology#Gestation|Gestation]] period is 22-26 days. |
* 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. | ||
Line 76: | Line 85: | ||
− | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Reproductive System]] |
− |
Revision as of 12:54, 31 August 2010
|
Male
Anogenital distance in the adult is ~10mm (twice that of the female).
Penis
- Os penis lies within the tissue of the penis.
Testes
- Two testes in an external scrotum.
- Testes descend at 30-40 days.
- Active spermiogenesis and mating apparent from 10 weeks of age.
- In the young animal, scrotum is obvious and dark in colour.
Reproductive Behaviour
- Abdominal sebacious gland is large and apparent at ~4 weeks.
- Rubbed along the ground to mark territorial boundaries.
- Form monogamous pairs/Harems
- Fighting among males is common
Mammary Gland
- Teats are absent.
Female
Reproductive Tract
- Bicornuate uterus
- Two channels of the cervix separated almost to the single entrance into the vagina.
Puberty and Sexual Maturity
- Sexual maturity is at ~9-12 weeks.
Oestrous Cyclicity
- Polyoestrous
- Oestrous cycle length: 4-6 days
- Post-parturient oestrus
- Spontaneous ovulator.
Breeding Characteristics
- 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 and Offspring
Gestation
- Gestation period is 22-26 days.
- 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.
Litter
- Mean litter size is 4-5.
- Altricial offspring.
- Hairless, blind and virtually helpless.
- Ears open at 5 days.
- Eyes open at 16-17 days.
- Cannibalisation/abandonment is rare.
Mammary Gland
- 4 pairs of teats.