Difference between revisions of "Guinea Pig Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology"
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* Several accessory glands | * Several accessory glands | ||
| − | ** '''Vesicular glands''': long and coiled | + | ** '''Vesicular glands''': Large, yellow-white vermiform sacs lying in the caudal peritoneal cavity dorsal to the bladder and extending cranially into the abdomen.They are long and coiled in appearance, filled with semi-solid seminal secretions. |
| − | ** '''Prostate gland''' | + | ** '''Prostate gland''': Lies close to the base of the vesicular glands. |
| − | ** '''Coagulating glands''' | + | ** '''Coagulating glands''': Lie close to the base of the vesicular glands. |
| − | ** '''Bulbourethral glands''' | + | ** '''Bulbourethral glands''': Oval, paired glands which lie close to the urethra at the ischial arch. |
| − | |||
== Mammary Gland == | == Mammary Gland == | ||
Revision as of 13:18, 22 July 2008
Male
The male guinea pig is known as the Boar. The genital organs consist of the testes, accessory sex glands and the perianal & caudal glands. The perineal sacs are present in both sexes, but are more extensive in the male. They lie on either side of the anus and contain extensive caseous secretions, hair and skin debris.
Penis
- Os penis
- Caudoventral to the urethral opening is a pouch containing two horny styles (projections).
- Evert externally during erection of the penis.
Testes
- Two testes
- Epididymis lies along the dorsolateral margin and has large fat bodies associated with its head and tail.
- Inguinal canal remains open throughout life.
- In mature, breeding boars the large testes lie in the scrotum either side of the genital opening.
Accessory Glands
- Several accessory glands
- Vesicular glands: Large, yellow-white vermiform sacs lying in the caudal peritoneal cavity dorsal to the bladder and extending cranially into the abdomen.They are long and coiled in appearance, filled with semi-solid seminal secretions.
- Prostate gland: Lies close to the base of the vesicular glands.
- Coagulating glands: Lie close to the base of the vesicular glands.
- Bulbourethral glands: Oval, paired glands which lie close to the urethra at the ischial arch.
Mammary Gland
- Pair of long inguinal nipples.
Sexual Maturity
- Puberty occurs at 3 months.
- Will show mounting behaviour from 1 month.
Female
- Known as the Sow
Reproductive Tract
- Bicornate uterus
- Two uterine horns
- Single cervix
- Single vagina
- Membrane covers vaginal opening except at oestrus and during parturition.
Oestrous Cyclicity
- Polyoestrous
- Spontaneous ovulator
- Oestrous cycle length:15-16 days
Gestation and Offspring
- Long gestation period: 59-72 days (depending on litter size)
- Litter size: 1-6
- Precocious offspring
- Fully furred at birth
- Eyes open
- Able to eat solid food as well as suckle from the mother.
- Weaned at 3 weeks.
- Precocious offspring
- No nest
Mammary Gland
- Pair of long inguinal nipples.