Chinchilla Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology

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BACK TO REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
BACK TO SMALL DOMESTIC MAMMALS



MALE

Scrotum and Testes

  • Only a very slight scrotal region is visible externally (no true scrotum).
  • Thin-walled scrotal diverticula extend cranially on either side of the base of the penis.
  • Each diverticulum is occupied by the tail of the epididymis.
  • On either side of the anus are two postanal sacs.
    • Caudal epididymis can lie in the postanal sacs.
  • Testes and head of the epididymis is in the region of the inguinal ring.
  • Large fat body extends cranially into the abdominal cavity from the cranial pole of each testis.

Accessory Sex Glands

  • Vesicular glands are very long and tubular.
  • Prostate gland has paired large ventral lobes and paired small dorsal lobes.
  • Bulbourethral glands are dorsolateral to ischiocavernosus muscles.
    • Isciocavernosus muscles are enormous, swelling on either side of the rectum and meeting over its top.

Penis

  • Penis points caudally when relaxed and cranially when erect.
  • 1.5cm in length
  • Sigmoid flexure
  • Os penis in the distal portion.
    • The small supporting bone is known as the baculum.

Copulation

  • Spermatogenesis occurs at about 2-3 months.
  • Copulatory maturity is not until about 8 months.
  • Breeds all year round.
  • Copulatory plug at mating.