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− | <big><center>[[Reproductive System|'''BACK TO REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM''']]</center></big>
| + | {{review}} |
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− | <big><center>[[Reproductive_System#Camelids_.28LLamas_.26_Alpacas.29|'''BACK TO CAMELIDS''']]</center></big>
| + | == Male == |
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| + | === Rutting Behaviour === |
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− | = Male = | + | ==== Agressiveness ==== |
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− | == Rutting Behaviour == | |
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− | === Agressiveness ===
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| * Increasing aggressive towards other males, and sometimes even towards people, during the breeding season. | | * Increasing aggressive towards other males, and sometimes even towards people, during the breeding season. |
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| * Because of this continuous stress there is a reduction in food intake and frequent diarrhoea resulting in a loss in weight - sometimes up to 35%. | | * Because of this continuous stress there is a reduction in food intake and frequent diarrhoea resulting in a loss in weight - sometimes up to 35%. |
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− | === Soft Palate Ejection === | + | ==== Soft Palate Ejection ==== |
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− | * Exteriorisation of the [[Soft_Palate_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|soft palate]], known as the dulah | + | * Exteriorisation of the [[Soft_Palate|soft palate]], known as the dulah |
− | * The protrusion of the [[Soft_Palate_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|soft palate]] occurs all day long at intervals of 15 - 30 minutes and is accompanied by loud gurgling and roaring sounds. | + | * The protrusion of the [[Soft_Palate|soft palate]] occurs all day long at intervals of 15 - 30 minutes and is accompanied by loud gurgling and roaring sounds. |
| * The protrusions become more frequent with increased excitement such as the presence of other males and females. | | * The protrusions become more frequent with increased excitement such as the presence of other males and females. |
− | * During copulation the [[Soft_Palate_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|soft palate]] ejection may be replaced by grinding of the [[Oral_Cavity_-_Teeth_%26_Gingiva_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|teeth]] and frothing at the mouth. | + | * During copulation the [[Soft_Palate|soft palate]] ejection may be replaced by grinding of the [[:Category:Teeth - Anatomy & Physiology|teeth]] and frothing at the mouth. |
− | ** This frothing is generally attributed to increased secretion of the [[Oral_Cavity_-_Salivary_Glands_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Types_of_Salivary_Glands|salivary glands]] and the frequent exteriorisation of the [[Soft_Palate_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|soft palate]]. | + | ** This frothing is generally attributed to increased secretion of the [[Salivary_Glands_-_Anatomy_&_Physiology#Types_of_Salivary_Glands|salivary glands]] and the frequent exteriorisation of the [[Soft_Palate|soft palate]]. |
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− | === Marking === | + | ==== Marking ==== |
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| This is one of the main sexual behaviours exhibited during the breeding season. It generally takes on two forms, urine spraying and smudging of poll gland secretions. | | This is one of the main sexual behaviours exhibited during the breeding season. It generally takes on two forms, urine spraying and smudging of poll gland secretions. |
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− | ==== Urine Spraying ==== | + | ===== Urine Spraying ===== |
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| * Increased in the presence of another male or when females are passing nearby. | | * Increased in the presence of another male or when females are passing nearby. |
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| * The tail is held under the prepucial opening for a few seconds and soaked with a stream of urine which then is sprayed by 4 to 5 beats of the tail. | | * The tail is held under the prepucial opening for a few seconds and soaked with a stream of urine which then is sprayed by 4 to 5 beats of the tail. |
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− | ==== Smudging ==== | + | ===== Smudging ===== |
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| * Used to disseminate the secretions of the poll gland. | | * Used to disseminate the secretions of the poll gland. |
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| * It can easily be seen dribbling down the neck of the male and has a very strong smell. | | * It can easily be seen dribbling down the neck of the male and has a very strong smell. |
| * The area corresponding to the poll glands becomes large and darkened due to this increased activity. | | * The area corresponding to the poll glands becomes large and darkened due to this increased activity. |
− | * These secretions contain androgens and [[Reproductive_Behaviour_-_Attractivity_Behaviour_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Pheromones|pheromones]] that are used to mark a territory. | + | * These secretions contain androgens and [[Attractivity Behaviour - Anatomy & Physiology#Pheromones|pheromones]] that are used to mark a territory. |
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− | === Female Seeking === | + | ==== Female Seeking ==== |
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| During the breeding season males continue to seek receptive females. | | During the breeding season males continue to seek receptive females. |
− | * Sniff the perineum and flank of the females and frequently display a [[Reproductive_Behaviour_-_Pre-copulatory_Behaviour_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Flehmen_Response|flehmen response]]. | + | * Sniff the perineum and flank of the females and frequently display a [[Pre-copulatory Behaviour - Anatomy & Physiology#Flehmen_Response|flehmen response]]. |
| * Males that roam freely with females will often chase them and force them to sit down by putting pressure on the neck, even if they are not receptive. | | * Males that roam freely with females will often chase them and force them to sit down by putting pressure on the neck, even if they are not receptive. |
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− | = Female = | + | == Female == |
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− | == Puberty == | + | === Puberty === |
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| * Sexually active at 2 - 3 years of age but usually they are not bred until they are 4 years old. | | * Sexually active at 2 - 3 years of age but usually they are not bred until they are 4 years old. |
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| ** If females are bred before they reach 70% of their adult body weight they run a greater risk of abortion. | | ** If females are bred before they reach 70% of their adult body weight they run a greater risk of abortion. |
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− | == Seasonality == | + | === Seasonality === |
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| * Seasonal breeders, with a relatively short breeding season. | | * Seasonal breeders, with a relatively short breeding season. |
− | * Outside of the breeding season mating activity ceases and the [[Camelids_%28LLamas_%26_Alpacas%29_-_Female_Anatomy_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Ovary|ovaries]] are inactive or only have a few, small [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|follicles]]. | + | * Outside of the breeding season mating activity ceases and the [[Camelid_Female_Anatomy_- Anatomy & Physiology#Ovary|ovaries]] are inactive or only have a few, small [[Follicles - Anatomy & Physiology|follicles]]. |
| * Breed at a time of low climatic temperature, rain and better grazing conditions. | | * Breed at a time of low climatic temperature, rain and better grazing conditions. |
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− | == Endocrinology of Seasonality == | + | === Endocrinology of Seasonality === |
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| * Plasma levels of oestradiol 17β very considerably from one month to another but there does not seem to be any association between the level of this hormone and breeding activity. | | * Plasma levels of oestradiol 17β very considerably from one month to another but there does not seem to be any association between the level of this hormone and breeding activity. |
| * Concentrations of LH are higher during the breeding season than during the non-breeding season. | | * Concentrations of LH are higher during the breeding season than during the non-breeding season. |
− | ** During the breeding season the [[Endocrine_System_-_Pituitary_Gland_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|pituitary gland]] is more sensitive to and releases more LH in response to Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) release from the [[Endocrine_System_-_Hypothalamus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|hypothalamus]]. | + | ** During the breeding season the [[Pituitary_Gland_- Anatomy & Physiology|pituitary gland]] is more sensitive to and releases more LH in response to Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) release from the [[Hypothalamus_- Anatomy & Physiology|hypothalamus]]. |
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− | == Oestrous Behaviour == | + | === Oestrous Behaviour === |
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− | The proportion of females displaying strong oestrus behaviour is usually small and not all the females will show all these signs, despite the presence of a [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|mature follicle]]. Also, receptivity to the male can be displayed by females with no [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|follicles]] in the [[Camelids_%28LLamas_%26_Alpacas%29_-_Female_Anatomy_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Ovary|ovaries]] and for up to 7 days after [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovulation]] or when pregnant and progesterone levels are high. Oestrous behaviour therefore cannot be used reliably to decide the timing of breeding. | + | The proportion of females displaying strong oestrus behaviour is usually small and not all the females will show all these signs, despite the presence of a [[Follicles - Anatomy & Physiology|mature follicle]]. Also, receptivity to the male can be displayed by females with no [[Follicles - Anatomy & Physiology|follicles]] in the [[Camelid_Female_Anatomy_- Anatomy & Physiology#Ovary|ovaries]] and for up to 7 days after [[Ovulation - Anatomy & Physiology|ovulation]] or when pregnant and progesterone levels are high. Oestrous behaviour therefore cannot be used reliably to decide the timing of breeding. |
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| * Mounting other females | | * Mounting other females |
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| * Swelling of the vulva | | * Swelling of the vulva |
| * Straddling the hind legs and urinating | | * Straddling the hind legs and urinating |
− | * Vaginal mucus discharge | + | * [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|Vaginal]] mucus discharge |
| * Receptivity to the male | | * Receptivity to the male |
| * lasts on average 4 - 6 days, but can vary from 1 - 21 days. | | * lasts on average 4 - 6 days, but can vary from 1 - 21 days. |
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− | = Copulation = | + | == Copulation == |
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| In the UK, the aim is to mate females at around 1 year of age. As long as they are fully grown and well-nourished this results in acceptible levels of fertility and health in the mother and cria. Once calved, the female will become receptive to the male again in 2-3 weeks. The female should be able to conceive again if mated at this time. | | In the UK, the aim is to mate females at around 1 year of age. As long as they are fully grown and well-nourished this results in acceptible levels of fertility and health in the mother and cria. Once calved, the female will become receptive to the male again in 2-3 weeks. The female should be able to conceive again if mated at this time. |
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| * The duration of copulation can vary and tends to decrease as the weather becomes warmer. | | * The duration of copulation can vary and tends to decrease as the weather becomes warmer. |
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− | == Erection == | + | === Erection === |
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− | * Erection is only achieved after the female is mounted in a sitting position and the penis is not fully extended until after intromission is complete. | + | * [[Erection - Anatomy & Physiology|Erection]] is only achieved after the female is mounted in a sitting position and the penis is not fully extended until after [[Copulatory Behaviour - Anatomy & Physiology#Intromission|intromission]] is complete. |
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− | == Ejaculation == | + | === Ejaculation === |
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− | * Ejaculation appears to occur almost throughout the entire duration of copulation. | + | * [[Copulatory Behaviour - Anatomy & Physiology#Ejaculation|Ejaculation]] appears to occur almost throughout the entire duration of copulation. |
− | * Semen is deposited partly intra-uterine and partly intra-cervical or vaginal. | + | * Semen is deposited partly [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|intra-uterine]] and partly [[Cervix - Anatomy & Physiology|intra-cervical]] or [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|vaginal]]. |
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− | = Paddock Mating = | + | == Paddock Mating == |
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| * Male is left to run with the females | | * Male is left to run with the females |
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| * Precise calving dates will not be known. | | * Precise calving dates will not be known. |
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− | = Hand or Pen Mating = | + | == Hand or Pen Mating == |
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| * Supervised mating where the female is put into a pen with the male while mating takes place and then returned to the paddock without males. | | * Supervised mating where the female is put into a pen with the male while mating takes place and then returned to the paddock without males. |
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| ** When the male is with a herd of females, he can determine the best time for mating and immediately mate the most receptive females. | | ** When the male is with a herd of females, he can determine the best time for mating and immediately mate the most receptive females. |
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− | = Stud Services = | + | == Stud Services == |
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| * One stud male can serve up to 40-60 females per year. | | * One stud male can serve up to 40-60 females per year. |
| * Stud farms are common. | | * Stud farms are common. |
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| ** May involve transporting females to the stud farm, or in some cases leasing the male to inseminate many females. | | ** May involve transporting females to the stud farm, or in some cases leasing the male to inseminate many females. |
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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. | | * Male will approach with tail held high, head and neck extended towards the female. |
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| ** Male may dismount, reposition himself, and begin again. Occasionally he will get up and move away before recommencing. | | ** 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. | | * Typically the female spits vigorously at the male to discourage his approach. |
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| ** May sniff females of the herd in turn and ignore the non-receptive ones. | | ** May sniff females of the herd in turn and ignore the non-receptive ones. |
| * Triggered by high progesterone levels in the female. | | * Triggered by high progesterone levels in the female. |
− | ** With a persistent [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Luteum_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|corpus luteum]], she will continue to reject the male even if she is not pregnant. | + | ** With a persistent [[Corpus Luteum - Anatomy & Physiology|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 == |
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| Timing mating so that pregnancy is most likely to result is important to avoid wasting time, effort, expense, stud male energy and sperm supply. | | Timing mating so that pregnancy is most likely to result is important to avoid wasting time, effort, expense, stud male energy and sperm supply. |
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| * If she is not pregnant, she will be expected to 'kush' to accept mating. | | * If she is not pregnant, she will be expected to 'kush' to accept mating. |
| * Following mating she should reject the male by running or spitting. | | * Following mating she should reject the male by running or spitting. |
− | * Unless she had an [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|immature follicle]] at mating, thus did not [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovulate]], this process will happen for at least 5-6 days. | + | * Unless she had an [[Follicles - Anatomy & Physiology|immature follicle]] at mating, thus did not [[Ovulation - Anatomy & Physiology|ovulate]], this process will happen for at least 5-6 days. |
− | * As immature follicles mature, she may accept further mating in 2-3 days at which time [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovulation]] may occur. | + | * As immature follicles mature, she may accept further mating in 2-3 days at which time [[Ovulation - Anatomy & Physiology|ovulation]] may occur. |
− | * If the [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|follicle]] present at the time of mating was too mature, it will not have [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovulated]] but will still have undergone [[The_Ovary_-_Corpus_Luteum_Formation_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|luteinization]]. | + | * If the [[Follicles - Anatomy & Physiology|follicle]] present at the time of mating was too mature, it will not have [[Ovulation - Anatomy & Physiology|ovulated]] but will still have undergone [[Corpus_Luteum_Formation_-_Anatomy & Physiology|luteinization]]. |
− | * If [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovulation]] took place, the normal progesterone-dominated luteal phase of 10-12 days follows. | + | * If [[Ovulation - Anatomy & Physiology|ovulation]] took place, the normal progesterone-dominated luteal phase of 10-12 days follows. |
| * If there is no pregnancy, then a new follicular wave proceeds and the female becomes receptive again under the influence of oestrogen. | | * If there is no pregnancy, then a new follicular wave proceeds and the female becomes receptive again under the influence of oestrogen. |
| * Tease the female 3-6 days after a mating. | | * Tease the female 3-6 days after a mating. |
− | * If she rejects, tease again at 10-12 days after the original mating in case there was [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovulation]] but no pregnancy. | + | * If she rejects, tease again at 10-12 days after the original mating in case there was [[Ovulation - Anatomy & Physiology|ovulation]] but no pregnancy. |
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| + | [[Category:Camelid Reproduction]] |
| + | [[Category:Bullet Points]] |