Hamster Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology
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BACK TO REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
BACK TO SMALL DOMESTIC MAMMALS
Male
Penis
- Os penis lies within the tissue of the penis.
Testes
- Two testes in an external scrotum.
- Chinese Hamster
- Testes remain internal.
Accessory Sex Glands
- Several large [[accessory glands.|accessory glands]].
- Scent gland on each flank to mark territory.
Mammary Gland
- Teats are absent.
Female
Reproductive Tract
- Bicornuate uterus
- Two long uterine horns
- Little uterine body
Oestrous Cyclicity
- Spontaneous ovulator.
- Seasonally polyoestrus
- Oestrus every 5-7 days
- Secrete copious white vaginal discharge during oestrus.
- Post-partum oestrus
Copulation
- Mating may be confirmed by the presence of a 'copulatory plug'.
- A creamy, gelatinous plug formed from secretions of the male accessory glands.
Mammary Gland and Lactation
- 6 pairs of teats
Breed Differences
- Syrian (Golden) hamster
- Sexually mature at 6-8 weeks
- Gestation period: 6-8 days
- Litter size 5-9: offspring
- Weaned at 21-28 days.
- Russian Hamster
- Sexually mature at 6-8 weeks
- Gestation period: 6-8 days
- Litter size: 4 offspring
- Will cannabilise young if disturbed.
- Weaned at 16-18 days.
- Chinese Hamster
- Sexually mature at 7-14
- Gestation period 7-14 days
- Litter size: 4 offspring
- Will cannabilise young if disturbed.
- Weaned at 21 days.