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.