Rat 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.
- Open inguinal canals throughout life.
- Allows the testes to shrink and return to the abdomen during the non-breeding season.
Puberty and Sexual Maturity
- Sexually mature at 6-8 weeks
Mammary Gland
- Teats are absent.
Female
Reproductive tract
- Bicornate uterus
- Short uterine body
- Single cervix
Oestrous Cyclicity
- Non-seasonal polyoestrus
- Oestrus cycle 4-5 days.
- Duration of oestrus is ~14 hours.
Copulation
- Evidence that mating has occured is the 'copulatory plug'
- Forms in the vagina.
Gestation and Offspring
- Gestation length is 20-22 days.
- Litter size 6-16
- Altricial young
- Eyes open at 12-14 days.
- Earliest weaning age 21 days.
- Care not to stress mother or she may cannibalise the young.
Mammary Gland
- 5 pairs of teats.