Guinea Pig Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology

BACK TO REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM BACK TO SMALL DOMESTIC MAMMALS

Male

The male guinea pig is known as the Boar. The genital organs consist of the testes, accessory sex glands and the perianal & caudal glands. The perineal sacs are present in both sexes, but are more extensive in the male. They lie on either side of the anus and contain extensive caseous secretions, hair and skin debris.

Penis

• Os penis
• Caudoventral to the urethral opening is a pouch containing two horny styles (projections).
  • Evert externally during erection of the penis.

Testes

• Two testes
• Epididymis lies along the dorsolateral margin and has large fat bodies associated with its head and tail.
• Inguinal canal remains open throughout life.
• In mature, breeding boars the large testes lie in the scrotum either side of the genital opening.

Accessory Glands

• Several accessory glands
  • Vesicular glands: long and coiled
  • Prostate gland
  • Coagulating glands
  • Bulbourethral glands

Mammary Gland

• Pair of long inguinal nipples.

Sexual Maturity

• Puberty occurs at 3 months.
• Will show mounting behaviour from 1 month.

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Female

• Known as the Sow

Reproductive Tract

• Bicornate uterus
  • Two uterine horns
  • Single cervix
  • Single vagina
    • Membrane covers vaginal opening except at oestrus and during parturition.

Oestrous Cyclicity

• Polyoestrous
• Spontaneous ovulator
• Oestrous cycle length:15-16 days

Gestation and Offspring

• Long gestation period: 59-72 days (depending on litter size)
• Litter size: 1-6
  • Precocious offspring
    • Fully furred at birth
    • Eyes open
    • Able to eat solid food as well as suckle from the mother.
    • Weaned at 3 weeks.
• No nest

Mammary Gland

• Pair of long inguinal nipples.

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