Hamster Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology

BACK TO REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM BACK TO SMALL DOMESTIC MAMMALS

Male

The anogenital distance is longer in the male, which has a more prominent genital papilla.

Penis

• Os penis lies within the tissue of the penis.
  • Supporting bone is the Baculum.
    • Baculum consists of two lateral prongs and a dorsal prong.

Testes

• Two large testes in an external scrotum.
  • Retained in the scrotum by a pad of fat in the inguinal canal.
• Chinese Hamster:
  • Testes remain internal.

Accessory Sex Glands

• Several large accessory glands including:
  • Ampulla Glands
  • Seminal Vesicles
  • Coagulating Glands
  • Prostate (three-lobed)
  • Bulbourethral Glands
• Produce a urethral plug.

• Scent gland on each flank to mark territory.

Mammary Gland

• Teats are absent.

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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

• 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.