Chipmunk Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology

From WikiVet English
Jump to navigation Jump to search
()Map REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM (Map)
SMALL DOMESTIC MAMMALS



Male

Penis

  • Os penis lies within the tissue of the penis.


Testes

  • Two testes in an external scrotum.
  • Testes descend into the scrotum at the beginning of the mating season (January) and begin spermatogenesis.
  • Open inguinal canals throughout life.
    • Allows testes to shrink and return to the abdomen in the non-breeding season.

Puberty and Sexual Maturity

  • Sexually mature at 6-7 weeks.


Mammary Gland

  • Teats are absent.

Female

Reproductive Tract


Puberty and Sexual Maturity

  • Sexually mature at 12 months.


Oestrous Cyclicity

  • Seasonally Polyoestrous.
  • Spontaneous ovulator.
  • Breeding season is March-September.
  • Length of oestrous cycle: 14 days
  • Oestrus lasts three days.
  • Advertises willingness to mate with persistent chipping noise on the second day of oestrus.

Gestation and Offspring

Gestation

Litter

  • Litter size 2-6
  • Altricial young
    • Weaned at 6-7 weeks

Mammary Gland

  • 4 pairs of teats.