Ferret Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology
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Male
- Male is known as the Hob.
- J-shapes os penis lies within the caudal section of the penis dorsal to the penile urethra.
- Supporting bone is the Baculum.
- Penis points cranially.
- Opening of the prepuce is on the ventral abdomen.
- Two testes carried externally in the scrotum.
- Sexual maturity is usually reached during the first spring after birth at about 4-8 months of age.
- Once testes have descended, the inguinal canal closes and they are not able to be retracted.
- Spermatogenic activity increases within the semniferous tubules of the testes from December-July.
- Testes become noticeably enlarged in preparation for the breeding season (March-August).
Female
- Known as the Jill.
- Bicornuate uterus
- Long uterine horns and no uterine body.
- Average litter 8-10 kits, but can be as large as 18.
- Vulva lies on the perineum, ventral to the anus.
- During the non-breeding season, it is small and slit-like.
- During oestrus it becomes swollen and resembles a small doughnut.
- Seasonally polyoestrus
- Induced ovulator
- If mated, ovulation occurs within 30-40 hours of coitus.
- Gestation period is 42 days.