Difference between revisions of "Ferret Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology"
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* [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-Placenta_Classification_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|Placenta]] is zonary | * [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-Placenta_Classification_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|Placenta]] is zonary | ||
* Average litter 8-10 kits, but can be as large as 18. | * Average litter 8-10 kits, but can be as large as 18. | ||
+ | ** Kits can hear from 32 days. | ||
+ | ** Eyes open at 4-5 weeks. | ||
+ | ** Weaned at 6-8 weeks. |
Revision as of 08:02, 23 July 2008
MALE
- Male is known as the Hob.
Penis
- 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.
Testes
- 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).
Accessory Glands
- The only accessory sex gland is the prostate gland.
- A fusiform enlargement around the proximal part of the urethra at the neck of the bladder.
Puberty and Sexual Maturity
- Males mate the year after they are born.
FEMALE
- Known as the Jill.
Reproductive Tract
- Bicornuate uterus
- Long uterine horns
- No uterine body.
- 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.
Puberty and Sexual Maturity
- Sexually mature at 6-8 months of age.
- Females mate the year after they are born.
Oestrous Cyclicity
- Seasonally polyoestrus
- Breeding season is from March for 2-3 months.
- Oestrus is shown by a swollen, pink vulva which regresses 2-3 weeks after mating.
- Induced ovulator
- If mated, ovulation occurs within 30-40 hours of coitus.
- If not mated, may remain in continual oestrus for up to ~4 months.
- Unmated jills can die from postoestrus anaemia.
Copulation
- Initiated on the 14th day after the onset of vulval swelling.