Difference between revisions of "Gerbil Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology"
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== Male == | == Male == | ||
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=== Reproductive Tract === | === Reproductive Tract === | ||
| − | * [[ | + | * [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology#Anatomical_Types_of_Uteri|Bicornuate uterus]] |
| − | * Two channels of the [[ | + | * Two channels of the [[Cervix - Anatomy & Physiology|cervix]] separated almost to the single entrance into the [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|vagina]]. |
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* Polyoestrous | * Polyoestrous | ||
| − | * [[ | + | * [[Oestrous Cycle - Anatomy & Physiology|Oestrous cycle]] length: 4-6 days |
* Post-parturient oestrus | * Post-parturient oestrus | ||
| − | * Spontaneous [[ | + | * Spontaneous [[Ovulation - Anatomy & Physiology|ovulator]]. |
=== Breeding Characteristics === | === Breeding Characteristics === | ||
| − | * Monogamous (in contrast to [[ | + | * Monogamous (in contrast to [[Rat Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology|rats]] and [[Mouse Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology|mice]]). |
* Mating usually occurs in the evening. | * Mating usually occurs in the evening. | ||
| − | * Copulation plug is small and lies deep in the [[ | + | * Copulation plug is small and lies deep in the [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|vagina]], so cannot easily be detected. |
=== Gestation and Offspring=== | === Gestation and Offspring=== | ||
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==== Gestation ==== | ==== Gestation ==== | ||
| − | * | + | * Gestation period is 22-26 days. |
* May produce a litter every 30-40 days and can produce a total of 10 litters. | * May produce a litter every 30-40 days and can produce a total of 10 litters. | ||
* Maximum breeding age is 20 months, but usually the time between the first and last litter is ~1 year. | * Maximum breeding age is 20 months, but usually the time between the first and last litter is ~1 year. | ||
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* 4 pairs of teats. | * 4 pairs of teats. | ||
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| + | [[Category:Small Mammal Reproduction]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Bullet Points]] | ||
Latest revision as of 13:50, 5 July 2012
Male
Anogenital distance in the adult is ~10mm (twice that of the female).
Penis
- Os penis lies within the tissue of the penis.
Testes
- Two testes in an external scrotum.
- Testes descend at 30-40 days.
- Active spermiogenesis and mating apparent from 10 weeks of age.
- In the young animal, scrotum is obvious and dark in colour.
Reproductive Behaviour
- Abdominal sebacious gland is large and apparent at ~4 weeks.
- Rubbed along the ground to mark territorial boundaries.
- Form monogamous pairs/Harems
- Fighting among males is common
Mammary Gland
- Teats are absent.
Female
Reproductive Tract
- Bicornuate uterus
- Two channels of the cervix separated almost to the single entrance into the vagina.
Puberty and Sexual Maturity
- Sexual maturity is at ~9-12 weeks.
Oestrous Cyclicity
- Polyoestrous
- Oestrous cycle length: 4-6 days
- Post-parturient oestrus
- Spontaneous ovulator.
Breeding Characteristics
- Monogamous (in contrast to rats and mice).
- Mating usually occurs in the evening.
- Copulation plug is small and lies deep in the vagina, so cannot easily be detected.
Gestation and Offspring
Gestation
- Gestation period is 22-26 days.
- May produce a litter every 30-40 days and can produce a total of 10 litters.
- Maximum breeding age is 20 months, but usually the time between the first and last litter is ~1 year.
- Pseudopregnancy may occur.
Litter
- Mean litter size is 4-5.
- Altricial offspring.
- Hairless, blind and virtually helpless.
- Ears open at 5 days.
- Eyes open at 16-17 days.
- Cannibalisation/abandonment is rare.
Mammary Gland
- 4 pairs of teats.