Difference between revisions of "Gerbil Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology"
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* In the young animal, scrotum is obvious and dark in colour. | * In the young animal, scrotum is obvious and dark in colour. | ||
* Abdominal sebacious gland is large and apparent at ~4 weeks. | * Abdominal sebacious gland is large and apparent at ~4 weeks. | ||
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| + | * Form monogamous pairs/harems | ||
| + | ** Fighting among males is common | ||
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Revision as of 10:01, 18 July 2008
Male
- Testes descend at 30-40 days.
- Active spermiogenesis and mating apparent from 10 weeks of age.
- Anogenital distance in the adult is ~10mm (twice that of the female).
- In the young animal, scrotum is obvious and dark in colour.
- Abdominal sebacious gland is large and apparent at ~4 weeks.
- Form monogamous pairs/harems
- Fighting among males is common
Female
- Bicornuate uterus
- Two channels of the cervix separated almost to the single entrance into the vagina.
- Sexual maturity is at ~9-12 weeks.
- 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 period is 22-26 days.
- Mean litter size is 4-5.
- 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.
- Post-parturient oestrus.
- Altricial offspring.
- Hairless, blind and virtually helpless.