Mouse Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology

BACK TO REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM BACK TO SMALL DOMESTIC MAMMALS

• Male
• Female

Male

• Os penis lies within the tissue of the penis.

• Two testes in an external scrotum.
• Open inguinal canals throughout life.
  • Allows testes to shrink and return to the abdomen in the non-breeding season.

• Sexually mature at 6-7 weeks.

• Teats are absent.

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Female

• Bicornate uterus
  • Short uterine body
  • Single cervix

• Oestrus cycle 4-5 days.
• Post-partum oestrus.
  • Delayed if lactating.

• Gestation period 19-21 days.

• Litter size 6-16
• Altricial young
  • Eyes open at 12-14 days.
• Earliest weaning age 21 days.
• Care not to stress mother or she may cannibalise the young.

• 7 pairs of teats.