Small Animal Reproduction
What is reproduction?
 Sexual Reproduction is the union
of egg and sperm to produce a
new animal
 Two parents required
 male furnishes sperm
(spermatozoa or male animal sex
cell)
 female supplies egg or ovum
(female sex cell)
 Complete by natural insemination
 process of male depositing semen
into female reproductive tract
Terminology
 Conception
creation of new life by the
fertilization of an egg
 Estrus
heat period when female is
receptive to male and will stand
for mating
 Fertilization
union of the egg and sperm
 Gestation
period of pregnancy
begins with conception and
ends with parturition
 Ovulation
releasing an egg for
fertilization
 Parturition
process of giving birth to
young
 Pregnant
stage of fetal development
in reproductive tract
 Lactation
length of time an animal
produces milk
Female Reproductive Anatomy
 Ovary
primary reproductive organ
produces the egg (female
gamete)
 Gamete
sex cell that unites with
other sex cells
 Embryo
developing young
implants into wall of uterus
in mammals after 3 – 5 days
 Uterus
site of embryo growth and
development
Female Reproductive Anatomy
 Cervix
“Gateway” to the uterus
contains rings and cervical
mucus to seal the uterus to keep
out contaminants during
pregnancy
 Vagina
site of semen deposition and
organ of copulation
place of urine excretion
 Vulva
external opening to the
reproductive tract
Male Reproductive Anatomy
 Testicles
 primary reproductive organs
 produce the male gametes (sperm)
 Cryptorchid
 Only 1 testicle descends at puberty
 Scrotum
 sac that holds testicles externally of
body
 helps control temperature to maintain
life of sperm
 will move away from body if too hot
 will tuck in closer to body when too
cold
 Sheath
 fold of skin that is a protective
covering for penis
Gestation
Gestation Period
 Gestation
time from conception to birth (parturition)
varies for each species
Species
Cats
Dogs
Gestation Period
51-65 days
56-70 days
Rabbits
Hamsters
Gerbils
30-32 days
16 days
24-26 days
Rats & Mice
Guinea Pigs
Ferrets
21-24 days
56-74 days
42 days
Gestation Characteristics
 Usually identified by increase
in:
 size of mammary glands
 abdominal size
 weight
 appetite
 Signs parturition (birth) may
be near:
 Restlessness
 “nesting”
 “waxing”
How to Prepare for Parturition
 A nesting box of straw,
shavings, paper, etc. may be
provided for pocket pets and
rabbits.
 Care should be taken not to
excite animals at birthing as
most do not need assistance.
 Dogs and cats should be given a
birthing box in a quiet location
1-3 weeks prior to parturition
so that they may get
comfortable with the setting