1. Small Animal Reproduction

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Gestation

8. Gestation Period Gestation  time from conception to birth (parturition)  varies for each species SpeciesGestation Period Cats51-65 days Dogs56-70 days Rabbits30-32 days Hamsters16 days Gerbils24-26 days Rats & Mice21-24 days Guinea Pigs56-74 days Ferrets42 days

9. Gestation Characteristics Usually identified by increase in: size of mammary glands abdominal size weight appetite Signs parturition (birth) may be near: Restlessness “nesting” “waxing”

10. 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