Breeding of a Captive Colony of Notomys fuscus Wood Jones (Rodentia : Muridae)

1980 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 379 ◽  
Author(s):  
HJ Aslin ◽  
CHS Watts
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Vaginal Bleeding ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Reproductive Rate ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Gestation Period ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Delayed Implantation ◽  
Lactating Females

Reproductive data were obtained from a captive colony of N. fuscus over 10 years. Females had an oestrous cycle averaging 7.4 days, and a gestation period averaging 34.3 days. Only three possible instances of post-partum mating were recorded, but. some lactating females returned to oestrus 14-22 days after birth of their young. There was no evidence of delayed implantation due to lactation. Vaginal bleeding occurred in pregnant females 8-17 days before birth. Seventy-four litters were born, litter sizes ranging from one to five, average 2.7. No breeding season was evident. Both sexes were reproductively mature at 70 days old. Comparisons are made with other species of Notomys, and their generally low reproductive rate discussed.

Studies of the oestrous cycle, oestrus and pregnancy in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Reproduction ◽  
2000 ◽  
pp. 49-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
SD Johnston ◽  
MR McGowan ◽  
P O'Callaghan ◽  
R Cox ◽  
V Nicolson
Keyword(s):  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
External Genitalia ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
The Mean ◽  
High Concentrations

As an integral part of the development of an artificial insemination programme in the captive koala, female reproductive physiology and behaviour were studied. The oestrous cycle in non-mated and mated koalas was characterized by means of behavioural oestrus, morphology of external genitalia and changes in the peripheral plasma concentrations of oestradiol and progestogen. The mean (+/- SEM) duration of the non-mated oestrous cycle and duration of oestrus in 12 koalas was 32.9 +/- 1.1 (n = 22) and 10.3 +/- 0.9 (n = 24) days, respectively. Although the commencement of oestrous behaviour was associated with increasing or high concentrations of oestradiol, there were no consistent changes in the morphology or appearance of the clitoris, pericloacal region, pouch or mammary teats that could be used to characterize the non-mated cycle. As progestogen concentrations remained at basal values throughout the interoestrous period, non-mated cycles were considered non-luteal and presumed anovulatory. After mating of the 12 koalas, six females gave birth with a mean (+/- SEM) gestation of 34.8 +/- 0.3 days, whereas the remaining six non-parturient females returned to oestrus 49.5 +/- 1. 0 days later. After mating, oestrous behaviour ceased and the progestogen profile showed a significant increase in both pregnant and non-parturient females, indicating that a luteal phase had been induced by the physical act of mating. Progestogen concentrations throughout the luteal phase of the pregnant females were significantly higher than those of non-parturient females. Parturition was associated with a decreasing concentration of progestogen, which was increased above that of basal concentrations until 7 days post partum.

Reproduction in Sminthopsis-Longicaudata (Marsupialia, Dasyuridae) - Laboratory Observations

1986 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
PA Woolley ◽  
A Valente
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Gestation Period ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Breeding Condition ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The Mean

Observations on the pattern of reproduction in Sminthopsis longicaudata, at present considered to be an endangered species, are presented. S. longicaudata is polyoestrous and in the laboratory females are in breeding condition from late winter (August) to early summer (December). They enter oestrus up to four times during the breeding season. Two litters were born 17 and 19 days post-mating, but the gestation period may be less than 15 days. The mean length of the oestrous cycle is 34.4 days. Both males and females may be able to breed in more than one season.

scholarly journals Plasma concentrations of prolactin in brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in different physiological states

2006 ◽  
Vol 190 (2) ◽  
pp. 295-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
J L Crawford ◽  
B P Thomson ◽  
M F Beaumont ◽  
D C Eckery
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Lh Surge ◽  
Time Determination ◽  
First Time

Prolactin (Prl) has been implicated in reproduction in many mammalian species and is illustrated by the distinctive patterns of secretion during the breeding season, the oestrous cycle and lactation. The recent development of a homologous RIA for measuring the circulating Prl concentrations in brushtail possums has facilitated the reliable measurement of Prl in plasma during different physiological states in this species for the first time. Determination of Prl concentrations during lactation involved the collection of weekly blood samples from eight female possums from the time of parturition through either one or two consecutive lactational cycles. Prl was at baseline levels during early lactation (weeks 0–14 post-partum), and then increased markedly to maximum concentrations at weeks 19–21 before returning to nadir levels at a time coincident with the weaning of pouch young (weeks 23–27). The profile of Prl secretion over the oestrous cycle and in particular at the time of the preovulatory LH surge was obtained from 14 possums during the reproductive cycle, in which preovulatory follicle development and ovulation were monitored by laparoscopy. There was no distinct daily pattern of Prl secretion during the oestrous cycle; however, in 3/4 possums in which a typical preovulatory LH surge was measured, a biphasic preovulatory Prl surge was also observed. The preovulatory Prl surge commenced 2–6 h prior to, and had returned to baseline close to the onset of, the preovulatory LH surge, and a second surge of Prl occurred concomitantly with the delayed preovulatory FSH surge. Seasonality of Prl levels was established from weekly blood samples collected from six barren female possums, and concentrations of Prl were lower during the breeding season compared to the non-breeding season. Additionally, a circadian pattern of Prl secretion was evident in both female and male possums, with Prl levels higher in the morning compared to the afternoon. In conclusion, interpretation of endogenous secretory patterns suggests that Prl may be important during late lactation and at impending ovulation, but the involvement of the circannual rhythm of Prl in the regulation of seasonality in the brushtail possum remains to be determined.

Reproduction of the whiptail wallaby, Macropus parryi Bennett (Marsupialia : Macropodidae), in captivity with age estimation of the pouch-young

1998 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 635 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. M. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Age Estimation ◽  
Sexual Maturity ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Age Determination ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Gestation Period ◽  
Body Measurements ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
The Mean

Reproduction of the whiptail wallaby, Macropus parryi, was studied in captivity. The mean length of the oestrous cycle was 41.8 days while the mean length of the gestation period was 38.0 days. M. parryi bred throughout the year and post-partum oestrus was not recorded although mating did occur during the pouch life when the pouch-young was 118–168 days of age. The length of the pouch-life was 256–267 days and weaning occurred 104–215 days after emergence from the pouch. Sexual maturity for females occurred at 509–647 days of age. An age-determination table was produced and found useful for predicting age of pouch-young using body measurements.

Reproduction in the Plain Rock-Wallaby, Petrogale penicillata inornata Gould, in Captivity, with Age Estimation of the Pouch Young

1979 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
PM Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Age Estimation ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Gestation Period ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Hind Foot ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Premature Removal

'Reproduction in the plain rock-wallaby was studied in captivity. The oestrous cycle ranged from 30.2 to 32.0 days and the gestation period from 30.0 to 32.0 days. A post-partum mating usually followed birth; the resultant quiescent embryo developed and was born 28-30 days after premature removal of pouch young. The pouch life of the young ranged from 189 to 227 days, males and females maturing sexually at approximately 590 and 540 days respectively. Tail and hind foot lengths were found to be useful indicators of age of young up to the end of pouch life.

Some Histochemical Observations on the Endometrium and the Yolk-sac Placenta of Erinaceus europea

Development ◽  
1957 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-200
Author(s):  
B. Morris
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Yolk Sac ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Lactating Females ◽  
Reichert's Membrane ◽  
Yolk Sac Placenta

The placentation of Erinaceus europea has been described by Hubrecht (1889). An account of the development and structure of the avascular and vascular yolk-sac placentae which are formed in this species has been presented (Morris, 1953). Reichert's membrane is formed in the wall of the yolk-sac and it persists to term. A further study of the yolk-sac placentae, Reichert's membrane, the decidua and the endometrium of Erinaceus, involving the use of several histological and histochemical techniques, is reported herein. The material consisted of the uteri of three hibernating females obtained in January and February, and the uteri of seven non-pregnant females caught at the beginning of the breeding season in Nottinghamshire in May 1954. Twentyfour gravid uteri and twelve uteri from non-pregnant lactating females were obtained between May and September. At autopsy the uteri of the non-pregnant animals were removed and small portions were fixed in various fluids.

THE INITIATION AND MAINTENANCE OF LACTATION IN THE MARSUPIAL, TRICHOSURUS VULPECULA

1962 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 375-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. B. SHARMAN
Keyword(s):  
Mammary Gland ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Virgin Female ◽  
Normal Growth ◽  
Mammary Glands ◽  
Mammary Development ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Micro Anatomy

SUMMARY The mammary glands of the marsupial Trichosurus vulpecula (the brush possum) showed a cycle of development and regression correlated with the oestrous cycle. Mammary glands of pregnant females were not significantly heavier than those of non-pregnant females at comparable times after oestrus. There were no clear differences in histology between mammary glands of mated and non-mated females at the same number of days after oestrus until the 17th day. At this time the mammary glands of three non-mated females were clearly different from the glands of three post-partum females. Lactation was initiated in six out of eight non-mated females, including one virgin female, by transferring newborn young, which attached themselves to teats, to their pouches. Of the six transferred young which attached all, except one, lived and showed normal growth. The rate of regression of previously suckled mammary glands was slower in lactating than in non-lactating females. No clear evidence was obtained of hypertrophy of the non-suckled mammary gland following the attachment of a single young to the teat of the alternate mammary gland. However, the micro-anatomy of the non-suckled gland at 8 days after the onset of lactation suggested that milk may have distended the alveoli. These observations are discussed in relation to the control of lactation in the female marsupial. It is suggested that, in marsupials, the hormones circulating during the oestrous cycle cause full mammary development and that the suckling stimulus of the newborn young is sufficient to initiate lactation. The yolk-sac placenta of the brush possum apparently plays no essential part in mammary gland development. Otherwise the pattern of lactation in the brush possum does not appear to differ from that of eutherian mammals.

Studies on Marsupial Reproduction. 3. Normal and delayed pregnancy in Setonis Brachyurus.

1955 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 56 ◽  
Author(s):  
GB Sharman
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Normal Development ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Gestation Period ◽  
Luteal Function ◽  
Probable Significance ◽  
Embryonic Life ◽  
Yolk Sac Placenta ◽  
Placental Structure

The period between copulation and birth in Setonix brachyurus Quoy and Gaimard is about 27 days. Approximately 1 day elapses between copulation and fertilization. The gestation period is slightly less than the length of one oestrous cycle. The tuba1 journey of the fertilized egg occupies only about 1 day. The unilaminar blastocyst 3-4 days after mating, with its enclosing membranes, measures about 0.3 mm diameter. At this stage the corpus luteum is not fully developed and a luteal phase is not evident in the uteri. Bilaminar blastocysts and later embryonic stages are associated with a well-developed corpus luteum and luteal changes in the uteri. Towards the end of pregnancy the corpus luteum shows degenerative changes and ovaries and uteri exhibit evidence of approaching oestrus. The allantois of the uterine embryo does not form a placental structure. A well-developed, vascular, trilaminar yolk-sac placenta occurs during the later stages of embryonic life. Oestrus and ovulation occur shortly after the female gives birth. The corpus luteum formed following post-partum ovulation remains of small size and functions during lactation of the young in the pouch as the corpus luteum of lactation. Luteal changes do not occur in the uterus during this time and a lactation anoestrus takes place. Removal of the young from the pouch causes growth of the corpus luteum of lactation and the onset of luteal changes in the uterus. If fertilization takes place at post-partum oestrus the resulting embryo remains as an unimplanted blastocyst of small size during the time the pouch is occupied by a suckling foetus. This quiescent embryonic stage will proceed to normal development following removal of the young from the pouch. Blastocysts may remain unimplanted for up to 5 months. The probable significance of the gestation period in relationship to the length of the oestrous cycle and the placental structure is discussed. The ovulation-inhibiting function of the corpus luteum of lactation and its later luteal function are compared. The mechanism of delayed pregnancy in Setonix is discussed and comparisons are made with known cases of delayed birth in other mammals. Some concluding remarks are made on the breeding habits of Setonix in relation to its environment.

Reproduction in the Bridled Nailtail Wallaby, Onychogalea fraenata Gould (Marsupialia : Macropodidae), in Captivity

1997 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 411 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. M. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Post Partum ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Gestation Period ◽  
Young Males ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The Mean

The reproduction of the endangered macropod Onychogalea fraenata was studied in captivity. O. fraenata breeds throughout the year. A post-partum oestrus was not recorded, although mating during the pouch life was observed when the pouch young were 80–92 days old. The mean length of the oestrous cycle was determined to be 36·2 days, while the mean length of a gestation period was 23·6 days. Pouch life ranged between 119 and 126 days, and the young males and females matured as early as 270 days and 136 days, respectively.

The Reproductive Rate of the Hopping-Mouse Notomys Alexis and Its Ecological Significance.

1979 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 177 ◽  
Author(s):  
WG Breed
Keyword(s):  
Post Partum ◽  
Cumulus Cells ◽  
Reproductive Rate ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Fallopian Tubes ◽  
Ecological Significance ◽  
High Population Density ◽  
Young Females ◽  
Pregnant Females

In the male hopping-mouse, spermatozoa first appeared in seminiferous tubules on day 60 and were present in the epididymis a few days later; ventral prostates markedly increased in weight between days 56 and 60. Some females had large Graafian follicles, stimulated uteri and perforate vaginae on day 40; corpora lutea were first observed on day 44, but most females did not spontaneously ovulate until after day 54. Gestation in post-partum mated, non-suckling females lasted about 32 days, with implantation on day 7 or 8. When four or more young were suckling, gestation increased to 39 days (mean); implantation took place between days 11-13 and 14-17 when there were either three or four, or five, suckling young respectively. From one to three unfertilized oocytes surrounded by cumulus cells were found in the Fallopian tubes between days 7 and 17 in some pregnant females. Post partum, the most common ovulation rate and litter size was 4; 72% of these litters fully survived to weaning; 10-15% of litters were of five or six young and nearly half of these fully survived to weaning; in the natural environment litters were of four or five young. Without post-partum mating and without suckling young, females had ovulated spontaneously by days 9-11. Significantly fewer females suckling from four to six young had oocytes at this time, but the percentage had increased by days 15-18. This indicates a delay, but not prevention, of spontaneous ovulation during lactation. Field-caught females from the southern Northern Territory were reproductively inactive on three out of four occasions. The fourth time, when there had been > 50 mm of rain in the preceding few weeks, all adult females caught had corpora lutea and some were pregnant. Greatest ovarian inhibition coincided with high population density. When compared to data for small northern temperate-zone rodents, most of the above reproductive parameters do not indicate a high reproductive rate, but data for closely related, apparently non-cyclic, Australian species appear to be similar except for, possibly, age of puberty and spontaneous ovulation during lactation. The significance of these results to r-strategy in this species is discussed.

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