Camelid Reproduction- Lecture 18 Flashcards
Macho
Male
Hembra
Female
Cria
Offspring
Criation/unpacking
Parturition
Cush or Kush
Sternal recumbency
Scrotum
Non-pendulous. Near anus. Testes descended at birth. Sperm production at 10-12 months. Max size: llamas- 3 yrs. alpaca- 5 yrs.
Testis
Vertical orientation
Epididymis
Small.
Tail of epididymis is on the dorsal pole of the testis.
Male accessory sex glands
Small ampulla.
Prostate.
Bulbourethral glands.
NO VESICULAR GLANDS.
Prepuce
Triangular and non pendulous.
Posterior orientation- urinates backwards between legs, sexual stimulation changes the orientation.
Penis
Fibroelastic. Sigmoid flexure (pre-scrotal).
Glans penis
Hook shaped process.
Cartilaginous process (develops with age)- clockwise curve.
Adaptation allows to penetrate cervix.
Preputial adhesions
Testosterone influence.
Early castration may cause adhesions to persist.
Disappear in intact males by 3 years.
Ovary
Ovaloid shape.
Ovulation anywhere on the surface.
Uterus
Bicornuate.
Distinct septum- incomplete fusion.
Cervix
External os protrudes into the vestibule “doughnut”.
2 to 3 ring like structure.
Vagina
15-25 cm in length
Mammary glands
Four teats- directed cranio-ventrally possess two openings.
Distinct separation between left and right halves of udders.
Independent anterior and posterior quarters.
Male Puberty
Testosterone driven- increase around 2 years.
Spermatogenesis- seasonal effect.
Female puberty
Lack of true estrous cycle.
Ovarian activity- 10 months.
Average is 12-13 months with body weight at 33 kg.
Physiology
No true estrous cycle- unpredictable.
Peruvian breeding season (Dec. to March).
Follicular dynamics
Distinct follicular waves: follicles develop and become atretic.
Antral fluid- estradiol.
Pre-ovulatory follicles- 6 to 8 mm.
Female breeding behavior- receptive
Submissive- exhibit passive behavior.
“Cush”.
Females sit down near mating couples- smell the male.
Female breeding behavior- non receptive
Mated females. CL is present- progesterone influence. Reject the male. "Spitting-off". Run away screaming.
Male mating behavior
Copulation- average 2 to 25 minutes, can be up to 70.
Dribble ejaculators- once every minute, semen deposited into uterus.
Can inseminate horns individually.
Ovulation
Induced ovulators- 24hrs after breeding.
Stimulus- orgling and cervical stimulation.
Male’s seminal plasma has OIF in it.
Ovulation inducing factor/OIF
Stimulates release of LH.
Found in semen.
Pregnancy
98% of pregnancies are in left uterine horn. CL produces progesterone. Blastocyst enters uterus at 5-6 days.
Twins
Live births are uncommon
Placenta
Non-deciduate.
Epitheliochorial.
Diffuse.
Microcotyledonary.
Gestation
Alpacas & llamas: 335-360 days.
Progesterone dependent.
Prolonged gestation occurs.
Parturition
Occurs in morning.
Signs: not recognized.
Stage 1 parturition
Isolation, restlessness.
Frequent attempts to urinate.
Hip resting.
2-6 hours.
Stage 2 parturition
Criate while standing.
Average 8-25 minutes.
Stage 3 parturition
Placenta passes between 4-6 hours.
At 24 hours it is considered retained.
Epidermal membrane
Attached to mucosal membranes.
Postpartum
Vulvar discharge- present up to one week, normal lochia (thick, pinkish or white).
Little “mothering” normal.
Rapid return to receptivity.
Return to receptivity
Receptive within days of parturition (4 days).
Breeding less then 15 days post- obtain good fertility rate.
Uterine involution is complete by 15 to 20 days.
