Veterinarska stanica, Vol. 51 No. 4, 2020.
Review article
https://doi.org/10.46419/vs.51.4.3
Physiology of reproduction in camelids - Anatomy of reproductive organs and sexual maturity Part I.
Dražen Đuričić
orcid.org/0000-0002-8013-2091
; Veternary Pracice Đurđevac, Croatia
Iva Kilvain
; Croatian Veterinary Institute - Regional Laboratories Rijeka, Croatia
Marko Samardžija
orcid.org/0000-0003-0402-3173
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
In natural conditions, the efficiency of breeding in camelids is relatively low. The reproductive physiology of camelids differs to that of other domestic animals. Generation intervals are relatively long as males are slow to sexually mature and females exhibit an extended gestation period in comparison to domestic ruminants. Camelids are seasonally polyoestrous animals whose seasonal reproduction is influenced by various factors. During the season, there is a steady development of functional follicular waves. Females are induced ovulators, where ovulation is induced by copulation. Dromedary camels are considered to be sexually mature at the age of 2 years but are capable of mating at 3 to 4 years, and males at 4 - 5 years. Alpacas are sexually mature within 12 - 14 months or capable of mating within 18 months, and males after 2 years. The sexual cycle lasts from 2 to 3 weeks and oestrus lasts from 3 - 4 days. During oestrus, the female is ready for mating/artificial insemination, and experiences changes in behaviour and characteristic changes to the reproductive organs. Mating is in sternal recumbency. The camelid ejaculate consists of low volume, high viscosity semen containing a low sperm concentration.
Keywords
camelids; puberty; sexual maturity; sexual cycle
Hrčak ID:
238082
URI
Publication date:
12.6.2020.
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