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Oestrous occurrence in captive female Cricetomys gambianus (Rodentia: Cricetidae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 June 2002

M. Malekani
Affiliation:
School of Environmental Sciences and Development (Zoology), Faculty of Natural Sciences, Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, Republic of South Africa
L. M. Westlin
Affiliation:
Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, Republic of South Africa
J. J. Paulus
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Kinshasa, P.O. Box 114, Kinshasa XI, Democratic Republic of Congo
H. C. Potgieter
Affiliation:
Department of Biochemistry, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Potchefstroom for Christian Higher Education, Private Bag X6001 Potchefstroom 2520, Republic of South Africa
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Abstract

Cricetomys gambianus is an important source of protein for human consumption in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Wild populations are under considerable hunting pressure, suggesting that captive rearing may be desirable. Successful captive-breeding programmes require a better understanding of reproductive physiology and behaviour. Eight groups containing a total of 68 C. gambianus females were used to characterize the reproductive pattern, including the occurrence and duration of oestrus, the cycle length, the oestrous cyclicity and the mode of ovulation. These female groups were kept in different social and physical environments and examination of vaginal smears were carried out at different periods. Results of the vaginal cytology examination showed two characteristic stages of the cycle: ‘oestrus’ and ‘anoestrus’. Oestrus appeared on average 1.3 times only in one female during 1 month, but its occurrence varied between 0.4 and two times in a month. The mean oestrous length was 3.3 days and ranged from 1.4 to 7.8 days. The average cycle length was 7.9 days but varied between 3 and 15 days. These results showed an irregular cycle pattern and revealed that C. gambianus may be an induced ovulator. Housing events, such as the presence or the absence of a male and the type of cages or rearing room, and the dry and the rainy seasons did not seem to influence the cycle pattern in this species. Further investigations on the basic reproductive biology of Cricetomys are necessary to provide the basis for developing farming methods that will yield high productivity.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2002 The Zoological Society of London

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