ANSC 1676 1st Edition Lecture 5Outline of Last Lecture I. Continuing Nutrition & DigestionA. HerbivoresII. Reproduction AnatomyOutline of Current LectureI. Animal ReproductionII. Over PopulationCurrent LectureI. Animal ReproductionMultiparous : Numerous offspring in a litterPrecocious Young : Able to take care of themselves upon birth; born with eyes open Contraceptive Measures : Can neuter & spay the animal as early as 8 weeks but preferred to be done once sexual maturity beginsNeuter- Male- Remove Testicles- Decrease in testicular cancer- Decrease in male behaviorsSpay- Female- Removal of ovaries & uterus- Decrease in cancer- Decrease in female behaviors (Heat)Cats- Breed at specific seasons of the year with lots of cycles- Sexual maturity : 7-12 months- Breeding : 1 – 1.5 years old- 2 litters per year possible = < 8 kittens- Estrus : 4 – 10 days (2 week break)Rabbits - Not seasonal; breed whenever- No estrous cycle- 6-8 bunnies per litter- Sexually mature : 6-9 months- Pseudopregnancy : “Placebo” pregnancyGuinea Pigs - Docile- Life Span : 5-6 years- Litters : 2-4- Precocious young- Gestation : 2 months- Polyestrous- Microlivestock : Source of protein (Peru)Hamsters - Non precocious- 6-8 in a litter- Gestation : 2 months- Weaning : 1 month (time to separate genders)- PolyestrousGerbils - Non precocious- Monogamous- Gestation : 1 month- 4-5 in a litter- Mate fighting!II. Overpopulation- Pets : Unwanted, Approx. 8-10 million in shelters, Approx. 50% euthanized- Stray- Feral : Approx. 10,000 human babies a year, Approx. 70,000 puppies/cats a