Q.13 Explain reproduction in Rabbit.
Answer:
Rabbits are small mammals found in several parts of the world.
Male reproductive system
The male reproductive system of rabbit consists of:
i) A pair of testes
ii) Associated ducts.
iii) Glands
Testes produce sperms, ducts transport these sperms to external genitalia and glands add secretions to sperms.
(1) Testes
They are located in a bag of skin called scrotum. Each testis consists of coiled tubes called seminiferous tubules. Sperms are formed in these tubules.
(2) Associated ducts Epididimys:
When sperms are mature, they accumulate in the collecting ducts of testes and ther pass to epididimys.
Vas Deferens
From epididimys, sperms move to a sperm duct called vas deferens. Both sperm ducts join urethra just below urinary bladder and it transports both speirm and urine.
Semen
Semen is the material containing 10% sperms and 90% fluid.
(3) Glands
As sperm pass down the ducts from testes to urethra, associated glands add various secretions.
i) Prostate Gland: It produces a secretion to neutralize the acidity of fluid.
ii) Cowper’s Gland: It produces secretions that lubricate the ducts.
iii) Seminal Vesicles: They produce secretions that provide nutrients for sperms.
Female reproductive system
It consists of:
(i) Ovaries
(ii) Associated ducts.
(i) Ovaries
a. Definition
Ovaries are small oval organs situated in the abdom anal cavity just ventral to kidneys.
Egg Cells
The outer region of ovary produces egg cells.
Follicles .
The specialized cells called follicles surrounds and nourishes each egg cell.
(ii) Associated ducts
a. Fallopian tube
From ovaries, egg cells are released into fallopi an tubes
b. Uterus
Fertilization occurs in fallopian tubes and the fertilized egg is carried to uterus.
c. Uterus horns
The uterus is divided into two parts or horns.”
d. Birth canal
The horns join and open into vagina or birth canal.
e. Cervix
Cervix is the portion of uterus where sperms of male are deposited.
Fertilization and development
Rabbit can breed throughout the year but male rabbits are commonly sterile during the summer months. Male rabbit deposits its sperms jinto female vagina. Sperms swim through cervix and uterus
to fallopian tubes where they fertilize the egg cells.
Embryo
Zygote is carried to uterus where zy gote started dividing and is now called embryo. Embryo is implanted in uterus walls.
Placenta.
A connection called placenta is established between embryo and uterus wall.
Development of new Offspring
Embryo develops into a new offspring; in 30-32 days after which it is born.
