Male Reproductive Anatomy, Part 2

Penis and Foreskin

The penis is housed within the prepuce (or liner) that protects. The foreskin normal orientation, even when urine is projected backwards. When does an erection of the penis the foreskin is oriented forward. The penile bending and straightening the penis foreskin leaves 15 to 25 cm.

The tip of the penis has a strong cartilaginous projection, hook-shaped curved clockwise. This projection exceeds the urethral opening, and assists in penetration of the female cervix during intercourse. In adult males the penis slides freely inside the foreskin.

External review of Fondling

This is a very important task. It should include visual inspection and palpation of the scrotum, testicles, penis and foreskin. The scrotum should be free of wounds and no signs of inflammation. Both testicles must rest completely inside the scrotum, slide freely within it, and to be of similar size. They must be well developed, and should be chosen as reproductors males having larger testes than the average for males of the same age. To the touch, the testicles should be firm, elastic and turgid. By gently palpate the male should not give the impression of feeling pain, or should feel that they are hotter than the rest of the body.

Palpation epididymis effective requires a minimum of practice, but you should make to ensure the absence of inflammation, swelling or other abnormalities.

The foreskin should be found to have no wounds, ulcers, skin conditions, or purulent secretions. The penis should slide freely inside the foreskin, and clearly free of adhesions with it. Males with no adhesions should be used for breeding. With a little practice you can externalize the penis foreskin, and secured with gauze for better inspection. No injuries or deviations should hinder or prevent its penetration into the

vulva.

Reference: Manual handling practices of alpacas and llamas (FAO) (ISSN 1014 - 1200)

Male Reproductive Anatomy, Part 1

It is important to know the anatomy of the male reproductive system, is to review both and select animals for breeding to make good management of breeding  moment.

Scrotum and Testicles

The scrotum is a bag in which are found inside the testicles. It is located in the region below the anus. It has a pendulum as in other animal species (cattle, sheep). Okay manteniene attached and testicles close to the body of the male. This position is disadvantageous because problems tend to suffer strokes or injuries in fights.

Both testicles have dropped into the scrotum from the abdominal cavity during the first month of life. These have an oval shape, and in an adult male can measure from 4 to 6 cm long and about 2.5 to 3.5 cm wide. When they are a year old, the length is 1.0 to 1.5 cm.

The testicles play a key role, being responsible for sperm production

Epididymis and vas deferens

The epididymis is next (and attached) to the testicle. Acts as backup location and maturation of sperm. During ejaculation epididymal sperm passes to the vas. Then into the urethra and eventually abroad.

Accessory glands

Accessory glands (prostate and urethral bublbo) are located in the pelvis and shoulders above the rest of the male genital tract. These glands secrete fluids that give volume, nutrients and stability semen.

Reference: Manual handling practices of alpacas and llamas (FAO) (ISSN 1014-1200)

Female Reproductive Anatomy, Part 2

Utero:

Has a shape that resembles a "Y". In non-pregnant females uterus body is approximately 2 to 4 cm long, while the horns are about 8 to 15 cm. The left horn (where they develop almost all pregnancies) is larger than the right. During copulation the male deposits sperm into the uterus and sperm migrate from there to the site of fertilization (oviducts).

Oviducts:

The oviducts are thin tubes of about 20 cm in length. Therefore descends to meet the egg and sperm and allow fertilization.

Ovaries:

These organs are oval shaped, reaching a diameter adult female greater than about 15 mm and a minor diameter of about 10 mm. They mature follicles release eggs containing half the genetic material of the future progeny. In non-pregnant adult females can be observed on the surface of ovarian follicles several approximately 3 to 4 mm in diameter, and larger one (8 to 12 mm). Both ovaries are active in alpacas and llamas but, as noted above, almost all pregnancies develop in the left uterine horn

Female Reproductive Anatomy, Part 1

It is very important in raising camelids, know the basic anatomy of animals for proper handling.

Vulva:

It is the part of the reproductive visble. Is a vertically oriented opening of 2.5 to 3.0 cm in length. Outer lips have well defined in the bottom end with a protuberance.

Some females predisposed to reproductive tract infections in a conformation problem. When the vulva is too tilted forward (instead of vertical) feces contaminate the vagina. This leads to infections that reduce fertility in the female.

Vagina:

The vuvla is the entrance to the vagina, a tubular organ of formal, through which enters the penis of the male while mating and breeding out at delivery. Normally the vagina is 12 to 18 cm long and 2 to 4 cm in diameter. This expanded to allow breeding output, but often difficult deliveries injure the vagina.

If there is any difficulty in penetrating the male to the female, may be due to some anatomical defect in the vagina or a problem of membrane (hymen).

Cervix:

It can be described as a tight spiral (with 2 or 3 turns) of muscle tissue. The cervical canal connects the vagina to the uterus. Is sinuous and 2 to 4 cm in length. In non-pregnant females and receptive to males, the cervix is presented penetrable, allowing the intrusion of the penis to the deposition of semen in the utero. In contrast, the cervix is closed once conception occurs, and remains closed during pregnancy. It is important to note, because if a male gets aggressive penetrate the cervix of a female submissive and pregnant, may cause an abortion. Females who have suffered serious injuries in the cervix may have difficulty getting pregnant.