Comparing Reproductive Cycles in Animals

Reproductive Characteristics of Various Species

Canine (Dogs)

• Gestation length: 62-64 days
• Estrous cycle: Unseasonally monoestrous, cycles once every 6-7 months
• Estrus duration: 9 days
• Placentation type: Zonary and endotheliochorial

Feline (Cats)

• Gestation length: 65 days
• Estrous cycle: Seasonally polyestrous, induced ovulators
• Estrus duration: 6-7 days (range 1-10 days)
• Placentation type: Zonary and endotheliochorial

Swine (Pigs)

• Gestation length: 114 days
• Estrous cycle: Unseasonally polyestrous, cycles every 21 days
• Estrus duration: 2-3 days
• Notes: Guilt (young female pig) and sow (adult pig)
• Placentation type: Diffuse and epitheliochorial

Bovine (Cattle)

• Gestation length: 279 days (dairy), 292 days (beef)
• Estrous cycle: Unseasonally polyestrous, cycles every 21 days
• Placentation type: Cotyledonary and epitheliochorial

Equine (Horses)

• Gestation length: 335-342 days
• Estrous cycle: Seasonally polyestrous, estrus cycle lasts 7 days
• Placentation type: Diffuse and epitheliochorial

Goats

• Gestation length: 150 days
• Estrous cycle: Seasonally polyestrous, cycles every 21 days
• Estrus duration: 2-3 days
• Placentation type: Cotyledonary and epitheliochorial

Sheep

• Gestation length: 150 days
• Estrous cycle: Seasonally polyestrous, estrus cycle lasts 17 days
• Estrus duration: 1-2 days
• Placentation type: Cotyledonary and epitheliochorial

Chicken

• Gestation length: 21 days
• Note: No placenta!

Ferrets

• Gestation length: 41-42 days
• Estrous cycle: Seasonally polyestrous, induced ovulators
• Notes: Female ferret is called Jill (male is called Hob), pregnancy can be determined at 14 days by palpation or ultrasound
• Placentation type: not specified

Guinea Pigs

• Gestation length: 65-68 days
• No additional information provided

This quiz covers the gestation periods, estrous cycles, and placentation types of canines, felines, and swine. Understand the differences in their reproductive cycles and characteristics.