Macrostructure of the female reproductive tract of wild diurnal grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

Abstract

This study aim at reporting landmarks and quantitative aspect of the wild diurnal squirrel reproductive tract. Knowledge on the reproductive system of this species may give better understanding on the reproductive physiology and production. Five squirrels were used for this study. The live body weight and length were 391.57 ± 22.561 g and 52.62 ± 4.559 cm respectively. The length of the ovary and the whole reproductive tract were (0.96 ± 0.128 cm right, 0.91 ± 0.173 cm left) and 7.603 ± 0.120 cm respectively. Length of the various segments were significantly different at p<0.05. Gross features indicated long fallopian tubes or oviduct, separated at the external uterine bifurcation. The oviduct is ill-define to differentiate the ampulla from a short isthmus. The ampulla is longer, wider than isthmus and the reproductive system is of the bicornuate type.

Keywords: Grey squirrel, Macrostructure, Reproductive tract