The role of the male in the evocation of oestrus in the cuis, Galea musteloides (Rodentia: Hystricomorpha)
Weir, B.J.
Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. Supplement 19: 421-432
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0449-3087 PMID: 4522390 Document Number: 63353
The role of the chin gland of the male cuis in the evocation of oestrus, and its association with the induction of ovulation, has been investigated with prepuberal and adult females . The results indicate that (a) ovulation is induced by coitus, (b) oestrus occurs in response to a male , probably through a combination of behavioural factors (the chin-rump follow) and by the ability of the female to discern that the inducing animal is a male (urinary androgenic metabolites?), and (c) the chin gland is not an essential factor in the inducing mechanism but its secretions may act on the female , probably after ingestion, to enhance the quality of the induced oestrus.