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REPRODUCTION IN CAMELIDAE

Summary.: Sexual activity in Camelidae appears to be acyclic and ovulation is induced by copulation. The duration of sexual activity is variable. When a rutting season exists, it is probably elicited by influences similar to those which induce the advent of oestrus in the female. The pattern of the reproductive cycle appears to relate to the harsh environment in which the camel progenitors evolved. Only calves born in a restricted period of the year had any chance of survival. Selection has, thus, been towards a type of animal with a breeding season coinciding with the most favourable time of the year. In areas with better environmental conditions, sexual activity does not follow such a restricted pattern.

Fertility rate is low compared with other domestic mammals.

Mating behaviour follows a fairly complex pattern of olfactory and/or visual stimuli.

All Camelidae have a similar type of placenta. It is diffuse and epithelio-chorial in nature, much as in the horse.

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