How are Dambo rats born? - briefly
Dambo rats are viviparous, delivering live offspring after a gestation period of roughly three weeks. Litters usually consist of two to five pups.
How are Dambo rats born? - in detail
The Dambo rat reproduces through a seasonal breeding cycle that peaks during the rainy months when food abundance supports gestation. Males establish territories and emit ultrasonic vocalizations to attract receptive females. Courtship culminates in copulation, after which the female undergoes a gestational period of approximately 21 days.
During pregnancy, the embryo implants in the uterine wall within 48 hours, and placental development proceeds rapidly to supply nutrients. Hormonal regulation—primarily progesterone and prolactin—maintains uterine quiescence and prepares mammary glands for lactation. Embryonic development follows a predictable timeline:
- Days 1‑5: formation of the blastocyst and early organogenesis.
- Days 6‑12: differentiation of major organ systems, including the central nervous system and respiratory tract.
- Days 13‑21: growth of fur, limb elongation, and maturation of sensory organs.
Litter size averages three to five pups, though larger litters occur under optimal nutrition. Birth is altricial; neonates are hairless, eyes closed, and weigh 2–3 g. The dam delivers pups one at a time, spacing each birth by a few minutes to reduce physiological stress.
Immediately after delivery, the mother cleans each offspring with her forepaws, stimulating respiration. Pups begin suckling within ten minutes, triggering oxytocin release that reinforces maternal behavior. The dam’s milk composition shifts from colostrum, rich in immunoglobulins, to mature milk containing higher protein and fat concentrations, supporting rapid growth.
Weaning commences at 21 days, when solid food intake increases and the young exhibit independent foraging behavior. By 30 days, juveniles achieve full body weight and are capable of reproduction in subsequent breeding seasons.