The Estrous-Cycle Length of the Bandicoot Isoodon-Macrourus

Abstract

The length of the oestrous cycle of the bandicoot Isoodon macrourus was determined. Pouch young were removed from lactating bandicoots at day 30 of lactation and the mothers were subsequently housed in enclosures without males (for oestrous cycle) and with males (for pregnancy). Births were observed 32-48 d after removal of young. The period of removal of young until ovulation was shown to be 6 d, the gestation length was known to be 12.5 d and the length of an oestrous cycle was calculated to be 22.1 ± 1.6 d (mean ± s.e., N=10), with a range of 14-30 d.