Table 14.2.
Selected Normative Data for the Ferreta
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Life span (average) | 5–11 years |
| Body temperature | 38.8°C (37.8–40°C) |
| Chromosome number (diploid) | 40 |
| Dental formula | 2 (I 3/3, C 1/1, P 4/3, M 1/2) |
| Vertebral formula | C7T15L5S3C14 |
| Age of sexual maturity | 4–12 monthsb |
| Length of breeding life | 2–5 years |
| Gestation | 42 ± 2 days |
| Litter size | 8, average (range, 1–18) |
| Birth weight | 6–12 g |
| Eyes open | 34 days |
| Onset of hearing | 32 days |
| Weaning | 6–8 weeks |
| Water intake | 75–100 ml/24 h |
| Urine volume | 26–28 ml/24 h |
| Urine pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Cardiovascular/respiratory | |
| Arterial blood pressure | |
| Mean systolic | Female 133, male 161 mmHg (conscious) |
| Mean diastolic | 110–125 mmHg (anesthetized) |
| Heart rate | 200–400 beats/min |
| Cardiac output | 139 ml/min |
| Circulation time | 4.5–6.8 s |
| Respirations | 33–36/min |
a
Adapted from Fox (1998e).
b
Dependent on photoperiod.