Llama. Male genitalia
Keywords: Llama, camelid, new world, male, penis, genitals, prepuce, testicles, testes
The image shows the genitalia of a newborn male llama. Note the long inguinal canal.
Image size: 1685 x 973 pixels
The tip of the penis in all camelids is directed caudally, therefore they are retromingent animals. However, the shaft of the penis is directed caudal-to-cranial. After copulation, the penis is withdrawn by retractor penis muscles (see image). Note the use of the diminutive form of testes (testicles) in this image.
The camelid penis is fibro-elastic like that of a bull but its sigmoid flexure is cranial to the scrotum, more like that that of a boar than a bull. In all camelids, the penis ends in a short cartilaginous process. This process is perhaps, essential for cervical penetration and intra-uterine ejaculation, the latter being unique among domestic animals. The cartilaginous process develops with age and was therefore not obvious in this neonate.
Camelid testes are located in a non-pendulous scrotum ventral to the anus. After experience with other animals, an examiner is struck by how small the testes of new world camelids are in proportional to the body weight of the adult male. In adult male llamas for example, the testes are usually 5.0 to 7.0 cm long and 2.5 to 4.0 cm wide. Corresponding measurements for alpaca testes are 3.5 to 5.0 cm long and 2.0 to 3.5 cm wide. Accessory sex glands are palpable transrectally in large males but (like felids) only the prostate gland and a pair of bulbourethral glands are present.
