Animal Reproduction

Hormones
 Male
 Testosterone- critical for sperm development
 Female
 Estrogen- critical for follicle development
 Progesterone- sustains pregnancy and inhibits new
follicle development
 Relaxin- causes ligaments around birth canal to relax
 Oxytocin- causes milk letdown
 Male Reproductive System
 Testicles-
 Site of sperm production and
testosterone synthesis
 Sperm contain ½ of genetic
makeup
 Epididymis-
 Sperm storage and maturation
 Scrotum-
 Protects testes and regulates
temperature
http://biotech-adventure.okstate.edu/low/basics/reprod/animal/male/diagram/
 Male Reproductive System
 Vas Deferans-
 Transports sperm from
epididymis to urethra
 Urethra-
 tube inside of penis
transports sperm or
urine exterior
 Penis-
 organ of copulation http://biotech-adventure.okstate.edu/low/basics/reprod/animal/male/diagram/
 Female Reproductive System
 Ovaries-
 Produce egg
 Egg contains ½ of genetic
makeup
 Oviducts-
 Site of fertilization
 Transport embryos to
uterus
 Uterus-
 Site of embryonic
development during
http://biotech-adventure.okstate.edu/low/basics/reprod/animal/female/diagram/ gestation
 Female Reproductive System
 Cervix-
 Connects uterus and
vagina
 Serve as barrier during
pregnancy
 Vagina-
 Female organ of
copulation at mating
 Opening of bladder
 Vulva-
 External opening of
http://biotech-adventure.okstate.edu/low/basics/reprod/animal/female/diagram/
reproductive system
Different Female Reproductive Systems

http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/course/3443/study/Notes/female/tracts.htm
Events of Reproduction
 Puberty- Age at which reproductive organs become
functional
 Female- Reproduction process occurs within
 Estrous cycle- Repetitive cycle occurring when pregnancy
does not
 Estrus- “Heat” or receptivity to mating
 Fertilization- Egg & Sperm unite
 Only real male contribution is the sperm
 Gestation- Length of time of pregnancy
 Parturition- Act of giving birth
Age of Puberty

 Cattle: 6 to 12 Months
 Sheep: 5 to 7 Months
 Swine: 4 to 8 Months
 Horses: 12 to 15 Months
 Humans: 9 to 16 YEARS
Estrous Cycle

 Cattle: Polyestrous (cycle throughout year)

 Sheep: Seasonal (Decreasing light, Fall)
 Swine: Polyestrous (cycle throughout year)
 Horses: Seasonal (Increasing daylight,
Spring)
Length of Estrus Cycle

 Cattle: 19 to 23 Days
 Sheep: 14 to 19 Days
 Swine: 19 to 23 Days
 Horses: 10 to 37 Days
Duration of Estrus Cycle

 Cattle: 12 to 18 Hours
 Sheep: 24 to 36 Hours
 Swine: 48 to 72 Hours
 Horses: 3 to 8 Days
Signs of Estrus

 Swollen vulva
 Mucous discharge
 Restless behavior
 Female receptivity
to male

http://www.goodecattle.com/spot.htm
Specific Signs of Estrus

 Cattle: Visually active mounting

 Sheep: Few external signs
 Swine: Brace with pressure to back, vocal
grunting
 Horses: Tease with Stallion and will go
nose to nose
Gestation Length

 Cattle: 283-285 Days

 Sheep: 147 Days
 Swine: 114 Days(3months 3weeks 3days)
 Horses: 336 Days
Partition Names in Species

 Cattle: Calving
 Sheep: Lambing
 Swine: Farrowing
 Horses: Foaling
Signs of Parturition

 Distended abdomen
 Mammary development & milk secretion
 Swollen vulva and relaxed pelvic ligaments
 Mucous discharge
 Relentlessness and separation from group
 Labor and Contractions
Signs of Parturition
 Appearance of
placental membrane
 Expulsion of fetus
 Expulsion of placental
membrane
 Bonding behavior of
offspring and mother
(will vary between
species)
http://www.ansc.purdue.edu/dairy/4-H/amdairy.htm