Animal Reproduction

The process by which offspring

are reproduced.
The Basics
 Insemination- The placing of sperm in the
reproductive tract.
 Natural Insemination- A male depositing
semen into the vagina of the female.
 Copulation
The Basics
 Artificial Insemination- (AI) A technician
collecting semen and placing it in the female.
 Why?
 Better animals
 Use high quality bulls without bringing them to
your farm.
 Control calving times much easier.
Oklahoma State AI Instructional Video 1

AI - Cattle and Horse Rancher

The Basics
 Breeding- Promoting animal reproduction so
the desired offspring result.
 Reproductive Efficiency- The timely
replacement of a species. The difference
between success and failure in animal
production. The probability of success.
Cycles
 Estrous Cycle- The time between periods of estrus.
Animals will continually cycle unless they are
pregnant. There are four periods of the estrous cycle.
 Anestrous- The absence of cycling.
 Some animals are seasonal breeders.
 This is often related to the number of daylight hours in a day.
 Sheep
 Cats
 Dogs
 Goats
 Horses
Estrous Cycle: Part 1
 Estrus- Also known as heat, is the period
when the female is receptive to the male and
will stand for mating.
 The length of estrus varies by species.
 Estrus is triggered by the hormone estrogen.
 Symptoms of estrus:
 Restlessness
 Mucus discharge
 Swollen vulva
 Standing to be ridden by other animals
Estrus
 Heat cycle
 Begins at puberty
 Each species is different
 Cow- 21 days (polyestrus)
 Horse- 21 days
 Dog- every 6-8 months (monestrus)
 Cat- 15-21 days
 Sheep- 17 days
 Goats- 21 days
 Pigs- 21 days
Determining Standing Heat
Estrous Cycle: Part 1
 Ovulation- When a mature ovum is released
by the ovary.
 Takes place during estrus for most species.
 The number of eggs ovulated varies between
species.
 The cat ovulates after mating.
Estrous Cycle: Part 2
 Metestrus- Ovulation occurs during
metestrus in cattle & goats.

 Once the egg is released, the Lutenizing

Hormone (LH) causes the corpus luteum (CL)
to develop from follicular tissue that remains
after release of the ova (egg).
Estrous Cycle: Part 3
 Diestrus- The period in the cycle in which the
system assumes pregnancy.
 A fully functional corpus luteum (yellow body)
releases high levels of progesterone.
 Progesterone: Hormone that maintains
pregnancy.
Estrous Cycle: Part 4
 Proestrus- Begins with the regression of the
corpus luteum and a drop in progesterone.
 Late in this period, changes in behavior may
occur.
 Reproductive
Development
Throughout the Life of an Animal
Puberty
 The time at which animals reach a level of
sexual development that makes them
capable of reproduction.
 In Females, the first estrus with ovulation.
 In Males, the first ejaculate with fertile sperm.
 Neither are sexually mature at puberty.
 Females are to small to bear young.
 Males is not capable or fertile enough to breed
regularly.
Fertilization & Gestation
 Fertilization is the union of a sperm & egg.
 This forms a ______?
 Gestation is the period of pregnancy.
 Begins with conception and lasts until
parturition (or birth).
Parturition
 The process of giving birth.
 Hormone levels change to start this process.
 Behavior changes can indicate the animal is
nearing parturition.
 Nesting
 Restlessness
 Attempt to separate from the herd
Parturition
 Begins by dilation of the cervix and entry of the fetus
into the cervix. This is the longest stage, raging from
1-12 hours.

 The second stage completes the birth through a

series of strong contractions.

 The last stage is expulsion of the afterbirth

(placenta) from the uterus. This usually occurs
shortly after giving birth.
Lactation
 The production of milk.
 Hormones that trigger the onset of lactation
also play an important role in parturition.
Incubation (only egg layers)
 Development of a new animal in a fertile egg of
poultry, fish or another egg laying species.

Occurs outside the body. 4 Key Steps:

1. Temperature of 99-103F.

2. Humidity should be about 60% during the first

18 days and 70% the last 3 days.
3. Air Exchange to maintain a 21% oxygen level.

4. Eggs should be rotated 2-5 times daily for the

first 18 days.