Bovine Estrus & Synchronization Flashcards
What kind of cycle do cows have?
nonseasonal polyestrus - cycle all year around
What is the overall length of the bovine estrous cycle? How long are each stage?
21 days (17-24)
- estrus = day 0
- metestrus = day 1-3
- diestrus = day 4-18
- anestrus or proestrus = day 19 until next estrus
What period of estrus is considered the best time for sexual receptivity? What happens at this time?
12-15 hours
standing heat - will remain still and standing while mounted by other cows in proestrus or bulls
What is the onset of bovine estrus to ovulation?
~30 hours —> 12-18 hours following standing heat
(oocytes ready for insemination, if waiting too long the oocyte will likely die)
Why do dairy cattle typically have shorter periods of estrus?
due to their use for their milk, they will have increased blood flow to the liver, where estrogen will be broken down
What is the difference between 2 and 3 wave cycles in bovine estrus?
2 wave = shorter follicular waves/estrus where one dominant follicle regresses over the period of the estrous cycle before another dominant follicle progresses to ovulation in the second wave
3 wave = longer follicular waves/estrus where two waves of dominant follicles regress over the period of the estrous cycle before another dominant follicle progresses to ovulation in the third wave (longer cycle, shorter time between DF emergence and ovulation)
When does proestrus occur during the bovine estrous cycle? What hormone changes occur during this time?
day 19 until estrus
progesterone decreases and FSH/LH increase in response to GnRH, inducing estrogen production by ovarian follicles
When does estrus occur during the bovine estrous cycle? What 3 things are occurring?
day 0 (standing heat!)
- follicle recruitment and selection where a single follicle dominates and produces estrogen and inhibin that decrease FSH and the growth of other follicles
- LH surge causes follicular maturation and ovulation
- follicular cells produce estradiol, which leads to progesterone production
When does metestrus occur during the bovine estrous cycle? What are 3 characteristic changes in hormones?
days 1-3 after ovulation
- low LH
- low estradiol
- rising P4
What is a normal occurrence during metestrus in cows? What triggers it?
hemorrhagic vaginal discharge - sanguineous vaginal discharge 24-48 hr after ovulation from caruncular capillaries (50-60% cows, 75-85% heifers)
estrogen withdrawal common during metestrus
When does diestrus occur during the bovine estrous cycle? What 3 things happen?
days 4-18 following ovulation
- progesterone elevation greater than 1 ng/mL by day 4, peaking at 8-10)
- functional luteolysis 24 hrs after the secretion of uterine (endometrium) PGF2alpha
- entrance into a new follicular phase (proestrus) after luteolysis
What happens histologically during luteolysis?
CL —> corpus albicans (scar tissue) within 48 hr
What are the 3 triggers of waves in the bovine estrous cycle? What causes follicular recruitment?
- dominant follicle removal
- ovulation/GnRH
- estrogens
high FSH (due to GnRH release)
How do follicles appear on ultrasound?
black/anechoic structures = fluid-filled cysts of the follicles
(bouncier compared to stroma on palpation)
Bovine estrous cycle: