Bovine Reproduction: Reproductive Systems of Animals Flashcards
What is the gestation period of a cow?
9 months (280-285 days)
What is the gestation period of a mare/horse?
11 months (330-345 days)
What is the gestation period of a sow/pig?
3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days (114-115 days)
What is the gestation period of a ewe/sheep?
5 months (147-150 days, depending on the breed)
What is the gestation period of a doe/goat?
5 months (150-153 days)
What happens if a cow has twins with same sex?
It’s okay
What happens if a cow has twins with different sexes?
The testosterone from the male twin will transfer to the female twin through the umbilical chord and make her sterile when born
How many foals do mares breed?
Twins or quadruplets
How many calves do cows breed?
One
How many lambs do sheep breed?
One or two
How many kids do goats breed?
Two
How many piglets do pigs breed?
Eight to fourteen
What function does the scrotum have?
Skin covered pouch that contains, protects and supports the testes. Its main function is to keep the temperature of the testes cooler than body temperature
What function does the testes have?
Where the bull produces spermatozoa and the male sex hormone, testosterone
What function does the epididymis have?
Stores and provides nutrition to the sperm until mating
What function does the vas deferens have?
Transport the sperm from the epididymis to the uterus
What function does the seminal vesicles have?
Secrete a clear fluid into the urethra
What function does the prostate gland have?
Like the seminal vesicles, the prostate also secretes a clear fluid called plasma. This plasma activates the semen, nourishes it and provides volume to the sperm -it makes up 90% of fluid
What function does the sigmoid flexure have?
It is the muscle controlling the movement of the penis
What function does the penis have?
Deposits the semen into the reproductive tract and used to empty the bladder
What function does the urethra have?
Carries both urine and genital products to the penis
What function does the ovaries have?
There are two ovaries, one on each side of a cow’s abdomen. The ovaries have three main functions. These are:
- Production of Ova (eggs)
- Production of female sex hormone (oestrogen)
- Production of the pregnancy hormone (progesterone)
What function does the fallopian tubes (oviducts) have?
Carry the ova from the ovaries to the uterus
What function does the uterus (womb) have?
Where the ova, if fertilised, attach itself to the wall and stays for the duration of the pregnancy. The walls have a rich blood supply to feed the calf all the nourishment needed for its development
What function does the cervix have?
Is a muscular tube connecting the uterus to the vagina. When the cow is pregnant, the cervix is sealed closed to protect the foetus. It also helps to push the calf out during birth
What function does the vagina have?
Is the connection between the cervix and the vulva
What function does the vulva have?
Is the entrance to the female reproductive system. They are two muscular folds that the cow holds closed for protection but often swell when the cow is in heat
What is the vulva?
This is the external part of the reproductive tract. The thickened folds of skin are sensitive to changes in oestrogen, swelling and redness can be useful in oestrus detection
What is the vestibule?
The part of the reproductive tract that is shared with the urinary system. Openings from the urinary bladder and a blind sac called the sub-urethral diverticulum are located on its floor. Avoid passing the AI gun into these openings!
What is the vagina?
This is located between the opening to the bladder and the cervix. It is the site of semen deposition during natural service. It is also a line of defense against invasion by bacteria as the epithelium secretes fluids to inhibit growth of undesirable bacteria.
What is the cervix?
This is 4-5inches long, 1-2 inches wide and lies between the vagina and uterus. It is designed to restrict access to the uterus. The opening of the cervix protrudes back into the vagina and may deflect inseminating rods. The walls are thick and dense and may be manipulated rectally while passing the inseminating rod. The cervix provides a favorable environment for sperm survival. Secretions of the cervix are normally thick, but thin at oestrus to facilitate transfer of sperm. A thick plug forms in the canal of the cervix to prevent access to the pregnant uterus
What is the uterus?
Consists of a body and 2 horns, it is attached to the broad ligament and is suspended within the pelvic cavity. The uterine body is the major site of semen deposition during AI. The uterine walls are composed of many muscle layers that aid in transport of sperm to the oviduct and expulsion of the calf.
What is the oviduct?
These are approximately 10 inches long and lie between the tip of the uterine horn and the ovary. The egg is released from the ovary into the oviduct and fertilization occurs here within 12 hours of ovulation. The fertilized egg is then transported to the uterus; this takes 3-4 days
