Lec. 15 - Reproduction Introduction Flashcards
Why is livestock reproduction important?
It generates a crop of offspring, and initiates lactation. Can be affected by genetics and environment.
What is % Calf Crop?
of calves weaned/# of cows exposed for breeding in prior year x 100
What are drivers of calf crop?
Pregnancy rate (range in industry is 10-100% pregnant) and calf death loss (range in industry is 0-20% die)
What are gonads and what do they produce?
Gonads are sex glands and the produce gametes and sex hormones. Ovaries for females, testicles for males.
What is estrus?
Time of sexual receptivity in females, ofter referred to as “heat”
What is the estrous cycle?
A period of time from one estrus to the next, typically recurring.
What is anestrous?
A period of sexual inactivity.
What is puberty?
The age at which young become capable of reproducing.
What is fertilization?
Fusion of male and female gametes.
What is gestation?
Period of time between conception and birth, when an embryo or fetus is carried in the womb.
What is an embryo?
Early stage of development, becomes a fetus at a certain age.
The estrous cycle has 2 phases…
Luteal phase (d 1-18)
Follicular phase (d 18-21)
