Oestrus and oestrus detection Flashcards
Describe the signs of a oestrus in the cow
- Swelling of vulva, mucus discharge (may be bloody)
- Chin pressing
- Brawling, restless
- Reduced milk yield
- Mounts other cows
- stands to be mounted
Describe the signs of oestrus in the mare
- Vulval oedema and mucoid discharge
- Elevated tail and lean hindquarters towards stallion
- Winking of clitoris
- Flehmen response in stallion
Describe the signs of oestrus in the bitch
- Standing to be mated
- Deviationof tail
- Discharge paler in colour
- Reduction in vulval oedema
Describe the signs of oestrus in the queen
- Increased vocalisation, rubbing and rolling
- Increased activity and will seek tom
- Possible slight mucoid vulval discharge
- Standing to be mated, lordosis
- Tail erect and deviated to side
In all species, what is the main challenge in management of inseminatio/mating?
If oocyte not fertilised within 24 hours of ovulation, will age and will no longer be able to be fertilised
What is the main challenge with timing of insemination/mating in cows?
- Oestrus short and tightly regulated to time of ovulation so can inseminate/mate at oestrus onset
- However, oestrus detection can be difficult (often middle of the night)
What is the main challenge with insemination/mating in sheep?
- Are mated throughout oestrus by ram usually (runs with flock)
- But need to ensure ratio is correct
- Insemination requires laparoscopy so is uncommon
What is the main challenge with insemination/mating in pigs?
- Housed separately, presented for mating
- Oestrus detection important, tight window of ovulation
- Not well defined when ovulation occurs following onset of oestrus (2/3rds of way through)
What is the main challenge with insemination/mating in mares?
- Problematic as ovulation occurs 1-2 days before end of oestrus, but oestrus length is variable
- Return to oestrus also variable
What is the main challenge with insemination/mating in bitches?
Oestrus variable, signs relate poorly to time of ovulation
List the main methods for oestrus detection in the cow
- Examine/observe >4 times a day to see behaviour
- Detection aids: Kamars, pedometers, Estrotect, GPS, elctronic noses
- Use van Eerdenburg’s scoring
- Low plasma/milk progesterone
- Detection of large follicle
- Fall in body temp, reduction in vaginal pH, crystalisation patterns in vaginal mucus
What is van Eerdenburg’s scoring?
Method of adding up behavioural signs to decide when to serve (serve when signs add up to more than 50)
What factors may inhibit oestrus activity in the cow?
- Hard, non-supportive floor
- Concrete reduces oestrus behaviour
- High environmental temperature
- Overcrowding
- Recent mixing/stress
- Feeding (food distracts)
- Lameness
What is the benefit of ovulation synchronisation in the cow?
No need for oestrus detection
Describe ewe oestrus signs
- Restless
- Stands for ram
- Vulva swollen, mucoid discharge
- Induces flehmen in the ram
Describe signs of oestrus in the sow
- Vulva swollen and congested prior to oestrus
- Seeks boar
- Stands firmly to be mounted
- Restless with repetitive grunts
- Pacing and searching
- Lowered feed intake and loss of appetite
- Male-like sexual behaviour
- Increase in vaginal mucus
- Response to boar pheromones
Describe prooestrus in the bitch
- Very long (9 days)
- attactive to male but no mating
- Vulval swelling
- Presence of serosanguinous discharge
How is oestrus detected in the bitch?
- Clinical assessment
- Assessment of vaginal epithelial cells (cytology)
- Assessment of vulval softening
- Examination of the appearance of the vaginal wall
- Plasma progesterone concentrations