Sexual Behaviour in Domestic Animals Flashcards
What is the ultimate goal of sexual behaviour?
Reproduction
Produce offspring for the next generation
What are immediate goals of sexual behaviour?
Bonding, social, gratification
Highly motivated behaviour influenced by hormones and reward systems
What advantage does sexual reproduction provide?
New genetic variations
This leads to adaptability and disease resistance
What roles do males and females typically play in reproduction?
Males initiate, females bear and care for young
Both cooperate in reproduction
What factors do females use to select males?
- Fitness and health traits
- Symmetry
- Coloration
- Availability
What is the definition of estrous?
Adjective describing the estrous cycle
Includes estrus and anestrus
What is estrus?
Noun for the period of female receptivity
Commonly referred to as being ‘in heat’
What are the three characteristics of females in estrus?
- Attractivity
- Proceptivity
- Receptivity
What is attractivity in estrus females?
Females become more attractive to males
Pheromones play a key role
What is proceptivity?
Initial phase when courtship occurs
Involves behaviors like female-female mounting
What is receptivity in female animals?
Accepts male advances, species specific behaviours
Examples include standing, tail lifting, and flagging
What is silent ovulation?
Ovulation without estrous behaviour
Common in sheep and cattle
What is the Ram Effect?
Exposure to a sexually mature ram can hasten ovulation
Pheromones from the ram play a role
What is the Boar Effect?
Boar exposure induces estrous in sows
Critical pheromones are found in boar saliva
What psychological factors influence male sexual behaviour?
Motivation and libido
Stimulated by visual and olfactory cues
What is the Coolidge Effect?
Restoration of sexual motivation by exposure to new females
Results in increased mating frequency
What defines species-specific behaviour in males?
Unique behaviours that vary between different species
Examples include vocalizations and physical displays
What is assessed in sexual performance evaluation?
- Motivation
- Physical abilities
- Semen quality
What is serving capacity?
Number of breedings per unit time
Important for assessing reproductive effectiveness
What are the three elements of sexual behaviour sequence?
- Appetitive
- Consummatory
- Refractory
True or False: Estrous behaviour is always easily detectable in animals.
False
Silent ovulation and other factors can make detection difficult
