The Estrous Cycle Flashcards
When does estrous cycle in non-pregnant mares begin?
when the spring transition ends
What is the first post-partum estrus called?
foal heat
When does foal heat begin?
7-11 days post partum
Can you breed on foal heat?
yes, but not suggested because fertility is often low
When does the 2nd post-partum estrus begin?
about 18-21 days after the beginning of foal heat
The vulva, vagina, and cervix are known as:
the gateways to the uterus
What is the ideal conformation of the vulva?
the lips should form a tight seal and be vertical
What may change the conformation of the vulva?
the mares age and number of pregnancies she’s had
Tipped vulva
when the vulva starts to tip to one side (become less vertical)
-will occur with more pregnancies
-happens as the back sags down and pulls the vulva
The vulva is the _____ gateway to the reproductive tract
the 1st gateway
Caslick’s procedure
the upper part of the vulva is staples closed either during pregnancy or before breeding
-keeps the vulva clean
-removed before foaling
Ideal conformation of the cervix
must be intact and able to prevent contaminants entering uterus during pregnancy
During estrus, the cervix is:
relaxed and open
During pregnancy/diestrus, the cervix is:
tight and closed
What is the function of the uterus?
-supports the embryo (glands in the uterus produce “uterine milk”)
-supports the fetus through interaction with the placenta (which attaches to the uterus)
What can be done to determine uterine health?
-ultrasounds - to identify abnormalities
-endometrial cultures - to identify microbial status (while the mare is in estrus) and determine need for treatment/what treatment
-cytology
Abnormalities of the uterus increase with…
age and number of pregnancies
Oviduct function
site of fetilization
The oviduct must be open to allow for:
-passage of sperm for fertilization of oocyte
-passage of oocyte and then embryo into unterus
If a mare appears to have a normal reproductive tract but is cycling and failing to conceive what might be the issue?
blocked oviducts
Ovary function
production of oocytes
-two ovaries, but only one is enough
-regulate hormones
Effect of age on ovaries
-all oocytes are present in ovaries at birth
-oocytes are recruited from the ovary with each ovulation
-oocyte quality declines with age in mares
The hypothalamus produces:
GnRH
The anterior pituitary produces:
LH and FSH
The ovary produces:
estrogen and progesterone
-follicles produce estradiol and inhibin
-corpus luteum (CL) produces progesterone