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Questions and Answers
Describe the duration of oestrus in the cow.
Describe the duration of oestrus in the cow.
Oestrus in cows typically lasts 14 to 24 hours.
What is the gestation length for a ewe?
What is the gestation length for a ewe?
147 days.
Which hormone, produced by the hypothalamus, stimulates the synthesis of LH and FSH?
Which hormone, produced by the hypothalamus, stimulates the synthesis of LH and FSH?
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)
How long does oestrus last in sows?
How long does oestrus last in sows?
What is the average gestation period for a cow?
What is the average gestation period for a cow?
Where does fertilization occur within the cow's reproductive system?
Where does fertilization occur within the cow's reproductive system?
What role does the uterus play during gestation?
What role does the uterus play during gestation?
What hormone is primarily responsible for causing ovulation in cows?
What hormone is primarily responsible for causing ovulation in cows?
What is the function of the cervix in the cow's reproductive anatomy?
What is the function of the cervix in the cow's reproductive anatomy?
During the bovine oestrous cycle, what is the role of progesterone (P4)?
During the bovine oestrous cycle, what is the role of progesterone (P4)?
What is the site of sperm deposition in the cow reproductive tract?
What is the site of sperm deposition in the cow reproductive tract?
How does artificial insemination contribute to genetic improvement in bovine herds?
How does artificial insemination contribute to genetic improvement in bovine herds?
What is one major disadvantage of artificial insemination related to expertise?
What is one major disadvantage of artificial insemination related to expertise?
Why can artificial insemination be considered cost-effective?
Why can artificial insemination be considered cost-effective?
In terms of disease control, why is artificial insemination preferred over natural mating?
In terms of disease control, why is artificial insemination preferred over natural mating?
What is a potential consequence of relying heavily on a few selected bulls in artificial insemination?
What is a potential consequence of relying heavily on a few selected bulls in artificial insemination?
Describe one way artificial insemination helps in managing herd health.
Describe one way artificial insemination helps in managing herd health.
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Study Notes
Male Reproductive Physiology
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Sperm Structure: Comprised of three main parts: head, midpiece, and tail (flagellum).
- Head: Contains the acrosome for fertilization and a haploid nucleus with condensed DNA.
- Midpiece: Contains centrioles and mitochondria, providing ATP for sperm motility.
- Tail: Made up of microtubules, facilitating movement.
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Male Hormones and Functions:
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Stimulates sperm cell synthesis in the testicle.
- Luteinising Hormone (LH): Induces testosterone production in the testicle.
- Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH): Stimulates secretion of LH and FSH from the pituitary gland.
- Testosterone: Essential for male sexual development, sperm synthesis, and libido.
Female Reproductive Physiology
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Oestrous Cycle of Cattle:
- Cow: 21-day cycle, polyestrous; oestrus lasts 14-24 hours; gestation lasts 283 days.
- Ewe: 17-day cycle, seasonally polyestrous; oestrus lasts 24-36 hours; gestation lasts 147 days.
- Sow: 21-day cycle, seasonally polyestrous; oestrus lasts 2-3 days; gestation lasts 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days.
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Cow Reproductive Tract Components:
- Ovaries: Produce ova and steroid hormones.
- Oviducts: Site of fertilization.
- Uterus: Nourishes and protects the embryo and fetus.
- Cervix: Prevents infections.
- Vagina: Site of sperm deposition and the birth canal.
Bovine Oestrous Cycle Hormones
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Promotes follicular development.
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Triggers ovulation.
- Progesterone (P4): Maintains pregnancy.
Methods of Fertilization
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Artificial Insemination (AI):
- A reproductive technology using collected bull semen introduced into a cow's reproductive tract to create fertilization.
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Advantages of AI:
- Genetic Improvement: Utilizes superior genetics from top bulls, enhancing traits like milk production and disease resistance.
- Disease Control: Lower risk of sexually transmitted diseases compared to natural mating.
- Cost-Effective: Reduces the need for maintaining bulls, lowering feed, housing, and veterinary costs.
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Disadvantages of AI:
- Requires Specialized Training: Skilled personnel are needed to perform the procedure, which may not be widely available.
- Higher Initial Costs: Equipment and facilities for semen storage and training can be expensive.
- Reduced Genetic Diversity: Potential risk of inbreeding due to reliance on a limited number of selected bulls.
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