Animal Reproduction SAQ's

Questions and Answers

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?

147 days.

Which hormone, produced by the hypothalamus, stimulates the synthesis of LH and FSH?

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

How long does oestrus last in sows?

Oestrus in sows lasts 2 to 3 days. Signup and view all the answers

What is the average gestation period for a cow?

3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days. Signup and view all the answers

Where does fertilization occur within the cow's reproductive system?

In the oviducts. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the uterus play during gestation?

It nourishes and protects the embryo and fetus. Signup and view all the answers

What hormone is primarily responsible for causing ovulation in cows?

Luteinizing hormone (LH). Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cervix in the cow's reproductive anatomy?

It prevents infection. Signup and view all the answers

During the bovine oestrous cycle, what is the role of progesterone (P4)?

It promotes maintenance of pregnancy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the site of sperm deposition in the cow reproductive tract?

The vagina. Signup and view all the answers

How does artificial insemination contribute to genetic improvement in bovine herds?

It allows the use of superior genetics from top bulls, enhancing desirable traits like milk production and disease resistance. Signup and view all the answers

What is one major disadvantage of artificial insemination related to expertise?

AI requires skilled personnel, which may not be readily available in all areas. Signup and view all the answers

Why can artificial insemination be considered cost-effective?

It eliminates the need to keep a bull, reducing costs associated with feeding, housing, and veterinary care. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of disease control, why is artificial insemination preferred over natural mating?

It reduces the risk of transmitting sexually transmitted diseases, promoting healthier herds. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of relying heavily on a few selected bulls in artificial insemination?

It can decrease genetic diversity within a herd, potentially leading to inbreeding issues. Signup and view all the answers

Describe one way artificial insemination helps in managing herd health.

It minimizes the risk of disease transmission associated with natural mating, leading to healthier herds. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Male Reproductive Physiology

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.
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

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.
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

Artificial Insemination (AI):
- A reproductive technology using collected bull semen introduced into a cow's reproductive tract to create fertilization.
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.
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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Description

Explore the key concepts of male reproductive physiology in animals, including detailed insights into sperm structure and function. This summary highlights the critical role of the acrosome in fertilization, providing a concise yet informative guide to animal reproduction.