A.

Discuss the meaning and importance of reproduction in

animal agriculture
B. Describe benefits of using genetically superior animals for
breeding
C. Define common terms and describe the function of
reproductive organs
D. Compare estrous cycles and gestation of different species
and list common signs of breeding readiness
E. Describe signs of parturition and dystocia
F. Describe the purpose and benefits of reproductive
technologies
A. Discuss the meaning and importance of reproduction in animal agriculture

• Producers rely on successfully reproducing

young for economic success
– Cow/Calf Operation without calves?
Each w
ould fai
– Hog farm without piglets? a short
amount
l in
t i m e wi of
– Sheep farm without lambs? thou
successf t
u
– Dairy farm without calves? reprodu l
ction
A. Discuss the meaning and importance of reproduction in animal agriculture

• Our food supply would be in jeopardy

without sound animal reproductive
practices
B. Describe benefits of using genetically superior animals for breeding

• Responsible Animal Breeding:

– Only breed animals with desirable
characteristics to be passed on:

• Natural selection would eliminate most genetic problems, but

artificial selection does not

• It is our responsibility to be responsible animal breeders

B. Describe benefits of using genetically superior animals for breeding

• Responsible Animal Breeding:

– Improve the next generation

• Hybrid Vigor
• Eliminate poor characteristics
• Improve efficiency of food production
C. Define common terms and describe the function of reproductive organs

• Pregnancy -- carrying a fetus

• Fertilization -- the union of the EGG and
SPERM nuclei
• Conception - occurrence of fertilization
• Ovulation - release of an ovule from the
female.
• Gestation - the time from fertilization or
conception of a female until she gives birth
C. Define common terms and describe the function of reproductive organs

• Ovaries - FEMALE reproductive gland in

which eggs are formed and hormones are
produced.
– Egg or Ovule- Female Reproductive Cell

• Testes - MALE reproductive gland that

produces sperm and testosterone.
– Sperm- Male Reproductive Cell
– Semen- Fluid that carries sperm
C. Define common terms and describe the function of reproductive organs
C. Define common terms and describe the function of reproductive organs

Vagina Cervix

Vulva Ovaries
Uterine Horns

Uterus Fallopian Tube

Infundibulum
C. Define common terms and describe the function of reproductive organs

• Vulva- opening of reproductive tract

• Vagina- channel for birth and copulation
• Cervix- divides vagina and uterus
• Uterus- Where fetus grows & receives
nourishment
• Fallopian Tube- where fertilization
occurs
• Ovaries- produces eggs and hormones
C. Define common terms and describe the function of reproductive organs
C. Define common terms and describe the function of reproductive organs

Prostate Gland
Cowper’s Gland Seminal Vesicle

Sigmoid
Vas Deferens
Flexure

Epididymis Testicle
Penis
Scrotum Sheath
C. Define common terms and describe the function of reproductive organs

9
8 10

2 1

3 7
6
4 5
C. Define common terms and describe the function of reproductive organs

• Testes - produce sperm and testosterone

• Epididymis - collects and stores sperm
• Vas deferens - transports sperm
• Penis - places sperm in female
• Cowper's Gland
• Prostate Gland produce semen
• Seminal Vesicle
• Scrotum - protects testes & maintains temp.
• Sheath - opening of reproductive tract
D. Compare estrous cycles and gestation of different species and list common signs of breeding readiness

• Estrous Cycle:
– Time between periods of estrus, or “heat”
– Often influenced by of hours of light in the day
D. Compare estrous cycles and gestation of different species and list common signs of breeding readiness

• Estrous Cycles by Species:

Species Estrous Length of Ovulation
Cycle Estrus
(heat)
Cow 21 12-18 hours 10-14 hours after estrus
Mare 22 6-8 days 1-2 days before estrus ends
Doe (goat) 21 30-40 hours At end of estrus
Doe (rabbit) Constant Constant 8-10 hours after mating
Sow 20-21 40-72 hours Mid estrus
Ewe 17 24-36 hours Late estrus
Dog - 9 days 1-2 days after estrus begins
Cat 14-21 5 days 24 after mating
D. Compare estrous cycles and gestation of different species and list common signs of breeding readiness

1- Estrus- also known as 1-Estrus

2-Metestrus
“heat.” The period of time
when female is receptive to
male and conception can occur.
-Hormone: Estrogen

2- Metestrus- follows
estrus. Usually when ovulation
occurs
-Hormone: LH (leutenizing hormone)
D. Compare estrous cycles and gestation of different species and list common signs of breeding readiness

3- Diestrus- Period of 1-Estrus

2-Metestrus
cycle when system assumes 4-Proestrus
pregnancy.
-Hormone: Progesterone

4- Proestrus- If not
pregnant, body prepares to
begin cycle again
-Hormone: Progesterone drops 3- Diestrus
D. Compare estrous cycles and gestation of different species and list common signs of breeding readiness

Cattle- Horses-
• Standing to be mounted • Restlessness whinnying
or trailing other cattle • Frequent urination in
• Clear, viscous mucous small amounts
from vulva • Backing up and pushing
• Swelling of vulva on fences or other objects
• Restlessness
D. Compare estrous cycles and gestation of different species and list common signs of breeding readiness

Pigs- Sheep-
• Erect ears • Seeking out and standing
• Moist vulva for ram
• Standing or “Locked up
Response” when touched (symptoms are much less
noticeable than other species)
D. Compare estrous cycles and gestation of different species and list common signs of breeding readiness

Chickens- Rabbits-
• None • None
• Sperm from a rooster can • Does ovulate at presence
be viable in a hen for up of sperm, not on a cycle
to 30 days. Once
inseminated, it’s stored
until the next egg is
produced
D. Compare estrous cycles and gestation of different species and list common signs of breeding readiness

• Length of PREGNANCY.

• Begins with FERTILIZATION and ends

with parturition (birth).

• All animals have different gestation

lengths. Usually the LARGER the animal,
the LONGER the gestation.
D. Compare estrous cycles and gestation of different species and list common signs of breeding readiness

• Gestation- 283 days or 9 Months

• Breeding Season- Dairy: Year round, Beef: Summer-Fall
• Cycle: Year round, every 21 days
D. Compare estrous cycles and gestation of different species and list common signs of breeding readiness

• Gestation: 145-150 days or 5 months

• Breeding Season- Fall/Winter (dairy goats year round)
• Cycle: Late fall when days get short
“Short day breeders”
D. Compare estrous cycles and gestation of different species and list common signs of breeding readiness

• Gestation- 115 days

OR 3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days
• Breeding Season- year round
• Cycle- Year round every 21 days
D. Compare estrous cycles and gestation of different species and list common signs of breeding readiness

Gestation- 336 days or 11 months

•
• Breeding Season- Spring
• Cycle- Spring/Summer when days are long
“Long day breeders”
D. Compare estrous cycles and gestation of different species and list common signs of breeding readiness

• Gestation- 30 days
• Breeding Season- Year round
• Cycle- Constantly, year round
D. Compare estrous cycles and gestation of different species and list common signs of breeding readiness

• Gestation- 21 days (incubation)

• Breeding Season- Year round or spring
• Cycle- Year round, but more productive when days are long
E. Describe signs of parturition and dystocia

• Parturition- The act of giving birth

• Signs:
– Milk develops in udder
– Abdomen drops
– Nesting
– Restlessness or pacing
– Abdomen muscles contract (just before birth)
E. Describe signs of parturition and dystocia

• Stage 1 –
– Preparatory Stage (Labor)
• Stage 2 –
– Delivery of Fetus
• Stage 3 –
– Expulsion of the placenta
• Stage 4 –
– Period of Rest
E. Describe signs of parturition and dystocia

• Dystocia- Difficulty giving birth

• Causes:
– Presentation
– Oversized fetus
– Multiple births
– Exhaustion, uterine contractions stop
• Solutions: Call vet or assist
yourself
– Cesarean Section (c-section)
– Assist manually
E. Describe signs of parturition and dystocia

• Birth Presentations Breech Upside down &

Backward
Normal

Head Back Leg Back