Changes

* In dioestrus, the [[Cervix_- Anatomy & Physiology|cervix]] and [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|vagina]] are pale pink and mucus is scanty and sticky.

* In dioestrus, the [[Cervix_- Anatomy & Physiology|cervix]] and [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|vagina]] are pale pink and mucus is scanty and sticky.

* During oestrus, there is a gradual increase in vascularity of the genital tract and relaxation of the [[Cervix_- Anatomy & Physiology|cervix]] with dilation of the cervical os.

* During oestrus, there is a gradual increase in vascularity of the genital tract and relaxation of the [[Cervix_- Anatomy & Physiology|cervix]] with dilation of the cervical os.

* Approaching [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_- Anatomy & Physiology|ovulation]], the [[Cervix_- Anatomy & Physiology|cervix]] becomes very relaxed and its protrusion can be seen on the [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|vaginal]] floor.

* Approaching [[Ovulation - Anatomy & Physiology|ovulation]], the [[Cervix_- Anatomy & Physiology|cervix]] becomes very relaxed and its protrusion can be seen on the [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|vaginal]] floor.

** [[Cervix_- Anatomy & Physiology|Cervical]] folds are oedematous

** [[Cervix_- Anatomy & Physiology|Cervical]] folds are oedematous

* [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|Vaginal]] folds glisten with clear lubricant mucus.

* [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|Vaginal]] folds glisten with clear lubricant mucus.

** Reduction in vulval [[Oedema - Pathology|oedema]]

** Reduction in vulval [[Oedema - Pathology|oedema]]

* Poor relationship between time of [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_- Anatomy & Physiology|ovulation]] and external appearance.

* Poor relationship between time of [[Ovulation - Anatomy & Physiology|ovulation]] and external appearance.

=== Clinical Methods and Assessments for Oestrus Detection ===

=== Clinical Methods and Assessments for Oestrus Detection ===

* Assessment of [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology#Histology_and_Innervation|vaginal epithelial cells]]

* Assessment of [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology#Histology_and_Innervation|vaginal epithelial cells]]

* Examination of the appearance of the [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|vaginal]] wall.

* Examination of the appearance of the [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|vaginal]] wall.

* Measurement of plasma progesterone concentration (detecting a rise in progesterone that preceeds [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_- Anatomy & Physiology|'''ovulation''']] in this species).

* Measurement of plasma progesterone concentration (detecting a rise in progesterone that preceeds [[Ovulation - Anatomy & Physiology|'''ovulation''']] in this species).

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== Queen ==

== Queen ==

* Oestrus detection is important, for although the queen is an '''induced ovulator''' (thus [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_- Anatomy & Physiology|'''ovulation''']] will not be missed), the LH response to mating decreases with each day of oestrus and [[Follicles - Anatomy & Physiology|'''follicles''']] ultimately regress.

* Oestrus detection is important, for although the queen is an '''induced ovulator''' (thus [[Ovulation - Anatomy & Physiology|'''ovulation''']] will not be missed), the LH response to mating decreases with each day of oestrus and [[Follicles - Anatomy & Physiology|'''follicles''']] ultimately regress.

* '''Proestrus''' is short and often unnoticed.

* '''Proestrus''' is short and often unnoticed.

* Oestrus is characterized by increased [[Attractivity Behaviour - Anatomy & Physiology#Auditory_Signals|vocalization]],rubbing and rolling.

* Oestrus is characterized by increased [[Attractivity Behaviour - Anatomy & Physiology#Auditory_Signals|vocalization]],rubbing and rolling.