Author, Bureaucrats, Administrators
12,693
edits
Changes
Oestrus Behaviour - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 11:16, 3 September 2008
, 11:16, 3 September 2008no edit summary
{{toplink
|backcolour =EED2EE
|linkpage =Reproductive System - Anatomy & Physiology
|linktext =Reproductive System
|maplink = Reproductive System (Content Map) - Anatomy & Physiology
|pagetype =Anatomy
= Introduction =
|sublink1=Reproductive System - Anatomy & Physiology#Reproductive Behaviour
|subtext1=REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOUR
}}
<br>
== Introduction ==
Oestrus is the period of sexual receptivity in a female, commonly referred to as 'heat'.
Oestrus is the period of sexual receptivity in a female, commonly referred to as 'heat'.
----
----
= Cow =
==Cow==
[[Image:Oestrus Behaviour cow.jpg|thumb|right|150px|<p>Expression of Oestrus Behaviour in Relation to Ovulation</p><sup> Courtesy of In Practice,November 2005.</sup>]]
[[Image:Oestrus Behaviour cow.jpg|thumb|right|150px|<p>Expression of Oestrus Behaviour in Relation to Ovulation</p><sup> Courtesy of In Practice,November 2005.</sup>]]
== Oestrus Detection ==
===Oestrus Detection===
* Oestrus detection is critical, as the absence of detection is the most important reason for delayed breeding.
* Oestrus detection is critical, as the absence of detection is the most important reason for delayed breeding.
* Average oestrus detection rates are ~ 60%, the target is >70%!
* Average oestrus detection rates are ~ 60%, the target is >70%!
=== Standing to be Mounted ===
==== Standing to be Mounted ====
Although pedometers are increasingly being used and in-line milk progesterone tests are being developed, the most reliable method for determining the optimum timing of artificial insemination (AI) is the observation of cows standing to be mounted (STBM).
Although pedometers are increasingly being used and in-line milk progesterone tests are being developed, the most reliable method for determining the optimum timing of artificial insemination (AI) is the observation of cows standing to be mounted (STBM).
* Ovulation occurs approximately 30 hours after the first display of STBM, which in turn is 24 hours after the LH surge.
* Ovulation occurs approximately 30 hours after the first display of STBM, which in turn is 24 hours after the LH surge.
* The optimum time to inseminate in order to achieve the best conception rates is six to 24 hours after the first observed STBM.
* The optimum time to inseminate in order to achieve the best conception rates is six to 24 hours after the first observed STBM.
== Signs of Oestrus ==
=== Signs of Oestrus ===
* Standing to be mounted is the only truly reliable indication of oestrus.
* Standing to be mounted is the only truly reliable indication of oestrus.
** Mucus discharge (also when coming into and going out of oestrus). This is called a '''bulling string'''.
** Mucus discharge (also when coming into and going out of oestrus). This is called a '''bulling string'''.
=== Factors Influencing Oestrus Behaviour ===
==== Factors Influencing Oestrus Behaviour ====
Sexual behaviour in cows is itself influenced by numerous factors:
Sexual behaviour in cows is itself influenced by numerous factors:
** Cow–cow interactions are reduced, thus interfering with oestrus detection.
** Cow–cow interactions are reduced, thus interfering with oestrus detection.
== Aids to Improve Oestrus Detection ==
=== Aids to Improve Oestrus Detection ===
For methods of oestrous synchronisation and oestrus induction click [[Oestrous_Cycle_-Pharmacological_Manipulation_of_Oestrous_Cycles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|here]].
For methods of oestrous synchronisation and oestrus induction click [[Oestrous_Cycle_-Pharmacological_Manipulation_of_Oestrous_Cycles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|here]].
=== Tail Paint ===
==== Tail Paint ====
* Applied to the base of the tail and sacrum.
* Applied to the base of the tail and sacrum.
* Cheap and effective
* Cheap and effective
=== KaMaR Heat Mount Detectors ===
==== KaMaR Heat Mount Detectors ====
* More expensive
* More expensive
* AM/PM rule still holds: If you see a red detector in the morning, breed her late that afternoon. If you see a red detector in the evening, breed her the next morning.
* AM/PM rule still holds: If you see a red detector in the morning, breed her late that afternoon. If you see a red detector in the evening, breed her the next morning.
=== Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) ===
==== Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) ====
* CCTV with a time-lapsed video
* CCTV with a time-lapsed video
* Good cow identification is important.
* Good cow identification is important.
=== Teaser Bulls ===
==== Teaser Bulls ====
* Teaser bulls or androgenised cows will identify cows thst are in oestrus provided they have some sort of marker, such as a '''chin-ball device'''.
* Teaser bulls or androgenised cows will identify cows thst are in oestrus provided they have some sort of marker, such as a '''chin-ball device'''.
* Some bulls aquire harems of specific cows.
* Some bulls aquire harems of specific cows.
== Clinical Methods and Assessments for Oestrus Detection ==
=== Clinical Methods and Assessments for Oestrus Detection ===
Successful oestrus detection is reliant both on observation and the display of oestrous
Successful oestrus detection is reliant both on observation and the display of oestrous
behaviour. If either element is reduced, this has serious effects on detection and thus submission rates.A period of 30 minutes observation at least three times daily is recommended.
behaviour. If either element is reduced, this has serious effects on detection and thus submission rates.A period of 30 minutes observation at least three times daily is recommended.
=== Progesterone Levels ===
==== Progesterone Levels ====
* Low plasma or milk progesterone indicates that the cow is close to, or in oestrus.
* Low plasma or milk progesterone indicates that the cow is close to, or in oestrus.
* Sampling of milk progesterone to check oestrus identification can be counterproductive: aware that the purpose of this measurement is to ‘investigate’ their accuracy of oestrus detection, farm staff may be tempted only to sample cows that are definitely in oestrus during the period of checks.
* Sampling of milk progesterone to check oestrus identification can be counterproductive: aware that the purpose of this measurement is to ‘investigate’ their accuracy of oestrus detection, farm staff may be tempted only to sample cows that are definitely in oestrus during the period of checks.
=== Other Methods ===
==== Other Methods ====
* Detection of a [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|'''follicle''']] and absence of a [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Luteum_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|'''corpus luteum''']] by palpation or ultrasound examination of [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovaries]].
* Detection of a [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|'''follicle''']] and absence of a [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Luteum_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|'''corpus luteum''']] by palpation or ultrasound examination of [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovaries]].
----
----
= Ewe =
== Ewe ==
== Oestrus Detection ==
=== Oestrus Detection ===
== Signs of Oestrus ==
=== Signs of Oestrus ===
* Restless
* Restless
== Clinical Methods and Assessments for Oestrus Detection ==
=== Clinical Methods and Assessments for Oestrus Detection ===
* Low plasma progesterone
* Low plasma progesterone
----
----
= Sow =
== Sow ==
== Oestrus Detection ==
=== Oestrus Detection ===
== Signs of Oestrus ==
=== Signs of Oestrus ===
* Stands for a boar producing lots of [[Reproductive_Behaviour_-_Attractivity_Behaviour_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Pheramones|pheromones]] in [[Oral_Cavity_-_Salivary_Glands_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Saliva|saliva]].
* Stands for a boar producing lots of [[Reproductive_Behaviour_-_Attractivity_Behaviour_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Pheramones|pheromones]] in [[Oral_Cavity_-_Salivary_Glands_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Saliva|saliva]].
----
----
= Mare =
== Mare ==
* Oestrous detection is a problem because mares not in oestrus can cause significant damage to a stallion.
* Oestrous detection is a problem because mares not in oestrus can cause significant damage to a stallion.
== Clinical Methods and Assessments for Oestrus Detection ==
=== Clinical Methods and Assessments for Oestrus Detection ===
=== Ultrasound ===
==== Ultrasound ====
* Detection of a [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|'''follicle''']] and absence of a [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Luteum_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|'''corpus luteum''']] by palpation or ultrasound examination of [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovaries]].
* Detection of a [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|'''follicle''']] and absence of a [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Luteum_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|'''corpus luteum''']] by palpation or ultrasound examination of [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovaries]].
* Demonstration of follicle size, follicle wall thickening and follicle wall softening on ultrasound.
* Demonstration of follicle size, follicle wall thickening and follicle wall softening on ultrasound.
=== Vaginal and Cervical Examination ===
==== Vaginal and Cervical Examination ====
By visual; examination of the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|vagina]] and [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Cervix_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|cervix]] using an illuminated speculum, it is possible to detect the preovulation period.
By visual; examination of the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|vagina]] and [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Cervix_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|cervix]] using an illuminated speculum, it is possible to detect the preovulation period.
----
----
= Bitch =
== Bitch ==
* Long period of '''proestrus''' where the bitch is [[Reproductive_Behaviour_-_Attractivity_Behaviour_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|attractive]], but will not allow mating.
* Long period of '''proestrus''' where the bitch is [[Reproductive_Behaviour_-_Attractivity_Behaviour_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|attractive]], but will not allow mating.
* Poor relationship between time of [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovulation]] and external appearance.
* Poor relationship between time of [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovulation]] and external appearance.
=== Clinical Methods and Assessments for Oestrus Detection ===
== Clinical Methods and Assessments for Oestrus Detection ==
* Assessment of vulval softening
* Assessment of vulval softening
* Assessment of [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Histology_and_Innervation|vaginal epithelial cells]]
* Assessment of [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Histology_and_Innervation|vaginal epithelial cells]]
----
----
= Queen =
== Queen ==
* Oestrus detection is important, for although the queen is an '''induced ovulator''' (thus [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|'''ovulation''']] will not be missed), the LH response to mating decreases with each day of oestrus and [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|'''follicles''']] ultimately regress.
* Oestrus detection is important, for although the queen is an '''induced ovulator''' (thus [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|'''ovulation''']] will not be missed), the LH response to mating decreases with each day of oestrus and [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|'''follicles''']] ultimately regress.
* Tail erect and held to one side.
* Tail erect and held to one side.
* Slight mucoid vulval discharge.
* Slight mucoid vulval discharge.