Post-Copulatory Behaviour - Anatomy & Physiology

()Map REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM (Map) REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOUR

• Post-copulatory behaviour may be considered in three stages.
  • Dismount
  • Refractory Period
  • Memory

Refractory Period

• Following ejaculation, all males experience a refractory period (commonly referred to as 'sexual exhaustion') before a second ejaculation can occur.
• Length of refractory period depends on several factors:
  • Degree of sexual rest prior to copulation
  • Age of male
  • Degree of female novelty
  • Number of previous ejaculations

• Normal for a male to copulate repeatedly with the same female.
  • Stallion will breed a mare in heat 5-10 times during one Oestrus period.
  • Rams remate with the same ewe 4-5 times.
  • Bulls remate with the same cow repeatedly.
  • Boars normally serve sows several times over a period of 1-2 days.

• During the refractory period, further stimuli will not cause immediate responsiveness or motivation under a given set of stimulus conditions.
• Restimulation may occur after the refractory period.
• Large variation in behavioural reserves (behavioural capacity/libido) among species.
• Large variation in libido within species.
  • Governed by genetic and environmental factors.