Reproductive Systems

Major Organs of the Reproductive System

Ovaries - FEMALE reproductive gland in which EGGS are formed and hormones are produced.

Testes -- MALE reproductive gland that produces SPERM and TESTOSTERONE.

Reproductive Terms

Zygote -- a cell formed by the union of EGG and SPERM at fertilization.

EMBRYO -- organism in early stages of development.

PREGNANCY -- carrying a fetusFertilization -- the union of the EGG

and SPERM nuclei

Reproductive Terms

CONCEPTION - occurrence of fertilization

Ejaculation - a discharge of semen from the male

Ovulation - release of an OVULE from the female.

Sterility - Temporary or permanent inability to reproduce

Reproductive Terms

Fertile - the ability to reproduc.Palpation - Examination by feelGestation - the time from

FERTILIZATION or conception of a female until she gives BIRTH

The Estrous Cycle

1. Estrus – period of time when female is receptive to the male and will stand for mating.

2. Metestrus – follows ESTRUS; period when the CORPUS LUTEUM (hormone-secreting growth) forms where the EGG was released from the OVARY.

The Estrous Cycle

3. Diestrus – follows METESTRUS; period when the corpus luteum is FUNCTIONAL. Hormones released stimulate preparation of UTERUS for PREGNANCY.

4. Proestrus – follows DIESTRUS; rapid FOLLICLE growth to prepare for next OVULATION.

Average Estrous Cycles

Cows 21 daysMares 21 daysSows 21 daysEwes 16 days

Heat (Estrus) Detection --

List ways to detect heat in each of the following species:

Cow or Heifer –Mare –Ewe –Sow or Gilt –

Best time of the year to breed

Mare – horses are seasonal polyestrous breeders and mares cycle naturally in the ____________ and stop cycling in __________________. Breed mares on the _______ day of estrus and every other day for ____________ days.

Cow or Heifer – cattle will breed throughout the year although most ranchers restrict breeding to __________ days in the ___________ or spring so that calves will be born together.

Ewe – sheep are ______________ polyestrous breeders and breed buring the late ___________ and early ________, in order for lambs to be born in the __________ or early __________.

Sow or Gilt – hogs are __________________ polyestrous breeders and are usually bred to have ________ litters each year. Breed sow on the __________ day of estrus and _________ hours later.

Doe Rabbit – domestic rabbits breed most successfully in the __________ and _________.

Reproductive HormonesHormone Origin Destination Function

Follicle Stimulating Pituitary Ovaries Grows follicles Hormone on ovaries

Estrogen ____________ _____________Femininity and mating desire

3. Lutenizing Hormone Pituitary _____________________________

4. _____________ ____________ Brain Stops the cycle

5. Oxytocin Putuitary _____________________________________________

6. _____________ TestesBrain/Total Body

________________

Sex Cells

Contain HALF the normal number of chromosomes

Female Reproductive Cell - EGG (OVULE)

Male Reproductive Cell - SPERM Semen - the fluid that carries sperm

Sperm Abnormalities

Normal Pear Slender

Microcephalic

Sperm Abnormalities

Macrochephalic

Double Headed

Abnormal Acrosome

Sperm Abnormalities

Off Center Coiled Tail Double Tail

Sperm Abnormalities

Bent Tail Double Swollen

Sperm Abnormalities

Detached Heads

Protoplasmic Droplet Shoehoo

k TailLoose

Cap

Sperm from Different Species

Bull Sheep Chicken

Rat

Guinea Pig

Female Reproductive Organs Structure

Female Reproductive Organs Function

Vulva -opening of reproductive tractVagina - channel for birth and copulationCervix - divides vagina and uterusUterus - provides nourishment for fetusHorns of Uterus - where fetus growsFallopian Tube - where fertilization

occursOvaries - produces eggs and hormones

Male Reproductive Organs Structure

Male Reproductive Organs Function

Testes - produce sperm and testosterone

Epididymis - collects and stores spermVas deferens - transports spermAmpulla - temporary storagePenis - places sperm in femaleUrethra - transports urine

Male Reproductive Organs Function

Cowper's Gland - produces semenProstrate Gland - produces semenSeminal Vesicle - produces semenRetractor Penis Muscle - Scrotum - protects testes, maintains

tempSheath - opening of reproductive tractSpermatic cord - supports testes

Reasons for Sterility & Delayed Breeding

Poor SemenPhysical defects and injuriesPsychological problemsInfection and DiseasePoor management and feedingInherited abnormalities

Best Time for Fertility Checks

Just before breeding season By testing at this time you can identify sterile or

near sterile bulls at the time they are expected to settle cows.

Soon after breeding season Semen collected at the end of the breeding season

should be evaluated carefully because heavy service temporarily lowers the semen quality in most bulls. Checking fertility at this time, however, saves the cost of keeping an infertile bull

Reasons For Infertility SterilityAge DeformitiesTemperatureConditionFreemartinSilent HeatChronic bullerDisease and Infections

Reasons For Poor Conception Rates

Improper timing of inseminationDiseasePoor insemination techniquePoor managementOvulationPoor Semen