ANFS101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Estrous Cycle, Ovulation, Photoperiodism

• School: University of Delaware
• Department: Animal and Food Sciences
• Course: ANFS101
• Professor: Griffiths Lesa

Document Summary

In most dogs, puberty begins at 6-9 months of age. Ovarian cycle of the bitch is monoestrous. Time between cycles varies from 4-13 months with an average of 7 months. Estrus- short specific period within estrous (heat) Exterior signs of heat in the bitch include behavioral changes like marking territory, swollen vulva, and light bloody discharge from the vulva. Heat: under the influence of luteinizing hormone (lh) progesterone, and estrogen. Signs of heat in the queen include restlessness, vocalizations, and possibly marking of territory. Displays uniqueness in her reproductive function in the ovulation must be induced by copulation. Mating of the queen induces the lh surge required for ovulation. Average age of puberty = 10 months with range of 4-18 months. Breeding season varies according to day length (march- The average length of the estrous cycle= 14-21 days. Estrous lasts approximately 7 days followed by a period of non receptivity if no mating occurs.