Fertilization, Pregnancy, and Birth Flashcards

A comprehensive set of practice questions covering the biological processes of animal fertilization, pregnancy diagnosis, gestation, parturition, and common reproductive complications.

What is the site of fertilization where the ovum moves to meet the sperm?

The uterine tubes

Where are sperm deposited during breeding before being transported through the cervix?

The vagina

How long are spermatozoa typically viable in the female genital tract for most species?

$$24\,\text{hours}$$

In which species do sperm often remain viable for $5$ or $6\,\text{days}$?

The dog

What is the process called that sperm must undergo within the uterus or fallopian tubes to achieve the ability to fertilize?

Capacitation

What hormone influences the uterine glands to produce fluid for the early development of the embryo?

Progesterone

What is the term for the sperm's ability to move from the point of deposit to the oviduct?

Motility

In polyestrous species like the cow and mare, what is the first outward sign of pregnancy?

The ceasing of estrous cycles

What substance is produced by the placenta of a mare between days $40$ and $120$ of gestation?

Equine chorionic gonadotropin

What is the duration of gestation for a cow?

$$273\text{--}296\,\text{days}$$

What is the duration of gestation for a mare?

$$327\text{--}357\,\text{days}$$

What is the duration of gestation for a bitch?

$$60\text{--}63\,\text{days}$$

What is the duration of gestation for a queen?

$$56\text{--}65\,\text{days}$$

What is the definition of gestation?

The period of development of an offspring from the moment of fertilization until birth

Which hormone's release stimulates the onset of actual labor?

Oxytocin

What occurs during the first stage of labor?

The uterus begins contracting and the cervix dilates

What occurs during the final (third) stage of parturition?

The expulsion of the fetal membranes and the involution of the uterus

What is the definition of involution of the uterus?

The return of the uterus to its nonpregnant state

What is dystocia?

A condition in which the female can’t deliver her offspring without outside help

What inherited condition in cattle may produce a fetus too large to be delivered?

Double muscling

Where are the mammary glands located in the mare, cow, ewe, and goat?

The inguinal region

How is the udder of a cow divided?

Into four quarters, each with its own teat

What is the onset of lactation at parturition associated with?

A drop in progesterone and estrogen levels and the production of prolactin from the pituitary gland

What is hypoplasia in the context of reproductive failure?

A condition where part of the animal’s reproductive tract hasn’t formed completely

What are venereal diseases?

Diseases that are sexually transmitted during breeding

What are two examples of venereal diseases mentioned that can result in abortion?

Trichomoniasis and brucellosis

What is the definition of abortion in the transcript?

The expulsion from the uterus of the products of conception before the fetus is able to live