ANSC Puberty Flashcards

Average Age of Puberty for Canine (Dogs) Males

9 months.

Average Age of Puberty for Equine (Horses) Males

14 months.

Average Age of Puberty for Boar (Pig)

6 months.

Average Age of Puberty for Ram

7 months spring born, 12 months fall born

Average Age of Puberty for Sow

5-7 months.

Average Age of Puberty for Equine (Horses) Females

18 months.

Average Age of Puberty for Bovine (Cattle) Females

11 months.

Average Age of Puberty for Canine (Dogs) Females

6-12 months.

Average Age of Puberty for Alpaca (Females)

24 months.

Average Age of Puberty for Alpaca (Males)

24 months.

Why is puberty important in animals?

Puberty is important for the acquisition of reproductive competence and GnRH production which influences ovulation.

What role does the hypothalamus play in puberty?

The hypothalamus is involved in the regulation of GnRH production, which is crucial for reproductive processes.

What factors influence the onset of puberty?

Factors include plane of nutrition, exposure to environmental or social cues, and the genetics of the individual.

What is the significance of alpha fetoprotein in relation to the blood-brain barrier?

In females, alpha fetoprotein prevents estradiol from entering the brain, feminizing the hypothalamus, while in males, alpha feto protein does not prevent testosterone from entering and is converted to estradiol, leading to defeminization and absence of a GnRH surge center in males.

What are the two most important factors affecting female puberty?

Females must reach a threshold body size and external/social factors influence the onset of puberty, like the season the animal was born and the presence of males.

How does nutrition affect the onset of puberty in animals?

Plane of nutrition influences body weight and growth rates, which in turn affect the timing of puberty.

What is the role of leptin in puberty?

Leptin, secreted by adipocytes, signals the hypothalamus that a sufficient level of fatness has been reached, which may facilitate the onset of puberty.

How does the exposure to males affect the onset of puberty in gilts?

Exposure to a boar accelerates puberty, while being in small groups of the same sex can delay it.

What are the differences in the age of puberty based on the month of birth in ewe lambs?

Spring-born ewe lambs typically reach puberty at 6-7 months of age, while fall-born lambs take about 12-12.5 months.

What impact does advancing puberty in females have on their productivity?

Advancing puberty in females can negatively affect their productive ability.

What is an advantage of advancing puberty in males?

Advancing puberty in males can facilitate greater genetic progress and reduce costs related to maintenance of lower quality mature males.

What is the average age of puberty of Ewes

6 months spring born, 12 months fall born