Unit 2 AN SCI 101

Ovary

The female reproductive organ responsible for producing eggs and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. It plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle and reproduction.

Bicornate

Uterus which has two horns or cavities, allowing for the development of multiple embryos. Smaller horns=less offspring

Duplex

A type of uterus that has two separate cavities with individual cervixes, allowing for the development of multiple embryos, often seen in some species of animals such as rodents.

Bifurcation

Separation of the uterus horns, used to determine reproductive organ locations

Broad ligament

Connective tissue sheet which supports and suspends reproductive tract

Oviduct

Gamete transportation, sight of fertilization, and supports early embryo development

Uterus

Muscle contraption (expel fetus and placenta), partially prepares sperm and provides environment for embryo and fetal growth, prostaglandin production

Cervix

Transport and sperm barrier, reservoir for sperm, blocks bacteria invasion and lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

Vagina

Secretes pheromones and lubrication. Also acts as the birth canal

Labia

Closes entrance to the vagina

Cow puberty

1 year

Cow cycle

21 days

Cow estrus

10 hours

Cow gestation

282 days

Sheep puberty

7 months

Sheep cycle

17 days

Sheep Estrus

24hr

Sheep gestation

150 days

Pig puberty

4 months

Pig cycle

21 days

Pig Estrus

48hr

Pig gestation

114 days

Horse puberty

18 months

Horse cycle

22 days

Horse estrus

48-200 hours

Horse gestation

337 days

Goat puberty

4-8 months

Goat cycle

21 days

Goat estrus

42 hours

Goat gestation

151 days

Cat puberty

4-18 months

Cat cycle

18 days

Cat estrus

6-7 days

Cat gestation

63 days

Testicles (testes)

sperm and testerone production

Scrotom

protective sack, temperature regulation of testes

Vas deferens

sperm transportation

Accessory sex gland

adds fluids and transportation

Parenchyma

where sperm is produced and houses seminiferous tubules

Mediastinum

Houses and protects the ducts used for sperm transportation

Epididymis

Sperm maturation and storage

Spermatic cord

contains vasculature, lymphatic system and nerves. Heat exchanger (pampiniform plexus) cremaster muscles and vas deferens

Cremaster muscles

Contracts and relaxes the testes

Pampiniform plexus

Counter-current exchange of heat

Semen

Sperm + seminal plasma

Muscular vascular penis

Less cartilage and inflates with blood (stallions)

Fibroelastic penis

More cartilage and Sigmond flexure (boars and bulls)

Sigmond flexure

In fibroelastic penis, allows for the penis to fully retract into the body

Sperm stressors

Heat stress, disease/infection and physical trauma to the testes

Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE)

Physical and semen examination for choosing possible breeders

Oocyte

Ovulated follicle of the ovary. Lifespan 6-12 days after ovulation

Sperm

Produced in testicles. Lifespan ins 24-48 hours after ejaculation

Monozygotic

one zygote splits into two (identical twins)

Dizygotic

Two oocytes were ovulated and fertilized (not identical twins)

Embryo elongation

Signals to mom that it is an embryo (cows)

Mobile embryo

Inhibits PGF2 from endometrium. Moves to tell mom it’s an embryo (Mares)

Placenta

Organ that exchanges oxygen, nutrients, and waster between fetus and mother. Offers chemical and physical protection.

MRP/ Maintenance of CL

The series of events by which the embryo signals its presence to the dam

and allows pregnancy to be maintained, by preventing luteolysis of the

corpus luteum (CL).

Caruncle

Attaches to the mother’s uterus

Epitheliochorial / Diffuse

Villi are “diffused” across the entire surface of the placenta. Common in mares and sows

Endotheliochorial / Zonary

Villi are concentrated in a single band/zone. Zones of the placenta visualized through uterus. Common in queens and dogs.

Hemochorial / Discoid

Closest contact to maternal blood supply. Humans, rats and rabbits.

Factors that influence fetal growth

Genetics, environment, and fetal hormones

Parturition stages

Preparation (relaxation of uterus cervix), calf delivery and placenta expulsion

Sex-sorted semen

Sperm are stained with dye and sorted by a laser, x-sperm binds more therefore heavier.

Estrus synchronization

Hormonal manipulations of the ovary to control/predict estrus timing. GnRH(triggers LH and FSH) and PGF.

Superovulation (SOV)

2 doses per day for 4 days. Numerous ovulatory sized follicles will grow to induce ovulation.

Ovum Pick-Up(OPU)

Transvaginal, ultrasound-guided retrieval of oocytes

Oocyte cryopreservation

Fertility saving technique that can be stored indefinitely, but damage can occur during freezing and thawing.

Natural Service

Ejaculation during mating + ovulation

Artificial Insemination (AI)

Semen collection and preservation + Ovulation

Vitro fertilization

Semen collection and preservation + OPU

Timed AI (TAI)

Used with ovulation synchronization protocol. Shot of GnRH given at time of insemination

IVF

Oocyte with surrounding cells undergoes maturation where it is fertilized in a dish before moving to an incubator and then a uterus.

ICSI

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection that eliminates almost all male infertility

In vivo derived (IVD) embryos

Made inside cow (or animal in general) using AI

In vitro produced (IVP) embryos

Made in lab, moved to an incubator and then the animal

Embryo Transfer (ET)

CL and embryo age must be synched

Ultrasonography

Pregnancy diagnosis and monitoring viability of fetus and presence of abnormalities.

Amniocentesis

Testing for genetic disorders. Paternity testing. Other health parameters