Female Reproduction Ms. Geistweidt Equine Science

Objectives Identify the various structures of the female reproductive system. List the parts of the female anatomy. Discuss the estrus cycle. Identify hormones involved in reproduction. Discuss the phases and stages of the estrous cycle Describe the alteration of the estrous cycle

Mare Anatomy Cervix Uterine Body Uterine Horns Oviduct Ovary Vagina Bladder

Female Anatomy

Structures Uterus ◦Functions:  Sperm transport  Control of cyclicity  Embryo environment  Expulsion of fetus Ovary ◦Functions:  Produce female gamete  Produce estrogen and progesterone

Equine Ovary

Structures Cervix ◦Functions:  Lubrication  Flushing  Longitudinal folds Bladder ◦Functions:  Store urine Vagina ◦Functions:  Female copulatory organ

Hormones of Reproduction Estrogen – produced by ovary, responsible for female characteristics and behavior FSH –(Follicle Stimulating Hormone) responsible for follicular growth LH –(Luteinizing Hormone)responsible for ovulation Prostaglandin – control estrous cycle Progesterone – maintain pregnancy

Estrous Cycle

Phases of the Estrous Cycle Follicular Phase ◦Formation of new follicles ◦Increasing Estrogen levels ◦Decreasing Progesterone levels Luteal Phase ◦Begins following ovulation ◦Increasing Progesterone levels ◦Decreasing Estrogen levels

Phases of the Estrous Cycle

Stages of Estrous Cycle Proestrus: ◦Beginning of the follicular phase (3 days) Estrus: ◦Period of standing heat (12-18 hours) Metestrus: ◦Luteal phase (6-8 days) Diestrus: ◦End of the cycle ( 9 days)

Altering the Estrous Cycle Why do we alter the cycle? ◦Allows for mares to be bred when you want ◦Breeding multiple mares at once ◦Allows for synchronization of multiple mares ◦Schedule ovulations How do we alter the cycle? ◦Use artificial lighting ◦Hormone control

Hormones for Altering Estrous Cycle Prostaglandin- Used to bring a mare back into estrus FSH- Used to induce the ovary to produce multiple follicles at once LH- Used to allow the ovary to release the follicle Progesterone – Used to maintain pregnancy and regulate the estrous cycle

Activity Answer the questions on the worksheet to the best of your ability You will have 15 minutes

Review What are the parts of the reproductive tract? Cervix Uterine Body Uterine Horns Oviduct Ovary Vagina Bladder How many phases are their to the Estrous Cycle? ◦Two  Follicular  Luteal

Review What are the stages of the Estrous Cycle? ◦Proestrus ◦Estrus ◦Metestrus ◦Diestrus Name the hormones of Reproduction: ◦Progesterone ◦Prostaglandin ◦Luteinizing Hormone ◦Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◦Estrogen

Summary Today we covered: ◦The structures of the female reproductive tract ◦The hormones of reproduction ◦ The phases of the estrous cycle ◦The stages of the estrous cycle ◦ Altering the estrous cycle Tomorrow we will cover the male reproductive tract