Female ReproductionFemale ReproductionMs. GeistweidtEquine Science

ObjectivesObjectives

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 cycleDescribe the alteration of the estrous

cycle

Mare AnatomyMare Anatomy

CervixUterine BodyUterine HornsOviductOvaryVaginaBladder

Female AnatomyFemale Anatomy

Structures Structures

Uterus◦Functions:

Sperm transport Control of cyclicity Embryo environment Expulsion of fetus

Ovary◦Functions:

Produce female gamete Produce estrogen and progesterone

Equine OvaryEquine Ovary

StructuresStructures

Cervix◦Functions:

Lubrication Flushing Longitudinal folds

Bladder◦Functions:

Store urineVagina

◦Functions: Female copulatory organ

Hormones of ReproductionHormones 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 cycleProgesterone – maintain pregnancy

Estrous CycleEstrous Cycle

Phases of the Estrous CyclePhases 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 CyclePhases of the Estrous Cycle

Stages of Estrous CycleStages 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 CycleAltering 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 Hormones for Altering Estrous CycleCycle

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

ActivityActivity

Answer the questions on the worksheet to the best of your ability

You will have 15 minutes

ReviewReview

What are the parts of the reproductive tract?

CervixUterine BodyUterine Horns

OviductOvaryVaginaBladder

How many phases are their to the Estrous Cycle?

◦Two Follicular Luteal

ReviewReview

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

SummarySummary

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