Female Reproduction Female Reproduction Anatomy/PhysiologyAnatomy/Physiology

Nick NelsonNick NelsonBlue Mt. CCBlue Mt. CC

Animal Science InstructorAnimal Science InstructorANS 217ANS 217

Female AnatomyFemale Anatomy

Reproduction Anatomy FunctionsReproduction Anatomy Functions

• Vulva: – Protection from dirt/manure– Indicator of Estrus or Parturition

• Vagina: – Tough striated muscle– Site of natural insemination for bull– Folds causing major obstruction for Semen

• Os:– Opening to the cervix– Dilates during Parturition

Reproduction Anatomy FunctionsReproduction Anatomy Functions

• Cervix:– Major obstacle for sperm cells – Rough rings– Holds the fetus in uterus; in pigs a gelatin plug prevents other

males from breeding

• Uterus:– Site of Artificial Insemination deposition– Area where the fetus grows and develops– Very soft and easy to tear

• Uterine Horns:– Part of the uterine body– Fetus will spend some time developing in one of the horns

Reproduction Anatomy FunctionsReproduction Anatomy Functions

• Oviduct (Fallopian Tube):– Site of Fertilization- Released egg meets eligible

sperm cell

• Ovary:– Produces the Eggs– Right ovary produces slightly more than left– 2 Follicular Stages

• Graffian Follicle- New follicle, full of hormones ready to produce eggs

• Corpus Luteum Follicle- Yellow Body; eggs have ruptured, produces Progesterone and maintains the pregnancy

Estrous Cycle/Follicle DevelopmentEstrous Cycle/Follicle Development

1 FSH 2 Estrogen 3 LH 4 Progesterone

Standing Heat

Ovary During Estrous CycleOvary During Estrous CycleGraffian Follicle

Old CL Ovulation

Pgf2α lyses CL

Female HormonesFemale Hormones

• Estrogen (E2):– Produced by the Follicle– Tells the cow she is in heat (Estrus)– Prompts the Uterus to contract to help sperm travel– Causes glands to produce mucus and increase blood flow

• Progesterone (P4):– Produced by the ovary and Corpus Luteum– Maintains pregnancy

• Prostaglandin (Pgf2α):– Produced by the pituitary– Lyses the CL and stops progesterone; occurs about day

16 if cow is not bred– Common synchronization hormone

Female HormonesFemale Hormones

• Gonadatrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)– Tells ovary to start a new follicle

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH):– Produced by the pituitary– Starts the growth of the new egg

• Luteinizing Hormone (LH):– Produced by the pituitary– Causes the follicle to undergo changes which

lead to egg release

Process of A.I.Process of A.I.

• Reach into rectum with gloved hand

• Sweep down below the pelvic rim to find cervix

• Cervix feels like a chicken neck

• Lift and stretch out the Repro tract

Process of A.I.Process of A.I.

• Insert the pipette at a 45о upward angle to miss the bladder

• Push the pipette forward to the cervix opening (Os)

• Squeeze the cervix to funnel the pipette into cervix

Process of A.I.Process of A.I.

• Be aggressive with your gloved hand in working the cervix over the pipette

• Place thumb of gloved hand over the back of the cervix to stop the pipette from going to far into the uterus which will cause lacerations

Process of A.I.Process of A.I.

• Slowly depress plunger on the pipette to deposit semen

• Slowly retract pipette from the cow

Researching SemenResearching Semen

• Find 5 different bulls’ semen available you think would be the best to buy

• Record the following:– Name of the bull and breed– Location (where is the bull)– Price– Characteristics of the bull– Other important information– List the websites (must use at least two)!