By Borsberry, S., Cattle Practice, 2003
Description
Oestrogens, produced by maturation of the dominant follicle, are integral in the initiation of sexual behaviour of the cow in oestrus. The production of oestradiol is dependent on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad interaction. Negative energy balance, sub-acute ruminal acidosis, lameness etc. can effect this interaction. Homosexual behaviour between cows will be dependent on the number of sexually active females, their health status and the environmental conditions in which they are kept. The timing of insemination is based on the primary sexual behavioural sign of standing to be mounted. The decreased length of oestrus and the pressure on farm staff who have less time for observation have, in part been responsible for lowered submission rates. With the changes of breeding policy, ever increasing yields and changes in management, we may have to look to ourselves rather than the cow if the trend is to be reversed.
Oestrogens, produced by maturation of the dominant follicle, are integral in the initiation of sexual behaviour of the cow in oestrus. The production of oestradiol is dependent on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad interaction. Negative energy balance, sub-acute ruminal acidosis, lameness etc. can effect this interaction. Homosexual behaviour between cows will be dependent on the number of sexually active females, their health status and the environmental conditions in which they are kept. The timing of insemination is based on the primary sexual behavioural sign of standing to be mounted. The decreased length of oestrus and the pressure on farm staff who have less time for observation have, in part been responsible for lowered submission rates. With the changes of breeding policy, ever increasing yields and changes in management, we may have to look to ourselves rather than the cow if the trend is to be reversed.
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