Explain briefly four of the following terms in animal production (a) oestrus cycle (b) heat period (c) gestation period (d) parturition (e) colostrum.

Answer Details

Brief explanation of four terms in animal production:

(a) Oestrus cycle: This is the regular reproductive cycle in a mature non-pregnant female animal, being the interval from the beginning of one heat period to the beginning of the next. It is controlled by hormones and includes the phases of pro-oestrus, oestrus, met-oestrus and di-oestrus. In the cow it is about 21 days.

(b) Heat period (oestrus): This is the period within the oestrus cycle when the female is sexually receptive and will readily accept the male for mating. It is the time when ripe eggs are released (ovulation) and is the correct time for natural service or artificial insemination. The animal shows signs such as restlessness, mounting others and a swollen vulva.

(c) Gestation period: This is the length of time an animal carries its young in the womb, from the day of successful fertilization (conception) to the day of birth. It varies with the species, for example about 280 days in the cow, 150 days in the sheep and goat, and 114 days in the pig.

(d) Parturition: This is the act of giving birth, that is, the expulsion of the fully developed young one from the womb of the mother at the end of the gestation period. It is called calving in cattle, lambing in sheep, kidding in goats and farrowing in pigs.

(e) Colostrum: This is the first thick, yellowish milk produced by the mother immediately after parturition. It is rich in proteins, vitamins and antibodies which give the newborn immunity against diseases, and it also acts as a mild laxative to clear the young animal's gut.