Reproduction and Genetics Female Anatomy Reproductive Anatomy of a Female Cow and Sow Diagram 1 Female Organs of Reproduction and Their Functions • • • • • • • Uterine horns – The place were the embryo develops in the sow (female pig). The ovaries – Ovaries produce ova (eggs, oocytes) and the female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone. First, a fluid-filled follicle develops on the ovary and matures. Once mature, the follicle ruptures, freeing the oocyte. Once the oocyte escapes, the follicle changes into a corpus luteum or “yellow body” The “yellow body” produces progesterone. Progesterone is the hormone that maintains pregnancy. Oviducts – The place where sperm and egg meet and fertilization takes place. Uterus – The place where the embryo attaches and develops. Cervix – An organ that has a lot of connective tissue. It is the passage way between the uterus and the vagina. Vagina – Serves as the female organ of copulation and the birth canal at birth. Vulva – Exterior part that leads to the vagina. Reproductive Anatomy of a Hen Reproduction in Poultry Females • • • • • • The eggs are laid outside the female. The hen has only a left side functioning ovary and oviduct. There are 3,600 – 4,000 miniature ova in a hen Ovulation is the release of a mature yolk from the ovary The time from ovulation to laying is about 24 hours. If the egg was fertilized by a rooster or through artificial insemination, the fertilized egg can be hatched after 21 days of incubation or by the hen staying on her nest to keep the egg warm.