Female Hormones of Reproduction and Estrous

Colorado Agriscience Curriculum Animal Science Reproduction and Genetics Female Hormones of Reproduction and Estrous Hormones in Female Reproduction Gonadatropic Releasing Hormone (GNRH) – Hormone that stimulates the gonads. It also acts as a light switch turning FSH and LH on and off through the negative feedback system. (Released by the Hypothalamus) Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) – Signals the follicle on the ovary to begin production of an egg. (Released by the Anterior Pituitary). Luteinizing Hormone (LH) – Causes the follicle to undergo changes which lead to egg release. (Released by the Anterior Pituitary). 2 Hormones in Female Reproduction Estrogen – As the follicle grows larger, it begins to secrete more and more estrogen. This hormone affects the nervous system causing restlessness, the desire to mount other animals. It is the hormone that causes the signs of heat and it causes the female to accept service from the male. (Released by the follicle) Progesterone – The yellow body, which is the new gland formed by the collapsed cells of the follicle, secretes this hormone. It is the hormone that maintains pregnancy. It prepares the uterus for pregnancy and prevents the heat cycle. 3 The Difference Between Estrous and Estrus Estrous – In cattle, the series of events occurring in the ovaries and other female reproductive organs between two successive ovulations. In cows the average heat estrous cycle is 21 days, although 18 to 24 days is a normal range. Estrus – Portion of the female reproductive cycle when cows and heifer are sexually active, receptive and fertile. Estrus usually lasts about 18 hours, although it can range from 8 – 30 hours. 4 The Estrous Cycle Day 1 – Estrus. The day the heifer is sexually receptive to the male and fertilization of the egg may occur. Estrogen production is high at this point. Days 2-6 – Developing Corpus Luteum (Yellow Body) – Replaces the follicle, secretes progesterone and some estrogen, and prepares the uterus for pregnancy and prevents heat. (Luteal phase) Days 7-16 – Developed Corpus Luteum. Will stay in this stage if pregnant, secreting progesterone and some estrogen to prevent heat and maintain pregnancy. If no pregnancy is detected, the CL will begin to regress, the follicle will begin to develop and mature, and estrogen production will begin to increase from the follicle site. Day 17-21 – Regressing CL stage. The corpus luteum regresses in size and produces less progesterone. The follicle begins to grow and mature releasing more estrogen. The growth of the follicle happens due to the Anterior pituitary producing more Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone. (Follicular Phase) 5 The Estrous Cycle Day 1 again – Estrus. Period of time the cow will accept service. Ovulation actually occurs after this period of time. Ovulation is the actual release of the mature egg from the follicle. It occurs about 10 to 14 hours after the end of heat. A sharp increase in Luteinizing Hormone causes the follicle to rupture and the egg to release. It also stimulates the corpus luteum to develop from the ruptured follicle so progesterone can be produced to help maintain pregnancy, if it occurs. This means actual fertilization does not occur until after heat; however the male was accepted during heat. 6 ABS Global Inc. A.I. Management Manual 7 ABS Global Inc. A.I. Management Manual 8 Negative Feedback Negative feedback in the endocrine system is the means of selfregulation by which the body maintains correct hormone levels. If fertilization occurs, this cycle is broken and the levels of hormones change. 9