Veterinary Theriogenology I Module
Prepared by Dr. Alemgezahu Mamo
1
, The objectives of this course are:
To possess an in-depth knowledge of functions of reproductive organs
and control of reproduction in female domestic animals.
To familiar with differences of reproduction in different species.
To understand the physiological state of reproductive organs of
domestic animals
2
,CHAPTER ONE: Anatomy and physiology of female reproductive organs
Reproduction is the process by which animals produce offspring for the purpose of
continuing the species. The process of reproduction begins with copulation, which
is the mating of a male and female of the species. Sperm cells from the male are
deposited in the female reproductive tract and try to unite with an egg cell. When
fertilization (a sperm cell and egg cell unite) occurs, an embryo begins to develop.
The embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus where it is protected, receives
nourishment, and develops. When the new offspring reaches the end of the gestation
period, it is delivered from the female reproductive tract in a process called
parturition. To completely understand the process of reproduction, a basic
knowledge of the reproductive tract structures and functions is required.
The primary function of the female reproductive system is:
The production of ova
The transportation of ova from the ovary to the site of fertilization
Transportation of spermatozoa from the point of deposition in the female tract to the site
of fertilization
Nourishment of the developing embryo and fetus
Parturition and nourishment of the infant
The secondary function includes:
The production of the female hormones which are responsible for
The secondary sex characteristics of the female animal as well as the
development of follicles in the ovary,
Ovulation,
Preparation of the uterus for implantation of an embryo,
Maintenance of pregnancy, parturition and
Preparation of the mammary glands for milk production
3
, Female genital organs comprises:
Vulva, vestibule, clitoris
Vagina
Cervix
Uterus
Oviducts
Ovaries
1.Ovaries
The ovary, unlike the testis, remains in the abdominal cavity. The ovaries are considered the
primary reproductive organs in the female. They are primary because they produce the female
gamete (Ovum) and the female hormones (Estrogen and progesterone). The cow, mare and ewe
are monotocous, normally give birth to one young each gestation period. Therefore, one ovum is
produced each estrus cycle. The sow is polytocus, producing 10 to 25 ova each estrus cycle and
giving birth to several young each gestation period. The average size is about 35*25*15mm. The
4
Prepared by Dr. Alemgezahu Mamo
1
, The objectives of this course are:
To possess an in-depth knowledge of functions of reproductive organs
and control of reproduction in female domestic animals.
To familiar with differences of reproduction in different species.
To understand the physiological state of reproductive organs of
domestic animals
2
,CHAPTER ONE: Anatomy and physiology of female reproductive organs
Reproduction is the process by which animals produce offspring for the purpose of
continuing the species. The process of reproduction begins with copulation, which
is the mating of a male and female of the species. Sperm cells from the male are
deposited in the female reproductive tract and try to unite with an egg cell. When
fertilization (a sperm cell and egg cell unite) occurs, an embryo begins to develop.
The embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus where it is protected, receives
nourishment, and develops. When the new offspring reaches the end of the gestation
period, it is delivered from the female reproductive tract in a process called
parturition. To completely understand the process of reproduction, a basic
knowledge of the reproductive tract structures and functions is required.
The primary function of the female reproductive system is:
The production of ova
The transportation of ova from the ovary to the site of fertilization
Transportation of spermatozoa from the point of deposition in the female tract to the site
of fertilization
Nourishment of the developing embryo and fetus
Parturition and nourishment of the infant
The secondary function includes:
The production of the female hormones which are responsible for
The secondary sex characteristics of the female animal as well as the
development of follicles in the ovary,
Ovulation,
Preparation of the uterus for implantation of an embryo,
Maintenance of pregnancy, parturition and
Preparation of the mammary glands for milk production
3
, Female genital organs comprises:
Vulva, vestibule, clitoris
Vagina
Cervix
Uterus
Oviducts
Ovaries
1.Ovaries
The ovary, unlike the testis, remains in the abdominal cavity. The ovaries are considered the
primary reproductive organs in the female. They are primary because they produce the female
gamete (Ovum) and the female hormones (Estrogen and progesterone). The cow, mare and ewe
are monotocous, normally give birth to one young each gestation period. Therefore, one ovum is
produced each estrus cycle. The sow is polytocus, producing 10 to 25 ova each estrus cycle and
giving birth to several young each gestation period. The average size is about 35*25*15mm. The
4
