Bovine Reproduction Page

: Cattle are polyestrous, meaning they cycle continuously throughout the year if not pregnant. The average cycle lasts 21 days and is divided into four distinct phases:

: Ovulation occurs, and the corpus luteum (CL) begins to form.

: A cow's pregnancy typically lasts about 283 days (roughly 9 months), fluctuating slightly depending on the specific breed and the sex of the calf. Bovine Reproduction

: The CL regresses if no pregnancy is detected, and the body prepares for a new heat cycle.

To manage and improve herds, producers rely on several heavily researched breeding methods: Bovine Reproduction - Taylor & Francis : Cattle are polyestrous, meaning they cycle continuously

is the cornerstone of both the dairy and beef industries. Efficient reproductive management directly dictates herd profitability, milk production volume, and genetic progress. 🔬 Core Biological Concepts

: The cow is in heat and sexually receptive to the bull. : The CL regresses if no pregnancy is

: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, progesterone, and prostaglandin ( PGF2αcap P cap G cap F sub 2 alpha end-sub ) orchestrate the entire reproductive process. 🚜 Breeding & Management Methods