25.12.2013 Views

novel approaches to expression and detection of oestrus in dairy cows

novel approaches to expression and detection of oestrus in dairy cows

novel approaches to expression and detection of oestrus in dairy cows

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

1.2.1.1 Follicular Phase<br />

There are a fixed number <strong>of</strong> primordial follicles established dur<strong>in</strong>g foetal<br />

development (Webb et al., 2004), which deplete thereafter as many<br />

follicles become atretic because follicle growth occurs cont<strong>in</strong>uously<br />

throughout the cow’s reproductive life (Fortune, 1993). Cattle are<br />

monovular therefore as primordial follicles are recruited most become<br />

atretic <strong>and</strong> do not progress through <strong>to</strong> selection <strong>of</strong> the s<strong>in</strong>gle dom<strong>in</strong>ant<br />

follicle, <strong>and</strong> few follicles (4mm <strong>in</strong> diameter, until follicles reach 6-8mm<br />

diameter, when one follicle is selected for cont<strong>in</strong>ued growth <strong>and</strong> becomes<br />

dom<strong>in</strong>ant <strong>and</strong> will either ovulate or undergo atresia (Webb et al., 2003).<br />

Follicular development is governed by a period <strong>of</strong> gonadotroph<strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>in</strong>dependence followed by a period <strong>of</strong> dependence (Webb et al., 2004).<br />

Dur<strong>in</strong>g recruitment, each wave is preceded by <strong>in</strong>creases <strong>of</strong> FSH secretion<br />

last<strong>in</strong>g 1-2 days, stimulat<strong>in</strong>g growth <strong>of</strong> smaller follicles,

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!