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
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TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................... iii<br />
ABSTRACT.................................................................................. viii<br />
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................. x<br />
LIST OF FIGURES ......................................................................... xi<br />
LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................... xiii<br />
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................... xv<br />
CHAPTER 1 – Introduction & Literature Review ............................ 1<br />
1.1 INTRODUCTION....................................................................... 1<br />
1.2 REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY ................................................... 4<br />
1.2.1 The Bov<strong>in</strong>e Oestrous Cycle .................................................. 4<br />
1.2.1.1 Follicular Phase ............................................................. 6<br />
1.2.1.2 Oestrus & Ovulation ...................................................... 7<br />
1.2.1.3 Luteal Phase ................................................................. 7<br />
1.2.2 Management <strong>of</strong> Reproduction .............................................. 8<br />
1.2.2.1 AI vs. Natural Service .................................................... 9<br />
1.2.2.2 AI at the Optimum Time for Conception ......................... 10<br />
1.2.2.3 Oestrous Synchronisation ............................................ 12<br />
1.3 OESTROUS DETECTION .......................................................... 15<br />
1.3.1 General Overview ............................................................. 15<br />
1.3.1.1 Endocr<strong>in</strong>e, Neural <strong>and</strong> Genomic Changes Associated with<br />
Oestrous Behaviour ................................................................ 16<br />
1.3.2 Primary Sign <strong>of</strong> Oestrus .................................................... 18<br />
1.3.3 Secondary Signs <strong>of</strong> Oestrus ............................................... 18<br />
1.4 FACTORS AFFECTING OESTROUS EXPRESSION ......................... 22<br />
1.4.1 Environmental Fac<strong>to</strong>rs ...................................................... 22<br />
1.4.1.1 Hous<strong>in</strong>g ..................................................................... 22<br />
1.4.1.2 Floor Type .................................................................. 22<br />
1.4.1.3 S<strong>to</strong>ck<strong>in</strong>g Density ......................................................... 23<br />
1.4.1.4 Temperature <strong>and</strong> Season ............................................. 24<br />
1.4.2 Health ............................................................................ 25<br />
1.4.2.1 Lameness .................................................................. 25<br />
1.4.2.2 Production Related Diseases ......................................... 26<br />
1.4.2.3 Stress........................................................................ 27<br />
iii