The Oestrous Cycle of the Cow A photographic atlas UPDATED EDITION

This book helps the reader to interpret the reproductive status of the cow using an outstanding selection of photographs with an eminently practical focus. The carefully chosen images let the reader visualize what they are touching during an examination, and describe the more basic procedures, such as rectal palpation or artificial insemination. It also highlights the importance of using oestrus synchronization protocols in routine reproductive practice.

KEY POINTS:

➜ Includes many visual materials that are of great educational value.

➜ Relates reproductive success to successful production, and describes basic procedures such as rectal palpation and artificial insemination.

➜ Helps the reader create a decision tree that will help them diagnose the reproductive stage of the cow being examined.

Author

MANUEL FERNÁNDEZ SÁNCHEZ

Veterinary sciences graduate of the University of Zaragoza, Spain. He currently coordinates nutrition projects, and specialises in analysing data generated on farms through various online initiatives. He is the webmaster of consuvet.com and the creator of www.cowsulting.com, www.recetaveterinaria.com, and www.cowculations.com

Table of contents

1. The reproductive tract of the cow Morphology, structure and function Position Reproductive organs of the cow Anatomy of the ovary Anatomy of the oviduct Anatomy of the uterus. Horns and body Anatomy of the uterus. Cervix Function of the ovary Hypothalamic-pituitary axis Relationship between production and reproduction Examination of the reproductive tract by rectal palpation Artificial insemination

2. Oogenesis, follicular development and dynamics Oogenesis Follicular development Follicular dynamics Synchronisation protocols

3. Recognising structures Guide to identify ovarian structures General evaluation of the cycle Recognising ovarian structures

4. The puerperium

5. Pregnancy diagnosis by palpation

6.  Ovarian cyst Follicular cyst Luteal cyst Persistent follicle Post-partum anoestrus Metritis Mummified foetuses Embryonic reabsorption Other processes