Abstract
The main objective of this introductory chapter is to describe the anatomy, morphology and physiology of the reproductive tract both in nonpregnant and in pregnant cows. The female reproductive system comprises the ovaries, uterus, vagina and vulva, allowing for the conception, development and delivery of a viable calf which is nourished through the mammary gland until weaning. From puberty, at 12–24-old-months according to breed, the heifer starts a continuous cyclic oestrous activity, under hormonal control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, culminating in oestrus and ovulation every 21 days. After conceiving, the maternal pregnancy recognition takes place from the 16th day, and the embryo is implanted in the endometrium of the uterine horn. The corpus luteum is exclusively responsible for pregnancy maintenance, except for a period from around 150th to 240th day. The placenta and foetus gradually develop taking priority on energy partitioning and pushing the uterus into the abdominal cavity. At term, from the 260th day of pregnancy, the uterus is fully enlarged supporting a foetus weighing approximately 40 kg, as well as 20 litres of foetal fluid and 5 kg of foetal membranes, on average. After the foetus is delivered, dehiscence of the synepitheliochorial junction of each one of the 80–120 placentomes occurs, and maternal contractions lead to the expulsion of the placenta within 6–8 hours of calving. Involution of the uterus down to approximately its nonpregnant size occurs within the first 40th–42nd days after calving, defining the puerperal period and allowing for the resumption of the cyclic ovarian activity.
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Online Visual Guide
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Simões, J., Stilwell, G. (2021). Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology of the Nonpregnant and Pregnant Cow. In: Calving Management and Newborn Calf Care. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-68168-5_1
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