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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

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