of terms in animal production: (a) Oestrus Cycle: (i) This refers to the interval from the end of one heat period to the beginning of the other. (ii) this period of heat for coitus is usually followed by a long period in which they will not show desire to mate. (iii) length of cycle varies among species of livestock examples: Cow - 20 - 21 days, Ewe - 17 - 21 days, Sow - 14 - 2 days, Goat (Doe) -17 - 21 days, Rabbit (Doe) - Spontaneous
(b) Heat Period: (i) is the period when females have the urge to copulate and are ready to accept the males. (ii) It is also a time when the female produces a high level of estrogen which prepares he psychologically and physiologically for sexual activities. (iii) It' period when ovulation takes place (iv) Signs of heat include: Restlessness, mucus secretion by the cervix, standing still to be mounted, swollen an reddened vulva, bleating or bellowing in goat or cow, loss of appetite. abnormally high temperature or rise in rectal temperature; frequent urination, more frequent tail shaking.
(c) Gestation period: (i) This is a period between fertilization of an ovum to birth or period between conception and birth, (ii) During this period, the female animals do not normal( show signs of heat. (iii) the high level of progesterone secretion prevents any further ovulation during pregnancy an maintains pregnancy. (iv) It is also a period of swelling of the abdomen (iv) period of swelling of the udder. (v) period() increases in life weight. (vi) period when milk will issue from the udder when pressed. (vii) varies in duration from one livestock to the other. e.g Cow - 9 months. sheep / goat - 5 months. Sow -113 -115 days, Rabbit - 30 - 31 days.
(d) Paturition: This is the act of giving birth in farm animals. (ii) It marks the end of pregnancy. (iii) It marks the beginning of lactation. (iv) The act of paturition varies with farm animals. For i example, in: Cow it is called calving, Sow, it is called farrowing, Ewe, it is called lambing. Doe (Goat), it is called Kidding, Doe (rabbit), It is called kideling.
(e) Colostrum: (i) is the milk produced immediately after parturition. (ii) It is also the yellowish white milk produced immediately after giving birth to young ones. (iii) It is rich in protein, vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals and contains antibodies. (iv) It gives immunity to the young, defenceless offspring, in the first few days of life against disease infection. (v) all young ones must have access to colostrum for, at least, the first 5 days.