Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

2025

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Animal Science

First Advisor

Jessica Nora Drum

Abstract

This Review aims to provide an overview of the bovine estrous cycle and pregnancy establishment, beginning with follicular development, luteolysis, maternal recognition of pregnancy and early embryonic development. Manipulating the estrus cycle with synchronization protocols is a critical aspect of the beef industry and has greatly improved the efficiency of artificial insemination. This review will evaluate various strategies to synchronize estrus from the very basic to more advanced synchronization protocols. There are many factors that affect the success of the protocol, and many studies have been done to evaluate the estrus cycle to reach the highest level of success from these protocols. Early embryonic development is important for the successful gestation of a calf as well. Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins are another area of focus of research due to their association with embryonic loss. Although there have been many studies evaluating them, their function still remains largely a mystery. This review aims to dive into previous research of PAGs to present a picture of what is understood about them today.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Beef cattle -- Pregnancy.
Beef cattle -- Reproduction -- Regulation.
Estrus.
Glycoproteins.
Synchronization.

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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Rights Statement

In Copyright