Animal Reproductive System

tem in animals that is different between genders. Breeders and others in the animal industry need a thorough understanding of the female and male reproductive tracts.

HE reproductive system is the only sys-

Objective:

Explain the functions of the female reproductive tract and the male reproductive tract.

Key Terms:

accessory glands cervix clitoris Cowpers gland ejaculation fallopian tubes infundibulum ovary oviducts penis prostate gland scrotum testicle testosterone urethra uterus vulva
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Female Reproductive Tract

The reproductive system of the female produces egg cells, is the site of fertilization, and develops the fetus. Its structures are significantly different from those of the male reproductive system. The vulva is the external opening of the female reproductive and urinary tracts. Inside the vulva is the clitoris, which is the sensory organ of the female. Anterior to the vulva is the vagina. The act of copulation, or mating, occurs in the vagina. During natural mating, semen from the male is deposited in the vagina. The vagina is part of the birth canal. The fetus passes through the vagina during birth. The cervix is a muscular structure between the vagina and the uterus. The annular rings and gel-like mucus substance seal the uterus during pregnancy to protect the developing fetus from infection. During birth, hormones cause the cervix to relax, allowing the young to pass through. The uterus is the location where the embryo develops. The uterus is a Y-shaped structure with two uterine horns. The size of the uterine horns is dependent upon the typical number of offspring produced in one pregnancy. An animal such as the horse that usually has only one offspring per pregnancy has small uterine horns and a large uterine body. An animal such as the pig that has large litters has large uterine horns and a small uterine body. The oviducts, or fallopian tubes, are tubular structures that connect the ovaries and the uterus. The reproductive tract has two oviducts, one joining each ovary to a uterine horn. The union of the sperm and the egg cell occurs in one of the oviducts. The resulting zygote travels through the oviduct for implantation into the uterine wall. The infundibulum is the funnel-

Cervix Rectum Oviduct Vagina Vulva

Uterine horns Ovaries

FIGURE 1. Cow reproductive system.

Bladder

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shaped opening of the oviduct. As the ovary releases an egg cell, it is directed into the oviduct by the infundibulum. The ovary is the structure that produces the egg cell. It is also responsible for the production of the hormone progesterone. Each female mammal has two ovaries. In some animals, like chickens, only one ovary functions. Each ovary contains a predetermined number of follicles

Uterine body Uterine horn

Rectum Vagina Vulva

Oviduct Infundibulum Ovaries Bladder Cervix

Clitoris

FIGURE 2. Sow reproductive system. (Courtesy, Gary Stegman, Crookston, MN)

Ovary Follicles Magnum

Mature ovum Infudibulum Isthmus Uterus (shell gland)

Vagina Cloaca Rectum

Rudiment of oviduct Intestine

FIGURE 3. Hen reproductive system. (Courtesy, Gary Stegman, Crookston, MN)

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when the animal is born or hatched. For instance, a female chick normally has around 4,000 immature follicles, while a heifer has 75,000 immature follicles.

Male Reproductive Tract

The reproductive system of the male produces and stores semen and deposits it into the female reproductive tract. The penis is the organ that deposits semen, the fluid containing sperm cells, in the female reproductive tract. During copulation, the natural act of mating, ejaculation occurs, expelling the semen. The end of the penis serves as the sensory organ, which stimulates ejaculation. The penis is normally relaxed and housed in a protective sheath. However, when stimulated, the retractor muscle relaxes, and the sigmoid flexure allows the penis to extend from the sheath. The penises of different species are physiologically different. The penis of the stallion contains erectile tissue, while the penises of most other species do not. The boar has a uniquely shaped penis that resembles a corkscrew but fits the sows reproductive tract perfectly. The urethra is the tube that extends through the penis and allows for the excretion of urine. A male fowl has no penis; instead, it has an undeveloped copulatory organ to deposit semen in the oviduct of the hen. A fish expels semen through the urogenital pore.

Cowpers gland Prostate gland Ureters Bladder Seminal vesicles Sigmoid flexure Penis Sheath, laid open Head Body Epididymis Spermatic cords Vas deferens Tail Testicles Scrotum

FIGURE 4. Bull reproductive system.

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The accessory glands produce fluids that benefit the sperm cells. The Cowpers gland creates a fluid that cleans and neutralizes the urethra prior to ejaculation. The prostate gland secretes a fluid that provides the transportation medium for sperm. A fluid secreted by the seminal vesicles provides nourishment for the sperm. The testicle produces the male gametes and the male hormone testosterone. The two testicles of a male mammal are held in the scrotum, while in fish and poultry the testicles are held internally. Cryptorchidism is the condition in which one or both of a mammals testicles do not descend into the scrotum but are instead held in the body cavity. This causes sterility in the affected testicle(s). In a mammal, the scrotum is necessary to provide an environment that encourages sperm production, since its temperature is slightly below the body temperature of the animal.

Rectum

Ampulla

Vesicular glands Prostate gland Cowpers gland Retractor penis muscle Epididymis Scrotum Testes

Vas deferens Bladder Ureter

Sheath Glans penis

FIGURE 5. Stallion reproductive system. (Courtesy, Gary Stegman, Crookston, MN)

Summary:

The female reproductive tract includes the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The male reproductive tract includes the penis, urethra, accessory glands, testicles, and scrotum. Copulation is the natural act of mating.
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Checking Your Knowledge:

1. List the structures of the female reproductive tract. Explain the function of each. 2. List the structures of the male reproductive tract. Explain the function of each.

Expanding Your Knowledge:

Interview a livestock producer. If you are unable to find one locally, check with a livestock breed association to obtain the necessary contact. Determine from your interview why a complete understanding of animal reproduction is important to the producers success. Identify what combination of on-the-job experience and educational training contributed to the persons overall knowledge of the subject.

Web Links:

Reproduction in Farm AnimalsOklahoma State University http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/course/3443/study/ Bird Reproductive System http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww32eiv.htm

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