The reproduction of many organisms follows a cyclical pattern, known as the reproductive cycle, which regulates the conception and birth of offspring. Many animals, including salmon, birds, deer and turtles synchronize their reproduction with the seasons in order to optimize the chance of survival for their young. Humans and other higher primates, on the other hand, remain sexually active all year; human fertility is governed by the menstrual cycle.
Unlike most mammals, which are fertile for their entire lifespans, human females stop going through their menstrual cycles when they reach menopause, usually around the age of 50.
In mammals, fish, amphibians and reptiles, the reproductive cycle is governed by the endocrine sytem. Usually, female mammals are only receptive around the time of ovulation, during a period known as estrus. The reproductive cycle can also be affected by environmental factors. Factors such as water temperature, pH, and current, for example, can all affect the reproductive cycle of fish.
The reproductive tract of the mature doe consists of the ovaries, which weigh 0.5 to 3 grams dependent on the stage of the reproductivecycle.
The exterior component of the doe reproductive tract is the vagina which is the site of semen deposition during natural mating; it also supplies a fluid environment to support this process during the appropriate stage of the estrous cycle.
Reproduction should be a vital component of the overall herd management scheme and closely integrated with nutritional and health aspects, as well as form part of a comprehensive recording system.
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