Sheep farming is a traditional and common livestock project in rural areas of my country. The breed of sheep varies slightly depending on the region, and the estrous cycle of sheep directly affects the final income of sheep farmers. Let's take a closer look at how many days the estrous cycle of sheep lasts.
What is the estrous cycle of a sheep?
The estrous cycle in sheep refers to the interval between the start of one estrus cycle and the next. During an estrous cycle, unmated ewes, or those that have been bred but have not conceived, undergo a series of cyclical changes in their reproductive tract and body, resulting in another estrus cycle. The average estrous cycle in sheep is 21 days. Ewes typically reach puberty at 6-8 months of age, with the optimal breeding age being 1.5-2 years. Ewes within their breeding age that fail to exhibit normal estrus must be treated.
Ewe estrus
1. Sexual desire
Sexual desire is the behavior of a ewe willing to accept mating with a ram. When an ewe is in estrus, she generally does not resist the approach and mounting of a ram, or she will actively approach a ram and accept his mounting and mating. After ovulation, sexual desire decreases, and the ewe will resist the approach and mounting of a ram.
2. Sexual arousal
When ewes are in estrus, they exhibit excitement, restlessness, and decreased appetite.
3. Changes in the reproductive tract
During estrus, the vulva of the ewe becomes congested and swollen, the vaginal mucosa becomes congested and red, and there is discharge.
4. Follicle development and ovulation
During estrus, follicles mature on the ovaries of ewes. Once mature, the follicles rupture, releasing an egg that travels through the oviduct into the uterus. Under normal circumstances, the estrous cycle of a ewe is 16-18 days, and estrus lasts 20-50 hours.
