AS-359 January, 1967
Structure and Function of the Cow’s Reproductive System
L. L. Wilson and W.M. Dillon, Animal Sciences Department
This publication is designed as a teaching aid for the intensified cattle reproduction schools conducted by the Indiana Cooperative Extension Service. It is also included in the Beef and Dairy Production Handbooks for County Extension Workers. The purpose of this publication is to help producers more clearly understand the structures and functions of the reproductive tract of the cow.
For instance, a normal egg must be released from the ovary to unite with a sperm from the male. The fertilized egg must then pass to another part of the system where growth and development can occur. Finally, the reproductive system must allow a success ful delivery of the calf and then return to a condition which will permit another normal pregnancy.
Introduction
The primary product of the cow’s repro -I ductive tract is the egg (ovum). However, a rather elaborate, well organized system of passage ways is also necessary for successful completion of the reproductive process.
The ovaries
The principal female organs are the ovaries which, unlike the bull testes, are located inside the abdominal cavity. The ovaries are about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and are oval-shaped. The ovary consists of
germinal
epithelium
primary follicle
double-layered follicle
follicle-beginning of antrum formation
K.	developing follicle
produces estrogen
blood vessels
mature corpus luteum (yellow body) produces progestrone
mature follicle
ruptured follicle
^ released egg lutein cells [
medulla
Figure 1. Changes in the ovary
blood clot J
young corpus luteum
Beef Section • Animal Sciences Department
Cooperative Extension Service, PURDUE UNIVERSITY, lafoyette, Indiana
Beef   Reproduction