Reproduction Unit Objectives: By the end of this unit, students will be able to…-          Identify the following from both images of the reproductive tract as well as by their descriptions: uterus, vulva, oviduct, cervix, and vagina. -          List the causes of reproductive inefficiency in livestock.-          Compare and contrast natural and artificial insemination.-          Explain how each of the following change during estrus: vulva; oviduct; vagina; ovary.-          Identify and explain the purpose (if any) of each of the following cervical structures: a. Fornix   b.  Annular Rings   c.  Mucus Plug  -          Identify and explain the purpose (if any) of each of the following uterine tissues:a. Perimetrium   b.  Myometrium   c.  Endometrium   d. Caruncles-          Identify and explain the purpose (if any) of each of the following regions in the oviduct: a.  UTJ    b.  Isthmus   c.  Ampulla   d. Infundibulum-          Identify and explain the purpose (if any) of each of the following ovarian structures: a.  Ova    b.  Follicles   c.  Corpus Luteum -          List and describe the signs of estrus in a cow.-          Summarize the causes, symptoms, and implications of each of the following disorders:a. Ovarian Cyst   b.  Anestrus   c.  Freemartin   d.  Blind/Closed Cervix   e.  Dystocia  f. Metritisg. Retained Placenta  h. Anestrus  i.  Uterine Prolapse   j. Vaginal Prolapse   k.  Repeat Breeding-          Define and describe each of the following: a. Estrous Cycle    b.  Endocrine Gland   c.  Target Tissue   d.  Estrus   e.  Endocrine System-          Summarize how a hormone “knows” which tissues and organs to activate.-          Explain why two messenger systems are needed in the bodies of animals.-          Identify, describe, and explain the function of GnRH, FSH, LH, Estradiol, Progesterone, and PGF2α.-          Identify GnRH, FSH, LH, Estradiol, Progesterone, and PGF2α based on when the reach their peak levels in the estrous cycle.-          Explain the purpose, mechanism, and hormonal components of Lutalyse, Ovsynch, CIDR, and MGA.-          Summarize and explain each of the following stages of the estrous cycle:a.  Estrus    b.  Metestrus   c.  Diestrus    d.  Proestrus-          Explain the difference between a paracrine and endocrine hormone.-          Explain the difference between insemination and conception.-          Identify the window of time in which a cow should be bred after calving.-          Determine when it is appropriate to breed a cow by recognizing the signs of a cow in heat.-          Summarize the function of each of the following heat detection aids: heat expectancy chart, mount detection aid, tailhead markings, heat detector animals, and pedometers.-          Identify when insemination should occur based on when a cow is seen in heat.-          Summarize the purpose, function, use, and limitations of the following pregnancy detection methods: rectal palpation, ultrasounds, and blood testing.-          Compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of twinning in cattle.-          Summarize and define each of the following terms: dry period, lactation, gestation, and mastitis.-          Summarize the steps necessary to dry off a cow and prevent mastitis during or after the dry period.-          Diagnose a case of mastitis based on its symptoms.-          Diagnose whether or not a cow is about to calve based on her symptoms.-          Summarize the signs of normal calving vs. abnormal calving and diagnose whether or not human intervention is necessary.-          Summarize and explain the steps required to conduct a physical exam on a cow while she is calving.-          List the situations in which human intervention during calving will always be necessary.-          Explain the proper intervention methods during the following scenarios: upside down calf, backwards calf,                 calf with a head/leg bent backwards, calf that is positioned correctly but has not made any progress in at least 30 minutes.-          Summarize how to manually dilate the cervix of a cow to aid in calving.-          Demonstrate how to properly utilize and apply calving chains in order to assist with cases of dystocia.-          Demonstrate how to properly care for the cow and the calf after calving in order to ensure maximal health and prevent disease and infection.