Animal Science 434 - Female Anatomy

Objectives:

  1. Examine and learn the anatomical parts of the cow, sow, mare, bitch and human reproductive tract.
  2. Connect structure with function for the different parts of the female reproductive tract.
  3. Learn how the anatomy of the species we have available to you are similar yet different at the same time.
  4. Identify an oocyte from a follicle in the reproductive tract of a cow or sow.
  5. Estimate fetal age.
  6. Gather data for statistical evaluation in week 2.
  7. Learn about Trichomoniasis, its diagnosis and prevention.

Required Materials:

  1. Each group should have either a cow, sow or mare reproductive tract for dissection.
  2. Each lab section should have at least 1 of the various species reproductive tract as an example.
  3. Models of the cow, sow, mare and bitch should be available in class for observation.
  4. Either an ovary on the tract for dissection or other ovary to be used for follicular aspiration.
    • A dissecting microscope to view oocytes aspirated
    • 30 or 60 mm petri dish to place oocye in for viewing
    • Each station should have an 18 gauge needle on a 3 - 10 ml syringe
  5. Each group should have a ruler to measure crown rump length of a fetus.
  6. Each group should have a string to use in measuring the length of the uterus (question 9).

Terminology:

Laboratory Activities:

  1. Get ready for lab: You will review female anatomy in a handout and your textbook, and view 6 videos on female anatomy of the cow, sow and mare. Do these before coming to Lab.
  2. Anatomy - In class you will have either a cow, sow or mare tract to dissect and then can only observe the other species. You are responsible to know all of these species.
    • Cow anatomy: You will dissect a cow reproductive tract and learn the different anatomical parts.
    • Pig anatomy: You will dissect a sow/gilt reproductive tract and learn the different anatomical parts.
    • Mare anatomy: You will dissect a mare reproductive tract and learn the different anatomical parts.
  3. Diagrams: To enhance your ability to remember what you have just observed in the dissection, you will draw a diagram of the cow, pig or mare reproductive tract.
  4. Trichomoniasis: Each week you will be investigating a different reproductive disease. This week you examine Trichomoniasis, its consequences and prevention.
  5. Follicle aspiration: Prove that follicles do contain oocytes.
  6. Further questions: These questions designed to make you think but may be completed after lab if needed. Remember that during the lab period, instructors are available to answer questions as needed.
  7. Comparative female anatomy: Examine the relationships among several species in female anatomy.
  8. Estimate Fetal Age: Simple crown-rump and fetal age calculator for cattle or pigs.
  9. Measurements and statistics: Calculate class averages and distribution statistics on cow reproductive tracts. New 2015
  10. Cow Project: Go to barn with instructor to meet cows, label your cow, figure out how to divide your group up to observe estrus.
  11. Review quiz of female anatomy: Try your luck after you finish the lab.