1. Colorado Agriscience Curriculum
Animal Science
Unit 4 – Reproduction and Genetics
Lesson 1
Female Anatomy

2. Reproductive Anatomy of a Female Cow and Sow
(Unit 4 Reproduction and Genetics, Lesson 1Female Anatomy TM.A)
Reproductive Anatomy of a Female Cow and Sow
Taylor, Robert E., Scientific Farm Animal Production, 4th ed.

3. Diagram 1
(Unit 4 Reproduction and Genetics, Lesson 1Female Anatomy TM.B)
Taylor, Robert E., Scientific Farm Animal Production, 4th ed.

4. Female Organs of Reproduction and Their Functions
(Unit 4 Reproduction and Genetics, Lesson 1Female Anatomy TM.C)
Female Organs of Reproduction and Their Functions
Uterine horns – The place were the embryo develops in the sow (female pig).
The ovaries – Ovaries produce ova (eggs, oocytes) and the female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone. First, a fluid-filled follicle develops on the ovary and matures. Once mature, the follicle ruptures, freeing the oocyte. Once the oocyte escapes, the follicle changes into a corpus luteum or “yellow body” The “yellow body” produces progesterone. Progesterone is the hormone that maintains pregnancy.
Oviducts – The place where sperm and egg meet and fertilization takes place.
Uterus – The place where the embryo attaches and develops.
Cervix – An organ that has a lot of connective tissue. It is the passage way between the uterus and the vagina.
Vagina – Serves as the female organ of copulation and the birth canal at birth.
Vulva – Exterior part that leads to the vagina.

5. Reproductive Anatomy of a Hen
(Unit 4 Reproduction and Genetics, Lesson 1Female Anatomy TM.D)
Reproductive Anatomy of a Hen
Taylor, Robert E., Scientific Farm Animal Production, 4th ed.

6. Reproduction in Poultry Females
(Unit 4 Reproduction and Genetics, Lesson 1Female Anatomy TM.E)
Reproduction in Poultry Females
The eggs are laid outside the female.
The hen has only a left side functioning ovary and oviduct.
There are 3,600 – 4,000 miniature ova in a hen
Ovulation is the release of a mature yolk from the ovary
The time from ovulation to laying is about 24 hours.
If the egg was fertilized by a rooster or through artificial insemination, the fertilized egg can be hatched after 21 days of incubation or by the hen staying on her nest to keep the egg warm.