less than 1 minute read

Estrous cycle



Estrous cycle, in most female mammals, periodic readiness for mating, regulated by environmental signals and the release of hormones. The length of the cycle and of estrus (the period of fertility and receptivity to mating) varies among species. The female is sexually receptive during estrus, and most female mammals will not mate at any other time.



See also: Reproduction.

Additional topics

21st Century Webster's Family Encyclopedia21st Century Webster's Family Encyclopedia - Erasistratus to Federalism