Physiology of reproduction in mammals

In mammals, two regulatory systems are involved in the reproductive process. The endocrine system and the nervous system both play a specific role. A subtle interplay between the two systems is essential for the cascade of events that finally has to result in the birth and successful rearing of healthy offspring. This section will give some basic theory about the functioning of the reproductive processes, and give an example of the interplay between the different steps in the process by means of a brief insight into the regulation of reproduction in the cow.