What is estrus in animal sexual behavior?

Estrus, also spelled oestrus, is the most fertile period in the reproductive cycle of mammalian females and is induced by reproductive hormones. For most non-human mammals, mating and copulation occur during this specific window to increase the chances of successful impregnation. These recurring cycles begin after sexual maturity and continue until death, though they can be interrupted by pregnancy or rest phases known as anestrus.

What we know

• For most non-human mammals, mating and copulation occur at estrus, which is the most fertile period in the mammalian female's reproductive cycle. [2]
• The estrous cycle is a set of recurring physiological changes induced by reproductive hormones in females of the mammalian subclass Theria. [3]
• Estrous cycles start after sexual maturity in females and are interrupted by anestrous rest phases or by pregnancies. [3]
• The male equivalent of estrus, seen primarily in ruminants, is called rut. [3]

Where to go next

• how it workedHow do reproductive hormones control the estrous cycle?
• what caused itWhat happens during the anestrus phase?
• compared withHow does the male rut compare to female estrus?
• the bigger pictureWhat are common mating systems in animal sexual behavior?
• a case in pointHow is the estrous cycle controlled in agricultural cattle?
• an unexpected connectionWhy do some mammals experience pseudo-menstruation during estrus?Many mammals display a bloody vaginal discharge during their estrous cycle that is frequently mistaken for human menstruation.

Sources

• [1]animal sexual behaviour (Wikidata Q2431958) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Animal sexual behaviour · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Estrous cycle · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Homosexual behavior in animals · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Dog behavior · CC BY-SA 4.0