Estrous cycle: Difference between revisions

Estrous cycle variability differs among species, but cycles are typically more frequent in smaller animals. Even within species significant variability can be observed, thus [[cat]]s may undergo an estrous cycle of 3 to 7 weeks.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Griffin|first=Brenda|date=December 2001|title=Prolific Cats: The Oestrous Cycle|url=http://assets.prod.vetlearn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/mmah/c8/4524e5b2f84140bc3aa42fdf307687/filePV_23_12_1049.pdf|journal=Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian|volume=23|issue=12|pages=1049–1056|via=}}</ref> Domestication can affect estrous cycles due to changes in the environment. For most species, vaginal smear [[Cell biology|cytology]] may be used in order to identify oestrousestrous cycle phases and durations.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Marcondes|first1=F. K.|last2=Bianchi|first2=F. J.|last3=Tanno|first3=A. P.|date=November 2002|title=Determination of the oestrous cycle phases of rats: some helpful considerations|journal=Brazilian Journal of Biology|volume=62|issue=4A|pages=609–614|doi=10.1590/S1519-69842002000400008|pmid=12659010|issn=1519-6984|doi-access=free}}</ref>