Dioestrual (Adjective)
Meaning
(of animals that have several estrous cycles in one breeding season) in a period of sexual inactivity.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The doe rabbit is in a dioestrual period after giving birth to her kits and will not breed again until her next estrous cycle.
- Some species of deer experience a dioestrual period during the winter months when food is scarce and breeding is less likely to be successful.
- Female elephants typically enter a dioestrual period after giving birth and will not ovulate again for several years.
- The dioestrual period in cats can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on factors such as age and nutrition.
- During the dioestrual period, the female ferret's reproductive system is inactive, and she will not be receptive to breeding.