Anoestrum (Noun)
Meaning
Applies to nonhuman mammals: a state or interval of sexual inactivity between two periods of estrus.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The female rabbit's reproductive cycle consists of a brief anoestrum period followed by a prolonged period of estrus.
- During the winter months, many species of mammals enter a state of anoestrum, which helps conserve energy.
- The anoestrum period in elephants can last for several months, during which time they do not exhibit any signs of estrus.
- In some species of deer, the anoestrum period is triggered by the shortening of daylight hours in the fall.
- The length of the anoestrum period can vary greatly between species, with some mammals experiencing a brief interval of only a few days.