Diestrum (Noun)
Meaning
(of animals having several estrous cycles in one breeding season) a state or interval of sexual inactivity or quiescence between periods of activity.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The diestrum period in some species of deer can last several months between breeding seasons.
- During the diestrum, female rabbits typically stop ovulating and are less receptive to mating.
- In many species of mammals, the diestrum is triggered by hormonal changes that occur after a successful breeding cycle.
- The length of the diestrum can vary greatly between species, with some animals experiencing a short period of inactivity and others a longer one.
- Researchers have found that environmental factors, such as food availability and climate, can influence the duration of the diestrum in certain animal populations.