Length of Estrous Cycle in Ewe

The length of the estrous cycle in ewe is:

Correct Answer: 17 days

The length of the estrous cycle (inter-estrus interval) in the ewe (female sheep) is 17 days.

Estrous Cycle vs Estrus Duration — Common Confusion

• Estrous cycle = total length from one heat to the next heat (includes proestrus + estrus + metestrus + diestrus)
• Estrus (heat period) = only the phase of sexual receptivity

Key Estrous Data for Ewe

• Estrous cycle length: 17 days ✔
• Estrus (heat) duration: 36 hours
• Ovulation: occurs approximately 24–30 hours after onset of estrus
• Seasonal polyestrous: short-day breeder (breeds in autumn-winter)

Comparative Table

• Cattle: 21-day cycle, 12–24 hr heat
• Sow: 21-day cycle, 2–2.5 day heat
• Ewe: 17-day cycle, 36-hr heat ✔
• Doe: 19-day cycle, 48-hr heat
• Mare: 21-day cycle, 6-day heat