Spontaneous Ovulator – Identification

Which of the following is a spontaneous ovulator?

Correct Answer: Cattle

Cattle are spontaneous ovulators — ovulation occurs automatically as part of the estrous cycle without requiring the stimulus of mating.

Spontaneous vs Induced Ovulation

• Spontaneous ovulators: Ovulation is triggered by a natural pre-ovulatory LH surge independent of mating. Examples: Cattle, Buffalo, Mare, Sheep, Goat, Sow, Bitch
• Induced (reflexive) ovulators: Ovulation is triggered only by coital stimulus → LH surge. Examples: Camel, Cat, Rabbit, Ferret, Mink, Llama

Why This Matters in Practice

• In induced ovulators, AI must be accompanied by GnRH or hCG injection to induce ovulation, or timing must follow mating.
• In spontaneous ovulators, ovulation time can be predicted from estrus onset and AI can be timed accordingly without hormonal intervention.