noun
- Plural of oestrum; recurring periods of sexual receptivity in female mammals, characterized by physiological and behavioral changes.
Usage: chiefly British spelling (American: estrums); biology/veterinary term; also called estrus or heat
Examples
- The veterinarian tracked the cow's oestrums to determine the optimal breeding time.
- Female dogs typically experience multiple oestrums per year.
- Understanding oestrums is essential for animal husbandry and breeding programs.
- The hormonal changes during oestrums prepare the reproductive system for potential pregnancy.
- Researchers studied the oestrums of wild primates to understand their reproductive patterns.