FFA Veterinary Science CDE Practice Test

A common type of infertility problem in dairy cattle is the development of _____________, which occurs when an ovarian follicle develops and matures but forms a fluid-filled cyst that fails to ovulate and release an ovum.

1. Infertile Ovaries

2. Benign Ovaries

3. Cystic Ovaries

4. Estrous Ovaries

The correct answer is: Cystic Ovaries

The correct answer is the development of cystic ovaries, which is a well-documented reproductive issue in dairy cattle. This condition occurs when an ovarian follicle matures and forms a cyst filled with fluid, but it does not proceed to ovulation, meaning that the egg is not released. Cystic ovaries can lead to irregularities in the estrous cycle and ultimately result in infertility, which can have significant implications for dairy operations where breeding efficiency is crucial. The presence of these cysts often disrupts normal hormone levels, leading to challenges in managing herd fertility. Other terms like "infertile ovaries," "benign ovaries," and "estrous ovaries" do not accurately describe this specific condition. Infertile ovaries lack the specific characteristics of cyst formation, while benign ovaries are not a recognized term in veterinary science related to reproductive challenges in cattle. Estrous ovaries pertain more to the phase in the reproductive cycle rather than a specific condition affecting fertility. Therefore, cystic ovaries is the most precise term for the described condition in the question.