What is the term for the period when a female is receptive to mating?

The term for the period when a female is receptive to mating is known as estrus. During this phase, the female experiences estrous cycles, which include physiological and behavioral changes that signal her readiness to breed. This is primarily regulated by hormonal changes and is characterized by increased receptivity and behavioral displays that attract male counterparts.

Gestation refers to the period during which a fetus develops in the womb following fertilization, rather than the times when a female is receptive to mating. Ovulation is the process by which an egg is released from the ovary, which is a component of the estrous cycle but does not define the entire receptive period. Fertilization is the actual union of sperm and egg, occurring after mating, not a period of receptivity.

Understanding estrus is crucial in reproductive management practices in agriculture and animal sciences, as it helps in breeding decisions and improving reproductive efficiency in livestock.