What stage follows the heat cycle when ovulation occurs?

The stage that follows the heat cycle, during which ovulation occurs, is metestrus. In the context of the reproductive cycle, after the estrus phase—when the female is receptive to mating and is in heat—ovulation typically occurs. Following this phase, the body enters metestrus.

During metestrus, the corpus luteum forms from the follicle that released the egg. This stage is crucial as it is when hormonal changes occur in preparation for potential pregnancy. If fertilization does not take place, the female will transition into diestrus, or the resting phase.

Understanding the reproductive cycle is important for effective breeding management and care in veterinary practice, making the identification of these phases, especially metestrus, critical.