polyestrous

zoology

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July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

In zoology, polyestrous describes female mammals that experience more than one period of estrus (heat) within a single year. Estrus is the phase in a female mammal's reproductive cycle when she is receptive to mating.12

Unlike monestrous animals, which have only one heat cycle per breeding season, polyestrous animals will cycle repeatedly if they are not impregnated. This repeated cycling is a key characteristic of polyestrous species, ensuring multiple opportunities for reproduction during their breeding periods. Males can often detect females in heat through scent cues, as specific pheromones are released during this time.21

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estrus
, ground squirrels) are polyestrous: if not impregnated, they will come into heat repeatedly during the breeding season. Males can recognize a female in heat by smell; certain substances (pheromones) are secreted only at this portion of her cycle. The female’s genital area may be swollen during estrus, and…
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, ground squirrels) are polyestrous: if not impregnated, they will come into heat repeatedly during the breeding season. Males can recognize a female in heat by smell; certain substances (pheromones) are secreted only at this portion of her cycle. The female’s genital area may be swollen during estrus, and…
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mammal
Estrus and other cycles
…once a year are termed polyestrous. In many polyestrous species the estrous cycle ceases during gestation and lactation (milk production), but some rodents have a postpartum estrus and mate immediately after giving birth.
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…once a year are termed polyestrous. In many polyestrous species the estrous cycle ceases during gestation and lactation (milk production), but some rodents have a postpartum estrus and mate immediately after giving birth.
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