Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Mammalian species are classified into two groups based on the mechanism that triggers ovulation:
1. Spontaneous Ovulators: Ovulate in response to cyclic hormonal changes (estradiol threshold) regardless of copulation (e.g., cow, mare, sow, ewe, bitch).
2. Induced (Reflex) Ovulators: Require the physical, sensory, or chemical stimulus of coitus to trigger the GnRH release that drives the preovulatory LH surge and subsequent ovulation.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each of the species listed in the options:
- (A) Cat (Queen):
Cats are seasonally polyestrus, induced ovulators.
Physical stimulation of the vagina during mating sends sensory signals to the hypothalamus to trigger the LH surge required for ovulation.
Therefore, (A) is an induced ovulator.
- (B) Rabbit (Doe):
Rabbits are classic induced ovulators, showing no defined estrous cycle but rather prolonged periods of receptivity; ovulation is triggered by mating.
Therefore, (B) is an induced ovulator.
- (C) Pig (Sow):
Sows are spontaneous ovulators, undergoing regular 21-day estrous cycles and ovulating spontaneously near the end of estrus, independent of mating.
Therefore, (C) is a spontaneous ovulator.
- (D) Camel (She-camel):
Camels (including dromedary and bactrian camels) are seasonal, induced ovulators.
Ovulation is triggered by coitus, specifically mediated by a protein factor present in the seminal plasma called Ovulation Inducing Factor (OIF), which is a member of the nerve growth factor (NGF) family.
Therefore, (D) is an induced ovulator.
Thus, cats (A), rabbits (B), and camels (D) are induced ovulators.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (D), representing (A), (B) and (D) only.