During the Oestrous phase, which statement is most accurate?

• A. Vulva remains enlarged
• B. Discharge straw coloured
• C. Will partake in mating with the male
• D. Moves tail to the side and allow mating

Answer: (D)

During the oestrous phase, the female becomes sexually receptive and will present a mating posture that enables copulation. Moving the tail to the side and allowing mating is the clear behavioral cue that she is in estrus and ready for the male to mount. Other signs, like vulvar swelling or a straw-coloured discharge, can occur but are less definitive for estrus on their own—for example, swelling is more typical of proestrus, and discharge colour can vary. The most accurate indicator is the behavioral readiness to mate, captured by the tail-positioning that facilitates copulation.