What Are Estrous Cycles?

What Are Estrous Cycles? Stages. The estrous cycle can be divided into four stages: proestrus, estrus, metestrus, and diestrus. During proestrus the CL regresses (progesterone declines) and a preovulatory follicle undergoes its final growth phase (estradiol increases). Ovulation usually occurs during estrus (cows ovulate during metestrus). What is the meaning of estrus cycle? estrous cycle.