(from the article `estrus`) ...in preparation for holding the fertilized ova. As the proliferation of uterine tissue reaches its peak, receptivity is highestthis is the estrous ... ...of the reproductive tract. On the other hand, anestrus may be followed by a brief quiescent period (diestrus) and another preparatory proestrus ... ... Found on http://www.britannica.com/eb/a-z/m/111