Page 276 - Small Animal Clinical Nutrition 5th Edition

Chapter

VetBooks.ir 15

Feeding

Reproducing Dogs

Jacques Debraekeleer
Kathy L. Gross
Steven C. Zicker

“Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has
to choose a relative.”
Mordecai Siegal

INTRODUCTION PATIENT ASSESSMENT
The objectives of a good reproductive feeding program are to Estrus and Mating
optimize: 1) conception, 2) number of puppies per litter, 3) the Optimal nutrition for reproducing animals should precede mat-
ability of the bitch to deliver and 4) viability of prenatal and ing and conception (Sheffy, 1978). As a rule, only healthy dogs
neonatal puppies (Grandjean and Paragon, 1986). Appropriate in a good nutritional state (body condition score [BCS] 2.5/5 to
feeding and management will increase the likelihood of suc- 3.5/5) should be used for breeding because effects of malnutri-
cessful reproductive performance, whereas improper or inade- tion before breeding are often unnoticed until puppies are born
quate nutrition can negatively affect reproductive performance (Table 15-1). A BCS of 2/5 may be acceptable for a house pet
in bitches (Table 15-1). that is only bred for an exceptional occasion (Donoghue, 1992).
Females undergo the greatest extremes in nutrient require- Obese bitches may have a lower ovulation rate, smaller litter size
ments when the entire reproductive cycle is considered. and insufficient milk production (Meyer, 1990). Obesity may
Estrus, pregnancy and lactation are each associated with spe- also cause silent heat, prolonged interestrous intervals and
cific nutrient concerns that must be addressed. The concerns anestrus. Therefore, to optimize fertility, overweight bitches
change with intrinsic physiologic alterations and may be should lose weight before breeding (Grandjean and Paragon,
influenced by environmental and other extrinsic factors. 1986). A good history and general physical examination should
Males also need adequate nutrition to achieve optimal per- precede breeding to document and correct problems that may
formance and conception rates. interfere with successful breeding.
Experienced breeders seem to have knowledge about nutri-
tional programs for reproducing dogs based primarily on per- Pregnancy
sonal experience, augmented to varying degrees by scientific Gestation in dogs averages 63 days and is typically divided into
information. To be effective, veterinarians and their health care 21-day trimesters. Assessment includes a detailed dietary histo-
teams should have a good understanding of appropriate and ry, a physical examination and pertinent laboratory analyses.
practical nutritional programs for reproduction and the neona- During the physical examination, particular attention should be
tal period. These programs should be based on up-to-date, sci- given to body weight, body condition and vaginal discharges.
ence-based information about the nutritional demands of Ultrasound of the abdomen can provide additional informa-
estrus, gestation and lactation. tion. Adequately fed bitches gain about 15 to 25% more than