Breeding Management of the Bitch

Introduction to Breeding Management of the Bitch

Breeding management of the bitch is a critical aspect of canine reproduction, ensuring the health and success of both the mother and her puppies. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the canine estrous cycle, ovulation timing, semen collection, and the overall breeding process to help breeders and veterinarians optimize breeding outcomes.

The Canine Estrous Cycle

Phases of the Estrous Cycle

The canine estrous cycle consists of four phases: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. Understanding each phase is essential for effective breeding management.

1. Proestrus

• Behavior and Physical Signs: During proestrus, the bitch attracts male dogs but is not receptive to breeding. She may become more playful and passive. A blood-tinged vaginal discharge and moderate vulvar enlargement are common.

• Vaginal Cytology: Changes in vaginal cytology smears occur over 4 to 7 days, reflecting increasing estrogen levels from the ovarian follicles. Proestrus can last from 3 days to 3 weeks, with an average duration of 9 days.

1. Estrus

• Behavior and Physical Signs: During estrus, the bitch becomes receptive to mating. Vaginal discharge diminishes, and vulvar edema peaks, making the vulva flaccid. Estrus can last 3 days to 3 weeks, with an average of 9 days.

• Vaginal Cytology: Vaginal cytology during estrus shows 80-100% cornified cells. Receptive behavior coincides with declining estrogen and rising progesterone levels, leading to ovulation triggered by a luteinizing hormone (LH) surge.

1. Diestrus

• Behavior and Physical Signs: During diestrus, the bitch is no longer receptive to mating. Vaginal discharge becomes mucoid and diminishes, and vulvar edema resolves. Diestrus lasts 2 to 3 months without pregnancy, and false pregnancy is common.

• Vaginal Cytology: The cytology changes abruptly with the reappearance of non-cornified epithelial cells and white blood cells.

1. Anestrus

• Behavior and Physical Signs: Anestrus is a period of reproductive inactivity, lasting 1 to 6 months before the bitch re-enters proestrus. The vulva is small, and little vaginal discharge is present.

• Vaginal Cytology: Cytology during anestrus shows small parabasal cells, occasional white blood cells, and normal flora.

Ovulation Timing

Accurate ovulation timing is crucial for successful breeding. It involves a combination of serial vaginal cytology exams and serum progesterone measurements.

• Vaginal Cytology: Start cytology exams during early proestrus and perform them every 2 to 3 days. When >70% of epithelial cells are cornified, begin serum progesterone testing every 48 hours to detect the initial progesterone rise, indicating the LH surge.

• Progesterone Testing: The LH surge, occurring at progesterone levels of 2-3 ng/ml, marks "day zero." The fertile period spans from 2 to 7 days after this surge.

Semen Collection and Artificial Insemination

Semen Collection

Proper semen collection requires a quiet room, a "teaser" bitch, and specialized equipment. Ensure the stud dog is relaxed and fully retracts his penis after collection to avoid injury.

Artificial Insemination (AI)

AI is beneficial for fresh-chilled shipped semen, frozen semen, geriatric stud dogs, and aggressive bitches. Techniques include:

• Vaginal Insemination: Using a clean mare uterine infusion pipette to place semen near the cervical opening.

• Transcervical Insemination (TCI): Rigid endoscopy through the cervix for intrauterine deposition, reducing the need for surgery.

Breeding Management

Primiparous (maiden) bitches should undergo a veterinary examination before breeding to ensure general health and rule out potential problems. Key aspects include:

• Health Screening: Check for vaginal strictures, inverted nipples, and genetic diseases common to the breed.

• Brucella canis Testing: Annual screening for stud dogs and pre-breeding tests for brood bitches.

• Dystocia Management: Plan and agree on the management of potential dystocia (difficult labor).

Conclusion

Effective breeding management of the bitch involves understanding the estrous cycle, accurate ovulation timing, proper semen collection and AI techniques, and comprehensive health screening. These practices enhance the chances of successful conception and the health of both the mother and her puppies. For more detailed information and professional guidance, consult with your veterinarian or contact our veterinary clinic.

Breeding Management of the Bitch