Effects of Two Commercial Diets on Several Reproductive Parameters in Bitches: Note One—From Estrous Cycle to Parturition

Abstract

The close link between nutrition management and reproductive efficiency is well known, but there is very little data available concerning this topic in canine species. The present study aimed to compare the effect of two different diets upon the follicular period and gestation in bitches. Eighteen pluriparus medium and large size bitches were recruited and divided into control (CTR) and experimental (EX) groups and fed, respectively, with a commercial kibble diet and a specially formulated diet from two months before the expected onset of proestrus up to the end of the trial. It was possible to observe how the EX group had a better clinical presentation of the estrous phase, a higher number of ovarian follicles (p < 0.05), a lower percentage of fetal resorption (p < 0.05), and lower oxidative status, expressed by d-ROMs (p < 0.01), at the moment of pregnancy diagnosis compared to CTR group. Moreover, the EX group showed a lower fetal resorption rate and higher litter size (p < 0.05). These results highlight how a diet characterized by high protein and fat content and richer in essential fatty acids can improve reproductive performance in dogs.

Hemp Seed Cake as a Novel Ingredient for Dog's Diet

“…Indeed, n-6 and n-3 fatty acids operate as precursors of the eicosanoids, which are important to the cell functions ( 17 ). Consequently, it is necessary to include LA and ALA in dogs' diets ( 21 ). The differences between fatty acid categories affected the ratio between categories, and these changes could influence human ( 13 ) and animal ( 20 ) health.…”