Nutrition for Breeding, Gestation, & Lactation

Question 1

What is the ideal BCS for pregnant and lactating bitch/queen?

Answer 1

5/9 or 6/9

Question 2

What are underconditioned animals at risk for during breeding, gestation, and lactation?

Answer 2

• decreased fertility
• smaller litter sizes
• low birth weights
• increased neonatal morbidity and mortality
• reduced milk yield, immunity, and response to vaccination
• increases uterine contractions (spastic)

Question 3

What effect does being overconditioned have on breeding, gestation, and lactation?

Answer 3

• reduced fertility
• small litter size
• long-term neonatal health consequences
• mastitis
• reduced uterine contractions and can lead to dystocia

Question 4

How much higher than maintenance are water requirements during gestation and lactation?

Answer 4

2-3x higher than maintenance
(>120 mL/kg BW)

Question 5

When should you begin feeding a gestation and lactation diet (puppy food) to the bitch?

Answer 5

at 4 weeks gestation

Question 6

What is DER for a bitch during gestation – early vs late?

Answer 6

early – RER x 1.8-2
late – RER x 2.2-3.5

“Females should be fed maintenance during the 1st 40 days, then increase 10% each week until parturition”

remember: RER (kcal/day) = 30 x (current body weight in kg) + 70

Question 7

What is DER for a bitch during lactation?

Answer 7

RER x 1.9 + 25% per puppy

rememeber: RER (kcal/day) = 30 x (current body weight in kg) + 70

Question 8

When should you begin feeding a pregnant queen a gestation/lactation diet (kitten food)?

Answer 8

At breeding

Question 9

What is a queens DER for gestation comapred to lactation?

Answer 9

gestation: RER x 1.6-2.0

lactation: RER + 30% per kitten (wk1)
(increase by 10% each week)

Question 10

which essential fatty acids are required in cats vs dogs?

Answer 10

cats – arachiodonic acid

dogs – alpha linolenic acid

both: EPA, DHA (marine source), linoleic acid

Question 11

What is DHA important for?

Answer 11

brain and neuro development (memory and learning)
retinal development

Question 12

Deficiency in non-fiber carbohydrates during gestation and/or lactation will result in …

Answer 12

1. dam hypoglycemia
2. increased stillbirth and perinatal mortality
3. decreased mothering behavior
4. decreased milk quality and length of lactation

Question 13

Hypocalcemia during gestation or lactation can lead to tetany (eclampsia) in the bitch. Which dogs are at highest risk?

Answer 13

1. small breeds (<20kg)
2. large litters
3. post-whelping or lactating
4. anorexic or hyporexic prior to whelping
5. on calcium supplements prior to whelping

Question 14

which nutrient(s) deficiency is associated with the following deficits:
A. cleft palate
B. fetal resorption or small litters
C. reduced immunity

Answer 14

A. Folic acid
B. zinc
C. iron and B vitamins

Question 15

An excess of vitamin A during gestation or lactation can lead to…

Answer 15

congenital abnormalities
altered bone remodeling
small litters

Question 16

What will the AAFCO statement indicate for an appropriate food for pregnant or lactating bitch/queen?
(3)

Answer 16

A. “Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that [food] provides complete nad balanced nutrition for ALL life stages of dogs/cats.”

B. “ Animal feedings tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that [food] provides complete and balanced nutrition for growing pups/kittens gestating or lactating adult female dogs/cats.”

C. “[food] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog/Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for growth, gestation, and lactation.”

Question 17

Which food is more energy dense on an as-fed basis – canned or dry?

Answer 17

dry

Question 18

70% of weight gain occurs during which stage of gestation?

Answer 18

during the last 20 days of gestation

this is why at day 42, we switch the dog to the puppy diet (more energy dense)

Question 19

At the time of whelping, a bitch’s body weight should increase approximately how much (%)?

Answer 19

15-25%

Question 20

T/F: when a bitch or queen is lactating, we should allow free-feeding

Answer 20

true!

a dogs body weight will stay the same usually, but cats will lose weight and we do not want them to lose too much.

Question 21

what are the 3 causes of neonatal mortality?

Answer 21

1. hypothermia
2. hypoglycemia
3. dehydration / hypovolemia

Question 22

What is the rule of 4 in regards to weaning?

Answer 22

Start at 4 weeks old
Give 4 meals per day
Continue for 4 weeks

Question 23

What is the kibble:water ratio for weaning (weeks 4-8)?

Answer 23

1st week: 1:2 (food:water/milk replacer)

2nd week: 1:1

3rd week: 1:0.5

4th week: dry only