Reproduction & Sporting/Working Dogs (7) Flashcards
Dr. Shepherd
What is the nutritional goal for gestation?
support both the mother’s health and optimal fetal development
What is the target BCS for a breeding bitch?
5/9-6/9
What are consequences of underfeeding the dam?
What are consequences of overfeeding the dam?
What are water requirements for the dam, especially lactation?
> 120 mL/kg BW
2-3x higher during lactation than maintenance
What is the bitch body weight and food intake (pregnant)
early gestation similar to adult maintenance with exception of higher folate needs
nutrient requirements increase 25-50%
What should you feed during gestation for the bitch?
feed a gestation/lactation diet (puppy food) @ 4 weeks gestation
What should you feed during lactation for the bitch?
- 3+ meals/day or free choice
- weight loss common with large litters
- free choice likely too much if only 1-2 puppies
What are the DER trends to gestation and lactation for the bitch?
gestation: higher in late gestation, expect to gain weight
lactation: depends on puppies
What are energy requirements for the bitch and queen?
queen: repro diet as soon as she’s bred
bitch: maintenance then at 4 weeks puppy food
What is the queen body weight and food intake?
BW should increase 15-40%
feed a gestation/lactation diet at breeding
queens eat less in late gestation
What are the energy requirements for the queen at gestation?
increase RER later
How can a protein deficiency negatively impact both the dam and offspring?
What are the essential fatty acids needed for the dam especially (high voluntary intake)?
- linoleic acid
- arachidonic acid
- alpha linolenic acid
- EPA + DHA
Why is DHA important in the offspring?
retinal/neural development in the offspring
What is the role of non-fiber carbohydrates for reproduction?
important for maintaining euglycemia in the bitch - cats don’t have this much of a problem
increased stillbirth and perinatal mortality
decreased mothering behavior
decreased milk quality and length of lactation
What are the consequences of hypocalcemia in reproduction?
tetany (eclampsia) in the bitch
What are the risk factors with hypocalcemia?
- small breed
- large litter
- post-whelping/lactation
- anorexia/hyporexia prior to whelping
- inappropriate diet i.e. high Ca diets
If there is mild hypocalcemia and no clinical signs, then ____
feed life-stage appropriate diet, multiple small meals, palatants
If there is mild hypocalcemia and clinical signs, then ____
medical management (oral or parenteral Ca2+), +/- wean
T/F: You can use large puppy food for reproduction
FALE - avoid usually, lower in Ca2+
What is a risk factor for cleft palate?
deficient folic acid
What is feeding management for the dam?
dry vs. canned - dry food more energy dense
When can you free choice feed during their pregnancy>?
- pregnant and lactating queens
- early lactation & >2 neonates
- food offered and consumed is recorded
What are palatants for pre-whelping/queening?
no more than 10%
What happens during weaning the puppy/kitten?
diarrhea is common, transition to solid feed
What happens during weaning the dam?
reduce intake when reducing time that the puppies/kittens spend with the dam
begin transitioning the dam to maintenance diet ~1 week
discontinue free choice
What should we monitor during this reproduction?
- weekly
BW
BCS
MCS
intake
What are the goals of sporting and working dogs?
to provide energy and nutrients for intended activities
avoid under- and over-feeding
optimize performance
How do you set DER for working and sporting dogs?
based on diet history and nutritional assessment & activity/exercise
T/F: Water requirements generally increase with energy requirements
TRUE
What are the nutrients of concern with sporting and working dogs?
- dietary fat
- dietary carbohydrates
- dietary protein
What is the timing of feeding sporting and working dogs?
feed 4 or more hours BEFORE activity
offer food within 2 hours of completion
How is raw meat a factor with working and sporting dogs?
may feed raw meat to them - can be more digestible
common in sled dogs
