Ankara Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi

Abstract

In this study, sexually mature 3-6 years old) Anatolian
Shepherd Dogs, weighing 45-55 kg were used as materials. The females were
closely observedfor signs of oestrus (swelling of the vulva blood discharge) The
optimum mating day was assessed retrospectively by using the criteria of
standing response to the dogs, maximum vulval swelling and the second peak of
cornified epithelial cells in a vaginal smear. Copulation was observed on the
flrst or second day of exposure. The day of observed copulation was taken as
the flrst day of pregnancy.
Blood samples for progesterone assay were collected at 16 am into
evacuated tubes from the vein at 2 day intervals until mating and 7 day
intervals until term. The blood was centrifuged and the serum jrozen at -20 Oc
until asseyed. Progesterone was determined by RIA method.
Mean plasma progesterone concentrations were 0.83~0.4 ng/ml in midproestrus, rising above 0.8 ng/ml prior to the onset of standing heat. Mean
progesterone concentrations in standing heat were 4.2~J. 7ng/ml. Then, it
increased gradually and by day 10 to J 5 days of diestrus mean progesterone
concentration was J 7 ng/ml. And maintained this level up to about 45 days
after mating.
In the bitches, the level decreased rapidly later then 45 days after mating.
Maternal progesterone concentration was obtained above 4 ng/ml 48 hours
prior to the whelping.
Mean progesterone concentration was 0.69~0.20 ng/ml on the day of
parturation.