Nutrition for optimum reproductive performance

Abstract

Reproductive success has been defined as “the generation and weaning of an adequate sized litter of healthy viable puppies reflecting the genetic potential of both the dam and sire”. Many factors work together to determine reproductive success: age and health status of sire and dam, inherent fertility of the breed and of individuals, type and timing of mating, and nutritional status of the dam during breeding, pregnancy and lactation. This is the most nutritionally challenging period in a bitch’s life and providing optimum nutrition will allow her to maintain condition while producing the healthiest possible puppies.