Beginner dog breeders have a whole lot to inform themselves about prior to attempting canine insemination. They need to be well aware of how to curb potential issues like canine diseases and illnesses (in both female dogs and male dogs), take caution when running certain tests, and, if/when a successful pregnancy occurs, how to keep the bitch healthy for giving birth.
First, you need to be aware of the two modes of insemination in canine reproduction: sexual and artificial insemination (AI). In sexual reproduction, the sire and bitch engage in sexual intercourse where the former provides the latter with sperm for pregnancy. Meanwhile, AI involves taking a sperm specimen that’s already been procured from the sire and inserted into the bitch.
In this article, we will be solely covering three necessary tests to have when you are conducting AI with canines.
1. Canine Ovulation Test
Finding the sublime moment during ovulation is the key to a successful pregnancy, as this is the time period in which the bitch is most fertile. Day “0” of the female’s cycle is when there is a spike of the Luteinizing hormone (LH). This is important to know because this is the hormone that directly triggers ovulation.
After that surge, specifically about 48 hours after it, ovulation begins. And, for just 24 to 48 hours from there, is when the bitch is the most fertile. This is the short window when pregnancy is the most likely to occur. If you miss the moment of the surge, you are significantly more likely to miss ovulation and your best chance at pregnancy.
That is where Canine Ovulation Tests come in to help and ensure you don’t miss those key few hours. These tests measure the progesterone levels in the bitch, which are indicative of the surge of LH and when ovulation begins (progesterone in the LH surge is in the 4-8 nanograms-per-milliliter range while it is above 20 nanograms per milliliter during the most fertile period).
If you’re unsure of which canine ovulation test to use, reference this canine ovulation test buying guide for clarification and assistance.
2. Sperm Analysis Kit
Not only do the bitches require specific testing but the sires do as well. It’s important to have in-depth knowledge of the sire in question’s sperm quality and quantity, but also other metrics, such as path straightness, progressive motility, and curvilinear velocity.
A sperm analysis kit can successfully provide you with these necessary metrics so you can have an overall understanding of the sire’s sperm and the likelihood it will impregnate the bitch.
3. Wellness and Disease Testing Kits
In order to increase the chances of a healthy litter, you should also be fully aware of any and all diseases, illnesses, and even infections in both canines. Wellness and disease testing kits are ideal for discovering these potential issues, such as Brucellosis Tests for Dogs, Lyme, Disease Antibody Tests, Heartworm Rapid Tests, Giardiasis Tests, and many more.
When you are looking for state-of-the-art diagnostics for canine reproduction, trust no one other than MR Diagnostics. They have a wide range of high-quality diagnostic tests and equipment, which is not limited to the three we listed here. Browse their many other pieces of equipment for canine reproduction today.
