Comparative analysis of the birth process and maternal-offspring interactions in bitches raised under different environmental conditions

Year 2025, Volume: 72 Issue: 4, 529 - 536, 01.10.2025

Yavuzkan Paksoy , Ömer Aykul , Duygu Arslan , Gökhan Bozkurt , Ismaıl Kocaer

Abstract

Pregnancy, parturition, and the postpartum period are critical stages in dog breeding that are significantly influenced by environmental factors. This study aimed to investigate how different birthing environments (home and farm) affect gestation duration, birth dynamics, and interactions between mothers and their offspring in small and medium breed dogs. A total of 68 pregnant bitches were included in the study, with 50 giving birth in a home environment (Group 1, G1) and 18 in a farm environment (Group 2, G2). Parameters such as birth weight, gestation length, neonatal mortality within the first 48 hours, duration of labor, time to first maternal licking, and time to first nursing were evaluated. The results indicated that bitches in G1 had a significantly shorter gestation period (P=0.021) and a higher incidence of dystocia (28%), whereas no cases of dystocia were observed in G2. Moreover, significant differences were observed between the groups regarding the time to first maternal licking and first nursing (P<0.05). The neonatal mortality rate was higher among G2 puppies (16.36%) compared to G1 puppies (3.60%). These findings highlight the impact of environmental conditions and human intervention on parturition dynamics and maternal-neonatal interactions. Long-term studies may provide further insights into optimizing birth management strategies for improved reproductive outcomes in dogs.

Keywords

Bitches , Canine parturition , Maternal behavior , Neonatal mortality

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