Progesterone levels
(Can vary)
|
Approximate day of heat cycle.
(Can vary greatly)
|
Event
|
Action
|
| <1.0 |
1 - 6 |
Proestrus |
do a baseline progesterone level |
| 1.0 - 1.9 |
6 - 9 |
Ovulation minus approximately 3 days |
check progesterone levels and do smears
every
other day. Do LH peak if using frozen semen or semen of less than optimal
quality. |
| 2.0 - 2.9 (LH peak) |
9 |
Early Estrus
Ovulation should occur in 2-3 days. |
Continue to follow smears and progesterone levels until level of
4.0 - 5.0 is reached. This will help insure that ovulation has occurred. |
| 3.0 - 3.9 |
10 |
Ovulation in 1 day |
|
| 4.0 - 10.0 |
11 |
Mid estrus
Ovulation occurs ( 2 - 3 days post LH peak and/or progesterone reaching
2.0) Eggs need an additional 2 days to mature before being ready to be
fertilized. |
Continue to follow smears. No further progesterone levels are required. |
| >10 |
13 |
Eggs are ready to be fertilized. This should be 4 days after progesterone
levels reach 2.0 |
Begin breeding if doing natural breedings or AIs with the stud dog
present. Continue every other day until smears show diestrus has begun
or bitch will no longer stand. |
| - |
16 - 19 |
Diestrus
Indicated by change in vaginal smears and/or failure of bitch to
stand for male |
Do Surgical AI with Frozen or Fresh chilled |