Some reproductive indices of the Nigerian local bitches in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Some reproductive parameters of the Nigerian local bitches were studied at the kennel of the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Reproduction, University of Ibadan using 6 bitches and 1 stud aged between 2 and 3 years, weighing 10 to 12kg. The bitches were mated naturally by the stud at the second day of cytological oestrus and allowed to carry the pregnancy to term. The bitches and puppies were weighed weekly and observed till weaning.  Mean gestation length was 63.5 + 0.3 day. Mean litter size was 7.0 + 2.0 puppies.  Litter sex ratio was 1.25 females to 1 male puppy.  Mean birth weights were 308.3 + 15.3 and 286.3 +11.8 grammes for male and female puppies respectively, while the respective weaning live weights were 1.5 + 0.2 and 1.8 + 0.1kg. Litter size affected the birth weight; the mean birth weight of puppies with the litter size 10 was significantly lighter than those with litter sizes 7, 6 and 4 puppies. Mean age at testicular descent was 6.1 + 0.6 days while eyes of puppies were opened at mean age 15.4 + 0.2 days. Mean duration between whelping and first oestrus was 3.9 + 0.07 months. The neonatal mortality rate was 35.3%, more female puppies (26.4%) than male puppies (5.9%) died during the first week of life. These high mortalities might be due to cold and maternal negligence. With these basic data, the reproductive potential of the Nigerian local bitch can be harnessed.