Abstract:
This study was performed to determine whether there is a relationship between some reproductive
traits and the serum concentrations of vitamin E and malondialdehyde (MDA) in different stages of
estrus cycles in bitches. A total of 19 multiparous bitches (8 Labrador Retrievers and 11 German
Shepherds) were used in this study. The onset of proestrus was designated as the first day of
sanguineous vaginal discharge. Following that, vaginal smears were obtained from each bitch daily
until onset of diestrus. Blood samples were collected in the onset of proestrus, estrus and diestrus
and, serum concentrations of vitamin E and MDA were determined. The bitches were naturally mated
on day 2 and 4 after onset of estrus. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the serum
concentrations of vitamin E and MDA in different stages of estrus cycles although there was individual
difference among bitches. In addition, there was no relationship between litter size and other
reproductive traits and the serum concentrations of vitamin E and MDA. There was a negative
correlation (P<0.01 r=-0,829) between the length of gestation and litter size. In conclusion, we
observed that the serum concentration of vitamin E and MDA was similar in different stage of cycles
and, they had no significant effect on the reproductive traits in bitches.
