Characterization of Certain Reproductive Parameters in Chippiparai Bitches of Tamil Nadu

Background: This study was conducted to establish the certain reproductive parameters of Chippiparai bitches, which are indigenous dog breed of Southern Tamil Nadu in India to augment the fertility of Chippiparai bitches using vaginal exfoliative cytology and progesterone assay as diagnostic tools. Methods: The data was collected by a questionnaire from (105 female dogs) pet owners to understand the breeding practices and the reproductive performance of Chippiparai breed. On the basis of Vaginal Exfoliative Cytology (VEC) (n=100) and combination of VEC with progesterone assay (n=12) the optimum time of breeding, ovulation, conception rate and litter size were estimated. Result: Management and reproductive performance of Chippiparai female was recorded as other medium sized hound breeds. This study established the stages of estrous cycle in Chippiparai bitches on the basis of vaginal cytology and combination of VEC with progesterone estimation improved the conception rate and litter size and also helped in identification of the fertile period in Chippiparai bitches.