PROGESTERONE TESTING

Why perform progesterone testing

• To determine the exact time of ovulation

• Improving fertility, conception rate, and breeding success

Main advantage of progesterone testing

Provides objective hormonal evidence instead of guessing when the bitch ovulates

Why is progesterone important for breeding

Progesterone rises just before ovulation, so increasing progesterone indicates approaching ovulation

What does increasing progesterone indicate

Ovulation is approaching

How does progesterone testing help breeders

It identifies the best breeding window

Preferred progesterone testing method

Quantitative blood test

What does a quantitative progesterone blood test measure

Progesterone concentration numerically

How are progesterone blood test results reported

In ng/dL

Which is more accurate, laboratory testing or in-house kits

Laboratory testing is considered more accurate than in-house kits

When should the first progesterone test be performed

Around Day 9 after the first signs of heat

How often should progesterone testing be repeated

Every 2 days until progesterone rises sufficiently

What does low progesterone indicate

Ovulation has not occurred

What does rising progesterone indicate

Ovulation is approaching

What does high progesterone indicate

The peak fertile period and ideal breeding time

What are the factors affecting progesterone levels

Stress, diet, overall health, medications or supplements, age, and breed differences

Why is correct breeding timing important

It results in a higher conception rate, fewer failed breedings, healthier litters, and less stress

Progesterone testing flowchart

Heat begins → Day 9 → Blood progesterone test → Repeat every 2 days → Progesterone rises → Ovulation → Breed

Relationship between progesterone rise and ovulation

Progesterone rises just before ovulation

What happens after progesterone rises sufficiently

Ovulation occurs, followed by the appropriate breeding time