DIETARY SUPLEMENTATION IN THE DOG BREDING:INFLUENCE ON THE SEMEN QUALITY, ENDOCRINE FUNCTIONALITY AND BEAVIOUR

The importance of antioxidants in a diet on reproduction in animals is widely documented. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects supplements with phytotherapeutics, vitamin E, carotenoids, folic acid and zinc chelate may have on reproduction in 14 fertile male dogs divided into four age groups. Research lasted nine months, divided into two phases of 4 ½ months (PRE SUPPLEMENTATION – use of previous diet- WITH SUPPLEMENTATION - supplemented diet). During each phase, biological material was collected 3 times, every 45 days (T1, T2, T3 - T4, T5, T6): (I) quantitative evaluation (blood sample) for endocrine, Tst (ng/ml), fT4 (pg/ml); (II) quantity-quality evaluation of semen; (III) general examination; (IV) follow-up with owners (potential changes in behaviour). Data shows a rapid response to the new diet: (T4) constant increase in metabolic activity (fT4, Tst) within 45 days, which has a positive influence on thyroid activity and reproduction; no significant changes in body weight, increased muscle tone, data on behaviour showed an increase in territoriality (80%) and dominance (60%) could be due to the testosterone increase. There are positive, significant differences in semen concentration, motility and vitality within the 2-7 YEAR group. The diet was created especially for this age group because this group reaches a peak in performance. Supplementation does not seem to positively influence the semen values in mature subjects: nor does supplementation significantly alter ageing in tissues or metabolism. Considering this encouraging outcome, the diet should be used for breeding, to maximize reproduction management.