Progesterone testing helps determine the best time to breed a female dog. Every bitch is different, and while these guidelines are very helpful, cycles do not always follow the “perfect” pattern. Some females rise slowly and others move through fertile timing very quickly.
Ovulation usually occurs when progesterone levels are between 4–10 ng/mL, with many females ovulating around 5 ng/mL.
Because eggs require time to mature after ovulation, breeding is usually timed based on both progesterone levels and the type of semen being used.
Ovulation usually occurs when progesterone levels are between 4–10 ng/mL, with many females ovulating around 5 ng/mL.
Because eggs require time to mature after ovulation, breeding is usually timed based on both progesterone levels and the type of semen being used.
General Breeding Timing
LH Surge
The LH surge occurs approximately 24–48 hours before ovulation and can also be tested daily in some breeding programs.
Best breeding times:
- Vaginal insemination (fresh): approximately 48 hours after ovulation
- Transcervical insemination (TCI)/chilled semen: approximately 72 hours after ovulation
- Surgical insemination: approximately 72 hours after ovulation
- 48 hours after ovulation
- 72 hours after ovulation
If the first progesterone reading is already above 20 ng/mL and ovulation timing is unknown, vaginal insemination may be unsuccessful because the cervix may already be closing. In these cases, vaginal cytology and either a TCI or surgical insemination are recommended.
If progesterone results do not match the clinical picture, re-testing is recommended.
Sperm Survival in the Female:
- Fresh semen: 4–6 days
- Chilled semen: approximately 3 days
- Frozen semen: approximately 12 hours
Understanding Progesterone readings
General Interpretation of Progesterone Levels
Progesterone (ng/mL) Interpretation
- <1 Early readings
- 1.0–2.0 Re-test in 3 days
- 2.0–4.0 Re-test in 2 days
- 4.0–5.0 Ovulation approaching; consider shipping semen
- 4.0-6.0 Ovulation occurring. Have your semen plans ready
- 5.0–8.0 maturation period. Shipping period
- 8.0–15.0 Optimal breeding period
- 15.0–18.0 Late fertile period; TCI/surgical often preferred
- >20.0 May be late; confirm with cytology
- Unfertile period: After day 7 post ovulation. There is an unfertile period between day 7 post ovulation and Cytologic beginning of Diestrus. It usually lasts 2 days.
Conversion
- ng/mL × 3.18 = nmol/L
- nmol/L ÷ 3.18 = ng/mL
Disclaimer
This information is intended as a general guideline and does not replace veterinary reproductive advice. Always consult your veterinarian or theriogenologist for the best breeding plan for your female.
This information is intended as a general guideline and does not replace veterinary reproductive advice. Always consult your veterinarian or theriogenologist for the best breeding plan for your female.