German Shepherd Dog Milk Composition and Its Changes During Lactation

Abstract

Milk composition of nine lactating German Shepherd nursing females was studied. The experiment took place at the breeding facility of Police of the Czech Republic (breeding centre for service dogs in Domažlice) in days 2−30 of the females’ lactation. Females were given a commercial granulated feeding mixture (starter category). Canine milk samples were analyzed using an infra-red instrument MilkoScan FT 120. Calculated mean values for colostrum (day 2 postpartum) and normal milk (days 4−29 postpartum) were: 23.86 and 24.63% for total solids, 8.14 and 7.22% for protein, 6.04 and 5.76% for casein, 10.22 and 11.32% for fat, 3.40 and 4.48% for lactose. German Shepherd milk showed almost no variation in composition after day 4 of lactation. Differences observed between colostrum and normal milk composition were statistically insignificant but not for lactose. No significant differences in density and other composition parameters between colostrum and normal milk were identified.

Effects of Two Commercial Diets on Several Reproductive Parameters in Bitches: Note Two—Lactation and Puppies’ Performance

“…Our results are in contrast with those reported by Lönnerdal et al [ 28 ] who found in beagles lower protein contents and a significant increase in milk protein percentage during lactation (from 4.30 to 5.31% at 10 and 30 days of lactation, respectively). In German shepherd milk, Dokoupilová et al [ 29 ] reported a protein concentration varying from 7.08 to 7.51% from the 7th to 30th day of lactation. Similarly, to our results, Oftedal [ 30 ] reported a mean protein and fat concentration equal to 7.53 and 9.47%, respectively.…”

“…Similarly, to our results, Oftedal [ 30 ] reported a mean protein and fat concentration equal to 7.53 and 9.47%, respectively. Several authors have reported a non-significant increase in fat content from day 10 to day 25 in German shepherds [ 29 , 31 ] and beagles [ 32 ]. These authors have suggested that the variations between studies may represent the actual differences between dog breeds and other factors, such as litter size and the characteristics (composition, energy intake micro- and micro-nutrients availability) of the diets administered to the bitches could probably also affect these results.…”

Comparison of canine colostrum and milk using a multi-omics approach

“…Little is known about the components of canine milk, specifically colostrum, and the knowledge related to its microbial and metabolic profiles is particularly underwhelming [ 13 ]. Following whelping, a puppy’s gut is seeded with microbes from various sources, one of which is the dam’s milk [ 14 , 15 ].…”

Lactation in domestic carnivores

“…Canine species. (From Oftedal, 1984 , n = 5 bitches; Adkins et al, 2001 , n = 10; Macias Rostrami et al, 2014 , n = 7; Dokoupilova et al, 2016 , n = 9.) Green: lactose (g/l); black: dry matter (g/100 g); red: energy (kcal/cl); orange: lipids (g/100 g); blue: proteins (g/100 g).…”