Finding optimal breeding times

It's not always possible as a breeder to identify the most optimal time to mate your female. This is a crucial period of your breeding journey and correctly to identify when to mate can help with:
  • Better planning meaning less unnecessary financial waste including travel, stud fees and ultrasound scans
  • Improved litter sizes due to carrying out mating once ovulation has been confirmed
  • Prevention of stud dogs being over used - matings offered only when ovulation has occurred

Progesterone levels

Blood Test Tube
Progesterone is the main progestogenic steroid hormone secreted by the female reproductive system and is connected with the female menstrual cycle, pregnancy and embryo formation and development. This means it's an ideal indicator for detecting ovulation through blood testing.

Using laboratory equipment a blood sample from an animal in season can be measured for it's  progesterone concentrations in blood serum. This quantitative result can then be used to indicate if your pet has ovulated and also predicate when she may ovulate. This ability to be able to interpret and forecast such information means more successful matings due to identifying the 'fertile period'. Results above 5ng/ml indicate ovulation (see graph).

"Tests run during weekdays, weekends and Bank holidays!"

What we offer...

We can now offer a progestrone testing service that covers weekends and bank holidays by post, collection or drop off options available! You won't find this flexible service offered anywhere else in the UK!
  • We will provide you with the rapid results due to our onsite assay testing equipment
  • A quantitative report (ng/ml) and provide further instructions

"Bloods can be posted, collected or dropped off!"

How does it work? (Graphical version below)

  1. Pre-order and pay for your postal Progesterone Kit from us before your female is in season.
  2. When her season has started from day 6 consider taking her to your vet for a blood draw.
  3. Owner to return the bloods in the PetMate kit provided.
  4. Bloods received at PetMate and processed.
  5. Owner informed of the results and advised on next course of action.
Picture
Click to enlarge

Have a question?

We thought you might that's why we've put together a document that might answer your question! Click below to view, if you still have a question please don't hesitate to contact us.