Agricultural Science Digest

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Agricultural Science Digest, volume 41 issue 3 (september 2021) : 511-515

A Case Study on the Growth Pattern of Indian Free-ranging Dog in Natural Environment

Tanima Choudhury
1West Bengal State University, Barasat, Kolkata-700 126, West Bengal, India.
Cite article:- Choudhury Tanima (2021). A Case Study on the Growth Pattern of Indian Free-ranging Dog in Natural Environment. Agricultural Science Digest. 41(3): 511-515. doi: 10.18805/ag.D-5252.
Background: The Indian kennel club has determined the weight and height characteristics of adult Indian free-ranging dogs but not for the puppies despite the dogs existing in India for centuries. The formation of a growth chart for these dogs may help veterinarians to be better able to determine the age and health status of the rescued puppies.
Methods: In this study, the weekly weight gains and monthly total length increases of a female Indian free-ranging puppy were observed from 5th-22nd week of the puppy’s life in order to form a growth chart. The puppy’s life during observation was divided into three phases-pre-weaned, weaned and scavenge by itself. The mother’s monthly weight gain was measured.
Result: The puppy showed 0.71±0.30 kg in the first, 0.45±0.48 kg in the second and 0.38±0.40 kg increase in the third phase of the observation period. No significant difference in weight gain was observed in the three phases. The monthly weight gain and length increase were 1.95±0.587 kg and 21.25±19.05 cm respectively. No correlation was observed between them. No correlation between months after birth and mother’s weight gain were observed.
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