THE ESTIMATION OF THE GROWTH CURVE AT DOG

Abstract

The present studies have the purpose the anticipati on of growth of the dogs and the estimation of the associated critical period. For t he estimation of growth curve was used the results obtained after the measurement done at a group of 83 dogs, and was applied three mathematic models. The curves fitted using the linear, the Gompertz modified and the logarithm ic modified, has lead at the determination of the i ndividual specific values. These models permit the achievement of some supplementary parameters: the maximum weight, the time of maximum growth and the maximum speed of growth. The substantiate of results have permit th e anticipation of the high intensity growth period (t he time of maximum growth) placed between 2 and 5 months of age, individual variable in this interval. At th e same time, the application of the mathematic mode ls permit the estimation of the development potential (the maximu m weight ) and the specific period of growths (the maximum speed of growth) that can be used to adjust the nutrition and the life stile. In the course of growth the body development is din amic, so it is very important to anticipate the critical period like that to assure the proper management. The specific weight development of the dog measured at the different ag e was compared with a standard development curve. These was the purpose to detect the possible deviation from the normal development. The growth impairment can be one frome the early signs who can appear in many disease with subclinical evolution like nutrit ional diseases, hormonal imbalance, and chronic infectious diseases, and the estimation of these are useful. From the specific growth curve it can be possible to anticipate the maximum weight of dog at the adult age, who can be used in nutrition and life stile management. MATERIAL AND METHOD. In the present study was measured the weight in the growth stage for dogs, values who was used in the determination of growth curve throu gh three models. Was fallowed the growth of 83 dogs from 20 breeds with different siz e. The surveillance was making at up to 35 months of age period. From the weight values obtain ed, 13 representative dogs selected for presentation, showed in table 1. For estimation wer e used three published models: linear, Gompertz, and logarithmic modified.