Parental care in free-ranging dogs, Canis familiaris

摘要: Abstract Parental care in free-ranging dogs was investigated Katwa town, India. Six lactating bitches, 4 were monogamous. The gestation period varied from 62 to 65 days. Mean (±S.D.) litter size of 5.83 (±1.57) with a sex ratio 1.69:1 favour male recorded this study. High mortality (63%) pups occurred by the age 3 months. Mothers contact litters for 13 weeks litters’ life. There negative correlation between duration mother–litter any observation session and pups. Milk feeding mothers continued 10–11 milk 30-min reached maximum 27.54 min during 1st week minimum 2.22 min 11th All study observed feed regurgitation. For first 2 immediately after parturition, females be more aggressive protect four males (male parents) as ‘guard’ 6–8 In absence mothers, they prevent approach strangers vocalizations or even physical attacks. Moreover, one fed regurgitation showing existence paternal free-roaming domestic dogs.