IDEXX BOVINE PREGNANCY TEST KIT

A note on Newly Introduced Facility of early, accurate bovine Pregnancy diagnosis through IDEXX BOVINE PREGNANCY TEST KIT in Veterinary Research & Disease Investigation Center Abbottabad

Introduction

Identification of nonpregnant dairy cows early after Artificial Insemination improves reproductive efficiency and the 21- day pregnancy rate by decreasing the interval between AI services thereby increasing the AI service rate (Fricke, 2002). Thus, new technologies to identify nonpregnant dairy cows early after AI may play a key role in management strategies to improve reproductive efficiency and profitability on dairy farms. Assays for detecting pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) levels in maternal circulation originating from mononucleated and binucleated cells of the embryonic trophoblast have been developed and commercialized to determine pregnancy status in cattle (Sasser et al., 1986; Zoli et al., 1992; Green et al., 2000). Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins belong to a large family of inactive aspartic proteinases expressed by the placenta of domestic ruminants including cows, ewes, and goats (Haugejorden et al., 2006). In cattle, the PAG gene family comprises at least 22 transcribed genes as well as some variants (Prakash et al., 2009). Mean PAG concentrations in cattle increase from 15 to 35 d in gestation; however, variation in plasma PAG levels among cows precludes PAG testing as a reliable indicator of pregnancy until about 26 to 30 d after AI (Zoli et al., 1992; Humblot, 2001). Assessment of pregnancy status through detection of placental PAG levels in maternal blood (Sasser et al.,1986; Zoli et al 1992; Green et al 2005) is now used to evaluate pregnancy status within the context of a reproductive management scheme on commercial dairies (Silva et al., 2007, 2009; Sinedino et al., 2014). A commercial test for detecting PAG levels in milk (The IDEXX Milk Pregnancy Test, IDEXX Laboratories, Westbrook, ME) has been developed and marketed to the dairy industry and is now being assessed in field trials (LeBlanc, 2013).

The IDEXX Bovine Pregnancy Test:

The IDEXX Bovine Pregnancy Test detects pregnancy in cows, goats, sheep and buffalo early and accurately. It is a convenient complement to routine palpation and ultrasound examinations. By developing a testing program to improve reproductive performance and herd health, test can shorten animal calving/kidding intervals by identifying open animals as early as 28 days after breeding and confirming pregnancies safely and frequently. Also test trade animals and make sure animals are pregnant before dry off. Maximize farmers’ animal milk production and revenue by reducing the number of days open, estimated to cost up to 500 rupee per day. Improve reproduction efficiency and reduce farmers costs estimated 30000/- per headby identifying and removing sub fertile cows from ones dairy herd early.

• Detects pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs).
• Delivers ultrasound-like accuracy.
• Returns results in less than 2.5 hours after the sample arrives in the laboratory.

Initially this test is being employed to run on nonprofit basis but later on as this center is expecting great response from the field farmers because great demand has been observed as alternative method rather than rectal palpation for pregnancy diagnosis, rate would be fixed as directed. IDEXX is also offering Milk pregnancy test but in case of Heifers/first calver this test in not applicable. So considering these limitations this center is introducing Serum Pregnancy test as a solution for early accurate pregnancy diagnosis.

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