Page 15 - MWC 09-9-2021s

The Midwest Cattleman · September 9, 2021 · P15
Choosing a Method for Pregnancy Diagnosis
Choosing a Method for Pregnancy Diagnosis

By Rick Funston, Nebraska Extension Beef Cattle Reproductive Physiologist

Previous research has IDEXX Laboratories has
shown the benefit of pregnan- developed a test that utilizes
cy diagnosis and how it adds the same principles as a labo-
to a producer’s bottom line. ratory test, but results can be
Keeping one cow over winter acquired in 21 minutes. This
can cost $100-$200 in feed still may not be practical to
and supplements so removing certain producers as it would
open cows can help decrease require a holding pen or sepa-
winter feed costs. Pregnan- rate sort. Other blood tests are
cy diagnosis is a very valu- available using BioPryn (Bio-
able tool in the beef industry, Tracking Inc.) or DG29 (Con-
and it is grossly underuti- ception Animal Reproduction
lized. Only about 20% of pro- Technologies). These tests can
ducers employ some sort of a be done in labs located around
pregnancy diagnosis in their the country. They can receive
herd. Producers have options your shipped blood samples
for pregnancy determination and have the results back to Pregnancy diagnosis is a very valuable tool in the beef industry.
Photo courtesy of Troy Walz.
that vary in price and diffi- you in a 24-hour turnaround
culty- transrectal palpation, time. very accurate, but the accura- realize that pregnancy diag-
transrectal ultrasound, and a The earlier a cow can be cy is highly correlated with the nosis prior to 40-50 days bears
blood test. All three options re- identified as pregnant or open experience level of the techni- risk of greater pregnancy loss
quire a cow to be contained in a the more beneficial it is in cian. Blood tests will accurate- due to the stress caused by the
chute or alley for an examina- making a decision to keep, sell, ly (95-99%) determine preg- pregnancy diagnosis during
tion or blood collection. Rectal re-breed, etc. With experience, nancy from as early as 28-32 the fragile stage of early preg-
palpation and ultrasound can rectal palpation can determine days. For the blood tests to be nancy.
determine pregnancy immedi- pregnancy as early as 35-45 accurate calving must have Prices can vary greatly be-
ately while the blood test has days pregnant. Ultrasonogra- occurred at least 75 days prior, tween veterinarians and labo-
a waiting period as the blood phy can determine pregnancy so the hormones of the previ- ratories. Processed blood tests
samples have to be shipped even earlier from 25-30 days. ous pregnancy have had time are generally $2.40-$3.75 per
and processed at a lab. Both of these methods can be to disappear. It is important to continued on page 17

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