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The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the digital rectal palpation (DRP) technique for early pregnancy diagnosis and to compare the results of experiments I and II in the Red Sokoto goat. Experiment I had 68 goats with 52 does and 16 bucks. Does were divided into prostaglandin F 2 -alpha (PGF 2 α; n = 18), progesterone pessaries (P 4 P; n = 18), and Control (n = 16) groups as oestrus synchronizaton methods. Bucks were used for oestrus detection (n = 6) and breeding (n = 10). Comparative pregnancy diagnosis was carried out on day 21 post-breeding using ultrasonography (US), DRP, progesterone assay (PA), ballottement (BL), and non-return-to-heat (NRH). Experiment II was a repeat but had 51 animals with 42 does and nine bucks; three bucks for oestrus detection and six for breeding. Does were divided into recto-vaginal artificial insemination (AI) by DRP (n = 14), vaginal speculum AI (n = 14), and Control-natural service (n = 14) groups, indicating breeding methods. Oestrus was synchronized with PGF 2 α and pregnancy diagnosis was carried out on day 21 using US, DRP, PA, and NRH. The results for both experiments were similar. Pregnancy rates for PGF 2 α group were 66.2%, 66.7%, 64.8%, 62.1%, and 63.0% for US, DRP, PA, BL, and NRH, respectively; P 4 P had 81.5%, 81.5%, 42.6%, 20.3%, and 42.6% for US, DRP, PA, BL, and NRH, respectively; while Control was 73.6%, 79.2%, 70.9%, 73.6%, and 73.6% for US, DRP, PA, BL, and NRH, respectively. Proportions are significantly (p < .000) different in the P 4 P group. It was concluded that the DRP technique was effective and consistent in early pregnancy diagnosis on day 21 and comparable to US, PA, BL, and non-return-to-oestrus in both experiments in Red Sokoto goat does., (© 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The present study was conducted to evaluate the applicability of corpus luteum (CL) morphology and blood flow for early pregnancy diagnosis on Days 17-21 post-artificial insemination (AI) in Japanese Black (JB) cattle. Ultrasound examinations were performed on 230 inseminated JB cattle (202 cows and 28 heifers) to evaluate CL morphological characteristics [CL area, CL tissue area, presence/absence of a central cavity, and central cavity area (CCA)] and blood flow area (BFA) on Days 17 (n = 46), 18 (n = 45), 19 (n = 46), 20 (n = 47), and 21 (n = 46) (Day 0 = the day of AI). Pregnancy was confirmed using brightness-mode ultrasonography on Day 30. In pregnant group (n = 141), CL area and CL tissue area were greater (P < 0.001) than those in non-pregnant group (n = 89) on and after Day 19. Moreover, BFA was greater (P < 0.05) in pregnant group on and after Day 18. The overall central cavity incidence was lower (P < 0.001) and CCA was smaller (P < 0.001) in pregnant group. Logistic regression analyses revealed that the best single predictor for pregnancy diagnosis was BFA on Days 17-20 (sensitivity = 69%-100% and specificity = 65%-91%). On Day 21, CL area or CL tissue area was the most accurate predictor (cutoff value = 267.78 mm 2 , sensitivity = 100%, and specificity = 100%). The best set of predictors for pregnancy diagnosis was specified as the BFA and [CCA × BFA] pair. Setting BFA cutoff value in the cattle without central cavity at 55.26 mm 2 yielded the highest sensitivity (97%) and specificity (88%) on Days 18-20. The accuracy of pregnancy diagnosis using BFA or BFA and [CCA × BFA] pair on Day 17 was lower than those on and after Day 18. In conclusion, BFA and CCA are effective for early pregnancy diagnosis on Days 18-20 post-AI in JB cattle; however, it is inadequate on Day 17 owing to its low accuracy. Evaluating CL area or CL tissue area on Day 21 is the most accurate method of pregnancy diagnosis., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have declared no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the necessity of a controlled internal drug releasing device (CIDR) in a fixed-time AI resynchronization protocol as well as to compare a commercially available blood pregnancy test with transrectal ultrasonography for Day 28 pregnancy detection. Over a two-year period, beef cows and heifers from twelve herds were inseminated using the 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR protocol. On Day 21 following the first insemination, the protocol was repeated, with animals receiving either a CIDR or no CIDR. Pregnancy status (AI1) was determined on Day 28 by both transrectal ultrasonography and the IDEXX Rapid Visual Pregnancy Test. Non-pregnant animals by both methods (CIDR: n = 190 cows, n = 228 heifers; no CIDR: n = 185 cows, n = 223 heifers) received an injection of Prostaglandin F2alpha and were inseminated at the appropriate time or bred following detection of estrus. Corpora lutea (CL) number and largest follicle diameter were recorded on a subset of non-pregnant animals (CIDR: n = 66 cows, n = 46 heifers; no CIDR: n = 76 cows, n = 41 heifers) at time of pregnancy diagnosis on Day 28. Final pregnancy status was determined a minimum of 31 days following the second AI (AI2). The GLIMMIX procedure of SAS was utilized for estrus and pregnancy data; while the MIXED procedure was utilized for analyses of CL number and largest follicle diameter. There was no effect (P ≥ 0.55) of treatment on AI1 pregnancy, AI2 pregnancy, or overall pregnancy rates. The presence of a CIDR during the resynchronization increased (P < 0.001) estrus expression prior to AI2. There was an effect of treatment by age on AI2 pregnancy (P < 0.01); heifers that received a CIDR had greater AI2 pregnancy rates than heifers that did not receive a CIDR (P = 0.04), but there was no difference between cows with and without a CIDR. Treatment had no effect (P > 0.10) on embryonic loss (between the first and second pregnancy diagnosis), CL number, or follicle diameter. Although, there was a tendency for the interaction of treatment by age on follicle size (P = 0.07), with cows having larger follicles than heifers in the no CIDR group but not the CIDR group. In conclusion, use of a CIDR in this resynchronization protocol increased estrus expression, increased AI2 pregnancy for heifers, but did not improve pregnancies in cows, and did not influence overall pregnancy or embryonic loss., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a negative energy balance during the first third of gestation on metabolic, endocrine, and pregnancy recognition parameters in 2 beef cattle breeds adapted to semiextensive conditions. Seventy-five lactating Parda de Montaña and 40 Pirenaica multiparous cows rearing calves were synchronized and timed artificial inseminated (TAI) on day 76 postpartum. Cows were assigned to one of 2 diets (CONTROL or SUBNUT; 100% or 65% of their requirements supplied) until day 82 of gestation. Pregnancy was diagnosed 37 d post-TAI using ultrasound. Blood samples were obtained to determine metabolic (glucose, NEFA, β-hydroxybutyrate, cholesterol, and urea) and endocrine (IGF-1) status throughout the first third of gestation and to determine the concentrations of progesterone and pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) in the peri-implantational period. Undernutrition affected both cow and calf performance. The CONTROL cows maintained BCS and BW, whereas SUBNUT cows had negative daily gains. The CONTROL lactating calves had higher BW gains than SUBNUT. These negative effects were more evident in the Pirenaica breed, which was more sensitive to undernutrition. The negative energy balance was reflected in the cows' metabolic profiles, with higher NEFA values and lower IGF-1 concentrations in SUBNUT cows. However, undernutrition did not affect dam pregnancy/TAI or pregnancy recognition and maintenance, confirming that during periods of undernourishment pregnant dams prioritize the allocation of dietary energy toward reproductive functions. Progesterone concentration on day 21 post-TAI (with a 4.8 ng/mL cut-off value) and PSPB on day 26 post-TAI (with a 0.57 ng/mL cut-off value) were determined as the earliest indicators to accurately establish dam pregnancy status, regardless of breed or nutrition treatment. In summary, early undernutrition affected cow performance and metabolic profiles and impaired lactating calf growth, but did not affect progesterone or PSPB concentrations or the pregnancy/TAI rate in suckled cows., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Progesterone (P4), pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG), estradiol-17β (E2), and estrone sulfate (E1S) were measured in the feces of four female two-toed sloths (Choloepus didactylus) for early pregnancy diagnosis. For individual feces assignment, the examined female sloths were fed with a turquoise food colorant every second day. Fecal samples were collected one to four times per week, depending on the defecation rate throughout the pregnancies and the postpartum periods. The complete course of pregnancy was subdivided into three 16-week intervals (trimester of pregnancy, TP1-3) and a 5-week post-partum period after birth. Progesterone and PdG concentrations started to increase above luteal phase levels 3 weeks after conception (P = 0.028 and 0.005, respectively). At the beginning of TP1, P4 concentrations averaged 345.0 ± 283.0 ng/g and increased approximately 100- to 300-fold to a peak of 7588.0 ± 6717.0 ng/g over the TP3. Progesterone concentrations were considerably lower than PdG concentrations that started with 3206.0 ± 1500.0 ng/g at TP1 and increased up to 12.8556.0 ± 53.744.0 ng/g until birth. In contrast, mean concentrations of E2 (8.2 ± 2.4-11.7 ± 4.2 ng/g) and E1S (12.2 ± 6.7-22.9 ± 13.0 ng/g) elevated insignificantly and were not suitable for pregnancy detection. All hormones analyzed decreased rapidly within the first weeks after birth. Progesterone and PdG, as well as E2 and E1S, highly significantly correlated (r = 0.602, P < 0.001 and r = 0.497, P < 0.001, respectively) at TP1. During the TP2, only P4 and PdG significantly correlated (TP2: r = 0.661, P < 0.001 and postpartum period: r = 0.616, P = 0.009). In summary, only P4 metabolite concentrations were suitable to determine the status of reproduction in the two-toed sloth. Thereby, PdG was ideally suited to diagnose early pregnancy because it was more sensitive and detected pregnancy 2 weeks earlier than P4., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Early detection of pregnancy is vital for appropriate reproductive management programmes to facilitate the rapid re-insemination of non-pregnant females and reduce the calving interval.

The present study aimed to assess the applicability of luteal blood flow data acquired through the use of color Doppler ultrasonography and a post-processing analysis tool (ImageJ) for predicting pregnancy in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). The experiment was carried out on 59 multiparous Italian Mediterranean buffaloes that underwent synchronization of estrus and fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI). Corpus luteum features (size: CLS and blood flow: BFA) were taken from Day 5 to 10 after TAI and retrospectively measured with ImageJ. In the same period, blood samples were taken to assess progesterone (P4) concentrations. Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out on Day 45 by ultrasound and confirmed on Day 70 post-TAI. Differences in CLS, BFA, and P4 concentrations from Day 5 to 10 after TAI measured between groups were analyzed by ANOVA repeated measures as were differences within each day of measuring. Buffaloes that established a pregnancy (n = 29; 55%) had larger CLS (2.2 ± 0.1 vs. 1.9 ± 0.1 cm2; P < 0.01), higher BFA (0.6 ± 0.0 vs. 0.4 ± 0.0 cm2; P < 0.01), and higher P4 blood level (1.8 ± 0.1 vs. 1.4 ± 0.1; P < 0.01) during Day 5–10 as compared to not-pregnant buffaloes (n = 22). Throughout the entire period, the first feature that changed between groups was P4 blood concentration at Day 7 (1.7 ± 0.1 vs. 1.2 ± 0.1; P < 0.05) followed by BFA at Day 8 (0.6 ± 0.0 vs. 0.5 ± 0.0; P < 0.05), respectively, in pregnant and not-pregnant animals. The ROC analyses indicated that P4 was able to predict pregnancy since Day 5 (P < 0.05) although a more reliable result could be obtained from Day 8 (P < 0.01). At Day 10, it was possible to set a cutoff value for every parameter taken into account. The logistic regression analysis showed that pregnancy was positively influenced by P4 concentration (odds ratio 534.127; P < 0.01) and BFA (odds ratio 744.893; P < 0.01). In conclusion, the use of color Doppler ultrasonography, together with ImageJ, identified different patterns of BFA between pregnant and not-pregnant buffaloes starting from Day 8 post-TAI.

We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of Interferon-tau stimulated genes (ISG) abundance in peripheral blood polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) on D20 after fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI; D0) as a pregnancy diagnosis method against CL evaluation by Doppler ultrasonography and progesterone (P4) concentrations on D20, as well as Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins (PAG) concentrations on D25. Additionally, we evaluated the potential of ISG abundance in PMNs as pregnancy loss predictors. Nelore heifers (n = 103) and cows (n = 144) underwent estrous synchronization and were artificially inseminated on D0. Pregnancy was diagnosed by B-mode ultrasonography on D30 and D70, and after the final diagnosis, females were classified in four groups: Pregnant; Non-pregnant; Functional CL on D20 but non-pregnant (CL-NP) and Pregnancy loss between D30 and D70 (PL). After determining cutoff values, the Sensitivity (SE), Specificity (SP), Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Value (NPV) and Accuracy (ACC) were determined for each method. All methods were classified as significant (P < 0.05) predictors of pregnancy. Both ISG expression and PAG concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in pregnant females than in non-pregnant and CL-NP females but did not differ (P > 0.05) from the PL group. ISG15 expression was greater (P < 0.05) in heifers than in cows, but this difference was not found in OAS1 expression and PAG concentrations. All the methods evaluated were proven to be adequate predictors of pregnancy, but greater accuracies were obtained through PAG concentrations and Doppler-US, due to the decreased number of false positive and false negative results. • The expression of ISG15 in PMN is more pronounced in beef heifers than in cows. • Luteal fuction determined by Doppler ultrassonography or P4 are the methods with highest accuracies to detect non-pregnant females at day 20 after TAI. • Neither ISG expression nor PAG concentrations were able to predict pregnancy losses after 30 days of pregnancy. • About one third of the non-pregnant females with a functional CL on day 20 after TAI experienced embryonic losses until day 30. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current dairy industry, an intensive demand for estrus detection and early diagnosis of pregnancy has been increasing. Progesterone concentration in bovine milk is used as an important indicator of estrus detection and early pregnancy diagnosis. Current method for milk progesterone determination is destructive in nature. In contrast, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-destructive analytical method that can be used for milk quality determination but there has been limited study on using NIRS for milk progesterone concentration during milking. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop an online real-time NIR spectroscopic sensing system for milk progesterone determination during milking by using a specific enzyme immunosorbent assay as a reference (chemical) method. Milk spectra with a wavelength range of 700 to 1050 nm and milk samples were collected every 20 s during milking from four lactating Holstein cows for 28 days using the NIR spectroscopic sensing system. Calibration models were developed using partial least squares analytical method and the precision and accuracy of the models was validated. Milk progesterone concentration for each milking was calculated by taking the progesterone concentration of the milk predicted values and milk yield obtained every 20 s, and was compared with the milk progesterone concentration chemical analysis value for one milking (bucket milk). The results obtained show that one milking time measurement accuracy of progesterone concentration was reasonably good. By installing the NIR spectroscopic sensing system developed in this study into a milking robot, it could predict milk progesterone concentration for one milking with almost the same accuracy as chemical analysis. Thus, recording this predicted value every milking and monitoring the continuous transition of the milk progesterone concentrations, it becomes possible to use it for the detection of estrus status and for the diagnosis of pregnancy of each cow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate 1) the effect of inserting an intravaginal sponge containing medroxyprogesterone during the late luteal phase on the corpus luteum (CL) function and endogenous production of P4; 2) the effectiveness of two different equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) doses on synchronization of ovulations for a resynchronization treatment; and 3) the inclusion of an early pregnancy diagnosis in an early resynchronization protocol for ovulation in ewes. For all studies, the synchronization protocol was based on a short-term protocol of six days of progestogen treatment plus one dose of prostaglandin F2alpha, one dose of eCG, and gonadorelin acetate after sponge withdrawal. For the first study, the ewes were mated with fertile rams; a second sponge was inserted in half of these ewes 12 days later, and blood samples were collected daily for six days, until sponge withdrawal. For the second study, the ewes were not mated, and received a second sponge during the same period, after which they were divided into three groups according to eCG dose (0, 200, or 300 IU). In the third study, all ewes were artificially inseminated and received the second sponge during the same period. At sponge withdrawal, pregnancy was diagnosed by color Doppler ultrasonography (DUS) of the CL, and only non-pregnant ewes were re-inseminated two days later. In the first study, serum progesterone values were similar regardless of whether an intravaginal sponge had been inserted. In the second study, the ovulation time was more concentrated in those ewes which received 200 IU of eCG. In the third study, there was no difference between the experimental groups (with or without a previous pregnancy diagnosis) in pregnancy rate at the first insemination, accumulated pregnancy rate, and pregnancy loss. The insertion of an intravaginal sponge impregnated with medroxyprogesterone acetate did not affect the endogenous production of P4. The application of 200 IU of eCG provided the best result with regard to the synchronization of ovulations in the resynchronization treatment. Also, the inclusion of an early pregnancy diagnosis with DUS is useful and improves the general results of resynchronization programs, shortening the total working period. • Medroxyprogesterone acetate at 12–17 days did not affect the endogenous production of P4. • Ewes ovulated more synchronously with 200 IU of eCG than with 0 or 300 IU. • Resynchronization led to 52.1% of accumulated pregnancy. • Early pregnancy diagnosis led to 3.4 AI/preg vs. 4.5 AI/preg for non-early pregnancy diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of recipients physiological condition on pregnancy rate and subsequent kidding in does. Oestrus was synchronised by inserting controlled internal drug release device (CIDR, 0.33 g natural hormone progesterone; EAZI-BREED CIDR, Pharmacia & Upjtohn Limited, NZ) and an i.m. injection of 300 IU equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) (Folligon®; Intervet International B.V., EU). A total of 31 Boer crossbred (Boer × local) recipient does were divided into two treatment groups namely intact group (15 does) and used group (63 does). Intact group may be defined as those goats that had not used for any surgery, while used group may be defined as those goats that had been used for surgery such as laparoscopic ovum pick up, embryo transfer. On Day 7 after CIDR removal, ovaries were checked for corpus luteum (CL) and recipient does with functional CL were only used as recipients. After flushing, recovered embryos were examined under a stereomicroscope and only transferrable embryos (morula and blastocyst) were transferred. Uterine horn was exteriorised over the surface of abdomen with the help of a grasping forceps and a surgical blade. One to 3 fresh embryos along with a small amount of flushing medium were transferred into the lumen of the anterior part of the uterine horn. Once completed, the uterine horn was placed back into the peritoneal cavity and the incision was sutured. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at around 30 to 35 days after embryo transfer by using a real-time ultrasound scanner. The average numbers of embryos transferred per recipient doe were 2.60 and 2.56 for intact and used groups, respectively. The percentage of pregnancy was 26.67 for intact group. No pregnancy was recorded in used group. Average embryo survival rate was calculated based on the number of kids born, which was 7.69. Average gestation length was 148 days. From the findings obtained in this research, it could be concluded that intact does were favourable as recipient in ET programme than repeated surgery does. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnancy diagnosis is important for facilitating herd management in alpaca and llama herds. Up to 15% of pregnancy diagnoses based on behavioural non-receptivity to the male are inaccurate and this could result in significant cost implications for the breeder. Correct pregnancy diagnosis facilitates planning for optimal nutritional and herd health management, it proves sire fertility and identifies sub-fertile females for investigation. Herds should develop a programme for monitoring pregnancy and fetal wellbeing. Ultrasonography is a readily available tool and should be used to confirm behavioural indications of pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total 39 healthy buffaloes under uniform housing, feeding and managemental conditions were selected randomly for the study having history of 18 to 60 days after natural service. By trans-rectal ultrasonography, pregnancy was confirmed on the basis of embryonic vesicle, embryo proper with heart-beats. Overall average serum progesterone levels in pregnant and non-pregnant irrespective of stage of gestation were 4.64 ± 0.30 and 0.87 ± 0.37 ng/ml, respectively. The present study revealed that sensitivity, specificity and positive as well as negative predictive value along with the overall accuracy is 100 percent in all stages of gestation using ultrasonography. Trans-rectal ultrasonography and serum progesterone levels showed 100 percent sensitively and negative predictive value. The specificity and positive predictive value was higher by ultrasonography (100%) than by serum progesterone assay (93.33%). Thus, trans-rectal ultrasonography can be a 100 percent diagnostic technique for early pregnancy as it not only helps in diagnosing early pregnancy but at the same time gives extra information of physio-pathology of genital tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study addresses potential management risk factors affecting the incidence of twin pregnancies in high-producing dairy cows. Special attention was paid to the estrus synchronization protocol used before the AI resulting in pregnancy. Possible factors affecting the twin pregnancy rate were analyzed through binary logistic regression procedures on 2015 pregnant cows from July 2010 to July 2011. Twin pregnancy was recorded in 361 of the 2015 pregnancy diagnoses made (17.9%). Twin pregnancy rates differed among herds (P < 0.001) and ranged from 12.4% to 23.9%. Based on the odds ratios, the risk of twin pregnancy was reduced by factors of 0.65 or 0.71 when AI was performed during the warm season or an increasing photoperiod, respectively and increased by a factor of 1.11 for each unit increase in lactation number; by factors of 4.57 or 6.33 in cows that received a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID) plus 500 or 750 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) 28 days before the pregnancy AI, respectively; by a factor of 2.39 in cows with an ovarian cyst diagnosed in the 14 days prior to AI and treated with prostaglandins (PG); by factors of 1.94 or 3.91 in cows that received two PG doses during the 14 days prior to AI or cows that following failed PRID treatment had received PG started over the 28 days prior to AI, respectively; and by a factor of 2.58 in cows that had previously delivered twins compared to cows delivering singletons. Our results indicate that cow factors, such as lactation number and previous twining, as well as environmental factors, such as photoperiod and season and management related to synchronization protocols affect significantly the incidence of twin pregnancies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Diagnosis of pregnancies is an important management tool for the Iberian lynx Conservation Breeding Program, a program geared to recover the world''s most endangered felid. Non-invasive methods such as fecal hormone analyses are not applicable to the lynx, since fecal progestin does not follow the typical pregnancy pattern of felids. Therefore, we aimed to test whether urine can be used as an alternative substance for pregnancy diagnosis in the Iberian lynx. Progesterone immunoreactive metabolites were determined in urine samples of pregnant and non-pregnant females before and during breeding season. Additionally, we used the Witness®Relaxin test to determine relaxin in blood and urine. No differences were found in progestin concentrations determined in urine samples collected from pregnant and non-pregnant animals between day 1 and 65 following mating. Although the Witness®Relaxin test was positive in serum samples collected from animals between day 32 and 56 of pregnancy, it failed in both fresh and frozen urine samples collected from the same stage of pregnancy. A weak relaxin reaction in urine samples collected from animals between day 29 and 46 of pregnancy was detectable after urines were concentrated by ultrafiltration (>50×). Concentrated samples obtained from non-pregnant and early pregnant animals yielded negative test results. In conclusion, the Witness®Relaxin test can be applied for pregnancy diagnosis in Iberian lynx in both serum and concentrated urine samples obtained during the second half of pregnancy. A positive relaxin test indicates an ongoing pregnancy, whereas negative tests must be judged carefully as hormone concentrations might be below detection thresholds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective was to validate a high-sensitivity chemiluminescent assay of serum progesterone concentrations for pregnancy diagnosis in manatees. Assay analytical sensitivity was 0.1ng/mL, with mean intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation of 9.7 and 9.2%, respectively, and accuracy had a mean adjusted R 2 of 0.98. Methods comparison (relative to Siemen''s Coat-A-Count RIA) demonstrated r =0.98, Deming regression slope of 0.95, and an intercept of 0.01. Based on ROC analysis, a progesterone concentration ≥0.4ng/mL was indicative of pregnancy. Assay results were not significantly altered by two freeze–thaw cycles of samples. Characteristic progesterone concentrations during pregnancy were Months 1–4 (1.7–4.7ng/mL), 5–8 (∼1.0ng/mL), and 10 and 11 (0.3–0.5ng/mL), whereas two late-pregnant females with impending abortion had progesterone concentrations of 0.1ng/mL. Among pregnant females, maximum progesterone concentrations occurred in autumn (3.9±1.8ng/mL), and were greater during all seasons than concentrations in non-pregnant females (0.1–0.2ng/mL). Progesterone concentrations were also significantly higher in pregnant females than in non-pregnant females and males. This highly sensitive, specific, and diagnostic assay will be valuable for monitoring pregnancy and abortion in manatees. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Concentration of progesterone in milk may be used to predict pregnancy status of dairy cattle by the 21st day after insemination. However, the accuracy of this method may be affected by fat-solubility of progesterone and sample storage conditions. After coagulation of a milk sample with rennet, an alternative method is to quantify progesterone concentration in whey with a novel, validated EIA. In this experiment, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to estimate the optimal discrimination point for whey progesterone concentration, using a sample of 991 Friesian cows evaluated between the 42nd and 44th day after insemination. Cows also were diagnosed for pregnancy by rectal palpation at this time. The overall conception rate at palpation was 57%. ROC analysis indicated that 259pg/mL progesterone in whey was the most effective cutoff to discriminate correctly between pregnant and non-pregnant cows. Using this point for prediction, sensitivity was 98.2%, specificity was 70.9% and the area under ROC curve was 0.859, levels generally considered to denote moderate accuracy. The negative likelihood ratio at the cutoff of 259pg/mL was 0.02, indicating satisfactory performance in detecting negative subjects, while the positive likelihood ratio (+LR=3.37) suggested average performance. In conclusion, EIA of progesterone concentration in whey is a viable method for predicting pregnancy status in cows. However, operators should take management objectives for the herd into account in determining the cutoff point and also considering important influencing variables such as conception rate in the herd. This method can provide diagnostic support for efforts to improve reproductive success, especially in low-fertility herds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents abstracts of several studies on dairy science. "Use of Infrared Thermography to Non-Invasively Determine Surface Temperatures of Limbs of Non-Lame Dairy Cows," by B. A. Munsell et al; "Growth Performance of Holstein Dairy Calves Fed Distillers Grains," by M. Thomas et al; "Milk Production and Preganancy Rate of Dairy Cows in an In-Vitro Fertlization Embryo ransfer Program," by L. E. Rensink et al.

Abstract: The present study was undertaken to examine whether pregnancy diagnosis was possible by measuring fecal progesterone concentrations in beef and dairy heifers and beef cows. Rectal fecal samples collected on days 18–24 after insemination or days 11–17 after embryo transfer were mixed with methanol and shaken for preparation of a fecal solution. After centrifugation, the supernatant was extracted with petroleum ether followed by an enzyme immunoassay for progesterone. All pregnant animals showed fecal progesterone concentrations greater than 50ng/g of fecal material on days 18–24 after AI or estrus. In non-pregnant animals, however, the fecal progesterone concentrations ranged widely from 5 to 180ng/g of fecal material. In non-pregnant cattle, the percentage of cattle with <50ng progesterone/g of fecal material compared with the total number was 37–60% on days 18–20, whereas the percentages increased more than 70% to a maximum of 78.1% on day 23. When 50ng/g was considered as the cut-off value, the sensitivity and specificity of positive pregnancy tests were less than 70% on days 21–24, and 100% for negative pregnancy tests on days 18–24. There were significant differences in the mean fecal progesterone concentrations between pregnant and non-pregnant cattle on days 19–24. These results suggest that feces can be utilized to substitute for plasma and milk to measure progesterone for the purpose of pregnancy diagnosis in heifers and cows. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We measured metabolites of progesterone (progestins) in fecal samples collected from captive Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) females in postpartum (n=8), nonpregnant (n=9), and pregnant (n=8) reproductive stages between 1996 and 1998. We analyzed progestins using enzyme-immunoassays for pregnanediol and 20-oxo-pregnanes, respectively. Progestin concentrations were elevated for 3 days after parturition and then decreased to basal anestrous concentrations. Ovarian cyclicity resumed 25±2.4 days after parturition in 5 of the 8 females monitored. In nonpregnant females, excretion of fecal progestins followed a cyclic pattern increasing 6- to 12-fold from the follicular to the luteal phase. Fecal progestin concentrations allowed discrimination between pregnant and nonpregnant females after 3 months of gestation (P<0.01), mean concentration of the tested hormone metabolites being at least 3 times higher during mid and later stages of gestation (>3 months) than during early pregnancy (0-3 months). These data were subsequently used to set criteria for designation of a cow as pregnant in 55 free-ranging Arabian oryx in the reserve of Mahazat as-Sayd, Saudi Arabia sampled in 1998-1999 and 2003. The proportion of pregnant and nonpregnant oryx correctly identified by the test was 81% and 83%, respectively, when using both progestin assays. Despite a limited sample size, our results provide evidence that fecal progestin analysis is a reliable non- invasive method to determine the reproductive status of captive Arabian oryx and that it also can provide reasonably accurate physiological indices of pregnancy status in free- ranging specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The endocrinology was studied throughout pregnancy in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) located in Oulu, Finland (65°N, 25°E) with 13 captive, semi domestic adult females. Blood samples were analyzed for plasma progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2) and estrone sulphate (E1SO4), 15-ketodihydro-PGF2α (PG-metabolite) and pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAG). The mean plasma P4 concentration peaked twice during gestation: at around 24 and three weeks prior to calving. In pregnant females the plasma PAG concentration increased over basal concentrations 21–30 days after the estimated day of conception and peaked at the time of calving. The concentrations of E2 and E1SO4 remained low until 60 days before calving when a rapid increase was found for both hormones. The mean plasma concentration of PG-metabolite increased throughout pregnancy to a maximum at parturition. The estimated mean (range) gestation length was 216 (212–220) days. Judged from measures on reproductive organs collected from 86 free-ranging, semi-domestic female reindeer of unknown age presented for slaughter at Røros, Norway (63°N, 11°E) in the second week of December 1999, it was concluded that the breeding season lasted from early September until the end of November. The results also showed that plasma PAG concentration could provide a tool for detection of pregnancy in reindeer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Real-time ultrasound scanning (US) via the transrectal route, progesterone (P4) assay, and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) detection can be used to diagnose pregnancy at around 3 weeks after breeding. Although several studies have been carried out to evaluate each of these different methods individually, it is difficult to establish adequate comparisons due to differences, such as the breed of goat, age, and farming conditions, among others. The aim of the present paper is to compare the accuracy of diagnosis of pregnancy using transrectal US, P4 assay and PAG detection at the same time and on the same animals. Canary dairy goats (n=143) were synchronized with an 11-day fluorogestone acetate (FGA) intravaginal sponge followed by PGF2α and eCG 2 days before the FGA withdrawal. Blood samples were collected on Days 20, 22, 24, and 26 after mating to determine P4 and PAG concentrations. Transrectal US examinations were performed at the same time. There were 79 pregnant goats and another 64 non-pregnant. The US via the transrectal method and the determination of PAG concentrations provide very accurate pregnancy diagnosis at 24–26 days after breeding; on the contrary, P4 assay on plasma samples performed on Day 22 after breeding was accurate, in this case, in detecting pregnant animals but did not always detect the non-pregnant does. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In a prospective 2-year study, milk progesterone and oestrone sulphate determinations were used to monitor and assess pregnancy in lactating cows. The testing was done centrally at a government regional veterinary establishment which was responsible for providing semen to the farms of the area and also had available specialist expertise in animal reproduction. Sample collection and dissemination of test results were achieved through the network of the artificial insemination service. This approach was preferred because it was considered ergonomic, cost-effective and reliable. Comparison of oestrus behavioural signs and progesterone on the day of insemination revealed that 7·8% (89/1133) of the animals tested had high progesterone levels. Single progesterone testing on day 21 post insemination was not satisfactory for pregnancy diagnosis as the positive predictive value was 83·0% (147/177). The combination of low progesterone on day 0 and high progesterone on day 21 improved the positive predictive value to 87·4% (235/269). Results from 400 samples taken 110 to 130 days post insemination from 53 animals revealed that cows with oestrone sulphate concentrations greater than 0·1 μg/l actually calved. This assay appears to be particularly suitable as a pregnancy confirmation test. A pilot field study implementing a programme of testing on days 0, 21 and 42 for progesterone and between days 110 to 130 for oestrone sulphate not only achieved almost absolute pregnancy predictive values but careful result analysis strongly indicated that the approach of systematic testing can also reveal the fertility profile of a given herd and help to identify potential causes of pregnancy failure from the period of the reproduction cycle in which they occur. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The performance characteristics of time-resolved fluoroimmunoassays (FIAs) for oestradiol and progesterone were evaluated in an in-vitro fertilization/embryo transfer (IVP/ET) programme and for use in differential diagnosis of early pregnancy. Comparisons were made with commercially available radioimmunoassays (RIAs) and the correlations between the results obtained were analysed. The possible clinical impact of the differences was assessed in 30 women undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF/ET and also in 68 women presenting with suspected pathological gestation. There was good agreement between the performance characteristics observed in the present study and those claimed by the manufacturer. There was also a strong correlation between RIA and FIA within the working ranges of the assays. The differences in the results obtained with the two methods were within the normal limits of variation of the assays, and, consequently, the clinical relevance was minimal. In conclusion, for the clinical purposes in question, the FIAs perform at least as well as commercially available RIAs, and may, therefore, be regarded as an alternative to RIAs for many laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

• Protocols for early resynchronization can be effectively used in multiparous ewes. • Inserting intravaginal sponges 12 days after insemination did not affect ewes' pregnancy. • Nulliparous and multiparous ewes had similar results after resynchronization protocol. • Reproductive results were lower in postpartum ewes. • Resynchronization protocol could not overcome the results in postpartum lactating ewes. The aims of this study were to: 1) determine if the insertion of a second MAP sponge in ewes 12 days after the first FTAI affects the pregnancy rate; 2) compare the responses to resynchronization protocol in multiparous and nulliparous ewes; and 3) compare the responses to resynchronization protocol in multiparous and postpartum lactating ewes. Three trials were performed with 186 Corriedale ewes: 111 multiparous [(control – CON (n = 60) and synchronization – SYNC groups (n = 51)], forty-two 1.5 yr-old nulliparous (group NUL), and 33 lactating ewes with at least 28 postpartum (group PtP). All ewes were treated with a MAP sponge for 6 days. Twenty-four hours before the sponge withdrawal, all animals received 0.24 mg of cloprostenol sodium and 300 IU of eCG, and 0.05 mg of gonadorelin 36 h after sponge withdrawal and artificially inseminated (AI) 27-30 h after the GnRH administration (Day 0). A second intravaginal sponge was inserted to all groups (except for SYNC group), on Day 12. On Day 17, early pregnancy diagnosis was performed with doppler ultrasound in all ewes. Sponge withdrawal occurred on Day 18, and a new GnRH dose (0.05 mg) was administrated 36 h after it. Once again, AI 27-30 h after the GnRH administration. A final pregnancy diagnosis on Day 42 was performed in all ewes for confirmation of first diagnosis and the data were confirmed by parturition. Ewes in all groups presented estrus signs (SYNCH – 94.1%; CON – 71.7%; NUL – 83.3%; PtP – 39.4% at first AI and CON – 65.2%; NUL – 76.5%; PtP – 62.5% at the second). Pregnancy rate and pregnancy loss were not different between synchronized and resynchronized multiparous ewes (SYNCH – 56.9% vs. CON – 58.3% pregnant at D42 and SYNCH – 5.9% vs. CON – 7.1% fetal loss at D42). No differences were found between resynchronized multiparous and nulliparous ewes at the first FTAI, only fecundity was higher in multiparous ewes [CON – 0.88 vs. NUL – 0.62 (P = 0.04)]. Resynchronized multiparous ewes had higher reproductive performance than postpartum ewes that only presented pregnancy after the second FTAI [CON – 73.3% vs. PtP – 15.1% total pregnancy (P = 0.003)]. Overall, synchronization-resynchronization FTAI treatments may be included in reproductive programs in nulliparous ewes, but the treatments cannot superimpose to the limiting conditions imposed by postpartum lactating status. The resynchronization treatments allow to include practical managements with no deleterious effects in the results of the first FTAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]