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Effective early pregnancy diagnosis is crucial for commercial rabbit breeding. Early pregnancy diagnosis enables the implementation of staged feeding for pregnant does, effectively preventing excessive weight gain and reducing the high mortality rates of kits during the birthing stage. This not only enhances production efficiency but also ensures the health and well-being of the breeding rabbits. The study introduces a method and device, the Rabbit Pregnancy Identification Device (RAPID), for detecting rabbit pregnancies using matrix optical sensing. RAPID comprises eight sensor modules and a central host unit. Each sensor module is equipped with three LEDs emitting light at wavelengths of 660 nm, 850 nm, and 940 nm, along with two photodiodes for data collection. A mobile application was developed to enable flexible control of the device. Signal-to-noise ratio tests were conducted to evaluate the stability of data collection by the device across varying light intensities. The experimental results reveal a direct correlation between light intensity levels and the signal-to-noise ratio of collected data. Notably, under a light intensity level of 4, RAPID achieves a signal-to-noise ratio ranging from 42 to 45 dB, satisfying the necessary criteria for data collection. Different classification models were trained using sample data from 216 does across various batches, and their generalization capabilities were evaluated. The experimental findings indicate that the optimal time for RAPID to diagnose the pregnancy status of does is on the 14th day after insemination, achieving an accuracy of 86.63 % and a recall of 80.49 %. Moreover, the model exhibits a degree of generalization, achieving an accuracy of 78.36 % when classifying another batch of sample data. RAPID achieves an accuracy of 97.25 % for pregnancy diagnosis of older does, which is 7.44 % higher than that of younger does; the accuracy rate for pregnancy diagnosis of does with sparse hair is 86.92 %, which is 4.78 % higher than that of does with dense hair. By comparing the effectiveness of using data from 8 sensor modules and data from a single sensor module for pregnancy diagnosis of different batches of does, it was found that the former exhibits more stable generalization capability in doe pregnancy detection.

Copyright of Journal of Animal Science & Economics is the property of Ataturk University Coordinatorship of Scientific Journals and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Primiparous and multiparous dairy cattle were evaluated for pregnancy using both transrectal ultrasonography and a point-of-care pregnancy test (Alertys OnFarm Test), which measures pregnancy-associated glycoproteins through lateral diffusion, between Days 28–34 of pregnancy results were compared. A total of 637 animals were included in this study. Pregnancy was confirmed via manual palpation between Days 57–64. Data on parity, calving, and time of artificial insemination (AI) were also collected and evaluated. Overall the accuracy of the lateral diffusion test was 93.1% with 98.9% sensitivity, 88.7 % specificity, 86.8 % positive predictive value, and 99.1% negative predictive value. In heifers, the Alertys OnFarm Test had 100% sensitivity and 81.6% specificity. In contrast, the test had a sensitivity and specificity of 98.5 and 89.5%, respectively for multiparous cows. The pregnancy loss between early diagnosis and confirmation increased with parity. Heifers suffered losses as low as 2.6%, whereas animals in the third parity had significantly more losses (17.9%). Season also affected losses with spring pregnancy losses being considerably higher than autumn losses. The veterinary workload was also evaluated. Using the combined method of pregnancy testing, animals were first tested with the lateral diffusion test; then, the test-negative animals were scanned again, and the number of scanned animals was reduced. The results ranged between 3274% on farms. We concluded that veterinary workload could be reduced by using the point-of-care test. However, farm-level differences may have affected the results of the present study. • Early pregnancy of cattle was evaluated by a point-of-care pregnancy test and transrectal ultrasonography. • The results were greatly influenced by parity and season. • While in heifers the test shows good accuracy, in cows pregnancy loss effects the test results. • When combining the methods veterinary workload reduction can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study compared the accuracy of PAG-ELISA in blood and milk samples from water buffaloes. Fifty-three lactating buffaloes were subjected to fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). The PAG level in blood was determined on days 25 and 30, while in milk it was determined on days 26 and 30 postFTAI. Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), the gold standard for pregnancy diagnosis, was done on day 40 post-FTAI. Out of 53 cows inseminated, 30 were confirmed pregnant by TRUS. In these pregnant animals, 93% and 100% sensitivity were achieved in blood at days 25 and 30, respectively, while 40% and 93% were achieved in milk at days 26 and 30, respectively. In terms of specificity, 100% of the assay was achieved in both blood and milk samples on all days of collection. On day 30, 100% overall accuracy for blood was achieved, while it was only 96% for milk. Blood PAG-ELISA is more accurate and can detect pregnancy earlier than its milk counterpart. Milk PAG-ELISA, however, can serve as an alternative for being a non-invasive and stress-free method. In conclusion, PAG-ELISA provides a highly efficient and reliable means to detect early pregnancy and facilitate rebreeding program in water buffaloes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reported as being expressed by mono‐ and binucleate placental cells, pregnancy‐associated glycoproteins (PAGs) are released into the blood circulation from the ruminant placenta. Circulating gestational PAGs levels may differ between sheep breeds. Objective: This study was aimed at the close monitoring of the serum PAGs profiles of Karya and Konya Merino sheep during early pregnancy. Methods: Fifteen Karya and 15 Konya Merino ewes were synchronized by a 12‐day treatment with progesterone‐impregnated intravaginal sponges. After the sponges were withdrawn, the ewes were administered 400 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin. The ewes were allowed to mate naturally, and all animals were sampled for blood as of the day of mating (day 0) at weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Pregnancy diagnoses were made by transabdominal ultrasonography at week 5. At weeks 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11, blood samples were collected only from the pregnant ewes. The blood samples were centrifuged at 3000 × g, and extracted sera were stored at −20°C until being used for laboratory analyses. Serum PAGs levels were determined with the aid of a commercial PAG‐enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay test originally developed for pregnancy diagnosis in cattle. Differences in the between the PAGs levels throughout pregnancy and the group effect (Karya and Konya Merino) were determined with a two‐way mixed analysis of variance. Pairwise comparisons were made using a Bonferroni adjustment. Results: PAGs levels showed a linear increase with the advance of pregnancy in both Karya and Konya Merino sheep. No difference was detected between the breeds for serum PAGs levels. The serum PAGs levels of the pregnant and non‐pregnant ewes differed as of the fourth week. Conclusion: The serum PAGs levels of the Karya and Konya Merino ewes were similar during the first 11 weeks of gestation, and pregnancy diagnosis could be made based on serum PAGs levels as of the 4th week in both breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional methods for detecting pregnancy in buffalo are inefficient before 30 days after artificial insemination. A proteomic approach for high-resolution analysis of blood plasma and milk proteins by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) is of great importance. Blood and milk samples were collected on days 0 (before insemination) and 20 and 25 after insemination from retrospectively pregnant (n=6) and non-pregnant (n=6) animals. An equal volume of samples was loaded at 12%-4% SDS gel to resolve major plasma and milk proteins. Plasma proteins showed three distinct zones: High: (135-250 kDa), ~208 kDa and ~190 kDa proteins, medium: (60-75 kDa), 5-6 proteins like albumin (~70 kDa), and low molecular weight (MW): (25-35 kDa). In this 75 kDa, and 63 kDa consist of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins, ~73 kDa being dominant. Proteins in milk supernatants showed four distinct zones of proteins: very high; (135-250 kDa), ~208 kDa and ~190 kDa proteins, high: 60-75 kDa, medium: 25-35 kDa, clear bands of milk caseins, and low molecular weight (MW) zones: 11-20 kDa, two thick bands of 18 kDa and 12 kDa. The mean grey values of the 73 kDa protein peak were statistically analysed using GraphPad (version 8.0). Pregnant and non-pregnant statuses defined columns, while time (0-, 20-, and 25-day) defined rows in a repeated measures ANOVA. Results showed higher 73 kDa protein expression (P=0.04) in pregnant buffaloes at 20 and 25 days after insemination in plasma, but no difference in milk. The variation in animals within the groups was significantly higher. The differential expression of ~73 kDa protein in plasma and precise identification of the protein can be a diagnostic marker for early pregnancy detection in buffaloes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to develop a semi-quantitative urine pregnancy test for mares based on the Cuboni reaction and to verify the reliability of this test. The urine specimens were hydrolyzed by heating in the presence of hydrochloric acid. The resulting free estrogens were extracted from the urine matrix using toluene. Sulfuric acid was added to the toluene extract and the mixture was heated again. The lower layer in the test tube containing sulfuric acid was used for fluorescence measurements with excitation at 355 nm and measurement at 535 nm. The fluorometric Cuboni test revealed that the fluorescence counts in urine samples collected after the second trimester of gestation were significantly higher than those obtained from barren mares. The levels of estrogens, including equilin, estrone and estardiol-17ß exhibited a dose-dependent increase in fluorescence counts, whereas other steroids, such as progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol, did not affect fluorescence. Heat treatment of urine samples with hydrochloric acid significantly increased the fluorescence counts in those collected after the second trimester of gestation compared to non-pregnant samples, implying the presence of large amounts of conjugated estrogens in pregnant mare urine. Fluorescence counts in urine samples obtained during pregnancy showed a positive relationship with estrone concentrations as measured by enzyme immunoassay. The results of the present study showed that the fluorometric Cuboni test facilitates urine fluorescence counts depending on the urinary estrogen content and is capable of discriminating between pregnancy and non-pregnancy states beyond the second trimester of gestation in mares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This publication is directed to beef producers, farmworkers, and Extension agents with the purpose of providing information regarding current pregnancy diagnosis methods for beef cattle. Written by Maria Camila Lopez Duarte, Kalyn Waters, Nick Simmons, and Angela Gonella and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, May 2024.

The aim of the present study was to develop a semi-quantitative urine pregnancy test for mares based on the Cuboni reaction and to verify the reliability of this test. The urine specimens were hydrolyzed by heating in the presence of hydrochloric acid. The resulting free estrogens were extracted from the urine matrix using toluene. Sulfuric acid was added to the toluene extract and the mixture was heated again. The lower layer in the test tube containing sulfuric acid was used for fluorescence measurements with excitation at 355 nm and measurement at 535 nm. The fluorometric Cuboni test revealed that the fluorescence counts in urine samples collected after the second trimester of gestation were significantly higher than those obtained from barren mares. The levels of estrogens, including equilin, estrone and estardiol-17β exhibited a dose-dependent increase in fluorescence counts, whereas other steroids, such as progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol, did not affect fluorescence. Heat treatment of urine samples with hydrochloric acid significantly increased the fluorescence counts in those collected after the second trimester of gestation compared to non-pregnant samples, implying the presence of large amounts of conjugated estrogens in pregnant mare urine. Fluorescence counts in urine samples obtained during pregnancy showed a positive relationship with estrone concentrations as measured by enzyme immunoassay. The results of the present study showed that the fluorometric Cuboni test facilitates urine fluorescence counts depending on the urinary estrogen content and is capable of discriminating between pregnancy and non-pregnancy states beyond the second trimester of gestation in mares.

Ovary dysfunction causes an aberrant endocrine surge at various reproductive cycle stages, negatively impacting fertility and economic profit. Optimizing dairy cow performance requires determining ovarian status and detecting early pregnancy. Still, little to no information is available about the diagnosis of the ovarian condition using urine chemical analysis at the field level in Bangladesh. This study aimed to develop a simple, inexpensive and portable on-farm technique for pregnancy diagnosis and ovary status determination in cows via chemical urine analysis. Fifty reproductively healthy cows were recruited from different donor farms. Prior to artificial insemination (AI), all selected cows were placed in a single ovsynch program. TAI (timed artificial insemination) was carried out. Urine was routinely collected from Day 0–55 days at estrus cycle stages for routine chemical analysis using barium chloride (BaCl 2), followed by commercially available protein strip tests. The developed techniques for pregnancy and ovary status diagnosis in cows were validated with rectal palpation (RP). Barium chloride (BaCl 2) analysis of urine revealed white precipitation corresponding to a mature follicle in the ovary during estrus and colorless precipitation corresponding to the corpus luteum during the diestrus period. Positive pregnancy was indicated by the presence of a colorless precipitate in the BaCl 2 test, and a protein value of less than 100 mg/dl was found in the protein strip test. The maximum accuracy (42/50, 84%) was observed between 25 and 35 days, as confirmed by RP. Perplexing results were seen 45–55 days after AI, between pregnancies and luteal cystic disease. In both cases, we discovered that the BaCl 2 precipitation was colorless. However, the protein value in the context of luteal cystic disease was found to be higher than 100 mg/dl. The barium chloride test, followed by protein strip tests, is a simple and portable way to diagnose pregnancy and determine ovarian status in cows at the field level. [Display omitted] • Urine analysis by Barium Chloride detects the ovary status during the estrus cycle period. • Protein quantification followed by a Barium Chloride test in urine detects early pregnancy (25-30 Days) in cattle. • Protein quantification in urine can differentiate pregnant CL from cystic CL. • Urine analysis revealed a short, inexpensive, portable on-farm test for early pregnancy diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Reported as being expressed by mono‐ and binucleate placental cells, pregnancy‐associated glycoproteins (PAGs) are released into the blood circulation from the ruminant placenta. Circulating gestational PAGs levels may differ between sheep breeds. Objective This study was aimed at the close monitoring of the serum PAGs profiles of Karya and Konya Merino sheep during early pregnancy. Methods Fifteen Karya and 15 Konya Merino ewes were synchronized by a 12‐day treatment with progesterone‐impregnated intravaginal sponges. After the sponges were withdrawn, the ewes were administered 400 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin. The ewes were allowed to mate naturally, and all animals were sampled for blood as of the day of mating (day 0) at weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Pregnancy diagnoses were made by transabdominal ultrasonography at week 5. At weeks 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11, blood samples were collected only from the pregnant ewes. The blood samples were centrifuged at 3000 × g, and extracted sera were stored at −20°C until being used for laboratory analyses. Serum PAGs levels were determined with the aid of a commercial PAG‐enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay test originally developed for pregnancy diagnosis in cattle. Differences in the between the PAGs levels throughout pregnancy and the group effect (Karya and Konya Merino) were determined with a two‐way mixed analysis of variance. Pairwise comparisons were made using a Bonferroni adjustment. Results PAGs levels showed a linear increase with the advance of pregnancy in both Karya and Konya Merino sheep. No difference was detected between the breeds for serum PAGs levels. The serum PAGs levels of the pregnant and non‐pregnant ewes differed as of the fourth week. Conclusion The serum PAGs levels of the Karya and Konya Merino ewes were similar during the first 11 weeks of gestation, and pregnancy diagnosis could be made based on serum PAGs levels as of the 4th week in both breeds.

Pregnancy diagnosis in canines is generally performed during embryonic phase, between 19 and 35 days of gestation. At this stage embryonic resorptions can be observed, which, according to the literature, affects 11–26% of conceptuses and 5–43% of pregnancies. Resorption has been hypothesized as a physiological event in uterine overcrowding, however other factors may be involved, such as infectious or non-infectious diseases. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the incidence of embryo resorption at ultrasonographic pregnancy diagnosis in different dog breeds, and to identify the main factors determining the occurrence of the resorption sites. 95 pregnancy diagnoses were performed 21–30 days post-ovulation by ultrasound examination on 74 different animals. Breed, weight, and age of the bitches were recorded, and the reproductive anamnesis was collected from their medical records. The overall pregnancy rate was 91.6%. In 48.3% of pregnancies (42/87), at least one resorption site was visible, and embryonic resorption rate was 14.2% (61 resorption sites/431 total structures). Binary logistic regression showed a significant effect of age (P < 0.001), but not the size of the litter (P = 0.357), nor the size of the mother (P = 0.281) or any previous reproductive problems (P = 0.077). Age was significantly higher in pregnancies with resorptions than in normal ones (60.88 ± 18.24 and 40.27 ± 15.74 months, respectively, P < 0.001). The embryonic resorption rate was in line with previous findings, while the incidence of affected pregnancies was higher. Although resorptions may occur physiologically in pregnancies with large litters, a relationship between embryo resorption and litter size was not identified in our sample group, while aging increased the resorption rates. This, together with the occurrence of repeated embryonic resorptions in some bitches included in the study, suggests how resorptions could also be the result of pathological events. The underlying mechanisms and other factors that may be involved need further clarification. • In 48.3% of canine pregnancies at least one embryonic resorption was present. • Aging of the dam increase resorption rates. • Overcrowding does not seem to increase the prevalence of embryonic resorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early and accurate determination of pregnancy is critical to optimum reproductive performance in pigs and enables farmers to early rebreed or cull non-pregnant animals. Most of the conventional diagnostic methods are unsuitable for systematic application under practical conditions. The advent of real-time ultrasonography has made it possible to establish relatively more reliable pregnancy diagnosis. The present study was carried out to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and effectiveness of trans-abdominal real-time ultrasound (RTU) imaging vis-à-vis pregnancy status in sows reared under intensive management. Trans-abdominal ultrasonographic examinations were performed using a mechanical sector array transducer and portable ultrasound system in crossbred sows from 20 days post-insemination for up to next 40 days. Animals were followed up for subsequent reproductive performance with farrowing data used as the definitive test for deriving predictive values. Accuracy for diagnosis was determined by diagnostic accuracy measures like sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios. Before 30 days of breeding, RTU imaging had 84.21% sensitivity and 75% specificity. Relatively higher false diagnosis rates were obtained in animals checked at or before 55 days after AI than in animals checked after 55 days (21.73% versus 9.09%). Negative pregnancy rate was low with 29.16% (7/24) false positives. Overall sensitivity and specificity, using farrowing history as the gold standard, were 94.74% and 70.83% respectively. The sensitivity of testing tended to be slightly lower in sows with litter size of less than 8 total born piglets, compared to sows with 8 or more piglets. Overall positive likelihood ratio was 3.25 while negative likelihood ratio was 0.07. The results indicate that pregnancy in swine herds can be reliably detected earlier in gestation by 30 days post-insemination using trans-abdominal RTU imaging. This non-invasive technique with portable imaging system can be used as an integral part of reproductive monitoring and sound management practices for profitable swine production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synchronization of estrus involves handling the estrus cycle so that a large number of cows can be bred at approximately the same time. Proper cow/heifer selection as well as efficient coordination are all key elements for the success of synchronization programs which were lacking in the study area. The study was conducted with the objective to evaluate the effect of Alfaglandin C and fixed factors on estrus synchronization and efficiency of Artificial Insemination (AI) in North Shoa zone of the Oromia region. The study population encompassed indigenous and crossbred cows and heifers found in six purposively selected kebeles (smallest administrative unit within a district) from the three selected districts (Wucale, Dagam and Kuyuu). Multistage sampling procedure was used to select target districts, kebeles and experimental cows/heifers. A total of 180 cows and heifers fulfilling estrus synchronization criteria were selected purposively and injected with synchronizing hormone (Alfaglandin C). The level of significance among categorical variables was determined using the chi-square (ω²) test. About 70.6% of the cows and heifers injected with Alfaglandin C exhibited estrus. Exhibition of estrus following hormone injection was significantly (p<0.05) lower in Wuchale district compared with that of the other two districts. Likewise, the agroecology, farming system, herd group, and breed had a significant (p<0.05) effect on estrus exhibition. Among cows and heifers inseminated following estrus exhibition, 62.2% conceived as confirmed by pregnancy diagnosis (PD) test conducted at 45-day post AI, which dropped to 58.3% as observed by the PD test conducted three months' post AI. Agroecology, farming system, herd group, and genotype of cows and heifers showed significant (p<0.05) influence on the conception rate (CR). The highest CR was observed among cows of Kuyuu district, which was significantly (p<0.05) different from that of the other two districts. The overall calving rate was 91.1%. The semi-intensive part of the study also showed better estrus synchronization response and better reproductive performances which directly associated with the management practices. Treating industrial byproducts, better management, and promoting AI can achieve better estrus synchronization and efficiency of artificial insemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Practically and economically, predicting pregnancy status is crucial for food animal production. Recently, the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in peripheral blood leukocytes has been examined as a biomarker for predicting the gestational status during maternal recognition in ruminants. Although the ISG levels in the blood cells of cattle have been reported, the practical application of this detection method in embryo-transferred (ET) cows has not been evaluated in detail. The levels of three of the four ISGs in this study were significantly higher in pregnant cows than in non-pregnant cows on day 21 of gestation. The diagnostic performance results showed that the three ISGs are appropriate biomarkers for predicting the gestational status of ET cows. The statistical evaluation of diagnostic accuracy in ET cows indicated that the values of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were very high and the positive predictive values of the three ISGs were estimated. The results of this study suggest that ISGs are good biomarkers for gestational status during the peri-implantation period in ET cattle. Pregnancy diagnosis during early gestation is important for cattle reproduction. The expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) was studied in embryo-transferred (ET) Japanese Black cattle. ISGs in PBLs—ISG15, MX1, MX2, and OAS1—were detected in multiple ovulation ET cattle using a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed. Gestational status was predicted using the average ISG levels during the normal estrous cycle (AVE) and the Youden index from the ROC curve analysis as cutoff values. The ISG15, MX1, and MX2 levels were significantly higher in pregnant cattle (n = 10) than in non-pregnant cattle (n = 23) on gestation day 21, whereas the levels of all ISGs were similar between non-pregnant and non-pregnant cattle with late embryonic death (n = 7). ISG15, MX1, and MX2 appropriately predicted the gestational status of ET cows. The statistical evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy in ET cows on day 21 of gestation presented higher values of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive predictive values of ISG15, MX1, and MX2 using the Youden index than using the AVE. Therefore, ISG15, MX1, and MX2 are excellent biomarkers of gestational status during the peri-implantation period in ET cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Al-Anbar Journal of Veterinary Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Pig breeding management directly contributes to the profitability of pig farms, and pregnancy diagnosis is an important factor in breeding management. Therefore, the need to diagnose pregnancy in sows is emphasized, and various studies have been conducted in this area. We propose a computer-aided diagnosis system to assist livestock farmers to diagnose sow pregnancy through ultrasound. Methods for diagnosing pregnancy in sows through ultrasound include the Doppler method, which measures the heart rate and pulse status, and the echo method, which diagnoses by amplitude depth technique. We propose a method that uses deep learning algorithms on ultrasonography, which is part of the echo method. As deep learning-based classification algorithms, Inception-v4, Xception, and EfficientNetV2 were used and compared to find the optimal algorithm for pregnancy diagnosis in sows. Gaussian and speckle noises were added to the ultrasound images according to the characteristics of the ultrasonography, which is easily affected by noise from the surrounding environments. Both the original and noise added ultrasound images of sows were tested together to determine the suitability of the proposed method on farms. The pregnancy diagnosis performance on the original ultrasound images achieved 0.99 in accuracy in the highest case and on the ultrasound images with noises, the performance achieved 0.98 in accuracy. The diagnosis performance achieved 0.96 in accuracy even when the intensity of noise was strong, proving its robustness against noise.

Introduction: During pregnancy, women are at an increased risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of the reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (RET-He) in the early detection of iron-deficiency anemia in a group of pregnant women and to establish a reference range for this parameter in a group of control individuals. Method: A total of 60 patients and 130 control subjects were included in the study. Blood samples collected from the subjects were submitted to a complete blood count and a serum ferritin test and the data were analyzed by comparing the groups and ROC curves. Results: The reference range found for the RET-He was between 29.75pg and 38.24pg, with a median of 35pg. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for the ferritin parameter showed an area under the curve of 0.732 for the RET-He, 0.586 for hemoglobin, 0.551 for the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and 0.482 for the mean corpuscular volume. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy is essential to prevent damage to both maternal and fetal health. The RET-He presents an excellent potential as an auxiliary tool for the diagnosis of iron deficiency in pregnant women.

Auspicious pulse diagnosis/pregnancy diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine involves such issues as medical skills, narrative skills, family decency, and ethics. It is an excellent case for the exploration of ethical dilemmas in traditional Chinese medical practice. The early classical medical texts such as Su Wen (Basic Questions) and Ling Shu Jing (Spiritual Pivot Canon) provide a principle-based ethical guide for doctor-patient communication, while popular fiction such as Hong Lou Meng (A Dream of Red Mansions), Yu Mu Xing Xin Bian (Stories: Entertain to Enlighten), and Feng Yue Meng (Courtesans and Opium) in the Ming and Qing dynasties present literary examples for solving ethical dilemmas. This article will analyze these texts from three perspectives. First, the doctors in the text were subject to gender order and other delicate etiquette and customs, therefore were unable to make the diagnosis without embarrassing the patients and jeopardizing family decency. Second, the narrator tends to attribute pregnancy misdiagnosis to three reasons: incomplete patient information, doctors' poor narrative competence, and doctors' corrupted medical ethics. Finally, the Ming-Qing fiction proposes three methods to solve this moral dilemma: clear pulse reading, tactful speech, and taboo challenging. This discussion of moral dilemmas in pregnancy diagnosis in traditional Chinese medical practice can be used as a reference for the localization of narrative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the diagnostic accuracy of two pregnancy-associated glycoproteins tests (IDEXX on-farm pregnancy test [OFPT] and IDEXX rapid visual pregnancy test [RVPT]) for early pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cattle. Blood samples were collected from Holstein cows (n = 317) by coccygeal venipuncture 28–31 days after artificial insemination (AI). The OFPT and RVPT were performed on the farm within 2 h after blood collection using whole blood or blood serum. Transrectal ultrasonography (USG) was performed for pregnancy diagnosis on day 32 post-AI as a gold standard. One-hundred fourteen cows were diagnosed as pregnant and 203 were determined to be nonpregnant. Furthermore, embryonic mortality was detected in four of the nonpregnant animals, based on fragmented/dispersed embryonic membranes and the absence of heartbeat. Sixteen and 14 false positive results (13 jointly for both tests) were obtained for the RVPT and OFPT, respectively. Three false negative results were obtained for the RVPT. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy for the OFPT were 100%, 93.1%, 89.1%, 100% and 95.6%, and for RVPT were 97.4%, 92.1%, 87.4%, 98.4% and 94.0%, respectively. The ability of both tests to distinguish between pregnant and open cows was very good (AUC of both tests above 0.9). The OFPT and RVPT almost perfectly agreed with each other. According to McNemar's analysis, false positive results have been caused difference between the two pregnancy tests and USG. In conclusion, both the RVPT and OFPT proved to be reliable and practical methods for pregnancy diagnosis 28–31 days after AI in dairy cows. However, the results of both pregnancy tests were affected by the occurrence of embryonic mortality around the time of their employment. • Performance of OFPT was evaluated first time for early pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cattle. • OFPT and RVPT are reliable and practical methods for pregnancy diagnosis between 28–31 days after AI in dairy cows. • OFPT and RVPT are affected from embryonic mortality around the time of their employment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 F2‐alpha (PGF2α; n = 18), progesterone pessaries (P4P; 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 PGF2α 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 PGF2α group were 66.2%, 66.7%, 64.8%, 62.1%, and 63.0% for US, DRP, PA, BL, and NRH, respectively; P4P 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 P4P 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Simple Summary: The paper presents practices related to reproductive management in sheep and goat farms in Greece. It presents descriptive information regarding the practices followed and the predictors associated with them. The results also indicate that various reproductive practices can have significant effects on the production outcomes (milk production, lamb production) in sheep and goat farms. The correct implementation of reproductive management in sheep and goat farms, based on scientific principles and compliance with established regulations, is important for the improvement in the welfare of farm animals and high production outcomes. This paper reports findings regarding patterns of reproductive management in 325 sheep flocks and 119 goat herds throughout Greece. The objectives were to describe the patterns of reproductive management in sheep and goat farms, to highlight factors that were associated with these management patterns and the clinical application of the various reproductive management approaches in the farms and to establish potential associations with production outcomes. The median months of the start of the mating period for adult sheep and goats were May and June, respectively and for ewe lambs and replacement goats these were August and September, respectively. The median duration of the mating period was 2 months for adults and 1 month for replacements. The median ratio of female to male animals was 22:1 and 25:1 in sheep and goat farms, respectively. Control of reproduction was applied in 33.2% and 16.8% of sheep and goat farms, respectively, mostly by intravaginal progestagen sponges and less often by melatonin implants; multivariable analysis indicated five (availability of milking parlour, number of ewes in a farm, number of daily milkings, daily period spent by farmers at the farm, farming tradition in the family) and two (number of daily milkings, availability of milking parlour) predictors in sheep and goat farms, respectively. Pregnancy diagnosis ultrasonographically was performed in 36.6% and 16.8% of sheep and goat farms, respectively; multivariable analysis indicated as significant three (management system applied in farms, age of farmer, farming tradition in the family) and two (management system applied in farms, availability of milking parlour) predictors in sheep and goat farms, respectively. The control of reproduction and pregnancy diagnosis were associated with a higher number of vaccinations during pregnancy: 2.6 and 2.7, respectively, versus 2.2 and 2.1 in farms where they were not performed. The average per farm number of lambs/kids born per female animal was 1.33 ± 0.01 and 1.30 ± 0.02 for sheep and goat farms, respectively; five (control of reproduction, location of the farm, presence of working staff, collaboration with veterinary practice, breed of ewes) and two (control of reproduction, breed of female goats) predictors were identified in sheep and goat farms, respectively, for high numbers of lambs/kids. Lambs/kids were taken away from their dams at the age of 50 and 65 days, respectively. The average culling age (females, males) was 5.9 and 4.4 years and 6.9 and 4.9 years for sheep and goats, respectively. Farmers sourced animals to be used as replacements for those removed from the farm, mostly from the animals in their own farms, considering criteria related to milk production. Finally, the application of the control of reproduction was associated with increased milk production and the number of newborns, whilst an inverse correlation between the culling age of animals and milk production was seen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The current pregnancy diagnosis is generally not ideal in accuracy and efficiency, and the physiological process of early pregnancy in pig remains unclarified. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate protein expression profiles and identify typical proteins of early pregnancy for more understanding of physiological processes. Methods: Data-independent acquisition-based (DIA) quantitative proteomic analysis was performed to compare the serum proteome profiles on days 0, 5, 12, 16, and 19 of gestation in Tibetan pig. Parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) was subsequently performed to verify relative expression level. Key results: 396 proteins were detected, of which 113 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified. Functional annotation and pathway analysis indicated that the DEPs were mainly involved in catalytic activity, metabolic processes and the proteasome. Four candidate DEPs (talin 1, profilin, carbonic anhydrase, and HGF activator) showed consistent expression trends in both DIA and PRM approaches. Conclusions: The DIA based proteomic methods indicate the involvement of numerous serum proteins in early pregnancy physiological function in pigs. The combination of DIA-PRM based global proteomic analysis may provide insights for function study and pregnancy diagnosis biomarkers. Implications: The global proteomic analyses performed here have increased the knowledge of early pregnancy in Tibetan swine and provide potential methods for pregnancy detection. Understanding the physiological change of proteins during early pregnancy may provide a means for accurate pregnancy diagnosis, fetus survival, as well as efficient reproduction management in the pig industry. Global proteomic analysis was performed to compare the serum proteome profiles on days 0, 5, 12, 16, and 19 of gestation in Tibetan pig. The relative expression levels of four differentially expressed proteins were verified with parallel reaction monitoring. This study provides a reference for pregnancy-diagnosis biomarkers screening and confirmation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound technology has led to new lines of research in equine reproduction, and it has helped to greatly improve clinical diagnosis and reproductive outcomes in equine practice. This review aims to discuss the potential clinical uses and new approaches of ultrasonography in equine reproduction. Doppler modalities are usually used to evaluate the vascularization of the follicles, corpus luteum (CL), and the uterus in the mare for diagnostic purposes. Inclusion of Doppler ultrasound in artificial insemination and embryo transfer programs could improve the reproductive outcome of these techniques. Better selection of recipients based on CL functionality, early pregnancy diagnosis 7–8 days postovulation of the donor before flushing or diagnosis of mares with endometritis with pathological increases of blood flow are examples of clinical applications in the mare. In the stallion, colour Doppler ultrasound has improved the diagnostic potential of B‐mode ultrasound, improving the differential diagnosis of pathologies such as testicular torsion (decrease or absence of blood flow in the cord) and orchitis (increased blood flow in the cord). The incorporation of pulsed Doppler ultrasound into the reproductive evaluation of the stallion has enabled early identification of stallions with testicular dysfunction, thus allowing administration of timely treatment and subsequent improvements of the fertility prognosis for these animals. In addition, this technique has been used in the monitoring of patients undergoing medical and surgical treatments, thus verifying their efficacy. Recently, computer‐assisted pixel analysis using specific software has been performed in research work in order to semi‐quantitatively evaluate the vascularization (colour and power Doppler) and echotexture of different organs. These softwares are now being developed for clinical purposes, as is the case with Ecotext, a computer program developed for the evaluation of testicular echotexture, providing information on testicular functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present work was to study effectiveness for early pregnancy diagnosis in cattle of the new enzyme immunoassay (EIA) sandwich kit commercially available based on the measurement of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs). 120 Holstein-Friesian cattle of mixed age and parity were comprised from different dairy herds. The pregnant females (n = 68) were diagnosed by ultrasonography at day 35-40 after artificial insemination and confirmed by transrectal exploration at 2-3 months after AI. The non-pregnant females (n = 52) were housed in the absence of males during the experimental period. Blood samples were collected from coccygeal vessels of females into EDTA tubes. The serum was obtained by centrifugation and the serum was stored at - 20 C until assay. The PAG concentrations in pregnant and non-pregnant females were determined in serum by EIA kit. The reproducibility inter- and intra-assay of the PAG-EIA is satisfactory (2.78 and 13.19 %, respectively). The accuracy ( 94.8 %) and the test of parallelism were largely acceptable. No cross-reaction was observed with the different hormones tested at different dilutions. PAG-EIA system gave 100 % sensitivity and negative predictive values. Whereas, specificity and positive predictive value were 91.93 and 71.15 %, respectively. The accuracy of pregnancy diagnosis by PAG-EIA was 87.5 %. In conclusion, the present study shows clearly that the EIA kit can be used to measure PAG in serum cows for the detection of gestation in Algeria. Therefore, this alternative technique could be recommended to replace the radioactive methods in immunoassays to improve the reproductive performances and an efficient tool for reproductive management of dairy cattle.

Dairy producers face important challenges threatening the system's financial results, making reproductive efficiency one of the most important. To achieve the goal of a calving per cow/year and thus maintain the profitability of the dairy, it is essential to achieve a high number of inseminated cows in the shortest possible time. Cows that fail to conceive and those that suffer embryo loss are the ones that we should focus on detecting and inseminating them promptly, shortening the time interval between calving and new conception. The objectives of this study were 1) to assess the ultrasound (USG) Doppler for the detection of non-pregnant cows at 19- 20 d post-IA and 2) to determine the embryo loss between 19-34 d of pregnancy in dairy cows. In all cows included in the study (n=131), the corpus luteum (CL-FS) perfusion was assessed by the color and the power mode of the Doppler USG. In addition, the uterine echotexture was evaluated by USG mode B to predict if, including this information, the precision of the USG Doppler at 19-20 d post AI improved. At the same time, blood samples were collected to measure progesterone (P4) and to determine the expression of genes related to early pregnancy (interferon-stimulated genes; ISG) by real-time PCR. Finally, the pregnancy diagnosis was performed at 33-36 d after IA using USG mode B. Color mode showed higher precision in detecting non-pregnant cows using category ≤1 (scale 0-4) in all CL quadrants. The non-pregnancy rate at 19-20 d post-AI was 38,9% (51/131) by CL-FS Doppler USG. In contrast, the non-pregnancy rate at 33-34d post-AI was 62,6 (82/131) by B-mode USG based on the lack of embryo visualization. The presence of a thick endometrial layer and the visualization of the uterine stratum vascular at 19-20 d post-AI was related to the non-pregnancy diagnosis at 33-34 d post-AI (p<0.001). Based on the expression of ISG in cows with positive CL to Doppler assessment and with P4 >1ng/ml at 19-20 d post-AI, we detected that 28,1% of the cows potentially lost the pregnancy between 19-34 d. Doppler USG allowed the detection of non-pregnant cows between 19-20 d post-AI, and the additional B-mode ultrasound evaluation of the uterine echo structure improved the detection of non-pregnant cows. The early diagnosis using these techniques is a valuable and quick tool to be implemented in resynchronization protocols to minimize open days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most of embryo losses occur before the day 16 after artificial insemination, but there is no low cost and easy operation that can detect pregnancy with high accuracy within three weeks post-insemination in cattle. In this study, blood samples were collected at day 18 of the estrous cycle, and days 18, 25 and 35 of pregnancy, and relative levels of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs), Toll-like receptor (TLRs), complement components, early pregnancy factor (EPF) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPPA) proteins were analyzed through Western blot. In addition, a colloidal gold immunochromatographic test strip was developed using the selected antibody, and the test was used for early pregnancy diagnosis. The results showed that there were changes in relative levels of plasma ISGs, TLRs, complement components, EPF and PAPPA proteins during early pregnancy in cattle, and complement component 1q (C1q) could be used as an ideal marker to develop a colloidal gold immunochromatographic test strip for early pregnancy diagnosis. In addition, the accuracy of pregnancy diagnosis by this test strip was 91.67% (11/12) for pregnant cows and 80% (8/10) nonpregnant cows at day 18 after insemination. In conclusion, the changes in plasma ISGs, TLRs, complement components, EPF and PAPPA proteins may be related to the maternal systemic immune modulation during early pregnancy, and a colloidal gold immunochromatographic test strip was developed for early pregnancy diagnosis using C1q as the ideal marker in cows. However, this colloidal gold immunochromatographic test strip needs further studies to improve the accuracy. • Early pregnancy induces changes in plasma ISGs, TLRs, complement components. • C1q can be used as an ideal marker for early pregnancy diagnosis in cows. • Development of an immunochromatographic test strip for early pregnancy diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of Doppler ultrasonography to quantify blood vascularization in reproductive organs has increased over the past decade. Doppler technology has predominantly been explored in research settings to evaluate uterine blood flow and to assess follicular and luteal blood perfusion. Recent research has also explored the use of Doppler technology in applied reproductive management for both the beef and dairy industries and has focused on the use of luteal color Doppler ultrasonography to evaluate embryo transfer recipients and perform early pregnancy diagnosis. Although significant progress has been made and current literature indicates a strong potential for the applied use of Doppler ultrasonography to increase reproductive efficiency in the cattle industry, uptake of this technology is still currently limited. This review summarizes the recent developments in the applied use of color Doppler ultrasonography for reproductive management in both beef and dairy cattle herds.

Pregnancy diagnosis during early gestation is important for cattle reproduction. The expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) was studied in embryo-transferred (ET) Japanese Black cattle. ISGs in PBLs—ISG15, MX1, MX2, and OAS1—were detected in multiple ovulation ET cattle using a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed. Gestational status was predicted using the average ISG levels during the normal estrous cycle (AVE) and the Youden index from the ROC curve analysis as cutoff values. The ISG15, MX1, and MX2 levels were significantly higher in pregnant cattle (n = 10) than in non-pregnant cattle (n = 23) on gestation day 21, whereas the levels of all ISGs were similar between non-pregnant and non-pregnant cattle with late embryonic death (n = 7). ISG15, MX1, and MX2 appropriately predicted the gestational status of ET cows. The statistical evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy in ET cows on day 21 of gestation presented higher values of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive predictive values of ISG15, MX1, and MX2 using the Youden index than using the AVE. Therefore, ISG15, MX1, and MX2 are excellent biomarkers of gestational status during the peri-implantation period in ET cattle.

The induced ovulatory nature and low breeding efficiency of camels makes it much important to have timely pregnancy diagnosis so that measures could be implemented to make them pregnant as soon as possible. The managemental methods of pregnancy diagnosis include response to male and persistent raised tail (tail reflex). Clinical method involves rectal palpation (palpation of corpus luteum, palpable uterine swelling following one month of breeding among bactrian camels and 8 weeks onwards among dromedary camels, foetal skeleton palpation from 2.5 to 3.0 months and then after 6-7 months onward and other uterine changes), vaginal examination (mucous membrane and cervical plug examination) and ultrasonography (examination of corpus luteum, echoic embryo surrounded by non-echoic fluid and heart beat following 25 days of pregnancy). Laboratory methods involve hormone estimation (progesterone, oestradiol 17β, PGFA, relaxin, thyroid and testosterone), cervical mucus examination for changes in its pH to alkaline side, increased viscosity and specific gravity, chemical methods including Cuboni's test for increased oestrone sulphate and barium chloride test etc. where sure positive reactions of Cuboni's test are expected during final third of pregnancy among bactrian camels and during second third pregnancy among dromedary camels. The most practical, instant diagnosis oriented and accurate approach among all is ultrasonography. Few recent advanced techniques like pregnancy-associated glycosylation changes of human IgG have also been introduced to carry out pregnancy diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pregnancy diagnosis is an important standard for control of livestock’s reproduction in paricular dairy cattle. High reproductive performance in dairy animals is a essential condition to realize of high life-time production. Pregnancy diagnosis is crucial to shortening the calving interval by enabling the farmer to identify open animals so as to treat or re-breed them at the earliest opportunity. MicroRNAs are short RNA molecules which are critically involved in regulating gene expression during both health and disease. This study is sought to establish the feasible of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers of early pregnancy in cattle. We applied Illumina small-RNA sequencing to profile miRNAs in plasma samples collected from 12 non-pregnant cows (“open” cows: samples were collected before insemination (non-pregnant state) and after pregnancy check at the indicated time points) on weeks 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16. Using small RNA sequencing we identified a total of 115 miRNAs that were differentially expressed weeks 16 relative to non-pregnancy (“open” cows). Weeks 8, 12 and 16 of pregnancy commonly showed a distinct increase in circulating levels of miR-221 and miR-320a. Through genome-wide analyses we have successfully profiled plasma miRNA populations associated with pregnancy in cattle. Their application in the field of reproductive biology has opened up opportunities for research communities to look for pregnancy biomarker molecules in dairy cattle.

Objective This study was conducted to assess the level of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) in whole and skim milk samples, and its suitability for early pregnancy diagnosis in goats. Methods A two-step sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system for estimation of milk PAG was developed and validated, which employed caprine-PAG specific polyclonal antisera. Whole and skim milk samples (n = 210 each) from fifteen multiparous goats were collected on alternate days from d 10 to d 30, and thereafter weekly till d 51 post-mating. PAG levels in milk samples were estimated by ELISA and the pregnancies were confirmed at d40 post-mating by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS). Results The level of PAG in whole and skim milk samples of both pregnant and non-pregnant goats remained below the threshold values until d 24 after mating. Thereafter, PAG concentration in whole and skim milk increased steadily in pregnant goats, whereas it continued below the threshold in non-pregnant does. The PAG profiles in whole and skim milk of pregnant goats were almost similar and exhibited strong positive relationship (r = 0.891; p

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 mm2, 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 mm2 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. • CL size was greater in pregnant cattle on Days 19–21 post-AI. • BFA was greater in pregnant cattle on Days 18–21 post-AI. • The incidence and area of central luteal cavity were smaller in pregnant cattle. • On Day 21, CL size was the most accurate predictor for pregnancy diagnosis. • On Days 17–20, CCA and BFA were reliable markers for pregnancy diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted in a goat farm for pregnancy diagnosis by using vaginal cytology and B-mode real time ultrasound using 5 MHz probe by transabdominal method. Seventeen pregnant does were used for this study. The objective of the study was to determine the earliest day of pregnancy and describe the chronological characteristics of pregnancy from day 22 to day 40 for vaginal cytology and day 25 to day 60 for ultrasonography of gestation. The differences among the average percentage of cell value in different age of pregnancy were significant (p < 0.05). The average percentage of intermediate cells (81.12%) was also significantly (p < 0.05) higher than superficial (9.41%), keratinized (7.10%) and neutrophil (2.61%) on 22-40th days of pregnancy. In case of real time B-mode ultrasonography, the gestational sac was observed only in three does out of seventeen (17.6 %) at 25-30 days whereas the placentomes and heart beat of the foetus were first detected at 31-35 days in six does (35.3%). The foetal leg buds were first visualized at 36-40 days in four does (23.5%) whereas the foetal vertebral column was first observed at 36-40 days of gestation in only three does (17.6%). In conclusion, vaginal cytology and trans-abdominal ultrasonography can be used for detection of early pregnancy in does.

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.

This paper reports findings regarding patterns of reproductive management in 325 sheep flocks and 119 goat herds throughout Greece. The objectives were to describe the patterns of reproductive management in sheep and goat farms, to highlight factors that were associated with these management patterns and the clinical application of the various reproductive management approaches in the farms and to establish potential associations with production outcomes. The median months of the start of the mating period for adult sheep and goats were May and June, respectively and for ewe lambs and replacement goats these were August and September, respectively. The median duration of the mating period was 2 months for adults and 1 month for replacements. The median ratio of female to male animals was 22:1 and 25:1 in sheep and goat farms, respectively. Control of reproduction was applied in 33.2% and 16.8% of sheep and goat farms, respectively, mostly by intravaginal progestagen sponges and less often by melatonin implants; multivariable analysis indicated five (availability of milking parlour, number of ewes in a farm, number of daily milkings, daily period spent by farmers at the farm, farming tradition in the family) and two (number of daily milkings, availability of milking parlour) predictors in sheep and goat farms, respectively. Pregnancy diagnosis ultrasonographically was performed in 36.6% and 16.8% of sheep and goat farms, respectively; multivariable analysis indicated as significant three (management system applied in farms, age of farmer, farming tradition in the family) and two (management system applied in farms, availability of milking parlour) predictors in sheep and goat farms, respectively. The control of reproduction and pregnancy diagnosis were associated with a higher number of vaccinations during pregnancy: 2.6 and 2.7, respectively, versus 2.2 and 2.1 in farms where they were not performed. The average per farm number of lambs/kids born per female animal was 1.33 ± 0.01 and 1.30 ± 0.02 for sheep and goat farms, respectively; five (control of reproduction, location of the farm, presence of working staff, collaboration with veterinary practice, breed of ewes) and two (control of reproduction, breed of female goats) predictors were identified in sheep and goat farms, respectively, for high numbers of lambs/kids. Lambs/kids were taken away from their dams at the age of 50 and 65 days, respectively. The average culling age (females, males) was 5.9 and 4.4 years and 6.9 and 4.9 years for sheep and goats, respectively. Farmers sourced animals to be used as replacements for those removed from the farm, mostly from the animals in their own farms, considering criteria related to milk production. Finally, the application of the control of reproduction was associated with increased milk production and the number of newborns, whilst an inverse correlation between the culling age of animals and milk production was seen.

Pregnancy diagnosis is critical to the management of captive breeding of wild animals, as accurate pregnancy diagnosis can improve the reproductive efficiency of captive animals. Pangolins do not show obvious morphological changes during pregnancy, which increases the difficulty of pregnancy diagnosis. In this study, pregnancies were diagnosed using B-ultrasonography in three Sunda pangolins (MJ-X2, MJ-X3, and MJ-X4) that had mated with males. B-ultrasonography revealed embryos in pangolins MJX2 and MJ-X3, but not in MJ-X4. Pangolins MJ-X2 and MJ-X3 gave birth to cubs 102 and 123 days, respectively, after B-ultrasound detection; pangolin MJ-X4 did not give birth to a cub. This study showed that B-ultrasound can accurately diagnose pregnancy in Sunda pangolins and detect the developmental status of their embryos and fetuses. As a method of pregnancy diagnosis, B-ultrasound is not only easy to operate, safe, and noninvasive, but also very intuitive and efficient compared with hormone detection methods. Efficient detection methods such as B-ultrasonography are critical to avoid housing alreadypregnant pangolins together with males, which may mate with the females again or stress them, resulting in abortion. This approach also helps to conserve male reproductive resources, thereby improving the reproductive efficiency of captive Sunda pangolins. Effective and efficient captive breeding programs are critical for the conservation of Sunda pangolins and other pangolin species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of present study was to estimate gestational age of teddy goat by B-mode ultrasound measurement of embryonic or fetal parts and uterine diameter throughout pregnancy by transrectal approach. Three parameters crown rump length (CRL), trunk diameter (TD), and uterine diameter (UD) were selected for measurement of gestational age with the weekly interval from 3rd week to 15 weeks of gestation of 12 pregnant teddy goats, all three parameters were significantly (P<0.01) corelated with gestational age. The CRL was strongly positively correlated with gestational age (r2=0.98) followed by the TD (r2=0.98) and the UD (r2=0.97). The fetal numbers were estimated 19 (five single and seven twines) by transrectal approach in twelve pregnant teddy goats. The earliest day of pregnancy diagnosis was 19 day after mating, while trunk was best parameter for determination of gestational age throughout gestational period and fetal sexing can be diagnosed at 7th week of gestation period in teddy goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early pregnancy diagnosis following insemination is an important component of the reproductive management program to shorten the calving interval in water buffaloes. A recent method to detect pregnancy in dairy animals is through pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) that are present during implantation and throughout the gestation period. In this study, milk PAG Enzyme-Link Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique was used and run in parallel with blood PAG ELISA for its efficiency in detecting early pregnancy in lactating buffaloes. Fixed Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) was conducted in lactating buffaloes followed by the collection of milk and blood samples post-FTAI. Samples were then assayed using commercial PAG ELISA test kits (IDEXX, USA). Trans-rectal ultrasonography was conducted to confirm pregnancy. Of the 22 inseminated lactating buffaloes, 12 (54 %) were considered pregnant based on PAG concentration in milk on day 26 and similarly in blood on day 25 post-FTAI. These twelve animals were all confirmed pregnant by ultrasonography on day 40 post-FTAI. In addition, variation in PAG expressions in milk samples was observed among animals until at least day 60 of gestation. Essentially, milk PAG ELISA is an accurate and non-invasive approach to detect early pregnancy in lactating buffaloes which can help reduce the calving interval and improve reproduction in water buffaloes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the level of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) in whole and skim milk samples, and its suitability for early pregnancy diagnosis in goats. Methods: A two-step sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system for estimation of milk PAG was developed and validated, which employed caprine-PAG specific polyclonal antisera. Whole and skim milk samples (n = 210 each) from fifteen multiparous goats were collected on alternate days from d 10 to d 30, and thereafter weekly till d 51 postmating. PAG levels in milk samples were estimated by ELISA and the pregnancies were confirmed at d40 post-mating by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS). Results: The level of PAG in whole and skim milk samples of both pregnant and nonpregnant goats remained below the threshold values until d 24 after mating. Thereafter, PAG concentration in whole and skim milk increased steadily in pregnant goats, whereas it continued below the threshold in non-pregnant does. The PAG profiles in whole and skim milk of pregnant goats were almost similar and exhibited strong positive relationship (r = 0.891; p<0.001). Day 26 post-mating was identified as the first time-point for significantly (p<0.05) higher milk PAG concentration in pregnant goats than to non-pregnant goats. When compared to TRUS examination for pregnancy diagnosis, the accuracy and specificity of PAG ELISA using whole and skim milk samples were 94.5% and 95.4%; and 95.3% and 100%, respectively. The high values of area-under-curve (0.904 [whole milk] and 0.922 [skim milk]), demonstrate outstanding discrimination ability of the milk assays. Among the sampling dates chosen, d 37 post-mating was identified as the best suitable time point for collection of milk samples to detect pregnancy in goats. Conclusion: The PAG concentration in whole and skim milk of goats collected between days 26 and 51 post-breeding can be used for the accurate prediction of pregnancy and may be useful for assisting management decisions in goat flocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infrared thermography (IRT) imaging technology, as a convenient, efficient, and contactless temperature measurement technology, has been widely applied to animal production. In this review, we systematically summarized the principles and influencing parameters of IRT imaging technology. In addition, we also summed up recent advances of IRT imaging technology in monitoring the temperature of animal surfaces and core anatomical areas, diagnosing early disease and inflammation, monitoring animal stress levels, identifying estrus and ovulation, and diagnosing pregnancy and animal welfare. Finally, we made prospective forecast for future research directions, offering more theoretical references for related research in this field.

The aim of the present study was to develop a semi-quantitative urine pregnancy test for mares based on the Cuboni reaction and to verify the reliability of this test. The urine specimens were hydrolyzed by heating in the presence of hydrochloric acid. The resulting free estrogens were extracted from the urine matrix using toluene. Sulfuric acid was added to the toluene extract and the mixture was heated again. The lower layer in the test tube containing sulfuric acid was used for fluorescence measurements with excitation at 355 nm and measurement at 535 nm. The fluorometric Cuboni test revealed that the fluorescence counts in urine samples collected after the second trimester of gestation were significantly higher than those obtained from barren mares. The levels of estrogens, including equilin, estrone and estardiol-17β exhibited a dose-dependent increase in fluorescence counts, whereas other steroids, such as progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol, did not affect fluorescence. Heat treatment of urine samples with hydrochloric acid significantly increased the fluorescence counts in those collected after the second trimester of gestation compared to non-pregnant samples, implying the presence of large amounts of conjugated estrogens in pregnant mare urine. Fluorescence counts in urine samples obtained during pregnancy showed a positive relationship with estrone concentrations as measured by enzyme immunoassay. The results of the present study showed that the fluorometric Cuboni test facilitates urine fluorescence counts depending on the urinary estrogen content and is capable of discriminating between pregnancy and non-pregnancy states beyond the second trimester of gestation in mares.

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. • The incorporation of a CIDR in a resynchronization protocol was not necessary to achieve adequate pregnancy rates. • Inclusion of a CIDR in a resynchronization protocol benefited heifers. • Early pregnancy detection on day 28 using a chute-side blood pregnancy test was found to be as reliable as ultrasonography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to assess the information needs of the paravets on Artificial Insemination (AI) in India. Paravets (160) were selected having equal representation from 4 different parts of India (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana and Odisha). Questionnaire and telephonic survey method was used for data collection. The information needs on AI among paravets was assessed under four sub-groups, viz. information needs on heat detection, AI techniques, post-AI practices and miscellaneous information related to AI. Results revealed that the most needed information was symptoms of heat in buffaloes and pregnancy diagnosis both bearing 1st rank (MWS=7.22), followed by address of semen stations (MWS=6.09) with 2nd rank, rectal palpation (MWS=5.97) ranked 3rd, signs of heat in cattle (MWS=5.91) ranked 4th and use of crystoscope for checking fern pattern (MWS=5.68) with 5th rank. Earlier researchers have established that proper AI technique is essential for improving conception rate. Hence, along with provision of training courses on AI, there is a need to focus on creating efficient information systems platform incorporating knowledge related to AI which can be easily accessed by the paravets. Further, the paravets need to be trained on the use of digital tools for faster information delivery and ease of use. Efforts are also needed for continuous education of the paravets for enhancing the effectiveness of AI. Convergence of various information dissemination efforts of the government and non-government sector, and more number of multipronged information channels are required to fulfil the information needs of the paravets.

Dairy cow farming plays an important role in the UK and worldwide economies. Significant challenges are currently being faced regarding sustainability of the dairy industry. Dairy cow subfertility remains an important issue limiting herd productivity, resulting in annual losses of hundreds of millions of pounds in the UK alone. To address this, accurate monitoring of reproductive status and early detection of fertility issues in individual cows is essential. The aim of this study was to gather farmer and veterinarian opinions on current practices and perceived gaps related to diagnosis of fertility issues and pregnancy testing in UK dairy farms. Using online questionnaires, data were collected and analyzed from a total of 40 farmers and 59 veterinarians. The results showed that non-seen bulling checks and ultrasound were the most frequent tools to detect fertility issues, and that most farmers tested post-calving, and often again before or during mating. Most farmers believed that current tests did not meet their expectations, with half of those being willing to pay more than they were currently paying for fertility testing. In regard to pregnancy testing, ultrasound was most commonly used, at 30–50 days post-insemination either in individual or groups of cows. Again, most farmers believed that current tests did not meet their expectations, and a majority would consider paying a higher cost for a test that was better than those currently available. In addition, a majority of farmers would consider using a test that could detect pregnancy within 2 weeks post-insemination, if such test existed, because they believed it would help improve their herds' reproductive performance. Overall, the opinions of farmers and veterinarians indicate that there is significant scope for improving dairy herd fertility monitoring practices in the UK, through development of improved assays that can diagnose pregnancy and infertility earlier, are less disruptive to farm operations and are more cost effective than available tools. They also provide useful information to guide the future development and implementation of better diagnostics for improving reproductive performance of dairy cattle.