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Kline AC, Menegatti Zoca S, Epperson KM, Quail LK, Ketchum JN, Andrews TN, Rich JJJ, Rhoades JR, Walker JA, Perry GA. Evaluation of pregnancy associated glycoproteins assays for on farm determination of pregnancy status in beef cattle. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306325. [PMID: 39052584 PMCID: PMC11271854 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Transrectal ultrasonography is known as the gold standard for pregnancy detection, but requires costly equipment and technical skills; therefore, access to an inexpensive and more user-friendly method with similar accuracy could benefit cattle producers. Detection of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins can accurately determine pregnancy in ruminants; however, usually requires specialized equipment for the assay. Thus, the objectives of these studies were to 1) validate the IDEXX Alertys OnFarm Pregnancy Test (lateral flow) and compare the accuracy of all three commercial PAG assays to transrectal ultrasonography and 2) to determine the postpartum interval necessary for clearance of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins from the previous pregnancy to avoid false positives. In study 1, blood samples from previously identified pregnant Bos taurus females from six different herds (nulliparous n = 1,205 and multiparous n = 1,539; samples collected between d 27 to 285 of gestation over a three-year period) were utilized. In study 2, postpartum females (primiparous n = 48 and multiparous n = 66) from one herd were utilized: (n = 1,066; samples collected weekly for up to 12 weeks postpartum). In study 1, level of agreement between different methods of pregnancy detection was determined by Pearson's correlation and Kappa scores. In study 2, data were analyzed as a repeated measure using the MIXED procedure of SAS with main effects of parity, days postpartum (dpp), and parity by days postpartum, then data were analyzed further using the REG procedure of SAS. In study 1, transrectal ultrasonography and lateral flow were positively correlated (r = 0.77; P <0.01), with 92.4% agreement. In study 2, the abundance of absorbance of PAGs rapidly decreased from 0 to 50 days postpartum, then continued to gradually decrease (P <0.01; r = 0.90). Prior to 42 days postpartum, PAG concentrations were sufficiently elevated resulting in false positive readings in all assays. In conclusion, there is very good agreement between transrectal ultrasonography and PAG assays, but likelihood of false positive results are highif assays are performed fewer than 42 days postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adalaide C. Kline
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Saulo Menegatti Zoca
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Kaitlin M. Epperson
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lacey K. Quail
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jaclyn N. Ketchum
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, Texas, United States of America
| | - Taylor N. Andrews
- Department of Animal Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Jerica J. J. Rich
- Department of Animal Science, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Jim R. Rhoades
- IDEXX Laboratories, Westbrook, Maine, United States of America
| | - Julie A. Walker
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - George A. Perry
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, Texas, United States of America
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López-Gatius F, Ganau S, Garcia-Ispierto I. Evaluation of a Commercial Pregnancy Test Using Blood or Plasma Samples in High-Producing Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1656. [PMID: 38891703 PMCID: PMC11171026 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated a commercial pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs)-based pregnancy test using whole blood or plasma samples during early pregnancy (28-55 days of gestation) in high-producing dairy cows. Transrectal ultrasonography was used as the gold standard method. The study population constituted of 284 cows. False positive diagnoses were recorded from Day 60 to 89 and from Day 60 to 99 postpartum in blood and plasma samples, respectively. In early pregnancy screening, correct positive diagnoses were recorded in 75% and 100% of blood and plasma samples, respectively. High milk production was associated with negative results in blood samples and with the lowest test line intensity in plasma samples. False positive or negative diagnoses were recorded in 0% of both types of samples in cows previously diagnosed as pregnant and showing signs of estrus. In conclusion, the use of plasma was more effective than the use of blood in early pregnancy diagnosis. In cows previously diagnosed as pregnant and showing signs of estrus, both types of samples showed the same results. Because of large individual variations, normal single pregnancies could not be differentiated from twin pregnancies, from pregnancies with a recently dead conceptus, or from pregnancies that experienced subsequent pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando López-Gatius
- Agrotecnio Centre, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
- Transfer in Bovine Reproduction SLu, 22300 Barbastro, Spain
| | - Sergi Ganau
- Granja Sant Josep, La Melusa, Tamarite, 22549 Huesca, Spain
| | - Irina Garcia-Ispierto
- Agrotecnio Centre, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
- Department of Animal Science, University of Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain
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Gui LS, Dai TS, Guo XR, Wei SH, Ma ZM, Yang D, Ding BL, Xiang H, Yu YT, Dan XG. Recent advances in early pregnancy loss diagnosis in dairy cows: New approaches. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14566. [PMID: 38627959 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Early pregnancy loss is a primary cause of low reproductive rates in dairy cows, posing severe economic losses to dairy farming. The accurate diagnosis of dairy cows with early pregnancy loss allows for oestrus synchronization, shortening day open, and increasing the overall conception rate of the herd. Several techniques are available for detecting early pregnancy loss in dairy cows, including rectal ultrasound, circulating blood progesterone, and pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs). Yet, there is a need to improve on existing techniques and develop novel strategies to identify cows with early pregnancy loss accurately. This manuscript reviews the applications of rectal ultrasound, circulating blood progesterone concentration, and PAGs in the diagnosis of pregnancy loss in dairy cows. The manuscript also discusses the recent progress of new technologies, including colour Doppler ultrasound (CDUS), interferon tau-induced genes (ISGs), and exosomal miRNA in diagnosing pregnancy loss in dairy cows. This study will provide an option for producers to re-breed cows with pregnancy loss, thereby reducing the calving interval and economic costs. Meanwhile, this manuscript might also act as a reference for exploring more economical and precise diagnostic technologies for early pregnancy loss in dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Sen Gui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Tian-Shu Dai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Xing-Ru Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Shi-Hao Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Zi-Ming Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Di Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Bao-Long Ding
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Hui Xiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Yong-Tao Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Xin-Gang Dan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
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Yang MK, Yeh RH, Lee CJ, Yeh YH, Chen YH, Banhazi T, Tu PA. Pregnancy maintenance and fetal loss assessment in Holstein cows through analyzing pregnancy-associated glycoproteins in milk. Theriogenology 2024; 217:11-17. [PMID: 38219409 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Fetal loss (FL) from the 45th day of gestation until calving can impose a significant economic burden on dairy farmers, resulting in lost profits and increased production costs. Pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) is commonly used for detecting pregnancy in cows. PAG is secreted by binucleated trophoblast cells of the placenta and regulated by more than 24 genes. The purpose of this study was to determine the PAG threshold for FL and a probability of pregnancy maintenance until calving based on milk PAG levels. Our results reveal that primiparous and multiparous cows that maintained pregnancy until the 40th week exhibited higher PAG sample-negative (SN) values in their milk in the 6th week of gestation than did those that experienced FL later in gestation. Pregnant cows with higher PAG SN values in the 6th week of gestation were more likely to maintain their pregnancies. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for predicting the probability of pregnancy maintenance was 0.722 for our prediction model. On the other hand, a milk PAG SN value of <0.192 indicated 95 % confidence that FL would occur between the 7th and 40th weeks of gestation. Milk PAG testing is a noninvasive sampling technique that does not induce additional stress in lactating cows. The study reveals that PAG SN values increase significantly in Holstein cows during the 6th week of gestation. The predictive model developed was effective in forecasting pregnancy outcomes up to the 40th week of gestation or calving. The model's performance is moderately good for field application and could be a useful tool for dairy producers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Kuew Yang
- Northern Region Branch, Taiwan Livestock Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Miaoli, 368, Taiwan
| | - Ruei-Han Yeh
- Animal Products Processing Division, Taiwan Livestock Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Tainan, 71246, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Lee
- Livestock Management Division, Taiwan Livestock Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Tainan, 71246, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsin Yeh
- Northern Region Branch, Taiwan Livestock Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Miaoli, 368, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsuan Chen
- Northern Region Branch, Taiwan Livestock Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Miaoli, 368, Taiwan
| | - Thomas Banhazi
- National Taiwan University, International College, Changxing st, Da'an, Taipei, 10672, Taiwan
| | - Po-An Tu
- Northern Region Branch, Taiwan Livestock Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Miaoli, 368, Taiwan.
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5
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Akköse M. Comparative evaluation of two commercial pregnancy-associated glycoproteins tests for early detection of pregnancy in dairy cattle. Theriogenology 2023; 200:11-17. [PMID: 36738574 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Akköse
- Department of Livestock, Dalaman Agricultural Enterprise, General Directorate of Agricultural Enterprises, Dalaman, Muğla, 48770, Türkiye.
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6
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Spencer JA, Carnahan KG, Shafii B, Dalton J, Ahmadzadeh A. Pregnancy per artificial insemination during summer in lactating dairy cows after treatment with aspirin. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 212:106253. [PMID: 31864501 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic loss in cattle may be related to a hormonal imbalance resulting in alterations in timing of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) secretion around the time of maternal recognition of pregnancy. The objective of this study was to examine effects of aspirin (a PGF2α inhibitor) on pregnancy per AI (P/AI), and progesterone (P4), and pregnancy specific protein B (PSPB) concentrations in lactating dairy cows inseminated more than once after parturition. Fourteen days after second or subsequent AI (Day 0 = Day of AI), 556 cows were assigned randomly to aspirin (187.2 g total; n = 277) or control (n = 279) groups. Aspirin was administered orally on Day 14 and 15, and control cows were subjected to sham bolus administration. On Day 25, blood samples were collected from a subset of cows (n = 194) to quantify P4 and PSPB, whereas pregnancy was determined in all cows at 35-42 days post-AI. Maximum daily ambient temperature ranged from 38-41 °C during the experiment. Mean parity, days in milk, and times bred before treatment (TBRD) did not differ between groups. There were no differences in P/AI between treatments (aspirin 21.6 % compared with control 27.5 %). Neither treatment, parity, TBRD, or any two-way interactions with treatment affected concentrations of P4. Moreover, there were no effects (P > 0.50) of treatment, or treatment by TBRD interaction on serum PSPB concentrations. A tendency (P = 0.07) occurred for multiparous cows to have greater serum PSPB concentrations compared with primiparous cows. Mean serum PSPB concentrations tended (P = 0.07) to be greater for second or third TBRD compared to fourth and greater TBRD. These results provide evidence that aspirin administered during periods of heat stress after the second and subsequent AI post-partum during the summer months does not improve P/AI or alter P4 and PSPB in lactating dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Spencer
- Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83844, USA
| | - K G Carnahan
- Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83844, USA
| | - B Shafii
- Statistical Programs, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 84844, USA
| | - J Dalton
- Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83844, USA
| | - A Ahmadzadeh
- Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83844, USA.
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7
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da Silva HK, Cassoli LD, Pantoja JCF, Cerqueira PHR, Winckler JPP, Coitinho TB, Machado PF. Storage strategies and processing of bovine milk samples for pregnancy-associated glycoproteins detection test. ACTA AGR SCAND A-AN 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/09064702.2017.1395473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H. K. da Silva
- Department of Animal Science, ESALQ, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - L. D. Cassoli
- Department of Animal Science, ESALQ, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - J. C. F. Pantoja
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - P. H. R. Cerqueira
- Department of Exact Sciences, ESALQ, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - J. P. P. Winckler
- Department of Animal Science, ESALQ, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - T. B. Coitinho
- Department of Animal Science, ESALQ, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - P. F. Machado
- Department of Animal Science, ESALQ, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
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8
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Fosgate GT, Motimele B, Ganswindt A, Irons PC. A Bayesian latent class model to estimate the accuracy of pregnancy diagnosis by transrectal ultrasonography and laboratory detection of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins in dairy cows. Prev Vet Med 2017; 145:100-109. [PMID: 28903866 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Accurate diagnosis of pregnancy is an essential component of an effective reproductive management plan for dairy cattle. Indirect methods of pregnancy detection can be performed soon after breeding and offer an advantage over traditional direct methods in not requiring an experienced veterinarian and having potential for automation. The objective of this study was to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) detection ELISA and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) in dairy cows of South Africa using a Bayesian latent class approach. Commercial dairy cattle from the five important dairy regions in South Africa were enrolled in a short-term prospective cohort study. Cattle were examined at 28-35days after artificial insemination (AI) and then followed up 14days later. At both sampling times, TRUS was performed to detect pregnancy and commercially available PAG detection ELISAs were performed on collected serum and milk. A total of 1236 cows were sampled and 1006 had complete test information for use in the Bayesian latent class model. The estimated sensitivity (95% probability interval) and specificity for PAG detection serum ELISA were 99.4% (98.5, 99.9) and 97.4% (94.7, 99.2), respectively. The estimated sensitivity and specificity for PAG detection milk ELISA were 99.2% (98.2, 99.8) and 93.4% (89.7, 96.1), respectively. Sensitivity of veterinarian performed TRUS at 28-35days post-AI varied between 77.8% and 90.5% and specificity varied between 94.7% and 99.8%. In summary, indirect detection of pregnancy using PAG ELISA is an accurate method for use in dairy cattle. The method is descriptively more sensitive than veterinarian-performed TRUS and therefore could be an economically viable addition to a reproductive management plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- G T Fosgate
- University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Production Animal Studies, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.
| | - B Motimele
- University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Production Animal Studies, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Agricultural Research Council-Animal Production Institute, Irene 0062, South Africa
| | - A Ganswindt
- University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Endocrine Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - P C Irons
- University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Production Animal Studies, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Murdoch University, College of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
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9
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Gábor G, Kastelic JP, Abonyi-Tóth Z, Gábor P, Endrődi T, Balogh OG. Pregnancy Loss in Dairy Cattle: Relationship of Ultrasound, Blood Pregnancy-Specific Protein B, Progesterone and Production Variables. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 51:467-73. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G Gábor
- National Agricultural Research and Innovation Centre Research Institute for Animal Breeding, Nutrition and Meat Science; Herceghalom Hungary
| | - JP Kastelic
- Department of Production Animal Health; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Calgary; Calgary, Alberta Canada
| | - Z Abonyi-Tóth
- Faculty of Veterinary Science Szent Istvan University; Gödöllő Hungary
| | - P Gábor
- Androvet Kft.; Budapest Hungary
| | - T Endrődi
- Dennis Gábor Applied University; Budapest Hungary
| | - OG Balogh
- National Agricultural Research and Innovation Centre Research Institute for Animal Breeding, Nutrition and Meat Science; Herceghalom Hungary
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10
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Kose M, Kaya M, Aydilek N, Kucukaslan I, Bayril T, Bademkiran S, Kiyma Z, Ozyurtlu N, Kayis S, Guzeloglu A, Atli M. Expression profile of interferon tau–stimulated genes in ovine peripheral blood leukocytes during embryonic death. Theriogenology 2016; 85:1161-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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KAYA MS, KÖSE M, BOZKAYA F, MUTLU H, UÇAR EH, ATLI MO. Early pregnancy diagnosis using a commercial ELISA test based on pregnancy-associated glycoproteins in Holstein-Friesian heifers and lactating cows. TURKISH JOURNAL OF VETERINARY & ANIMAL SCIENCES 2016. [DOI: 10.3906/vet-1602-41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Swai ES, Hayghaimo AA, Hassan AA, Mhina BS. The slaughter of increased numbers of pregnant cows in Tanga abattoir, Tanzania: A cause for concern? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 82:E1-5. [PMID: 26304169 PMCID: PMC6238686 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v82i1.947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Information on the level of foetal wastage in slaughtered cattle in Tanzania is limited. A three-month observational study (April - June 2014) of animals slaughtered at the Tanga abattoir in Tanga region, Tanzania was carried out to determine the number of pregnant cows slaughtered. The total number of cattle slaughtered during the study period was 3643, representing a monthly kill average of 1214 and a daily kill average of 40. Over 98% of the cattle presented to the abattoir for slaughter were local breed (Tanzania shorthorn zebu) and most were above 3 years of age. Improved breeds of cattle represented only 1.3% of all slaughters. Of the cattle slaughtered, 2256 (61.9%) were female and 1387 (38.1%) were male. A total of 655 slaughtered cows were pregnant, representing a foetal wastage of 29.1%. Of the 655 recovered foetuses, 333 (50.8%) were male and 322 (49.2%) were female. Of the recovered foetuses, 25.8% were recovered in the first, 42.7% in the second and 31.6% in the third trimester. This study indicates cases of significant foetal losses, negatively impacting future replacement stock as a result of the slaughter of pregnant animals. The indiscriminate slaughter of pregnant cows suggests that existing animal welfare legislation is not sufficiently enforced and routine veterinary ante-mortem inspection of trade animals is failing to prevent the high level of foetal wastage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel S Swai
- Ministry of Livestock Development and Fisheries (MoLDF), Dar-es-Salaam.
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13
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Bergfelt DR, Peter AT, Beg MA. Relaxin: a hormonal aid to diagnose pregnancy status in wild mammalian species. Theriogenology 2014; 82:1187-98. [PMID: 25234789 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 07/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In the beginning of 1960s, seminal studies characterizing circulating concentrations of immunoreactive relaxin in companion dogs and evaluating the differences in concentrations among pregnant, nonpregnant, and pseudopregnant bitches indicated the potential for relaxin to be applied clinically as a diagnostic aid to detect pregnancy status in wild animal species. A brief historical overview of the nature of relaxin and early work to develop and validate immunologic methods to analyze relaxin in the blood of rodents and pigs is initially discussed, which is followed by a summary of the development and validation of relaxin immunoassays to diagnose pregnancy in companion dogs and cats. Thereafter, observation of the pregnancy-specific increase in circulating concentrations of relaxin in laboratory, companion, and farm animal species leads to discussion on the application of radioimmunoassays, enzyme immunoassays, and a rapid immunomigration assay to diagnose pregnancy in wild terrestrial (e.g., wolves, lions, elephants, rhinoceros, panda) and marine (e.g., seals, dolphins) mammal species. A reference table is included with a comprehensive list of numerous species and essential reagents that have been used in various in-house and commercial immunoassays to successfully analyze relaxin quantitatively and qualitatively in blood (serum or plasma) and to some extent in urine. Although the detection of relaxin concentrations has the potential to aid in the diagnosis of pregnancy in many wild animal species, there are challenges in other species. Future efforts should focus on validation of nonradiolabeled relaxin immunoassays for broader application among species and improving techniques (e.g., extraction, purification) to analyze relaxin in samples other than blood (e.g., urine, feces, saliva, blow, skin, blubber) that can be collected in a less-invasive or -stressful manner and processed accordingly for basic and applied purposes, especially with application toward conservation of threatened or endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don R Bergfelt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St Kitts, West Indies.
| | - Augustine T Peter
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Mohd A Beg
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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14
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Karen A, Bajcsy AC, Minoia R, Kovács R, De Sousa NM, Beckers JF, Tibold J, Mádl I, Szenci O. Relationship of progesterone, bovine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein-1 and nitric oxide with late embryonic and early fetal mortalities in dairy cows. J Reprod Dev 2014; 60:162-7. [PMID: 24531657 PMCID: PMC3999396 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2013-033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship of progesterone (P4), bovine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein-1 (bPAG-1) and nitric oxide (NO) levels with late embryonic (LEM; day 28 to day 42) and early fetal mortalities (EFM; > day 42 to day 56) in dairy cows. Transrectal ultrasonography (6-8 MHz) was performed in 100 Holstein-Friesian cows at days 28, 42 and 56 after artificial insemination (AI; day 0) to diagnose pregnancy and to monitor the fate of the embryo. After ultrasound scanning of each cow, a milk sample was collected for assessment of P4 by an ELISA test and a blood sample was collected for assessment of bPAG-1, by using a double-antibody radioimmunoassay, and serum NO metabolites (nitrate + nitrite). Based on ultrasonographic examinations and bPAG-1-RIA, 41 of 100 inseminated cows were confirmed pregnant at day 28 after AI. Nine cows suffered of LEM, and 6 cows suffered of EFM and the overall pregnancy loss rate was 36.6% (15/41) between days 28 and 56 of pregnancy. By logistic regression analysis, there were no significant relationships between the level of P4 and bPAG-1 at day 28 after AI and the occurrence of LEM and EFM. Also, there were no significant relationships between the levels of P4 and bPAG-1 at day 42 and the occurrence of EFM. On the other hand, a significant relationship (P<0.05) was found between NO level at day 28 and the occurrence of LEM. In conclusion, measurement of the serum NO concentration at day 28 of pregnancy might help to predict the outcome of pregnancy by day 42 in dairy cows but further studies are needed to confirm this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aly Karen
- MTA-SZIE Large Animal Clinical Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Üllő-Dóra Major 2225, Hungary
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Peter AT. Bovine placenta: A review on morphology, components, and defects from terminology and clinical perspectives. Theriogenology 2013; 80:693-705. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Revised: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Biomarkers coding for ovPAG-1 mRNA expression and pregnancy status in Dohne Merino ewes at an abattoir. Trop Anim Health Prod 2013; 45:1597-602. [PMID: 23539107 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-013-0404-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to determine the pregnancy status of Dohne Merino ewes at slaughter. This was done by collecting blood samples from the ewes (n = 60) during exsanguination to assay for pregnancy biomarkers using radio-immunological and TaqMan reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction techniques. The expressions of ovine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein within a range of 1.068(-09) to 8.977(-07) indicated 43.33 % ewes with pregnancy (ΔmRNA) signals at the point of slaughter. The assay validation showed that half of these ewes were truly pregnant, and most of the ewes that exhibited 'true positives' were within 56-60 kg live weight and were about 30 months old. The biomarkers used in this study, therefore, showed that approximately 22 % Dohne Merino ewes were truly pregnant at the point of slaughter.
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Fayemi PO, Muchenje V. Maternal slaughter at abattoirs: history, causes, cases and the meat industry. SPRINGERPLUS 2013; 2:125. [PMID: 23577300 PMCID: PMC3618883 DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-2-125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Animals of both sexes are slaughtered for meat and meat products at the abattoirs. It has been found in few countries that one-out-of-every-three ewe and one-out-of-every-four doe with single, twin or multiple foetuses are slaughtered in registered slaughterhouses. In quest for meat, numerous viable embryos and foetuses are wasted unnoticed since the productive pregnant animals are not spared in the process. The trend in the slaughter of pregnant animals for meat (ranging from 54.5% to 70.1%) therefore calls for a review to reminisce issues on slaughter reforms, emphasize its implication on losses of genetic materials and sustainability of meat production. As a way of ensuring that welfare quality® assessment is not compromised and cruelty is prevented during animal slaughter, the quantitation of housekeeping genes and naturally occurring microRNAs (miRNAs) are recommended for identifying candidate pain biomarkers. In order to respect consumers’ right however, the manuscript suggests meat branding where the consumption of meat from pregnant animals is ethical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Olutope Fayemi
- Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Forte Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, Eastern Cape, 5700 South Africa
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O’Connor TP, Lawrence J, Andersen P, Leathers V, Workman E. Immunoassay Applications in Veterinary Diagnostics. THE IMMUNOASSAY HANDBOOK 2013. [PMCID: PMC7151925 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-08-097037-0.00053-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Gargiulo GD, Shephard RW, Tapson J, McEwan AL, Bifulco P, Cesarelli M, Jin C, Al-Ani A, Wang N, van Schaik A. Pregnancy detection and monitoring in cattle via combined foetus electrocardiogram and phonocardiogram signal processing. BMC Vet Res 2012; 8:164. [PMID: 22985830 PMCID: PMC3532070 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-8-164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pregnancy testing in cattle is commonly invasive requiring manual rectal palpation of the reproductive tract that presents risks to the operator and pregnancy. Alternative non-invasive tests have been developed but have not gained popularity due to poor specificity, sensitivity and the inconvenience of sample handling. Our aim is to present the pilot study and proof of concept of a new non invasive technique to sense the presence and age (limited to the closest trimester of pregnancy) of the foetus by recording the electrical and audio signals produced by the foetus heartbeat using an array of specialized sensors embedded in a stand alone handheld prototype device. The device was applied to the right flank (approximately at the intercept of a horizontal line drawn through the right mid femur region of the cow and a vertical line drawn anywhere between lumbar vertebrae 3 to 5) of more than 2000 cattle from 13 different farms, including pregnant and not pregnant, a diversity of breeds, and both dairy and beef herds. Pregnancy status response is given “on the spot” from an optimized machine learning algorithm running on the device within seconds after data collection. Results Using combined electrical and audio foetal signals we detected pregnancy with a sensitivity of 87.6% and a specificity of 74.6% for all recorded data. Those values increase to 91% and 81% respectively by removing files with excessive noise (19%). Foetus ageing was achieved by comparing the detected foetus heart-rate with published tables. However, given the challenging farm environment of a restless cow, correct foetus ageing was achieved for only 21% of the correctly diagnosed pregnant cows. Conclusions In conclusion we have found that combining ECG and PCG measurements on the right flank of cattle provides a reliable and rapid method of pregnancy testing. The device has potential to be applied by unskilled operators. This will generate more efficient and productive management of farms. There is potential for the device to be applied to large endangered quadrupeds in captive breeding programs where early, safe and reliable pregnancy diagnosis can be imperative but currently difficult to achieve.
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Lucy M, Green J, Meyer J, Williams A, Newsom E, Keisler D. Short communication: Glucose and fructose concentrations and expression of glucose transporters in 4- to 6-week pregnancies collected from Holstein cows that were either lactating or not lactating. J Dairy Sci 2012; 95:5095-5101. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2012-5456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 05/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Andreu-Vázquez C, Garcia-Ispierto I, López-Béjar M, de Sousa N, Beckers J, López-Gatius F. Clinical implications of induced twin reduction in dairy cattle. Theriogenology 2011; 76:512-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2010] [Revised: 03/05/2011] [Accepted: 03/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Lopes-da-Costa L, Chagas e Silva J, Deloche MC, Jeanguyot N, Humblot P, Horta AEM. Effects of embryo size at transfer (whole versus demi) and early pregnancy progesterone supplementation on embryo growth and pregnancy-specific protein bovine concentrations in recipient dairy heifers. Theriogenology 2011; 76:522-31. [PMID: 21497389 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2010] [Revised: 03/04/2011] [Accepted: 03/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to evaluate embryonic size and survival, plasma progesterone (P4) and pregnancy-specific protein bovine (PSPB) concentrations in early pregnancies (n = 99) following the transfer of one whole (n = 66) or one demi (n = 33) embryo to recipient virgin dairy heifers. The experiment was designed to evaluate the fixed effects of embryo size at transfer (whole or demi embryo) on Day 7 of the estrous cycle (Day 0 = estrus) and P4 supplementation between Days 7 to 19 through an intravaginal device (yes or no) on plasma P4 and PSPB concentrations and on embryo measurements. Plasma P4 concentrations were measured by RIA on Days 0, 7, 14, 19, 21, 25, 35, 42, 49, 56 and 63 of pregnancy and, PSPB concentrations were measured by ELISA on Days 7, 21, 25, 35, 42, 49, 56 and 63. The presence of an embryonic vesicle was detected on Day 25, embryonic/fetal movements and heartbeat were evaluated on Days 42 and 63 and embryo measurements [crown-rump length (CRL) and width at mid body] were obtained on Day 42 through ultrasonography. In non-supplemented pregnancies, Day 42 whole embryos had higher (P < 0.05) CRL and width than demi embryos, but the difference averaged only 1 to 2 mm. In P4 supplemented pregnancies, whole and demi embryos attained a similar size on Day 42 of pregnancy. Embryo size at transfer, early exogenous P4 supplementation and their interactions had no effects (P > 0.05) on plasma P4 concentrations. However, the post-hoc LSD evaluation showed that plasma P4 concentrations on Day 25 were higher (P < 0.001) in whole than in demi embryo derived pregnancies and, that exogenous P4 supplementation increased (P < 0.05) plasma P4 concentrations on Day 19 of pregnancy. The plasma PSPB detection rate on Days 7 to 63 of pregnancy was similar in pregnancies resulting from the transfer of whole and demi embryos. From a total of 93 recipients remaining pregnant until Day 63, plasma PSPB was constantly undetectable on Day 7, was detected in 4% of Day 21 samples, 41% of Day 25, 95% of Day 35, 96% of Day 42, 99% of Day 49 and in 100% of samples of Days 56 and 63. Concentrations of PSPB increased (P < 0.05) from Days 21 to 42 and from Days 56 to 63, with a plateau between Days 42 to 56. Demi embryo pregnancies had higher (P < 0.05) plasma PSPB concentrations on Days 35 and 42 than whole embryo pregnancies. Progesterone supplementation had a positive effect (P < 0.01) on PSPB concentrations from Days 35 to 63. Concentrations of PSPB were similar in non-supplemented whole and demi embryo pregnancies from Days 7 to Day 63. In contrast, in supplemented recipients, demi embryo pregnancies had higher (P < 0.05) PSPB concentrations on Days 25 to 42 than whole embryo pregnancies. No significant correlation was found between P4 and PSPB concentrations or between the concentrations of these hormones and embryonic measurements on Day 42. In conclusion, demi embryos experienced a compensatory growth until Day 42 of pregnancy, attaining a similar size to that of whole embryos and originating conceptuses producing similar plasma PSPB concentrations to those of whole embryo derived conceptuses. Embryonic growth and conceptus secretion of PSPB were positively stimulated by early pregnancy exogenous P4 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Lopes-da-Costa
- Reproduction and Obstetrics, CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Alto da Ajuda, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal.
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López-Gatius F, García-Ispierto I. Ultrasound and Endocrine Findings that Help to Assess the Risk of Late Embryo/Early Foetal Loss by Non-Infectious Cause in Dairy Cattle. Reprod Domest Anim 2010; 45 Suppl 3:15-24. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2010.01620.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Majewska M, Panasiewicz G, Szafranska B. Chromosomal assignment of porcine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein gene family. Anim Reprod Sci 2010; 117:127-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2009.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2008] [Revised: 04/15/2009] [Accepted: 04/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Breed MW, Guard CL, White ME, Smith MC, Warnick LD. Comparison of pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cattle by use of a commercial ELISA and palpation per rectum. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2009; 235:292-8. [PMID: 19650701 DOI: 10.2460/javma.235.3.292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare agreement between 2 pregnancy tests in dairy cattle. DESIGN Evaluation study. ANIMALS 976 and 507 cattle for phases 1 and 2, respectively. PROCEDURES Blood samples were collected, and palpation per rectum (PPR) was performed on cattle. Blood samples for the pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) ELISA were sent by courier to a commercial laboratory with results returned later. Results of PPR were extracted from herd records. Statistical comparison of results was performed by use of a mixed linear model and N analysis. RESULTS Of 571 cattle classified as pregnant by the PSPB ELISA in phase 1, 30 (5%) were nonpregnant by PPR. Mean +/- SE adjusted optical density (OD) of cattle classified pregnant by both tests was significantly higher (0.31 +/- 0.01), compared with the adjusted OD of cattle classified pregnant by the PSPB ELISA and nonpregnant by PPR (0.22 +/- 0.02). Of 255 cows classified pregnant by the PSPB ELISA in phase 2, 31 (12%) were nonpregnant by PPR. Mean +/- SE adjusted OD of cattle classified pregnant by both tests was significantly higher (0.26 +/- 0.01), compared with the adjusted OD of cattle classified pregnant by the PSPB ELISA and nonpregnant by PPR (0.21 +/- 0.01). The N value was 0.82 and 0.81 for phases 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Good agreement existed between the 2 tests, especially at longer intervals after insemination. Discrepant results appeared to be attributable to a nonviable fetus, embryonic loss, or fetal loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Breed
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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