Early pregnancy diagnosis in buffaloes from plasma progesterone concentration

The present study aims to establish a novel practical protocol for early pregnancy diagnosis in cows by using transrectal ultrasonography. The protocol is based on measurements of corpus luteum (CL) cross-sectional area (CL c-s area) change performed at 2 separate days before the coming estrus after AI. Fourteen cows were inseminated artificially, and transrectal ultrasonographical observation of the ovaries and blood collection for measurement of peripheral plasma progesterone (P4) concentration were carried out daily from Days 12 to 23 (Day 0 = the day of onset of estrus). Thereafter, cows were routinely diagnosed for pregnancy at Day 30 by transrectal ultrasonography. The largest CL c-s area was obtained at Day 14 in both pregnant and non-pregnant cows. Seven out of 8 non-pregnant cows showed significant CL c-s area regression between Days 14 and 20 (422 ± 112 v. 249 ± 63 mm2), whereas no regression was observed between Days 14 and 20 in pregnant cows (416 ± 65 v. 402 ± 78 mm2). The regression in the CL c-s area between pregnant and non-pregnant cows was significantly different during Day 18 (424 ± 65 v. 288 ± 88 mm2) to Day 23 (402 ± 71 v. 139 ± 64 mm2). P4 concentration was significantly low (less than 1 ng mL–1) at Day 20 in 3 out of 8 non-pregnant cows, whereas the pregnant cows showed significant increase of P4 between Days 14 and 20 (2.6 ± 0.2 v. 3.4 ± 0.5 ng mL–1). The pregnant cows showed significantly higher P4 concentration starting from Day 18 than non-pregnant cows. However, in non-pregnant cows, 4 cows returned to estrus on Day 20 or after, 3 cows showed no signs of estrus, and 1 cow came in estrus as early as Day 18 after AI. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that measuring the change in the CL c-s area at Days 14 and 20 makes it possible to detect the non-pregnant cows at Day 20 after AI. However, it was also indicated that measuring the change of P4 concentrations on the same days did not always successfully detect non-pregnant cows. The new protocol based on CL c-s area regression rate can detect almost certainly non-pregnant cows at Day 20 after AI. It is suggested that this method is advantageous in research and industrial breeding.

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SEQUENTIAL CHANGES IN PLASMA PROGESTERONE IN THE COW DURING THE ESTROUS CYCLE, PREGNANCY, AT PARTURITION, AND POST-PARTUM

Canadian Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.4141/cjas72-076 ◽

1972 ◽

Vol 52 (4) ◽

pp. 645-658 ◽

Cited By ~ 54

Author(s):

H. A. ROBERTSON

Keyword(s):

Estrous Cycle ◽

Early Pregnancy ◽

Luteal Phase ◽

Post Partum ◽

Progesterone Concentration ◽

Cyclic Activity ◽

Gradual Decline ◽

Plasma Progesterone ◽

Peripheral Plasma ◽

Estrous Behavior

The progesterone concentration in peripheral plasma has been measured sequentially in individual cows during the estrous cycle, gestation, at parturition, and post-partum. During the estrous cycle the concentration was lowest just before, during, and just after estrus when the level (0.1–0.4 ng/ml) was similar to that found in three ovariectomized cows. The concentration commenced to rise on the 4th–6th day (day of estrus = 1st day), reached a peak of 3–6 ng/ml on the 11th–13th day, and dropped rapidly over a 24–48-hr period to a basal value 24–72 hr before the next estrus. In early pregnancy, the plasma progesterone concentration was similar to the maximum levels found during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle. Between 90 and 150 days there was an indication of a decline to a relatively low plasma progesterone concentration followed by a variable rise. Prior to parturition, there was a gradual decline over a period of 35–70 days reaching a level of <2.0 ng/ml the day before parturition. Following parturition, the level remained at <0.5 ng/ml until the first sign of the resumption of cyclic activity. The time for this to occur was very variable (20–>60 days). Although not conclusive, the evidence favors the view that for estrous behavior to occur, estrus must be preceded by luteal activity. The discharge of mucus can occur without previous luteal activity.

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THE CONCENTRATION OF PROGESTERONE IN THE PERIPHERAL PLASMA OF THE PREGNANT EWE

Journal of Endocrinology ◽

10.1677/joe.0.0450449 ◽

1969 ◽

Vol 45 (3) ◽

pp. 449-457 ◽

Cited By ~ 114

Author(s):

J. M. BASSETT ◽

TANA J. OXBORROW ◽

I. D. SMITH ◽

G. D. THORBURN

Keyword(s):

Protein Binding ◽

Early Pregnancy ◽

Luteal Phase ◽

Progesterone Concentration ◽

Plasma Progesterone ◽

Peripheral Plasma ◽

High Concentrations ◽

Pregnant Ewe

SUMMARY The progesterone concentration in the peripheral plasma of ewes throughout pregnancy has been determined by a protein-binding method. Plasma progesterone concentrations during the first 50 days of pregnancy (2–3 ng./ml.) were not significantly higher than peak concentrations during the luteal phase in cycling non-pregnant ewes, but there was no decrease in the concentration 15–20 days after mating as occurs in non-pregnant ewes. Between 50 and 120 days after mating the plasma progesterone concentration increased steadily to values 2–5 times that found in early pregnancy. These high concentrations were maintained until lambing. A decrease in progesterone concentration during the week preceding lambing was usually, but not always, observed. Mean plasma progesterone concentrations during the last 50 days of pregnancy in ewes with twins were approximately twice those in ewes with a single foetus.

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Evaluation of synchronization protocols and methods of early pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cattle

South African Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.4314/sajas.v50i6.4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 50 (6) ◽

Author(s):

A.H. Shahzad ◽

A. Sattar ◽

N. Ahmad ◽

I. Ahmad ◽

M.S. Yousaf ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnancy Rate ◽

Early Pregnancy ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Pregnancy Loss ◽

Holstein Cows ◽

Plasma Progesterone ◽

Pregnancy Diagnosis ◽

Milk Samples ◽

Timed Artificial Insemination ◽

In Pregnancy

The studies aimed to evaluate the pregnancy rate (PR) for timed artificial insemination (TAI) after G7G-Ovsynch, modified G7G-Ovsynch (MG7G-Ovsynch) and Ovsynch protocols and to assess the accuracy of using pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) and plasma progesterone (P4) in pregnancy diagnosis compared with ultrasonography (US). In study 1, Holstein cows (n = 37) were bred by TAI following the G7G-Ovsynch protocol (n = 19) or MG7G-Ovsynch (n = 18). Pregnancy was evaluated by US at days 31, 59, and 87 after breeding. The PR was not different for the G7G-Ovsynch and MG7G-Ovsynch. Blood and milk samples were collected on day 3 after insemination and then weekly through day 59 post TAI in cows diagnosed as not pregnant on day 31 and through day 87 in pregnant cows. PAGs were measured using ELISA and P4 by radioimmunoassay (RIA). In the second study, Holstein cows (n = 212) were bred by TAI following G7G-Ovsynch protocol (n = 110) or standard Ovsynch (n = 102). Cows were subjected to pregnancy diagnosis on days 30, 60, and 90. A subset (n = 15 in each group) was subjected to blood and milk samples on days 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 to measure PAGs and P4. In study 2, PR was not significantly different between synchronization protocols on days 30, 60, and 90. Pregnancy loss averaged 15% between day 30 and day 90. The use of PAGs and P4 proved equally effective in diagnosis of pregnancy. Thus, G7G-Ovsynch was deemed the protocol of choice in postpartum cows, and PAGs assayed in milk or plasma could be used to diagnose pregnancy.

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A comparison of plasma prolactin, LH and progesterone concentrations during oestrus and early pregnancy in ewe lambs and ewes

Animal Science ◽

10.1017/s0003356100006899 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 57 (2) ◽

pp. 281-286 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

M. C. G. Davies ◽

N. F. G. Beck

Keyword(s):

Pulse Rate ◽

Early Pregnancy ◽

Reproductive Performance ◽

Ovulation Rate ◽

Plasma Prolactin ◽

Progesterone Concentration ◽

Plasma Progesterone ◽

Ewe Lambs ◽

Plasma Hormone

AbstractAn investigation was conducted to compare, the LH, prolactin and progesterone profiles of ewe lambs with ewes during oestrus and early pregnancy. Peak LH concentration was significantly lower (P < 0·05) and duration of release tended to be shorter during oestrus in ewe lambs. Furthermore, this smaller LH peak tended to be associated with a lower ovulation rate. LH pulse rate, amplitude and concentration were similar in both groups during day 13 of pregnancy. However, LH concentration was higher in ewe lambs compared with ewes on day 28 of pregnancy. Peak prolactin concentration was lower during oestrus in ewe lambs (P < 0·05) but there was no difference between the two groups during early pregnancy. Plasma progesterone concentrations were similar in both groups until day 13 of pregnancy. Thereafter, mean progesterone concentration was lower, from day 14 to 30, in the ewe lambs (P < 0·05). These results indicate that in ewe lambs and ewes maintained under identical conditions plasma hormone profiles differ during oestrus and early pregnancy. Moreover, these differences probably contribute towards the lower reproductive performance of ewe lambs.

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ACCURACY OF EARLY PREGNANCY DIAGNOSIS AND DETECTION OF TWINS USING REAL-TIME ULTRASONOGRAPHY COMPARED TO PROGESTERONE CONCENTRATION IN BARKI GOATS

Egyptian Journal of Animal Production ◽

10.21608/ejap.2008.93874 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 45 (2) ◽

pp. 131-138

Keyword(s):

Real Time ◽

Early Pregnancy ◽

Progesterone Concentration ◽

Pregnancy Diagnosis ◽

Real Time Ultrasonography

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EARLY PREGNANCY DIAGNOSIS IN BUFFALOES FROM SERUM PROGESTERONE CONCENTRATION

Assiut Veterinary Medical Journal ◽

10.21608/avmj.1995.184134 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 33.1 (65) ◽

pp. 193-200

Keyword(s):

Early Pregnancy ◽

Progesterone Concentration ◽

Serum Progesterone ◽

Pregnancy Diagnosis

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Role of plasma progesterone concentration in early pregnancy of the ewe

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture ◽

10.1071/ea9810562 ◽

1981 ◽

Vol 21 (113) ◽

pp. 562 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

FD Brien ◽

IA Cumming ◽

IJ Clarke ◽

CS Cocks

Keyword(s):

Early Pregnancy ◽

Progesterone Level ◽

Progesterone Concentration ◽

Plasma Progesterone ◽

Peripheral Plasma

Eighty-eight maiden and 125 mature Merino ewes were grazed on green irrigated pasture or given dry hay on a fallow area with or without a lupin grain supplement just before and during mating. Progesterone concentrations in peripheral plasma were measured at 12 d after coitus. Progesterone concentration was lower (2.27 vs 2.87 ng/ml, P < 0.001 ) when lupins were fed, and maiden ewes had higher progesterone concentrations than mature ewes (2.75 vs 2.36 ng/ml, P < 0.05). Pregnant ewes had higher progesterone concentrations than non-pregnant ewes (2.77 vs 2.36 ng/ml, P < 0.05), and ewes with two ovulations had higher progesterone concentrations than ewes with a single ovulation (3.13 vs 2.08 ng/ml, P < 0.001). There was an interaction between pasture type and lupin supplement, with lupins depressing progesterone level more on green irrigated pasture (lupins 2.11 ng/ml, no lupins 3.00 ng/ml, P < 0.05) than on dry pasture (lupins 2.45 ng/ml, no lupins 2.74 ng/ml, P < 0.05). The results confirm that a high plane of nutrition at mating lowers progesterone levels in plasma and suggest that this may be a factor in the increase in embryo deaths when ewes are fed lupin grain supplements.

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