Comparative study on early pregnancy diagnosis by three different techniques in cows

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the best method, most appropriate and high precision method between rectal palpation, ultrasonography and measuring level of progesterone for diagnosis of early pregnancy in cows. 20 cows were examined in Teaching Hospital / College of Veterinary Medicine / Mosul University, at the period between 1/11/2013 - 1/3/2014, cows undergone early pregnancy diagnosis using three different methods at 45, 60 and 90 days of pregnancy. Results of rectal palpation showed that the percentage of pregnancy was 0% 60% 85% at days 45, 60 and 90 of pregnancy, respectively, while results of ultrasonography showed that diagnosis early pregnancy was 30, 80 and 100 at days 45, 60 and 90 of pregnancy, respectively. Results of estimation of progesterone concentration by ELISA technique showed that pregnancy diagnosis was 60% 85% 100% at days 45, 60 and 90 of pregnancy, respectively. In conclusion, the best and fastest way to diagnose early pregnancy in cows was measure concentration of progesterone in blood serum of cows then followed by ultrasonography, while method of rectal palpation was inefficient in detecting early pregnancy in cows.