Resources

June 1, 2022

Understanding the value of sample-based pregnancy testing in dairy cattle

REPRODUCTIVE performance is the economic driver of all dairy and beef farms.

For generations, dairy farmers have incorporated more frequent pregnancy testing to manage the reproductive performance of their cows more efficiently.

The benefits of pregnancy testing include better control of calving patterns, improved nutritional management, greater insight into reproductive diseases and improved management of herd genetics.

Knowledge has power.
It controls access to opportunity and advancement, which will ultimately lead to improved herd fertility and profitability for a dairy farmer.

IDEXX Alertys Pregnancy Tests – what are they, and how do they work?

Alertys Pregnancy Tests are defined as sample-based pregnancy tests because they detect pregnancy using a sample of blood and/or milk. The Alertys tests detect Pregnancy-Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs) produced by the cow’s placenta. Only in the presence of a live embryo or foetus will PAGs be produced.

Milk Pregnancy Testing – Run alongside routine herd testing

The Alertys Milk Pregnancy Test offers dairy farmers who routinely herd test the ability to pregnancy test cows using the sample sample of milk collected for analysis. All you need to do is select this option when you book your test, and let your herd recording lab do the rest.

The test is proven to detect pregnancy as early as 28 days with 98.7 per cent accuracy. This easy method of pregnancy testing improves animal welfare, reduces workload and is less stressful on the farmer and cow.

In 2020, AGFIRST Waikato published their assessment on the Alertys Milk Pregnancy Test. The assessments purpose was to review the management decisions surrounding empty cows and the potential use of the Alertys Milk Pregnancy Test in New Zealand.

“AGFIRST has independently compared the merits of the IDEXX milk pregnancy testing system against the traditional process of rectal scanning. “We were impressed by what we saw. and will be discussing this as an option to consider with our clients. “Some of the benefits of the Alertys Milk Pregnancy Testing process to consider are: the reported accuracy of the IDEXX system is equal to or greater than the traditional rectal scanning process; the process is non-invasive, and there is no additional workload - it is part of the normal herd testing process; there is the opportunity to re-check the herd (or individual cows) at the end of lactation, thus minimising the number of empty cows carried through winter.”

Alertys OnFarm Pregnancy Test – A NEW cow side pregnancy test farmers can run

Are you interested in pregnancy testing cows and heifers yourself, using your own facilities? IDEXX has recently launched a new pregnancy test that empowers farmers to pregnancy test animals as early as 28 days post-breeding using a sample of blood.

The Alertys OnFarm test provides farmers accurate (99.7 per cent) pregnancy detection with results in 20 mins. The test can be run by farm staff or veterinary technicians comfortable taking a blood sample.

The Alertys OnFarm Pregnancy Test offers dairy farmers the opportunity to take control of their reproduction program in order to increase herd profitability and productivity.

In 2021, IDEXX ran some trials with New Zealand farmers to assess the benefits and usability of the Alertys OnFarm Pregnancy Test for dairy farmers across New Zealand. IDEXX conducted interviews seeking farmers’ feedback on how this test could best be integrated in their management process.

Read what they had to say about their experience using the test

“The running of the tests was done on the kitchen table, you can do it when you’re much more relaxed. “We were able to bleed them while we were milking them, which worked out quite easy to do it that way. “We can see value in having a handful of tests around all the time that you can just grab when you need them. “When you do it more and more it becomes part of your normal day, it's no big deal. “Information is the most valuable thing you can have and this test is another aid to gather that information. “We really enjoyed the experience.”

“I really like it, its easy to use and if you’ve got a couple people going its amazing how quickly you can get them through. “Double checking before you cull a cow that's had an embryo, or running 5 tests in the morning for cows going mid morning and making sure your decisions are based on actuals rather than you’re hoping. “This has got a lot of really good things going for it, and I see a lot of good markets for this type of product.”

Speak to your IDEXX representative today about using the Alertys tests next time you have to pregnancy test.
Doreen Day
M: +64 27 625 7348
E: doreen-day@idexx.com