Pregnancy Diagnosis & Fertility Diagnostics

What Is Pregnancy Diagnosis?

Pregnancy diagnosis confirms whether a bred cow is pregnant, determines pregnancy stage, and identifies reproductive problems. Early and accurate diagnosis allows timely re-breeding of open cows and identification of pregnancy losses. Most dairy farms check pregnancy at least monthly.

Diagnostic Methods

Ultrasound

The gold standard for early pregnancy diagnosis. Can confirm pregnancy as early as 28-30 days post-breeding, determine fetal sex at 55-70 days, and identify twins. Requires trained operator and equipment investment.

Blood Testing

Tests detect pregnancy-specific proteins (PAGs) in blood samples. Can confirm pregnancy at 28-35 days. Convenient for farms without ultrasound access. Results returned from laboratory, typically within 1-2 days.

Milk Testing

PAG tests available using milk samples. Can be integrated with routine milk testing. Similar timing to blood tests. Emerging technology with improving accuracy.

Manual Palpation

Traditional method of feeling for pregnancy through the rectum. Accurate at 35+ days with experienced practitioners. Still widely used, especially for later pregnancy confirmation.

Timing of Pregnancy Checks

• First check: 28-35 days post-breeding catches early pregnancies
• Recheck: 60-90 days confirms pregnancy maintenance and identifies losses
• Pre-dry-off: Confirms pregnancy before dry cow protocols

Using Results for Management

Pregnancy information drives key decisions:

• Identify open cows for re-breeding or culling
• Calculate expected calving dates for dry-off scheduling
• Detect pregnancy loss for investigation
• Monitor herd reproductive performance trends
• Plan for calf numbers and replacement needs

Interpreting Herd Data

Track these metrics from pregnancy check results:

• Conception rates by service number
• Days open and calving interval
• Pregnancy loss rates
• Services per conception

Cost Considerations

Ultrasound pregnancy checks by veterinarians typically cost $4-8 per exam. Blood tests cost $3-6 per sample plus laboratory fees. Investing in on-farm ultrasound equipment ($5,000-15,000) makes sense for larger herds with trained personnel.