Pregnancy tests for cows

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We have a Dexter milk cow with her 7-month old calf, now a steer. We had Bossy bred AI in December, and we're wondering now if she's pregnant. Her heats were so hard to detect that we used a prostaglandin injection to time things correctly (many thanks to the people who submitted this idea to me several months ago!). The woman who does the AI here locally was confident that the breeding "took," but of course we aren't sure this early. With her heat cycle as subtle as it is, we could go months without knowing.

At any rate, we're wondering if anyone knows of a "dipstick" method of determining if cows are pregnant. Y'know, like they use on people. I know there's a somewhat elaborate lab test that can be done, but it's time consuming, inconvenient, and probably expensive. I just wish they had little pregnancy test kits you could purchase at the feed store.

Thoughts? Thanks!

-- Patrice (dldesigns@wave.net), February 19, 2000

Answers

I asked the same question of our vet about our cows and he said by feel (uterine exam) is the only way. Now realize that these are country vets and may not be up on the latest.

-- beckie (sunshine_horses@yahoo.com), February 19, 2000.

if its like goats I doubt it. May have to ultra sound. good luck!!

Bernice

-- Bernice (geminigoats@yahoo.com), February 19, 2000.


There a couple ways to tell but the cheapest and most accurate is by feel. By the way those good ole country vets are the best

-- denden (denden@1.com), February 25, 2000.

There is a test kit available based on the Early Conception Factor (ECP) and it is used to detect "open" cows. I would recommend you contact your local veterinarian who is trained to palpate your cow to determine if she is pregnant. The exam is not expensive and at the same time you can ask questions about your cow's health, etc. AND develop a veterinarian-client relationship should your cow require treatment. If you have animals, you will need the expertise of a DVM at some time whether it is an emergency or preventative care. While feed stores sell products, only DVM'S can diagnose and prescribe.

-- D. Gockowski,DVM (nrvet@lcp2.net), April 22, 2000.

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