Effectiveness of a Commercial Early Conception Factor Test for Use in Cattle

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of a commercially available early pregnancy test in cows. The test early conception factor (ECF™) was designed to distinguish between open and pregnant cows by detection of a protein present in blood serum or milk of pregnant cows. All tests were conducted on blood serum according to instructions of the manufacturer. Blood samples were taken via tail vein puncture between 6 and 15 d post-insemination from 67 Holstein or Jersey cows. Serum was placed in a test cassette and the results recorded after 2 h by three independent observers. Ultrasonography was performed on d 25 to 30 post-insemination, or rectal palpation was performed 35 to 42 d post-insemination by experienced personnel. These results were compared with the test results. The test results corresponded with the results of the ultrasound or rectal palpation 51% of the time. Of the 49% that disagreed, 25% were diagnosed pregnant by the ECF test but were found to be open by ultrasound or palpation, and 24% were diagnosed open by the test and found to be pregnant by ultrasound or palpation. These results suggest that the test does not perform at the necessary level of accuracy.