Ann Bledsoe
Well-known member
Now I know that for the majority of cattle producers, this doesn't make a bit of difference. But for those like me, who can't afford to have their handful of "pets" turn up open when they're supposed to be bred, this might come in real handy.
Human pregnancy tests work on cattle!
I tested both of my Jersey cows with a test called "Answer" (like EPT, tests for same hormone but much cheaper).
One cow was known to be open, the other had already been palpated pregnant.
The bred cow was at 66 days when tested and the test showed a positive.
The open cow (and a bull calf) tested negative (wanted to make sure it wouldn't show all cattle with a positive result).
The other cow is due to cycle again in the next couple of days and will be AI'd. I plan to test her on a weekly basis after she's bred to find out just how early the test will detect the pregnancy hormone in the cow. It's supposed to work on humans 3 days before the next cyle is due. It would be great if it would pick it up on a cow at or before the time the next cycle is due.
Ann B
Human pregnancy tests work on cattle!
I tested both of my Jersey cows with a test called "Answer" (like EPT, tests for same hormone but much cheaper).
One cow was known to be open, the other had already been palpated pregnant.
The bred cow was at 66 days when tested and the test showed a positive.
The open cow (and a bull calf) tested negative (wanted to make sure it wouldn't show all cattle with a positive result).
The other cow is due to cycle again in the next couple of days and will be AI'd. I plan to test her on a weekly basis after she's bred to find out just how early the test will detect the pregnancy hormone in the cow. It's supposed to work on humans 3 days before the next cyle is due. It would be great if it would pick it up on a cow at or before the time the next cycle is due.
Ann B