The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in Amarillo now offers a pregnancy specific binding protein (PSBP) bovine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. The ELISA test is designed for detection of pregnancy in cattle.

Clients should provide .5 mls of serum or EDTA plasma drawn from the tail or jugular vein. For best results, specimen should be drawn following these guidelines:

  • Greater than or equal to 28 days post-breeding (heifers not previously bred).
  • Cows need to be at least 73 days post-calving/ post-abortion (45 days post-calving/ post-abortion plus 28 days post-breeding for optimum accuracy).
  • Accuracy: Negative (not pregnant) is 99.0 percent accurate (the 1 percent is for animals not far enough along to detect). Positive (pregnant) is greater than or equal to 95 percent (5 percent for early embryonic loss).

The test is offered at both full-service TVMDL laboratories for $3 for in-state and $4 for out-of-state clients.Questions regarding this test should be directed to the Amarillo laboratory at (888) 646-5624, or College Station at (888) 646-5623. PD

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—From Texas A&M University news release