Accuracy of transrectal palpation for early pregnancy diagnosis in Egyptian buffaloes

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the accuracy of transrectal palpation (TRP) for diagnosing early pregnancy in buffaloes and the false diagnoses of the TRP test by using the pregnancy-associated glycoprotein radioimmunoassay (PAG-RIA) test. Pregnancy was diagnosed in 168 buffalo-cows once by TRP and PAG-RIA test between days 31 and 55 after breeding. The sensitivity of TRP for detecting pregnant buffalo-cows was 37.5% at days 31-35, increased to 93.8% at days 46-50 and reached 100% at days 51-55 (P < 0.01). All cases of false negative diagnoses (n = 10) had PAG concentration higher than the threshold (≥1.8 ng/mL) for diagnosing pregnancy. The specificity of TRP for detecting non-pregnant buffalo cows ranged between 90.9%, and 100% between days 31 and 55. All cases of false positive diagnoses (n = 5) made by TRP had PAG concentrations lower than the threshold for diagnosing pregnancy. It could be concluded that TRP is an accurate method for diagnosing pregnant and non-pregnant buffalo cows from day 46 after breeding.

Context‐dependent costs and benefits of tuberculosis resistance traits in a wild mammalian host

“…after 51 days of gestation (Karen et al, 2011) and has been validated in this study herd (Beechler et al, 2017). The presence of a calf at heel was detected visually or by evidence of lactation (manual milking of all four teats; Jolles et al, 2005), and calves were aged by body size and horn shape.…”

“…Pregnancy status and stage were determined by rectal palpation done by a wildlife veterinarian. This method shows 100% sensitivity in Egyptian buffalo ( Bos bubalis ) after 51 days of gestation (Karen et al, ) and has been validated in this study herd (Beechler et al, ). The presence of a calf at heel was detected visually or by evidence of lactation (manual milking of all four teats; Jolles et al, ), and calves were aged by body size and horn shape.…”

Nematode–coccidia parasite co-infections in African buffalo: Epidemiology and associations with host condition and pregnancy

“…We also account for seasonal variation in our ability to detect host pregnancy by including season in our statistical models. This is because the sensitivity of palpation is limited in the first month after conception (Karen et al, 2011). January–March are the peak months of birthing (Ryan et al, 2007) and conceptions are likely occurring throughout the late wet season (Jolles, 2004), which could result in more in false-negative pregnancy test results during the late wet season.…”

Immune stability predicts tuberculosis infection risk in a wild mammal

“…Age was estimated by incisor eruption and tooth wear patterns [21]. Pregnancy status (not pregnant, early, mid or late pregnancy) was assessed by rectal palpation as described for Egyptian buffalo [22]. The presence or absence of milk in the mammary gland (lactation status) was assessed by manually milking all four teats.…”