A Less-palpation Dairy Practice?
Rediscovering Theriogenology
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20094251Keywords:
BioPRYN, pregnancy diagnosis, trans-rectal exam, herd program, conception rates, reproductive program, practical applicationAbstract
West Michigan Veterinary Service began offering clients the in-house BioPRYN laboratory test for pregnancy diagnosis in February 2008. Previous, the WMVS veterinarians utilized the test in individual cases plagued with uterine adhesions, peri-rectal abscesses or other abnormalities which made trans-rectal examination of the uterus too risky or impossible. It became obvious that the test had the potential for a much broader application and WMVS needed to address the following question: How can we utilize the test on a herd program basis? A four-month study was conducted on a 1,200-cow Michigan dairy to discover the best practical application of the test within the context of our reproduction program and its protocols. A comprehensive reproductive program was the result of the study, which led to a dramatic increase in conception rates. The conclusion of the study left one emotion-packed question unanswered: Now, what do I do?
