In using progresterone testing in cattle, the results are, well, variable. (Not unlike what we’ve seen here.) There are so many factors that go into the test. Sample amount, proper handling of the test, and quality of the lab doing the test. Then there is the fact that her progesterone being high or low may have NOTHING to do with her being pregnant. All animals “cycle” where they have varying levels of progesterone and estrogen. Being pregnant will change some of this, but the important part here is that progesterone (hormone required to maintain pregnancy) can be high without her being pregnant.

Some of my cattle clients have tried progesterone testing only to get frustrated that they got inconclusive results or still found out their cow was the opposite of what the test told them to expect. I understand the appeal of this manner of testing. Large animal vets are hard to come by in some areas and the expense to have a vet come out may be more than some want or can afford to pay.

I’ll share a couple of suggestions when it comes to using these tests:

Ask the manufacturer what the false positive and false negative rate on these tests are. Any good testing company will know these numbers and should be able to give them to you. For example, a particular test has a false positive rate of approximately 10 percent, but the false negative rate is 0 percent. That tells me that if I get a negative, she’s truly negative, but if she’s positive, there could be a 10 percent chance she is a false positive, meaning she’s truly negative. Phew! Enough stats…

I would also suggest using the progesterone test only when it’s for your knowledge, not necessarily making management decisions off of it. Based on what I’ve read here, people think it works, others haven’t had as good a luck. Would you want to buy or sell an alpaca based on progesterone testing? My gut says no. I suppose if you just want to know so you can decide not to go on vacation that month she might be due to deliver, then a progesterone test might be enough.

Of course it’s always important to get good information from people who have experience. I’ve followed Katy’s blog for awhile and have found her to have good advice and stories for her readers.

Now, back to the fun stuff. Where are those cute crias?
Kathy´s last blog ..Golden Boy – USD $75.00