Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins and pregnancy wastage in cattle

Accurate diagnosis of non-pregnancy and prompt re-enlistment of ‘‘non-pregnant’’ cattle into an appropriate breeding protocol are essential components of successful reproductive programs. Various methods aimed at improving detection of pregnancy and identification of non-pregnant cows earlier and more accurately are the focus of previous review articles and beyond the scope of this manuscript. Recently, the ability to measure pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) in cattle has changed how pregnancy and, more importantly, non-pregnancy are detected. This presentation provides an overview of current research on the pregnancy associated glycoprotein family, and how these glycoproteins might be utilized as indicators of pregnancy wastage in cattle.