![ruminant-pregnancy-test-banner.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ce54ce_914fdaa0136149b9899ee66722fdada4~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_469,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/ce54ce_914fdaa0136149b9899ee66722fdada4~mv2.jpg)
Easily test for pregnancy on a small blood sample
What about Alertys Ruminant as your new normal?
Massive boost for your herd's productivity and profitability
With Alertys Ruminant, you can forget about stressful rectal examinations. This laboratory-based test provides farmers with consistent, accurate pregnancy diagnosis results – from as soon as 28 days after service.
Pursue your optimum calving interval with Alertys Ruminant, by providing safe, ongoing pregnancy confirmation at critical stages.
With the same sample, you can also test for ‘iceberg’ diseases such as Johne’s or BVD. And with an accuracy of >99%¹, results from this less-invasive cow pregnancy test will help you make the right decisions about individual cows – early, and with confidence.
By identifying and removing sub-fertile cows earlier, you can improve operational and reproductive efficiency.
![Beef cow and calf.jpeg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ce54ce_e433ef14c33447ddbeb54cb35516794f~mv2.jpeg/v1/crop/x_156,y_0,w_427,h_427/fill/w_400,h_400,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Beef%20cow%20and%20calf.jpeg)
¹Fosgate GT, Motimele B, Ganswindt A, Irons PC. A Bayesian latent class model to estimate the accuracy of pregnancy diagnosis by transrectal ultrasonography and laboratory detection of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins in dairy cows. Prev Vet Med. 2017;145:100–109. doi:10.1016/j.prevetmed.2017.07.004
Good for the farm
![happy-farmer.jpeg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ce54ce_99215199c14345ed93ced87673d3d423~mv2.jpeg/v1/crop/x_107,y_0,w_427,h_427/fill/w_266,h_266,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/happy-farmer.jpeg)
Alertys Ruminant improves your herd’s reproductive performance, providing earlier pregnancy diagnosis – as early as 28 days post-service.
Because the test is lab-based, it’s easy to run multiple tests on the same blood sample. As well as pregnancy diagnosis, add tests for Johne’s, BVD, individual metabolic profiles and more.
Alertys Ruminant is the ideal pregnancy diagnosis tool to support structured, interval testing. More frequent confirmatory testing in later stages of pregnancy helps you make better, more informed decisions about your herd and individual animals.
Good for the cow
![Image by Jasper Garratt](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_08b53ae5e13a4810a865cabd306b76bc~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_1000,w_4000,h_4000/fill/w_266,h_266,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Image%20by%20Jasper%20Garratt.jpg)
Alertys Ruminant is a less-invasive test.
No rectal examination, no palpation, so it’s less stressful for your cows – and risk-free for the developing foetus.
Good for the Vet
![good-for-the-cattle-vet.jpeg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ce54ce_e496ac611fdf4a76a96a1b12d96356d4~mv2.jpeg/v1/crop/x_275,y_61,w_303,h_302/fill/w_266,h_265,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/good-for-the-cattle-vet.jpeg)
By using Alertys Ruminant as part of a structured testing programme, you and your Vet can focus on the cows that need help.
Rather than performing a pregnancy diagnosis on all cows in the herd, Vets can instead focus on the cows that really need attention: those that are sick, those that have aborted, or those that aren’t getting in-calf.
Also, your Vet will have more time available to spend on herd health plans: devising and refining strategies to improve fertility, minimise lameness, maximise milk production and optimise profitability.
Just a few drops of blood – that’s all it takes
![detect-non-pregnant-cow-icon.jpeg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ce54ce_da07f4c4309e4017b109e93333ccc2f5~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_54,h_54,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/detect-non-pregnant-cow-icon.jpeg)
![laboratory-icon.jpeg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ce54ce_b049f2c5ca3343b9bd5efc15cf8b96ad~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_50,h_50,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/laboratory-icon.jpeg)
![magnify-glass-icon.jpeg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ce54ce_d0e62b6606a84db1b2cedcf8a54dc3ae~mv2.jpeg/v1/crop/x_1,y_0,w_886,h_886/fill/w_50,h_50,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/magnify-glass-icon.jpeg)
![blood-sample-icon.jpeg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ce54ce_460d5bedffed46e3af3390cb99a797af~mv2.jpeg/v1/crop/x_0,y_41,w_341,h_343/fill/w_50,h_50,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/blood-sample-icon.jpeg)
![accuracy-icon.jpeg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ce54ce_471c16b3491841deaae64a41d719bf57~mv2.jpeg/v1/crop/x_0,y_1,w_171,h_171/fill/w_50,h_50,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/accuracy-icon.jpeg)
![save-money Large.jpeg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ce54ce_64a4edb7df6444e3b49c54bbd6a3c56d~mv2.jpeg/v1/crop/x_1,y_0,w_886,h_886/fill/w_50,h_50,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/save-money%20Large.jpeg)
Easily detect open cows from day 28 after service, using serum or plasma samples
Samples are sent to the lab and results are received automatically in few days
Confirm pregnancy status of heifers, dairy/beef cattle, goats, bison, water buffalo
Expand testing options using the same sample, e.g tests for Johne's or BVDV
>99% accuracy¹, using reliable method from trusted ELISA technology
Ideal for optimising reproductive efficiency, thus improving profitability
![beef cows.jpeg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ce54ce_7a516c26a43141e38a723c8916ec4dff~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_432,h_287,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/beef%20cows.jpeg)
-
What is PAG and how do the Alertys tests detect it?PAG is shorthand for Pregnancy-Associated Glycoprotein. The PAG test which has been developed by IDEXX is called the Alertys Pregnancy Tests*. It is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. It has been developed to accurately detect PAG molecules in blood, serum or milk. It is validated to be used for pregnancy diagnosis in cattle, sheep, goats, water buffalo and bison. Unlike other chemical tests for pregnancy using progesterone as an indicator, the PAG test is very specific for pregnancy. *The Alertys Rapid Visual and OnFarm pregnancy tests can be run without ELISA instrumentation. PAGs are detectable as early as 28 days after insemination, so it is recommended that the test can be used from this point and throughout the whole gestation period.
-
What lab equipment do I need to perform the Alertys Milk and Ruminant Pregnancy Test?For performing these tests, you should have a lab equipped for ELISA testing, including pipettes, pipette tips, distilled water, a 96-well plate reader, a microplate washer, and a plate shaker/incubator. All details can be found in the kit inserts.
-
What is the difference between PAG and Progesterone?Progesterone is a hormone that occurs with peaks and valleys during the normal reproductive cycle and is not pregnancy specific. The Alertys pregnancy tests detect pregnancy-specific proteins called pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs). These specific proteins are expressed in the embryonic regions of the placenta and detected in maternal fluids such as blood and milk.
-
What are the differences among IDEXX Alertys products?The Alertys Milk Pregnancy Test uses milk samples collected during routine milk recording or collected from self-sampling pots, which will be most suitable for dairy farms. The test cannot be performed on-farm as specialist laboratory equipment is required. The Alerty Ruminant Pregnancy Test, which uses blood samples, on the other side, may be more convenient for beef herds. Again, the samples are tested in a lab as specialist equipment is required. For smaller-scale testing organisations, such as individual veterinary practices, the Alerty Rapid Visual Pregnancy Test can be used. A blood or serum sample is required, and the test can be completed in around 30 minutes. Some technical skill is required, and this isn’t a cow-side test, but there is no necessity for specialised laboratory equipment to observe the colour change to make a pregnancy diagnosis. Finally, there is an Alertys OnFarm Pregnancy Test, which was recently introduced in 2021. This lateral-flow style test can be used on farm and requires no technical expertise, other than to collect a blood sample (EDTA sample). A measured amount of blood is dropped onto the test cartridge, and a pregnancy diagnosis result is ready in a matter of minutes, not unlike a human home-pregnancy test kit. This is suitable as a cow-side test.
-
What is the return on investment from using Alertys tests?Open cows can have a major impact on profitability. Research shows that the average cost per open dairy cow is €5 a day*. These costs include the value of the milk the cow would have produced, the value of her calf, and other relevant factors. Dairy farms can optimise profitability by shortening the calving interval and reducing the number of days that cows are open. For beef farmers, shorten calving intervals with safe, ongoing confirmation of pregnancy status at critical stages, saves an estimated $77 per head** by identifying and removing sub-fertile cows early. * De Vries et al, Economics of improved reproductive performance in dairy cattle (Publication AN 156), Gainesville FL, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture Science; 2005 ** Cook B, Biermacker JT, Childs D. The value of pregnancy testing beef cows. Paper presented at: 2007 Southern Agricultural Economics Association Annual Meeting; February 4–7, 2007; Mobile, Alabama.
-
Can all the Alertys tests tell anything else besides pregnancy?No, the test will provide a pregnant, open/non-pregnant or 're-check' result. It cannot tell the stage of gestation, the sex of the calf or if the cow is carrying multiple calves.
-
Why test more than once during gestation?During the normal gestation process of a cow, approximately 10-25% of pregnancies will be lost between conception and full-term due to unknown causes. Pregnancy testing at specific times throughout gestation helps improve reproductive efficiency by finding cows who have experienced pregnancy loss. It is recommended to test 2-3 times throughout gestation; first at 28-30 days post- breeding, again at 60 days post-breeding, and before dry off to be sure only pregnant cows are kept on farm.
-
Does PAG testing replace the need for a Vet?It is clear there is a strong case for early and accurate pregnancy diagnosis in dairy herds. The method used for pregnancy diagnosis is somewhat a matter of personal choice, depending on individual circumstances and convenience. Both transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and PAG testing are reliable methods of early pregnancy diagnosis. Most dairy farms find that working closely with a progressive veterinary practice carries many benefits. This remains the case whether you choose to use the Vet for TRUS pregnancy diagnosis, or not. Of course, transrectal ultrasound can play a role in other areas of fertility management too, such as diagnosis of non-cycling or cystic cows. A mix-and-match approach can be a sensible way forwards for many herds, taking advantage of PAG pregnancy diagnosis for its timeliness, simplicity, and accuracy, whilst reducing the numbers of cows needing to be separated and presented at the routine vet visits. Some farms find this then frees up their Vet to focus on valuable tasks, such as fertility data analysis, training, and other beneficial work.
-
Is there an influence of breed on all the tests?No breed influence on test performance has been described.
-
Do antibiotics influence the PAG tests?IDEXX has no evidence to date to suggest that antibiotic treated milk has a negative effect on the test results.
-
After early embryonic losses or abortion, does the test still detect PAGs?Yes, PAGs will circulate in milk and blood for a certain period of time after embryonic loss or abortion. For early embryonic loss, we estimate PAGs will disappear within 6-10 days. In case of late term abortion PAGs may be present for a longer period of time (40-60 days). It should be noted that it can take up to 60 days for PAGs to drop below the test threshold post-calving.
-
I have a bull in my herd or use a bull at the end of my AI period. Can I still use PAG testing methods?You can still use one of the Alertys tests, you just need to apply some rules around testing. For example, test 50 days after the cow is put with bull (21 days for heat plus 28 days to earliest test), or test 28 days after the bull is removed from the herd. If the bull is running with the herd all the time, you may need to test monthly, BUT remember, the test will not tell you how far in calf the cow is. And a negative result does not mean not-pregnant if test is done less than 28 days since service.
Sometimes need results immediately? No problem!
As an addition you might also want to use Alertys OnFarm with results in 5-20 minutes. This test is done on a small blood sample. This option is most ideal for flexible testing. For example, when the Vet is present and you want to double-check a specific cow to check if she is still pregnant, without the added stress of putting her through a rectal exam.
![onfarm-header-banner.jpeg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ce54ce_c82046f9f5484788b2d3bedad529d8fc~mv2.jpeg/v1/crop/x_0,y_338,w_851,h_851/fill/w_400,h_400,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/onfarm-header-banner.jpeg)