Investigation of the usability of bovine pregnancy-associated glycoproteins kits for early pregnancy diagnosis in

İNGİLİZCE ÖZET (ABSTRACT) Aim: Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) are synthesized by bi-nucleate cells of trophoblastic during pregnancy in ruminants, and they are secreted into maternal blood circulation. In this study, it was aimed to test the usability of bovine commercial PAGs ELISA kit for detecting early pregnancy in ewes. Material and Method: For this purpose, the blood samples were taken on days 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63 and 70 after mating from 13 pregnant Konya Merino sheep. Pregnancy was confirmed by the birth. The plasma PAGs concentrations were measured by commercial ELISA (Bovine Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins) kit. According to manufacturer's instruction, plasma level of PAGs had been accepted positive for pregnancy, if it was above than 0.3 value. Results: Percentages of positive value of PAGs for on days 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63 and 70 were recorded as 7.69%, 30.77%, 69.23%, 61.54%, 76.92%, 92.31%, 100% and100%, respectively. When considering these results, the sensitivity of the bovine PAG test is increasing during progression of pregnancy in ewes. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, it was concluded that pregnancy diagnosis in sheep could be done using cattle PAG kit after 35th day of pregnancy, even though there is still a margin of error for sheep in the early period of pregnancy when the value of 0.3 for pregnancy positive is taken as basis.