Detection of pregnancy in ewes by using pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAGS)

Aim: Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) are produced by embryonic binuclear trophoblast cells during pregnancy in ruminants, including ewes. The present study aimed to determine the PAGs concentration in blood plasma during early pregnancy and throughout pregnancy in ewes. Material and Method: For this purpose; sixteen pregnant sheep were used. For the first study (PAGs profile monitoring during pregnancy), blood plasma samples were collected on days of 0, 55, 85, 113 and 145 during pregnancy in ewes (n=8). For the second study (determination of PAGs profile in early pregnancy), blood plasma samples were collected on days of 18, 21, 25, 28 and 35 during the early pregnancy in ewes (n=8). The plasma PAGs concentrations were measured by commercial ELISA kit. Results: There was a basal PAGs concentration on the 0th day of pregnancy (14,99 ± 1,63). In the first study, there was also a statistically significant difference on plasma PAGs concentration on days of 55, 85, 113, 145 in pregnancy, compared to the day (p <0, 05). In the second study, it was determined that the plasma PAGs concentration significantly increased on the 35th day of pregnancy compared to the 18th day (p <0, 05). Conclusion: According to these results, the plasma PAGs concentrations are elevated during pregnancy in sheep. Moreover, it could be concluded that PAGs kit used for the present study could diagnose pregnancy as early as at 35 days after mating in ewes. Key Words: Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs), pregnancy, ELISA, ewes, pregnancy diagnosis