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Diagnosis of Bovine Pregnancy by Measuring Vaginal Response to Oxytocin¹

University of Maryland, College Park

Abstract

A method for the diagnosis of bovine pregnancy, especially in the early stages, was described. It is based on the indirect measurement of the contraction of vaginal muscles by means of a balloon inflated in the vagina and connected to a manometer in response to an intravenous injection of 30 U.S.P. units of oxytocin. Increases over initial pressure of approximately 10 mm. Hg about 3–4 minutes after injection are found when cows are pregnant. No or very little response was obtained from nonpregnant cows. If a response did occur, it was erratic. Cows in estrus respond like pregnant cows, whereas cows in other phases of the estrous cycle respond like non-pregnant cows.

A total of 321 cows were tested by means of the described technique. A 90% accuracy of diagnosis of pregnancy was found even in the early stages of pregnancy.

¹ Scientific Article No. A688, Contribution No. 2097 of the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Maryland (Department of Animal Husbandry). The data presented were taken from one section of a thesis submitted by the senior author to the Graduate School of the University of Maryland in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science; Tavenner (1958).

² Professor of Animal Husbandry.