Reliable pregnancy diagnosis in captive breeding programs can be challenging. Accurate, non-invasive biomarkers are vital for successful reproductive management of livestock and endangered wildlife. PGFM has been shown to be a practical reproductive status biomarker for several species.
Accurate reproductive monitoring is essential in wildlife conservation efforts and livestock management operations. Non-invasive methods are required to minimize potential stress associated with blood collection and imaging procedures. This is especially true with endangered species where stress-induced pregnancy loss is an unintended, but common, outcome of pregnancy testing. In particular, pregnancy determination is notoriously difficult in the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanolecua), representing a unique challenge for ex-situ conservation efforts.
A recent paper published in PLoS One by Roberts, et al. determined that urinary 13,14, dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2α (PGFM) levels are closely associated with pregnancy status in the giant panda. Profiles of pregnant animals were easily distinguished from pseudopregnancy profiles by timing and duration of elevated PGFM concentration. The study authors concluded that PGFM monitoring can be used to accurately predict pregnancy status and parturition time in the giant panda. Other studies have shown urinary/fecal concentrations of PGFM can accurately determine pregnancy status in canine, feline, ruminant, and many other species. PGFM is a valuable tool for determining pregnancy and parturition status.
Features:
- Use: Measure PGFM in 90 minutes
- Standard Range: 3,200 to 50 pg/mL
- Sample: Urine, Serum, Plasma, Tissue Culture and Dried Fecal Matter
- Sensitivity: < 21 pg/mL
- Stability: Stable 4˚C Liquid Reagents
- Samples/Kit: 39 or 231 in Duplicate