Optimise profitability by identifying open cows easily and effectively

IDEXX Milk Pregnancy Test:

• Maximise reproductive efficiency
• Accurate testing throughout gestation
• Maintain milk production for less time and money

Optimise profitability by identifying open cows easily and effectively

Dairy farms can optimise profitability by shortening the calving interval and reducing the number of days that cows are open. The easiest way to accomplish both goals is the IDEXX milk pregnancy test: a valuable tool for dairy farmers. The economic benefits are self-evident.

Open cows can have a major impact on profitability. Research shows that the average cost per open cow is £4.50 per day (1). These costs include the value of the milk the cow would have produced, the value of her calf, and other relevant factors. Therefore, if one cow stays open 20 days longer than expected, the farmer loses £90 on a single cow. Considering a 100-cow dairy farm, this effect can have a tremendous impact and can reduce profitability by as much as £9,000. The cumulative costs play an even more significant role on larger farms. 

Maximum control throughout gestation

The milk pregnancy test makes it easy to minimise the days that cows are open. Milk samples are tested in the CIS laboratory to detect pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) which are a clear marker for bovine pregnancy. Since milk testing can be performed at any time throughout gestation, the PAG test offers major benefits. The test can be used as early as 28 days to identify open cows. It has been shown to be particularly beneficial when used to confirm pregnancy status between 65-110 days. The test helps to detect any early embryo losses that may have occurred in the time since early pregnancy diagnosis (usually carried out by a veterinarian). An additional check can also be done prior to dry-off to check for open cows. The lab sends reliable test results to the farm so the farmer and vet can take appropriate action immediately.

Less handling, less stress for the cows

Milk testing offers a fast, smooth, accurate way to identify open cows, but also has several additional advantages. This non-invasive test is easily incorporated into routine milk analysis. No need to add extra steps to your workflow; the samples are sent to the lab as usual, and the farmer receives the results automatically. Milk testing means less handling for the farmer – and less stress for the animals. The farm saves time and money while maximising milk production.

Reliable, simple, trusted

Developed by IDEXX, world leader in veterinary diagnostics, milk pregnancy tests have been performed more than 10 million times since 2013. Milk testing is trusted by tens of thousands of farmers around the world.

Further information

For more details about the IDEXX Milk Pregnancy Test, contact your milk recording company or your milk testing laboratory.

If you’re attending UK Dairy Day then please come to Seminar area 2 on the first floor at 3.40pm to listen to Jonathan Statham’s, MA VetMB DCHP MRCVS, presentation on ‘‘Milk Pregnancy testing – it’s ‘positive’ role in herd management’’.

Find out how the IDEXX Milk Pregnancy Test can optimise your profitability and improve reproductive performance!

1) De Vries et al., Economics of improved reproductive performance in dairy cattle [Publication AN156]. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences; 2005.