Determination of pregnancy wastage and its financial implication in slaughtered cows using pregnancy-specific protein B

Abstract

Pregnancy wastage due to the slaughter of pregnant animals is a common practice in developing countries. This study was designed to determine pregnancy wastage and its financial implication in cows using Pregnancy-specific Protein B (PSPB). Cows presented for slaughter at the abattoir were selected based on convenient sampling by collecting 5 ml of blood into a nonheparinized tube for PSPB assay. In addition, the financial loss from the slaughter of pregnant cows was determined. Out of the 361 cows examined, 72 (19.9%) were diagnosed as pregnant using PSPB. There was a significant association between prevalence and breed (χ2 = 20.4; p < 0.001) as well as between prevalence and age (χ2 = 12.7; p = 0.047). The estimated annual financial loss associated with pregnancy wastage using PSPB was $158,147.48. It was concluded that the PSPB test used was reliable in diagnosing pregnancy wastage and its` financial loss. It is, therefore, recommended that the PSPB test be included in the routine antemortem screening of pregnant cows.