Pashudhan Praharee Network,Feb 19, 2020
Scientists at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) here have developed an early pregnancy detection kit for buffalo and cattle. It can detect pregnancy by the 35th day using blood sample.
The kit has been validated in the laboratory and results from 100 pregnancy samples have a success rate of between 85 per cent and 90 per cent. Scientists have a target of 95 per cent success in the coming days.
Field trials are going on and scientists are hopeful that the kit will reach the field level in between six and eight months. It can be used by farmers and veterinarians and at dairy farms and laboratories. It has taken more than seven years of research to develop this kit.
Other methods
- Rectal palpation, the common method, is applicable only 45 to 50 days after breeding. Only trained personnel can perform this. It has chances of infection and premature abortion. Another technique — ultrasonography — is conducted 30 to 35 days after breeding. It requires costly equipment and it difficult because of non-availability of personnel at the farmers’ doorstep.
The kit has been developed by Dr Munna Lal Yadav, Dr Sudarshan Kumar and Dr Preeti Rawat under the leadership of Dr AK Mohanti, principal scientist, animal biotechnology centre. Dr TK Mohanti and Dr Rubina have also contributed to the research.
Scientists claim that pregnancy can be checked by a layman within five minutes by using three or four drops of blood. The kit was on display at a counter during the national dairy mela at the NDRI from February 15 to 17.
Dr MS Chauhan, NDRI Director, congratulated the team for the success. “It will reduce calving interval in subsequent pregnancies and farmers will benefit economically,” he said.
source-Tribune News Service
