Using Pregnancy-Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs) to Improve Reproductive Management: From Dairy Cows to Other Dairy Livestock

Abstract

Pregnancy success represents a major issue for the economic income of cattle breeders. Early detection of pregnant and non-pregnant animals, as well as the prediction of early pregnancy failure, can influence farm management decisions. Several diagnostic tools for pregnancy are currently available. Among these, pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) have been shown to be useful for identifying the presence of vital embryos and for pregnancy follow-up monitoring. This review presents an overview of the PAGs' functions, their pregnancy trends, and their use as a tool to improve reproductive management in bovine and other dairy livestock, such as small ruminants and buffalos.

Keywords: bovine; buffalo; dairy livestock; goat; pregnancy; pregnancy-associated glycoproteins; reproductive management; sheep.

Figure 1

Pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) plasma profile of a cow during pregnancy and the post-partum period. Adapted from Zoli et al. [16].

Figure 2

Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) and progesterone (P4) in a cow that experienced embryonic mortality between days 30 and 40 of gestation. Adapted from Pohler et al. [69].

Figure 3

Pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) plasma profile in Lacaune and Sarda ewes during pregnancy and the post-partum period. * p < 0.001. Adapted from De Carolis et al. [89].

Figure 4

Pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) plasma profile during pregnancy and post-partum in goats. Adapted from Zarrouk et al. [94].

Figure 5

Pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) plasma profile during pregnancy in buffalo cows. *** p < 0.001, ** p < 0.01 versus previous day. Adapted from Barbato et al. [116].

Figure 6

Pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) plasma profile in buffalo cows during the post-partum period. *** p < 0.001, ** p < 0.01, * p < 0.05 versus previous day. Adapted from Barbato et al. [116].

Figure 7

Pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) plasma concentrations in non-pregnant and pregnant buffalo cows, and those that experienced embryonic mortality. Adapted from Barbato et al. [119].