An enzyme immunoassay for progesterone, using horseradish peroxidase as the label, was adapted for direct measurement of progesterone in serum or milk. Values obtained by direct measurement are highly correlated with values measured in extracts and are usable for convenient, rapid, accurate monitoring of the reproductive status of dairy cows. The assay is sensitive (ca. 1 pg), rapidly performed (3.5 h), and allows 92% accuracy in assessment of pregnancy status by direct measurement of progesterone in paired milk samples collected at breeding and 21 d later.
Animals Cattle