Comparative study between progesterone, ultrasonagraphy, and Pregnancy Associated Glygoprotein for pregnancy diagnosis in local Iraqi ewes

This study aimed to detect pregnancy by ultrasonography, progesterone and PAG in local Iraqi ewes. This experiment was conducted in the breeding season and region at Saqlawiya/ Al-Anbar province, period from 1/9/2023 until 1/3/2024. Thirty-seven polyparous nonpregnant ewes aged 2-4 years and twelve matur rams were with used, their weight ranged between 45.3±3 kg. The animals were examined with Trans-Rectal Ultrasonography (TRU) and trans-abdominal (TAU) to ensure that thay were non pregnant. Estrus synchronization was achieved by applied intra vaginal sponges for 14 days. Twelve breeding rams used to estrus detection and breeding. Ewes underwent ultrasonic examination at day 34 post-mating (PM) by TAU. Hormonal assay were conducted at day (34) PM, Ovine Pregnancy Associated Glycoprotein (PAG) from day 34 PM estemal. All ewes showed Estrus. Moreover, the diagnosis of pregnancy by ultrasound examination was better at days 34 of pregnancy followed by the PAG and then the progesterone hormone. Additionlly, ultrasonography method recorded higher accuracy for pregnancy detection in days 34 PM comparison PAG assay and progesterone assay. In conclusion the ultrasonography is regarded as one of the most precise and up-to-date techniques for diagnosing pregnancy followed by progesterone assay and PAG and pregnancy could be accurately detected by ultrasound on the 34th day of pregnancy in ewes.