Idexx launches world-first milk-based pregnancy test for cattle

Idexx Laboratories has announced the launch of the world's first milk-based test for detecting pregnancy among cattle.

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based test was introduced at the World Dairy Expo in Wisconsin and can detect pregnancy-associated glycoproteins in order to determine pregnancy status while minimising animal handling.

Offering a high level of sensitivity, this new innovation will allow early and accurate pregnancy confirmation to be obtained for open cows in less than 3.5 hours, while seamlessly integrating into existing workflows.

The test is available now and has been developed in collaboration with leading milk laboratories in North America, Europe and New Zealand.

Olivier te Boekhorst, vice-president and general manager for Idexx's livestock and poultry diagnostics, said: "Expanding the use of DHI milk samples to include confirmation of pregnancy is a simple, cost-effective way for producers to increase the efficiency of their total operation."

This week, the company also announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2012, during which it experienced a five percent year-over-year increase in sales.