Description
Equine ovulation and pregnancy testing.
Test applicable to: Horses
Sample: Serum or Plasma
The Target test is an ELISA Test. A highly specific antibody binds the progesterone in the sample, and then the target enzyme conjugate binds to the antibody empty sites, the ones that do not have any progesterone from the sample. Finally, a substrate is added and reacts with the target enzyme conjugate. After 7 minutes the reaction is complete and you are able to see different shades of blue. The lowest progesterone concentration leads to the highest enzyme binding and thus produces the darkest blue colour. Conversely the highest progesterone concentration leads to the lowest enzyme binding and thus produces the least blue colour – actually no colour for a white cup. Varying amounts of progesterone between the low (bright blue C1) and high (white C4) will give off lighter shades of blue for the other ranges (C2 and C3)
Equine Progesterone
Progesterone, a natural hormone that circulates in the mare’s blood, is produced by the corpus luteum (CL) and changes during a normal estrous cycle. Progesterone levels in the blood accurately reflect the different stages of the estrous cycle.
Prostaglandin used when the mare has a functional or persistent corpus lutem (progesterone level is high) in order to induce heat (low level of progesterone).
Low levels of progesterone at any stage of pregnancy are a major cause of early embryo loss or late-term abortion.
Target can be especially useful in embryo transfer programs where following the estrous cycles closely is essential in synchronizing the donor with a recipient mare.
Sample Preparation
Collect the blood sample into a purple EDTA or heparin coated tube for plasma or red top tube for serum. Do NOT use gel separator type tubes.
You could either spin the blood down with a centrifuge for 10 min at 2500rmp, or allow the blood to clot at room temperature for ½-1hr or until clear serum collects in the top of the tube.
Only Serum or Plasma must be used
