Frequently Asked Questions
Regarding the DG29 Bovine Blood Pregnancy Test
What is DG29?
DG29 is an easy-to-use bovine blood pregnancy test. Blood samples are drawn from cattle on the farm or ranch, forwarded to a certified laboratory (AgSource Laboratories located in Menomonie, Wis.), and pregnancy diagnosis results are returned to the farm quickly and accurately.
When can an animal be tested?
The DG29 test can be conducted on cows or heifers as early as 29 days post breeding. Cows must also be at least 90 days post calving before blood samples are collected. Performing the DG29 test on cows less than 90 days post calving may result in false positive test results; in these animals, the pregnancy-related protein from the previous pregnancy may still be present.
How accurate are the DG29 test results?
Research published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal has proven the DG29 test to be over 99 percent accurate. For the most accurate results, dairy and beef producers must follow the blood collection timeline indicated above. In addition, false results may be generated if embryo mortality occurred prior to or at the time the blood sample was collected.
What is included in a DG29 test kit?
There are two DG29 purchasing options. The first option is to purchase a complete kit. The complete kit includes the required red-topped CRI blood tubes, disposable needs, a needle holder and hazardous material shipping containers. The shipping of the kit to the farm or ranch and the price of the test analysis are also included in the cost of the complete kit. The complete kit is available in quantities of 24, 48, 72 or 144 blood tubes/DG29 tests.
The second option is to purchase only the red-topped CRI blood tubes and test analysis. This option is packaged in quantities of 48, 72, 144 or 288 blood tubes/DG29 tests, and does not include the cost of shipping the blood tubes to the farm or ranch. Individual needles, needle holder and hazardous material shipping containers may be purchased separately.
All DG29 samples sent to the lab must be submitted in the CRI provided red-topped blood tubes. With both purchasing options, the member or customer must pay the shipping charges for transporting the blood samples from the farm to the laboratory. Samples may be in transit for up to a week without compromising the test results.
