DIAGNOSIS OF PREGNANCY AND TWINNING IN MOOSE BY ULTRASONOGRAPHY AND SERUM ASSAY

Authors

  • Thomas R. Stephenson
  • J. Ward Testa
  • Gregg P. Adams
  • R. Garth Sasser
  • Charles C. Schwartz
  • Kris J. Hundertmark

Abstract

We evaluated transrectal ultrasonography and serum assay for detecting pregnancy in captive and wild moose (Alces alces). Ultrasonographic determination of twinning appeared most feasible during days 30-80 of gestation (4 November - 24 December). During December, January, and March, pregnancy, but not winning, was reliably detected ultrasonographically; diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of a fetus or placentomes. In addition, serum was assayed for pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB). During December, January, and March, both techniques were 100% accurate in diagnosing pregnancy. However, accuracy of diagnosis during November was 95% and 90% by ultrasound and PSPB assay, based on our assumption that false positives did not occur with ultrasonography. Detection of the presence of a conceptus in utero eliminates calf detection biases associated with post-partum assessment of moose population productivity.

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Published

1995-01-01

How to Cite

Stephenson, T. R., Testa, J. W., Adams, G. P., Sasser, R. G., Schwartz, C. C., & Hundertmark, K. J. (1995). DIAGNOSIS OF PREGNANCY AND TWINNING IN MOOSE BY ULTRASONOGRAPHY AND SERUM ASSAY. Alces, 31, 167–172. Retrieved from https://alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/897

Issue

Vol. 31 (1995): Alces Vol. 31 (1995)

Section

Articles

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