Early pregnancy diagnosis on days 18 to 21 postinsemination using high-resolution imaging in lactating dairy cows

The aim was to assess the ability of corpus luteum (CL) and uterine ultrasound characteristics on d 18 to 21 to predict pregnancy status in lactating dairy cows. Ultrasound examinations were carried out on cows (n = 164) on d 18 to 21 following artificial insemination (AI). Images of the uterus and CL were captured using a Voluson i ultrasound device (General Electric Healthcare Systems, Vienna, Austria) equipped with a 12-MHz, multi frequency, linear array probe. Serum concentrations of progesterone were determined from blood samples collected at each ultrasound examination. Images of the CL were captured and stored for calculation of CL tissue area and echotexture. Images of the CL and associated blood flow area were captured and stored for analysis of luteal blood flow ratio. Longitudinal B-mode images of the uterine horns were stored for analysis of echotexture. Diagnosis of pregnancy was made at each ultrasound examination based on CL blood flow, CL size, and uterine echotexture. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonography on d 30 after AI. The relationship between ultrasound measures and pregnancy outcome, as well as the accuracy of the pregnancy diagnosis made at each ultrasound examination was assessed. Progesterone concentrations and CL tissue area were greater in pregnant compared with nonpregnant cows on all days. The CL blood flow ratio was higher in pregnant compared with nonpregnant cows on d 20 and 21 after AI. Echotexture measures of the CL and uterus were not different between pregnant and nonpregnant cows on any day of examination. The best logistic regression model to predict pregnancy included scores for CL blood flow, CL size, and uterine echotexture on d 21 following AI. Accuracy of pregnancy diagnosis was highest on d 21, with sensitivity and specificity being 97.6 and 97.5%, respectively. Uterine echotexture scores were similar for pregnant and nonpregnant cows from d 18 to 20. On d 21, pregnant cows had higher uterine echotexture scores compared with nonpregnant cows. The logistic regression equation most likely to provide a correct pregnancy diagnosis in lactating dairy cows included the visual score for CL blood flow, CL size, and uterine echotexture on d 21 after AI. In support of this finding, the diagnostic accuracy for visual scores of CL blood flow, CL size, and uterine echotexture were also highest on d 21.