Abstract: Disclosed are antibodies and methods for detecting pregnancy in an animal. In certain aspects antibodies used binds immunologically to at least two PAGs selected from PAG4, PAG6, PAG9, PAG16, PAG17, PAG19, PAG20 and PAG21. Antibody encoding nucleic acids are also provided, as are kits, methods of use and additional antibody related compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are antibodies and methods for detecting pregnancy in an animal. In certain aspects antibodies used binds immunologically to at least two PAGs selected from PAG4, PAG6, PAG9, PAG16, PAG17, PAG19, PAG20 and PAG21. Antibody encoding nucleic acids are also provided, as are kits, methods of use and additional antibody related compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for determining the pregnancy status of a cow by detecting a pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) level that comprises proteins present in an acidic protein fraction of day 55 to day 60 bovine placental tissue. These methods may involve using novel polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies that have been generated using the acidic protein fraction as an immunogen. According to the method, the cow is pregnant when the PAG level is present at an elevated level in a sample obtained from the cow. The invention provides accurate methods of detecting pregnancy at early stages and has the benefit of allowing early post partum detection of pregnancy status with few false positive results. The antibodies for detecting the PAG level will also be useful in combination with detecting elevated progesterone levels, thus providing an even more effective pregnancy detection method.

Abstract: The invention provides improved assays for detection of pregnancy. In the assays, pregnancy associated glycoproteins are analyzed in conjunction with progesterone analysis. The techniques of the invention overcome limitations in the prior art by reducing the rate of false positive results. The assays provided by the invention can be implemented to increase the efficiency of commercial animal breeding programs.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for determining the pregnancy status of an ungulate animal by detecting the level of PAG-55 protein fraction. These methods may involve the detection of PAG-55 enriched proteins in the PAG-55 protein fraction by using novel polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies that have been generated using the PAG-55 enriched protein fraction as an immulogen. The novel PAG-55 protein fraction indicates that the animal is pregnant when the acidic PAG-55 protein fraction, or antigenic components thereof, are present at an elevated level in a sample. The present invention also provides for methods of obtaining the PAG-55 enriched protein fraction. The invention provides accurate methods of detecting pregnancy at early stages and has the benefit of allowing early post partum detection of the pregnancy status with few1 false positive results.

Abstract: The invention provides improved assays for detection of pregnancy. In the assays, pregnancy associated glycoproteins are analyzed in conjunction with progesterone analysis. The techniques of the invention overcome limitations in the prior art by reducing the rate of false positive results. The assays provided by the invention can be implemented to increase the efficiency of commercial animal breeding programs.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of bovine biochemistry and genetics. More specifically the invention relates to nucleic acid sequences from cattle, in particular, nucleic acid sequences associated with lactation and muscle and fat deposition. The invention encompasses nucleic acid molecules that encode proteins and fragments of proteins. In addition, the invention also encompasses proteins and fragments of proteins so encoded and antibodies capable of binding these proteins or fragments. The invention also relates to methods of using the nucleic acid molecules, proteins and fragments of proteins, and antibodies, for example for genome mapping, gene identification and analysis, cattle breeding, preparation of constructs for use in cattle gene expression, and genetically improved cattle.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of bovine biochemistry and genetics. More specifically the invention relates to nucleic acid sequences from cattle, in particular, nucleic acid sequences associated with lactation and muscle and fat deposition. The invention encompasses nucleic acid molecules that encode proteins and fragments of proteins. In addition, the invention also encompasses proteins and fragments of proteins so encoded and antibodies capable of binding these proteins or fragments. The invention also relates to methods of using the nucleic acid molecules, proteins and fragments of proteins, and antibodies, for example for genome mapping, gene identification and analysis, cattle breeding, preparation of constructs for use in cattle gene expression, and genetically improved cattle.