Evaluation of Bovine Progesterone Semi-Quantitative Test Kit (Rapid p4) for Estimation of Blood Serum Progesterone Levels in Follicular Phase of Bitch

BACKGROUND: Detection of ovulation time using progesterone measurement is important to inseminate or breeding during the optimum time. OBJECTIVES: The aim of present study was evaluation of bovine progesterone semi-quantitative test kit for estimation of blood serum progesterone levels in bitch. METHODS: Five healthy intact anestrus bitches were used in the present study. Dogs were treated with cabergolin until onset of proestrus. Vaginal cytology, ultrasonography and blood sampling were performed from the 7th day of proestrus until two days after ovulation. Blood serum samples were divided as follows: one part to measure progesterone level by using RIA, and the other part was investigated by bovine progesterone semi-quantitative test kit. Ovarian changes were evaluated by ultrasonography and assessment of the estrus cycle was performed by vaginal cytology examination. RESULTS: Following Spearman analysis, significant positive correlation was observed between the semi-quantitative test kit and RIA results (r=0.916; p < /em>=0.00). The results of ROC and Kappa analysis suggested that the highest diagnostic accuracy of progesterone semi-quantitative test kit was observed in the blood serum progesterone levels of 2 and 5 ng/ml. The sensitivity and specificity of the used kit at the level of 5 ng/ml of progesterone were 88.5 and 93.7 %, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the used kit at the level of 10 ng/ml of progesterone were 82.4 and 96 % and at the level of 10 ng/ml were 82.4 and 96%, respectively. The observed scores during the late proestrus were 2-3 and just one dog showed score 4. During the estrus phase, in two dogs scores 4-5 and in three dogs scores 3-5 were revealed.   CONCLUSIONS: Bovine progesterone semi-quantitative test kit is useful for estimation of estrus cycles in bitch. Scores of 4 and 5 of semi-quantitative test kit indicate ovulation time and proper breeding time.