Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins in buffalo: origins, functions and clinical application for pregnancy follow-up

Reproductive efficiency represents an essential aspect of farm management as the productivity and profitability of a farm depend on it, particularly in dairy farming. Early detection of pregnancy and identification of non-pregnant buffalo cows is fundamental in the management of reproduction because it allows an early resynchronization and rebreeding of the non-pregnant animals, shortening the calving-conception interval. Different pregnancy diagnostic tools are currently available; among these, the utilization of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) contributed significantly to the improvement of reproductive management. PAGs are secreted by the placenta of several ruminant species, including buffalo, and can be detected in the maternal blood. In addition to their utilization as diagnostic tools to identify pregnant or non-pregnant animals, PAGs help identify the presence of vital embryos and predict future embryo mortality during early gestation. This paper presents an overview of the PAGs origins, function, pregnancy trend, and their use to improve reproductive management in buffalo farming.