'Foal-Proof' 'Foal-Proof' is an easy, rapid and accurate test for diagnosing the pregnancy status of mares from 120 days after mating through to the expected time of foaling. 'Foal-Proof' uses lateral flow technology to analyse a small sample of maternal blood for the presence of metabolites of pregnancy specific steroids secreted by the developing foetal-placental unit, and thereby aid the diagnosis of pregnancy status. 'Foal-Proof' can be used to diagnose and monitor pregnancy status in all breeds of horses. It is particularly appropriate for small horses where palpation per rectum or internal ultrasound scanning is not an option.

Using 'Foal-Proof' 'Foal-Proof' is an easy test to use. It requires just 0.1 to 0.2 ml of serum or plasma to run. The serum/plasma is dropped into the well of a plastic cassette which holds the test membrane. This starts a colour change immuno-chemical reaction which is completed within 5 to 10 minutes. Serum/plasma from a non-pregnant mare produces a visible red line and red dot on the test membrane, while only a single red line is generated by serum/plasma from a pregnant mare.

Advantages of 'Foal-Proof'

'Foal-Proof' provides peace of mind. Now it is easy to verify pregnancy status from 120 days after breeding right through to the expected time of foaling. Indeed, it is prudent that pregnant mares be re-examined 5 to 7 months after first being diagnosed pregnant, so that pregnancy status can be verified and managed accordingly.

'Foal-Proof' does not suffer the problem of 'false positive' diagnoses seen with other biochemical pregnancy tests where mares that have lost their pregnancy are still diagnosed as pregnant. In the event of foetal loss, production of pregnancy specific steroids ceases and their metabolites in maternal blood quickly disappear, thereby resulting in a 'not pregnant' diagnosis when tested by 'Foal-Proof'.

How to order 'Foal-Proof'

Information on purchasing 'Foal-Proof' can be obtained by clicking on the 'order Foal-Proof' tab above, or by contacting:

Dr Keith Henderson,                                                                                              AgResearch Ltd., Wallaceville Research Centre,                                                             Ward Street, Upper Hutt, New Zealand

Phone: +64 4 922 1541          Fax: +64 4 922 1380

E-mail: keith.henderson@agresearch.co.nz