Bovine reproductive failure, characterized by decreased fertility and pregnancy rates, presents a major challenge for beef and dairy producers. The difficulty in pinpointing the exact disease-causing organisms responsible for these issues often leaves producers without effective solutions, leading to significant financial losses due to reduced herd productivity.
Veterinary diagnostic laboratories encounter numerous cases of bovine reproductive failure each year, with many proving difficult to diagnose due to the wide range of potential causes. To address this challenge, a new approach to diagnostic testing has been developed, aiming to streamline the process and reduce costs for livestock producers.
Recognizing the need for more efficient diagnostic methods, researchers have developed BovReproSeq, a tool that leverages next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to analyze clinical samples for 17 bacterial, viral, and protozoal pathogens known to cause infertility, abortions, and stillbirths in cattle. Traditional testing methods often require multiple rounds of separate testing for specific pathogens, leading to delays and increased costs. BovReproSeq offers a more comprehensive and efficient alternative.
The development of this innovative technology was led by Dr. Yanyun Huang, chief executive officer of the province’s veterinary diagnostic laboratory and an adjunct professor in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) Department of Veterinary Pathology. The project was funded in 2022 by the Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) and involved collaboration with Dr. Janet Hill, professor and head of WCVM’s Department of Veterinary Microbiology, and Dhinesh Periyasamy, a Master of Science student and PDS technical specialist.
Periyasamy played a key role in refining BovReproSeq, consulting with veterinarians and pathologists to determine the most relevant pathogens to include in the diagnostic panel. The initial phase of testing involved analyzing clinical samples of bovine reproductive failure cases at PDS, including positive samples for each of the 17 targeted pathogens. Comparing BovReproSeq results from 116 samples to those obtained through traditional testing methods revealed an accuracy rate of 99 percent. While 11 cases produced false negatives, the majority involved very low pathogen loads, highlighting some limitations in analytical sensitivity.
These promising results formed the foundation of a research paper recently published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology. The second phase of the study, currently underway with funding from the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), will test 100 additional diagnostic cases in real time, comparing results with a panel of standard tests. This phase also incorporates toxicological testing, enhancing the comprehensiveness of the diagnostic process.
As BovReproSeq continues to undergo validation, early feedback from veterinarians and producers using the test has been positive. The research team anticipates that this technology will become the gold standard for diagnosing bovine reproductive failure, ultimately improving herd health and productivity across the livestock industry. The project highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between veterinary institutions and diagnostic laboratories in addressing real-world challenges and advancing animal health solutions. By the end of 2025, BovReproSeq is expected to be widely available for veterinary use, providing a valuable tool for livestock producers seeking more efficient and accurate diagnostic options.
