NUMBER 1 – Don’t test if you are on a tight budget.

It will be more cost effective to run a full set (typically no more then three) of blood tests. Then receive multiple matings to cover the biggest possible window of fertility. Multiple matings may require multiple trips to the stud, costing time and fuel. It may also result in the stud being over used and by not identifying the optimal time to mate, could also result in a smaller litter, if any at all.

It’s more efficient to spend money up front on identifying ovulation and need only one mating.

NUMBER 2 – Don’t test if you want to guess when she’s ready, by doing just one test.

Blood testing doesn’t predict when she’s going to ovulate,. It only identifies whether she has ovulated or not. You should be prepared to run (on average) three tests to pinpoint the optimal time to breed.

You should start testing from day 6 – 9 of season. Day 1 being first day of blood, unless the season is silent/dry or previous history suggests otherwise.

NUMBER 3 – Don’t test if you’re not prepared to take the advice that’s given, regarding the results of the test. 

There’s little purpose running the test and ignoring the results. If you need to retest because the numbers are too low, then retest as advised.  Nor should you be disappointed if the result is too high and you’ve gone past day 9 of season. Take it as a lesson to start testing earlier.

When sharing your results, make sure that all parties are all talking the same language. There are two scales of results:

• Ng/mL (lower scale)
• Nmol/L (higher scale)

NUMBER 4 – Don’t test if you haven’t prepared and planned.

Vets aren’t particularly helpful when it comes to breeding. You need to have the discussions regarding asking for a blood draw only appointments well in advance. This can be conducted by a vet nurse negating the need to see the vet, or incurring consultation fees. This is pertinent if you plan to use your own independent Laboratory, particularly for same day results.

You need to pre-order your kits from (if they provide them) from the Lab, and take them with you to the vet appointment. It’s always good to keep the stud own in the loop.

If you want to do things right…

• You should learn what the results mean and how a female cycle progresses.
• Independent testing of the stud will ensure no conflict of interest regarding the results.
• 1.2ml of whole blood is required.
• The collecting microtube should be filled to the fill line, white/clear or orange topped with no gel separator or clotting agent.
• The quality of blood is better before food, so fasting or early am appointment are preferable.