Toward a dry reagent immunoassay of progesterone in bovine milk

This thesis is aimed at the development of a dry reagent immunoassay of progesterone in cow's milk. Progesterone is a steroid hormone and regulates ovulation in female mammals. The concentration of progesterone in blood and in milk is in accordance with the reproductive cycle of the individual female. When items related to reproduction need to be addressed, an assay of progesterone is often the method of choice. In the dairy industry, progesterone tests in bovine milk are used as a non-invasive method for determination of the reproductive status of the cow. To minimize user handling, the format of a dry reagent assay is chosen. This format can be automated, gives results fast, and investments and disposables are low-cost. These requirements are obligatory as preferably these test are performed at every milking.