The use of trans-abdominal ultrasound for pregnancy detection and fetal aging before day 45 of gestation in the sheep
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20153614Keywords:
ultrasound, pregnancy detection, accuracy, small ruminant, sheepAbstract
Trans-abdominal ultrasound is a reliable technique for pregnancy detection in the small ruminant, and has become increasingly adaptable to field conditions in a production setting. Currently, limited information is available related to early pregnancy detection and estimating fetal age using this technique. Therefore, our objective was to determine the accuracy of trans-abdominal ultrasound during early pregnancy in the ewe. We hypothesized that trans-abdominal ultrasound is sensitive enough to distinguish reproductive status, and determine fetal age and number before day 40 of gestation.