Utilizing fetal ultrasound in beef herds

Abstract

Fetal ultrasound in beef cows has many advantages over rectal palpation, but the extent of those advantages will depend on a correct analysis of what type of information can be collected and how the producer will utilize the information. Successfully obtaining images involves making a goal of having easily repeatable, easily obtainable images, and then addressing the livestock and ultrasound equipment factors that contribute to those images as well as the environmental and cow factors that contribute to those images. Optimizing these factors and spending time with the producer addressing how they will utilize the information will determine the type of information that is collected. After this is determined, a plan for collecting the data chute-side and identifying the different groups can be made. The ultimate goal should be to provide actionable data that is easily implemented within in the herd to provide an economic return.