Comparison of Pregnancy Diagnosis by Transrectal Ultrasonography at 28-34 Days after AI and Rectal Palpation at 35-41 Days after AI on Pregnancy Retention at 61-67 Days after AI

Abstract

Dairy farm revenue is dependent upon reproductive efficiency, which can be improved by early identification and intervention of cattle that have been bred and are not pregnant. Pregnancy diagnosis by rectal palpation is the most common method used by veterinarians. The use of ultrasound allows for earlier pregnancy diagnosis. The objective of this study was to compare two systematic programs for detecting open cows on a large commercial dairy. In the first program cows were checked earlier for pregnancy using transrectal ultra-sonograpy and in the second cows were checked later using manual rectal palpation. The proportion of cows that retained the pregnancy at 60 to 66 days after AI was compared between programs.