A Continuing Education Program to Teach Early Pregnancy Diagnosis by Ultrasound in Dairy Cattle

Abstract

Reducing days open is an important goal in dairy reproductive management. Cows that are not pregnant have to be re-inseminated as soon as possible. Pregnancy diagnosis in cattle has been based on rectal palpation from day 35 and 32 post-insemination (pi) in cows and heifers, respectively. Due to progress in technology, early pregnancy diagnosis by ultrasound became available from day 29 pi and 25 pi in cows and heifers, respectively. However, intensive training is required to achieve high accuracy in those stages. The objective of this project was to develop an interactive multimedia program to teach early pregnancy diagnosis by ultrasound in dairy cows and heifers. With the program, practitioners and veterinary students can shorten the training time and acquire experience in this diagnostic method.