Determination of fetal numbers in Alpine does by real-time ultrasonography
Title | Determination of fetal numbers in Alpine does by real-time ultrasonography |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 1994 |
Authors | Dawson, LJ, Sahlu, T, Hart, SP, Detweiler, G, Gipson, TA, Teh, TH, Henry, GA, Bahr, RJ |
Journal | Small Ruminant Research |
Volume | 14 |
Issue | 3 |
Pagination | 225 - 231 |
Date Published | Jan-10-1994 |
ISSN | 09214488 |
Abstract | Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out in Alpine does using a real-time ultrasound instrument equipped with a 5 MHz sector array probe. Eighty Alpine does were examined 5 and 7 wk after breeding. Does were restrained while standing, and the transducer probe was placed on the hairless caudal ventral abdominal wall cranial to the udder. Non-pregnant does were readily and accurately recognized at 5 and 7 wk after breeding. Number of fetuses per doe at 5 wk of gestation was different (P < 0.02) from the number of kids born because of underprediction of the number of triplets (three vs. eight sets); at 7 wk of gestation it was similar (P > 0.2) to the number born. Accuracy for determining singles, twins, and triplets at 5 wk of gestation was 44, 73, and 67%, respectively; at 7 wk of gestation it was 82, 89, and 100%, respectively. This accuracy is similar to that reported in ewes. It was concluded that real-time ultrasonography scanning by the transabdominal route is a reliable method for early pregnancy diagnoses in goats. The technique also enables accurate separation of does carrying singles, twins, and triplets as early as 7 wk in gestation. Such information can be useful for improved nutritional management. |
URL | http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/0921448894900450 |
DOI | 10.1016/0921-4488(94)90045-0 |
Short Title | Small Ruminant Research |