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Early Diagnosis of Pregnancy in Sows by Ultrasonic Amplitude-Depth Analysis

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705 and University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign 61801

Abstract

A rapid and accurate technique for diagnosing pregnancy in sows and gilts, between days 30 and 90 of gestation, has been developed. The technique is based on detection of the difference in acoustical impedance between contents in the gravid uterus and other abdominal tissues and ingesta. A small solid-state diagnostic amplitude-depth ultrasonic analyzer is used in conjunction with a 2 MHz transducer. The tip of the transducer is placed in contact with the lower flank of the standing sow about 5 cm posterior to the navel and just lateral to the nipple line. An easily recognized band of echoes is obtained from a depth of 15 to 20 cm in pregnant sows in contrast with echoes from a depth of only about 5 cm in nonpregnant sows. Results of laboratory tests and tests conducted under controlled conditions on four farms and at a slaughter plant, using 1,001 sows, proved that accuracy of the basic technique approaches 100% for diagnosing pregnancy in sows between 30 and 90 days of gestation. The technique has been adapted for field use.

¹ Agricultural Research Service, Nutrition Institute, Ruminant Nutrition Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland 20705.

² Department of Animal Science, University of Illinois.