The principle of operation of a veterinary ultrasound machine is actually quite interesting. It uses a probe to send out high-frequency ultrasound waves, which will bounce back when they touch the animal’s uterus, embryo and other tissues, and the machine will then convert the echoes into images. For example, about 24 days pregnant sows, the screen will appear a rounded black circle, which is loaded with piglet gestation sac, the number of black circle directly corresponds to the number of fetuses. Operation as long as the probe attached to the side of the animal’s stomach, adjust the angle to find the right position, you can see these images.
Detection time is important
The best time for testing is different for different animals. For example, pigs can generally be detected about 24 days after breeding, when the gestational sac has developed more obvious; cows have to wait for 30 days after the cattle uterus location is deeper, the embryo development is slower; sheep and horses and the time is not the same, depending on the breed. If the test is too early, the embryo is not yet formed, the screen may not be able to see anything; test too late, although you can see the fetal bones and even internal organs, but early to know the pregnancy situation in order to adjust the feed and management in a timely manner.
Operation skills affect the accuracy
If you want the test results to be accurate, you have to pay attention to several small details. For example, when testing the sow, it is best to let it stand and do not move, if the pig is more nervous, you can use a wooden board to gently squeeze it into a corner, or while it is eating the test. The probe should be coated with a layer of clear coupling agent, which can fill in the small gaps on the skin surface and allow the ultrasound to be transmitted more clearly. Remember to wipe the probe clean after the test, otherwise the residual coupling agent will be stained with dust, which will affect the image quality the next time you use it. Some farmers will mistake the bladder for the gestation sac at the beginning, in fact, the image of the bladder is bigger and more rounded, and you can distinguish it clearly by comparing several times.
How to deal with empty pregnant sows
If the test shows no pregnancy, don’t rush to cull yet. Some sows may have a false pregnancy or may not be pregnant for a while, so you can test again in a week. Sows that are determined to be empty should be marked, such as by drawing a cross on their backs with paint, so that they can be rebred or given an estrus shot later. Some devices can also detect uterine diseases, for example, if a sow with uterine pus is not pregnant, the ultrasound image will show an abnormal black shadow, which can be treated earlier to avoid delaying the breeding program.
It is important to choose the right equipment
Veterinary ultrasound machines on the market now have black and white screens, color screens, and those with wireless transmission. Ordinary farms with the basic model is enough, the key is to look at the image is not clear, the probe is not durable. For example, when measuring cattle need rectal probe, this probe to be made into a slender type to reach in; measuring pigs with an external probe on the line, attached to the belly can be used. Some manufacturers also provide video tutorials to teach you how to look at the fetal head size, fetal heartbeat, even the gestational age can be estimated. Before you buy, it is best to let the seller demonstrate to see the actual operation effect.
Post time: Apr-08-2025