Pregnancy testing of ewes is performed via abdominal ultrasound in a specially designed sheep crate. Pregnancy scanning can be performed 5-6 weeks following the end of joining period and has a 99% accuracy rate.

Advantages:

• Seperate pregnant and dry ewes early in pregnancy to manage each group accordingly (better monitoring etc)
•  Reduce costs associated with feeding dry ewes
•  Directly increase available feed for pregnant ewes
•  Earlier detection and sale of unproductive ewes
•  Increase selection pressure for breeding

Equipment Required:

•  We provide the scanning crate (which is set up at the end of the raceway)
•  2-3 people to help handle ewes (push up the race etc)
•  Yard the ewes overnight before scanning (increase accuracy of pregnancy scanning)
•  Power is required (a generator can be supplied if given prior notification)

Capabilities

• Approximately 200-400 ewes can be scanned per hour, depending on personell, ewe behaviour and the yard facilities
• Up to 3000 ewes can be scanned per day

Photo Credit Marie White