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