Methods of pregnancy diagnosis in sheep and goats

Abstract

Ninety percent accuracy in pregnancy diagnosis by ultrasonic techniques during the last half of gestation in ewes and does has been reported. Rectal abdominal palpation is relatively inexpensive and easy to perform in field conditions with more than 90% accuracy after 60 days of gestation. Pregnancy diagnosis and fetal count is possible by radiographic technique after the 90th and 70th day of gestation in ewes and does, respectively. Vaginal biopsy techniques have yielded an accuracy of 97% after the 40th day of gestation in ewes and progesterone assays after the 20th day of gestation have yielded 90% accuracy both in ewes and does. Direct palpation of the pregnant uterus via laparotomy after the 28th day of gestation in ewes has demonstrated less than 3% error.