The use of ultra sound imaging in the farming industry: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Diploma in Farm Management at Lincoln University

Abstract

Pregnancy diagnosis in sheep using ultra sound imaging can be accurately carried out at a rate of 80-120 ewes/hour, from day 45 to day 110 of gestation. An accuracy of up to 99% for multiple versus single foetus detection can be achieved. Placental growth monitoring using ultrasound imaging has been carried out on 3-6 year old ewes (averaging 4Gkg LW) at 45 days after conception on a weekly basis. Half of the ewes being monitored were killed on day 94 and the remainder on day 141. A comparison of results from the scanner readings and examination of the pregnant uterus showed good correlation. Eighty dairy cows given follicle stimulating hormone prior to embryo transfer showed good correlation between the number of follicles identified using ultra sound imaging and the number of embryos collected. Measurement of follicles and detecting the presence of a corpus luteum of recently mated animals with ultra sound imaging was carried out in the U.S.A . It showed that ultra sound provided an accurate measurement of follicles within the ovary and correctly detected the corpus luteum . Carcass evaluation through the use of ultra sound of livestock before slaughter shows significant correlation with data obtained from the carcass after slaughter sufficient to warrant the use of ultra sound as an aid to carcass trait selection within a breeding programme.