The pregnancy detection of sheep can be performed by using a B-ultrasound machine to perform abdominal ultrasound on the ewe to determine whether the ewe is pregnant and the number of lambs it is carrying.

The scanning process is performed for a series of different reasons. Firstly, the process is to determine which sheep are pregnant, and it is crucial to identify which sheep are not pregnant so that you do not overfeed them. For pregnant sheep, farmers need to know how many lambs each ewe carries to ensure that their nutritional levels can be adjusted accordingly. Overfeeding pregnant ewes can easily lead to overnutrition and overgrowth of lambs, resulting in difficult childbirth during reproduction. Therefore, using a sheep ultrasound machine to detect ewes is very important for farmers.

High definition sheep pregnancy detected by B-ultrasound machine

Why is it important to use ultrasound to scan sheep?

Scanning pregnant sheep is a simple management practice that can help farmers meet the needs of pregnant sheep, thereby directly increasing the number of lambs born.

Sheep scanning can also identify unborn sheep, allowing farmers to manage them more profitably, whether through selling or raising them as wool production herds that require less attention and resources. If you don't know the pregnancy status of your sheep, infertile sheep will compete with pregnant sheep for feed, which is a waste of money, resources, and will reduce the lambing rate.

High definition Sheep using B-ultrasound pregnancy tester for multiple pregnancy detection

When is it appropriate for a B-ultrasound machine to scan sheep pregnancy?

Generally speaking, the first scan will be conducted between 35 and 40 days after the separation of ewes and rams. This type of scan is mainly used to determine which sheep are pregnant and which are not. Later, a second scan will be conducted to determine which sheep are carrying multiple lambs. This scan is performed approximately 80 to 100 days after separation. After the 100 day mark, it is even more difficult to determine whether the ewe is carrying one or multiple lambs.

Determining whether a sheep is carrying one lamb or multiple lambs is key information to ensure that they are not overfed or undercooked during their reproductive period. By identifying sheep and dividing them into singleton and multiparous ewes, you can ensure that they maintain a healthy physical condition rating, which is directly related to lamb birth weight and lamb survival rate.

The benefits of using a sheep ultrasound machine to scan sheep

Being able to group and manage sheep according to their needs.

The primary benefit that farmers gain from sheep scanning is the ability to manage the demand for pregnant ewes correctly, ultimately improving the survival rate of lambs. Although scanning is used to distinguish between single bearing ewes and multi bearing ewes, it is not limited to this. The scanning process also helps to classify sheep into light or heavy weight categories, allowing farmers to allocate the best feed to lighter weight groups to promote growth and improve lamb survival rates.

Other benefits of sheep ultrasound scanning include:

Manage feed in the most sustainable and cost-effective way to help achieve the highest return on investment.

Determine the correct waiting period before placing the ewe with the ram again to welcome the new due date.

Improve the survival rate, body size, and health status of newborn lambs.

Early identification of non pregnant ewes to ensure prevention of overfeeding.

However, it is necessary to thoroughly understand the factors that affect scanning accuracy in order for farmers to benefit widely from sheep pregnancy scans. That's why it's always recommended to consult a professional to ensure you get the best results during lamb season.