Using a sheep ultrasound machine for the ultrasound examination of the flock is faster and less stressful, making it a good tool for early pregnancy diagnosis. Two ultrasound examination methods (transabdominal and transrectal) have been used very accurately as tools for pregnancy diagnosis and estimation of the number of goat fetuses. Compared to all traditional methods, it can provide more accurate information about pregnancy and reproductive disorders. Early pregnancy diagnosis through ultrasound examination and quantification of ewe fetuses can help rationalize management and bring economic benefits to goat production.

Ultrasound examination was performed on ewes from the 20th to the 25th day of mating, and continued until the 130th day of pregnancy. Perform ultrasound examinations twice a week from day 25 to day 70 and thereafter; Scan sheep once a week using a B-ultrasound machine.

Sheep undergo abdominal ultrasound scanning using a B-ultrasound machine

Sheep pregnancy measurement method using B-ultrasound machine:

1. The lower abdomen and lateral abdomen area around the goat nipple are shaved, and the goat lies on its side. There is no fasting period before rectal or abdominal scanning.

2. Use a real-time ultrasound scanner equipped with a linear array 7.5 MHz transrectal scanner and a convex 5.0 MHz transabdominal scanner for ultrasound examination.

3. Apply lubricant to the 7.5 MHz rectal probe and slowly insert the probe into the rectum until the bladder can be identified.

4. Gently move the probe back and forth, rotate clockwise and counterclockwise by 90 degrees.

5. When performing transabdominal ultrasound examination, apply contact fluid (lubricant) to the test side, remove the hair on top, and place it in an area of 150 to 200 cm ² below and above the right side. Then, place the transducer on the right side of the goat, 5.0 cm in front of the hind leg and 2.5 cm above the nipple. Real time monitoring is used to determine pregnant and non pregnant goats through fetal heart rate, spinal cord, limbs, and other fetal structures.

On the 20th to 25th day of pregnancy in ewes, a small anechoic vesicle with a diameter of 0.7 cm was observed using a 7.5 MHz frequency transrectal probe and evaluated as positive for pregnancy. However, on this day, only uterine enlargement and fluid accumulation were visible, but there were no signs of conception. On the 28th day of pregnancy, the sheep was scanned by a B-ultrasound machine and found to have an elongated fetal body attached to the side of the fetal membrane. It is easily recognized as a silencing structure for heart beating. The uterine layer is also clearly visible.