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Pregnancy Determination. Pregnancy Determination. Advantages Increase herd productivity Cull non-pregnant females Rebreed non-pregnant females Separation of twins vs. singles (ewes) **If done properly there are not many disadvantages. Pregnancy Determination. A pregnancy test must be:
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Pregnancy Determination Advantages • Increase herd productivity • Cull non-pregnant females • Rebreed non-pregnant females • Separation of twins vs. singles (ewes) **If done properly there are not many disadvantages
Pregnancy Determination A pregnancy test must be: • Quick • Inexpensive • Simple • Accurate • Minimize animal handling and labor • Cannot cause abortion
Determining the Stage of Pregnancy Open cows: In females that are nonpregnant, the reproductive tract is usually located within the pelvic cavity; however, in older and large-frame cows the cervix and uterine horns may be distended over the pelvic brim into the body cavity. Determining Factors: • No fluids in uterus • No membranes present upon slippage • Thick uterine wall with a meaty texture • Uterine tone: Firm – at or near estrus Flaccid – between estrus periods
Determining Stage of Pregnancy Pregnancy Stage 1: Females in this stage vary from 40 days to 3 months of pregnancy. Cervix and uterine horns are in the pelvic cavity or perhaps moving over the pelvic brim in to the body cavity as stage 1 advances. Determining factors: • Fluids in uterus and somewhat enlarged • Presence of membranes upon slippage • Thin uterine walls • Buttons indistinct to the touch
Determining Stage of Pregnancy Pregnancy Stage 2: Females in this stage vary from 3 to 5 ½ months of pregnancy. Cervix is normally located on the pelvic brim with uterine horns distended into the body cavity out of the normal reach. Determining Factors: • Displacement of the uterus • Presence of buttons • Pulsation of middle uterine artery Fremitis – palpation of the uterine artery
Determining Stage of Pregnancy Pregnancy Stage 3: Females in this stage vary from 5 ½ months pregnant to term. Cervix is at or near the pelvic brim. Developing calf has achieved sufficient size to be reached. Palpation of the calf becomes progressively easier as Stage 3 advances. Determining factors: • Displacement of uterus • Palpation of large fetus • Presence of buttons