A Rectal-Abdominal Palpation Technique for Diagnosing Pregnancy in the Ewe

Abstract

ULTRASONIC Doppler techniques for pregnancy testing have been compared with a rectal-abdominal palpation technique developed by the author, using a plastic rod. The rectal-abdominal palpation technique proved to be clearly the most rapid and accurate method for diagnosing pregnancy. Pregnancy was detected as early as 43 days post-breeding by this technique and promises virtually 100% accuracy by 65 to 70 days post-breeding. Potentially 200 or more ewes per hour can be examined. This should be a highly practical technique for commercial application.