Rectal Damage in Ewes following Pregnancy Diagnosis by Rectal-Abdominal Palpation

Abstract

Three experiments were conducted to assess the incidence and severity of rectal damage in ewes following pregnancy diagnosis by rectal-abdominal palpation. Perforated recta were found in 18%, 5% and 1% of ewes in experiments 1, 2 and 3, respectively. In contrast, bruising or abrasions were found in 18%, 42% and 46% of ewes. Rectal damage was not significantly altered by the palpating rod designs (4 tested) or the two operators but it occurred at least twice as frequently amongst non-pregnant as pregnant ewes. The reduced level of perforated recta between experiments was independent of the palpating rod designs, the individual operators or the stage of pregnancy. It was considered to result from the accumulated operator experience and skill, gained with each successive experiment.