Early to mid pregnancy
Ultrasound pregnancy detection
Early to mid pregnancy
Proper management of ewes during early to mid pregnancy revolves around maintaining consistent nutrition, minimising stress, managing health and parasites. Attention to these details supports successful embryo development and sets the stage for a productive lambing season.
Ultrasound pregnancy detection
Ultrasound scanning is a valuable tool for sheep farmers, particularly for confirming pregnancy and determining litter size. By scanning ewes between 45-90 days of gestation, farmers can better manage their flock’s nutrition, health, and care, leading to more successful lambing outcomes.
Benefits of scanning
- Nutritional Management: Knowing litter size allows you to adjust feeding for ewes carrying multiple lambs, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition.
- Easier Management: Separate the ewes into scanned result groups to make it easier for the farmer to manage.
- Reducing Lambing Complications: Ewes with triplets or more can be given additional care to reduce the risk of lambing difficulties (dystocia).
- Culling and Management: Ewes that are not pregnant can be culled or managed separately to save resources.
- Planning Lambing Assistance: Farmers can anticipate which ewes may require assistance during lambing based on litter size and development.
Challenges of scanning
- Skill Required: Accurate scanning requires experience and skill in operating the ultrasound machine and interpreting the images. A contractor usually comes to the farm to carry out the task.
- Cost: The initial investment in ultrasound equipment or hiring a professional scanner can be high, though it often pays off in better flock management and lamb survival rates.