Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 12:43 am
As a small time pig keeper I have recently had a problem with my boar not performing properly (he seems to have had a period of infertility) This has led to problems in feediing as we were not sure whether the sows (we only have four!) were pregnant or not.
I eventually did some research and ordered an ultrasound device for the modest cost of $213 (about £150 after shipping and duty etc.
It works really well and allows a diagnosis in about 30 seconds. I tried it today and found that three of the sows are pregnant whilst another is not. This one having not been with the boar, we knew was not pregnant, which seemed to confirm the devices accuracy.
The technology is that of ultrasound and works by reflecting from the back of the uterus. The soundwaves only travel through the uterus if it is filled with amniotic fluid therefore giving a different effect than if the sow is "open"
The bladder gives the same result (if full) therefore the instrument only works if the bladder and uterus are easily distinguished (This is not a problem when testing pigs.)
The firm concerned (Renco) also market a device which works with cattle, although this is just under $2,000 and seems a little more involved. However it also measures backfat and appears to be of help in producing leaner animals, also in controlling feeding during pregnancy (this applies mainy to pigs, I suppose)
I wondered if anyone has tried this device, called a Preg-Alert?
There is also a backfat measuring device called a "leanmeater" which costs about $500.
I eventually did some research and ordered an ultrasound device for the modest cost of $213 (about £150 after shipping and duty etc.
It works really well and allows a diagnosis in about 30 seconds. I tried it today and found that three of the sows are pregnant whilst another is not. This one having not been with the boar, we knew was not pregnant, which seemed to confirm the devices accuracy.
The technology is that of ultrasound and works by reflecting from the back of the uterus. The soundwaves only travel through the uterus if it is filled with amniotic fluid therefore giving a different effect than if the sow is "open"
The bladder gives the same result (if full) therefore the instrument only works if the bladder and uterus are easily distinguished (This is not a problem when testing pigs.)
The firm concerned (Renco) also market a device which works with cattle, although this is just under $2,000 and seems a little more involved. However it also measures backfat and appears to be of help in producing leaner animals, also in controlling feeding during pregnancy (this applies mainy to pigs, I suppose)
I wondered if anyone has tried this device, called a Preg-Alert?
There is also a backfat measuring device called a "leanmeater" which costs about $500.