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Diagnosis of multiple pregnancy in ewes on a field scale

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

D. J. Rizzoli
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, S. S. Cameron Laboratory, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
C. G. Winfield
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, S. S. Cameron Laboratory, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
T. J. Howard
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, S. S. Cameron Laboratory, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
I. K. J. Englund
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, S. S. Cameron Laboratory, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
J. R. Goding
Affiliation:
Reproduction Research Section, University of Melbourne, S. S. Cameron Laboratory, Werribee, Victoria, Australia

Summary

A radiography unit was developed with which two technicians and two assistants were able to diagnose number of foetuses in 400–600 ewes per day on farms. Diagnoses made between 100 and 120 days of gestation in flocks where weekly mating records were made were 95–98% accurate as judged by lambing records. In most flocks more than 90% of twin pregnancies were correctly diagnosed. Agreement between diagnoses and lambing records was reduced when weekly mating records were not available. The radiographic examination had no detrimental effects on ewes or lambs.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1976

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References

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