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Service pregnancy testing machines regularly
UK - The primary purpose of pregnancy testing of sows and gilts is to identify those animals that are not pregnant.
Using ultrasound machines, the aim is to detect increasing blood flow through the uterine arteries indicated by the classic 'whooshing' or 'swirling' sound.
However, many sows that are pregnancy tested with a positive result at five, or even eight, weeks subsequently fail to farrow, says Mark White, veterinary consultant to JSR Genetics.
This can only mean that the original pregnancy test was wrong, the sow has aborted and this has not been observed, or that the litter has died and become mummified.
Pregnancy testing machines are sophisticated instruments. They must therefore be carefully looked after and maintained. Batteries should be regularly replaced and the devices serviced annually to ensure they give accurate results.
So, if a herd has a problem with "not in pig" sows following positive tests it is wise to get the machinery serviced, he advises.
Source: JSR Genetics - 2nd February 2005
