title: [Real-time ultrasonographic pregnancy diagnosis (B-mode) in sheep. 3. Determination of the number of embryos and fetuses].
abstract: Transrectal ultrasound examination was performed once in 1159 German Mutton Merino ewes in a standing position using a 5.0 MHz linear array transducer (group 1), 505 German Mutton Merino ewes were restrained in dorsal recumbency while scanned transrectally using a 7.5 MHz probe (group 2). Referring to actual number of lambs born the prepartal prediction of fetal number was correct in 71.8% (group 1) and 78.6% (group 2) of the ewes from days 17 to 69 p.c. The highest accuracy for determining fetal number (89.1%) was in group 1 at days 35 to 46 of gestation. In group 2 the accuracy was more consistent over the whole period of examinations and reached over 80% from as early as 29 days p.c. As litter size increased, examinations in both groups became increasingly inaccurate in determining correct litter size. A subdivision of living, underdeveloped and dead embryos or foetuses was possible by the presence or the absence of a heartbeat and the crown-rump-length of the embryos or foetuses. The percentage of ewes with embryonic or fetal loss is given.
authors.affiliation: Veterinärmedizinischen Fakultät der Universität Leipzig, Tierklinik.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Zipper
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Kaulfuss
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: May
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Elze
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus; D005865:Gestational Age; D008098:Litter Size; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal; D012756:Sheep; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*