title: A comparison between plasma oestrone sulphate concentration and doppler ultrasound as methods for pregnancy diagnosis in sows.
abstract: Plasma oestrone sulphate (E(1)S) concentration and doppler ultrasound as methods of pregnancy diagnosis in sows were compared. Using either method, pregnancy was accurately detected (test sensitivity > 94% for pregnant sows). E(1)S was a better predictor of nonpregnant animals (test specificity 78 vs 66%, respectively; P < 0.01) and could be used at least 1 wk earlier than doppler ultrasound (24 to 30 d vs 35 d postservice, respectively). E(1)S concentration was not an accurate predictor of litter size.
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Studies, Murdoch University, Murdoch Western Australia, 6150 Australia.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Atkinson
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Buddle
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Williamson
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Hawkins
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Wilson