Determination of fetal numbers in Alpine does by real-time ultrasonography

L. J. Dawson, T. Sahlu, S. P. Hart, G. Detweiler, T. A. Gipson, T. H. Teh, G. A. Henry, and R. J. Bahr

Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out in Alpine does using a real-time ultrasound instrument equipped with a 5 MHz sector array probe. Eighty Alpine does were examined 5 and 7 wk after breeding. Does were restrained while standing, and the transducer probe was placed on the hairless caudal ventral abdominal wall cranial to the udder. Non-pregnant does were readily and accurately recognized at 5 and 7 wk after breeding. Number of fetuses per doe at 5 wk of gestation was different (P < 0.02) from the number of kids born because of underprediction of the number of triplets (three vs. eight sets); at 7 wk of gestation it was similar (P > 0.2) to the number born. Accuracy for determining singles, twins, and triplets at 5 wk of gestation was 44, 73, and 67%, respectively; at 7 wk of gestation it was 82, 89, and 100%, respectively. This accuracy is similar to that reported in ewes. It was concluded that real-time ultrasonography scanning by the transabdominal route is a reliable method for early pregnancy diagnoses in goats. The technique also enables accurate separation of does carrying singles, twins, and triplets as early as 7 wk in gestation. Such information can be useful for improved nutritional management.