Solar sites present unique challenges for performing ultrasounds and pregnancy detection, especially as grazing operations grow in size and complexity. In this month’s Grazing with Cam, Dr. Wyatt Catron joined to discuss best practices for conducting ultrasounds and managing pregnancy detection efficiently at scale.

Dr. Catron discussed why graziers use ultrasound pregnancy detection, and what management information it provides that impacts profitability and operational efficiency. Ultrasound detection can reduce feed costs by identifying open ewes. Additionally, it enables the sorting of ewes based on pregnancy status and number of fetuses for targeted nutrition and care. It serves as an early problem identification and allows for production planning.

The veterinary equipment that Dr. Catron prefers is an OvaScan, which provides 170-degree imaging up to 10 inches deep for complete uterine visualization. This equipment allows for optimal scanning between 75-90 days after the start of the breeding season. Once pregnant ewes are identified, they are marked for open, pregnant, and number of fetuses. An experienced technician can process 200-350 ewes per hour, depending on handling facilities and labor availability.

Pregnancy scanning requires specific expertise and equipment. Veterinarians and trained technicians perform pregnancy scanning. Skilled technicians and veterinarians can accurately identify pregnancy status, as well as fetal numbers and approximate gestational age.

Facility design impacts scanning efficiency. Handling systems should be well-designed, with a large gathering area to hold sheep that are being processed, a smaller holding pen to feed into the handling system, solid sides to prevent distractions, and a long alleyway to maintain continuous flow. On solar, existing perimeter fencing may be utilized as part of a temporary handling system. Systems should be set up in the same configuration each time to reduce sheep stress and improve flow.

Effective use of scanning data requires planning and follow-through. Ewes should be sorted into management groups based on pregnancy status and fetal numbers. Appropriate nutrition levels are then based on pregnancy status. Informed decisions about retaining or selling open ewes are based on operational needs. Record keeping and follow-up monitoring are used to track flock performance over time.

Dr. Catron discussed timing considerations for scanning. 75-90 days after the start of the breeding season provides optimal accuracy for both pregnancy status and fetal counting. Scanning is scheduled based on breeding groups if using multiple ram exposure periods. Weather conditions that might affect facilities or equipment performance should be considered, as should allowing sufficient time after scanning to implement management changes before lambing. Scanning should be incorporated as a regular part of the annual management calendar.

Pregnancy scanning has several business benefits. These include a reduced feed cost, improved lamb survival, flock improvement, resource optimization, problem prevention, and improved solar grazing efficiency.