Ultrasonographic Determination of Gestational Age in Yankasa Ewes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the application of transabdominal ultrasonography in estimating gestational age in Yankasa ewes through the measurement of crown-rump length (CRL), bi-parietal diameter (BPD) and femoral length (FL). Fifteen (15) ewes were first oestrus-synchronized and mated to establish pregnancy. Transabdominal ultrasonography, using a real time B-mode ultrasound scanner, was carried out on weekly basis to determine gestation and estimate gestational age by measurement of CRL, BPD and FL, using real time B-mode ultrasound scanner. The relationships between gestational age and each of the parameters were plotted as linear regression and expressed as a straight line equation. Results obtained clearly demonstrated that CRL, BPD and FL were significantly (P