How Many Days After Breeding Can an Ultrasound Detect Pregnancy in Sows?

In modern pig farming, timely and accurate diagnosis of sow pregnancy is crucial for improving reproductive efficiency and reducing feeding costs. Many farmers are concerned about one question: How many days after breeding can an ultrasound be used for examination?

I. The Optimal Window for Ultrasound Diagnosis in Swine

Theoretically, pregnancy can be detected via ultrasound 18-24 days post-breeding. However, for greater accuracy, we typically recommend the first examination between 20-25 days post-breeding.

Around 18 days: A minute gestational sac may appear in the uterus at this stage. However, its small size and potential confusion with structures like the bladder demand high operator skill, resulting in relatively lower accuracy.

20-25 days: This represents the optimal period for ultrasound diagnosis. At this stage, the gestational sac has grown large enough for clear identification. It appears round or oval on ultrasound images, with visible anechoic fluid inside.

After 30 days: As pregnancy progresses, embryonic and fetal skeletal structures begin to form, making images clearer and accuracy further improving. However, the optimal window for early diagnosis has already passed.

II. Importance of Early Pregnancy Detection in Sows

Why emphasize early diagnosis between 20-25 days?

Timely rebreeding: If diagnosed as non-pregnant, sows can be immediately scheduled for rebreeding, avoiding feed waste and production cycle delays caused by empty sows.

Enhanced production efficiency: Early identification of non-pregnant sows allows them to swiftly enter the next breeding cycle, boosting overall farm productivity.

Cost Savings: Reducing unnecessary feeding of empty sows directly lowers farming expenses.

III. How to Improve Accuracy in Swine Ultrasound Diagnosis?

Beyond timing, these techniques enhance diagnostic precision:

Use High-Quality Equipment: Select professional swine ultrasound machines with clear imaging and sensitive probes.

Master proper technique: Ensure full skin contact between the probe and sow’s abdomen, applying sufficient coupling gel. Insert the probe at an angle from the side of the teats or behind the second-to-last teat.

Combine with clinical signs: Integrate clinical observations such as appetite, mental state, and estrus behavior into the overall diagnosis.

Dawei Veterinary Ultrasound Equipment Manufacturer provides a range of animal ultrasound devices along with complimentary training services. Contact us for assistance.