How to Choose an Ultrasound Probe for Cattle? A Detailed Guide for Different Applications

1.Rectal Probe: Core Tool for Reproduction Management

  1. ultrasound probe

Applications: - Pregnancy diagnosis in cows (from 18 days) – Monitoring ovarian development and uterine structures – Estrus detection and evaluation before artificial insemination

Features & Advantages: - High-frequency linear array with clear imaging – Inserted rectally, with strong penetration depth – Accurately identifies uterine horns, embryos, corpus luteum, and other structures – The first-choice tool for reproduction management in large-scale farms

Recommended Users: Professional veterinarians, farm reproduction managers, and precision breeding technicians.

2.Convex Probe: First Choice for Quick and Portable Checkups

Applications: - External abdominal ultrasound examinations – Late pregnancy evaluation – Routine diagnosis or clinical use in farms

Features & Advantages: - Non-rectal operation, more convenient external scanning – Wide imaging field, suitable for observing fetal development – Ideal for beginners or field veterinarians where rectal use is inconvenient – Works flexibly with portable ultrasound machines

Recommended Users: Local veterinarians, mobile service providers, and small to medium-sized farms.

3.Backfat and Longissimus Dorsi Muscle Probe: A Key Tool for Beef Cattle Evaluation

Applications: - Measuring backfat thickness in beef cattle – Assessing longissimus dorsi muscle area – Evaluating fattening results and supporting market decisions

Features & Advantages: - Designed for imaging subcutaneous fat and muscle layers – Provides quantitative analysis of body condition, suitable for breeding selection and feedlot monitoring – Paired with analysis software to generate numerical reports, ideal for breeding and research

Recommended Users: Breeding organizations, feedlots, and livestock research institutes.

4.Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) Probe: Specialized for Embryo Engineering

Applications: - Ovum pick-up from elite donor cows (OPU) – Follicle monitoring and puncture guidance – Pre-transfer structural evaluation for embryo transplantation

Features & Advantages: - High-frequency, small-sized probe for precise positioning – Equipped with puncture guide for real-time aspiration – Essential equipment for embryo transfer, superovulation, and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) projects

Recommended Users: Embryo engineering labs, genetic breeding companies, and cattle reproduction service providers.

Summary of Probe Types

Probe Type Application Key Features
Rectal Probe Pregnancy diagnosis, estrus monitoring Deep penetration, suitable for rectal use; for cattle, horses, and donkeys
Convex Probe Abdominal checks, portable use Suitable for pigs, sheep; easy for beginners
Backfat/Muscle Fattening evaluation in cattle, pigs Quantitative measurement for scientific breeding
OPU Probe Embryo collection and transfer Precise positioning, puncture guidance support

Dawei Probe Series Recommendations

As a professional manufacturer of veterinary ultrasound devices, Dawei offers probe configurations tailored to different livestock needs:

  • Dawei Rectal Probe: 5.0 MHz linear array, high-definition and stable imaging
  • Dawei Convex Probe: 3.5 MHz wide field of view, suitable for outdoor use
  • Dawei Backfat Probe: For pigs, sheep, and cattle, with supporting measurement software
  • Dawei OPU Probe: Ultra-high frequency, equipped with puncture guide function

Post time: Sep-11-2025