Accurate and efficient pregnancy detection in cattle plays a crucial role in improving reproductive efficiency and reducing breeding costs in modern farm management. Using veterinary ultrasound equipment, particularly rectal probes, for early pregnancy diagnosis has become a standard practice among professional breeders and veterinarians.
The full gestation period of a cow is approximately 282 days, and pregnancy can be detected as early as 25–30 days after insemination using a rectal ultrasound probe. This allows for timely breeding management and decision-making.
1. Choosing the Right Veterinary Ultrasound Device
In outdoor or mobile settings, portability is key. The Dawei Veterinary Rectal Probe Neo is specially designed for cattle and other large animals. Its slim design fits comfortably along the operator’s arm and provides high-resolution images for accurate diagnosis. The Neo probe supports connection to mobile phones or tablets, making it ideal for fieldwork and mobile veterinary services.
It can be used together with Dawei handheld or wireless veterinary ultrasound machines to form a lightweight and efficient ultrasound system for cattle.
2. Preparation Before the Examination
(1) Equipment Preparation
Ensure the following items are ready before starting the examination:
A reliable veterinary ultrasound machine (e.g., Dawei Neo);
Fully charged battery;
Rectal convex or linear array probe;
Coupling gel;
Protective clothing, gloves, probe covers;
Disinfection and cleaning supplies.
(2) Animal Restraint
The cow should be safely restrained in a headlock, chute, or cattle crush to ensure safety for both the animal and the operator. Keep the environment as quiet as possible to reduce stress. The operator should wear full protective gear and gently empty the cow’s rectum, either naturally or manually, before beginning the scan.
3. Performing the Rectal Ultrasound Examination
(1) Probe Insertion
The operator’s arm is shaped into a cone and slowly inserted into the cow’s rectum to clear any remaining feces, creating space for the probe. Apply sufficient ultrasound gel to the Dawei Neo probe, and gently guide the probe into the rectum alongside the arm, ensuring the orientation marker faces upward.
(2) Identifying Key Anatomical Structures
Bladder: Appears as a large, anechoic (black) sac filled with fluid at the base of the pelvic cavity — a key anatomical landmark.
Uterus: Move the probe caudally or laterally from the bladder to locate the uterus and its horns.
Ovaries: Located near the tips of the uterine horns. Rotate and sweep the probe carefully to visualize structures such as the corpus luteum.
(3) Pregnancy Diagnosis via Ultrasound
Early pregnancy (25–30 days): A circular or oval-shaped anechoic area (pregnancy sac) may be seen within the uterine horn, surrounded by a bright echogenic rim — a reliable sign of early gestation.
Mid-pregnancy (~60 days): Multiple bright circular or oval structures, representing placentomes (maternal placental tissue), can be seen.
Pregnancy staging: Based on gestational sac size, crown-rump length, and the development of specific structures (e.g., skull, limb buds), the gestational age can be estimated accurately.
4. Why Choose the Dawei Neo Veterinary Rectal Probe?
Designed for cattle anatomy: Optimized for large animals with a clear imaging experience;
Portable and efficient: Lightweight and easy to use in farms, pastures, and mobile clinics;
Smart connectivity: Compatible with Dawei wireless or handheld ultrasound devices for real-time scanning and data sharing;
Safe and durable: Made of medical-grade, easy-to-clean, and disinfect-friendly materials.
Conclusion
With professional veterinary ultrasound equipment like the Dawei Neo rectal probe, veterinarians and breeders can detect pregnancy early, manage breeding programs more effectively, and improve livestock productivity. Combined with Dawei’s handheld or wireless ultrasound machines, even fieldwork and remote diagnosis become simple and efficient.
This reflects the growing trend of intelligent and mobile solutions in modern animal healthcare.
For more information on cattle ultrasound equipment, animal reproductive imaging, or to request a product brochure, please contact the official Dawei Veterinary Medical platform.
Post time: Aug-05-2025