Description of the programme
By using ultrasound, breeders can determine at an early stage whether a sow is pregnant or not. This early diagnosis is crucial as it allows the breeder to quickly and efficiently plan for the further management of the sow. For example, a pregnant sow can be kept in the pregnant sow group, ensuring that she receives proper care and nutrition during her pregnancy. On the other hand, if the sow is not pregnant, the breeder can make an informed decision as to whether she should be re-farrowed or taken out of production.
In addition to the basic function of determining pregnancy, many modern ultrasound devices offer additional features that can further facilitate and improve the breeding process. Examples of such features are built-in RFID readers, which allow easy identification and tracking of each individual in the herd, and lard meters, which provide valuable information on the sow's fat stores. These additional features make the ultrasound device a versatile tool that contributes not only to pregnancy monitoring, but also to overall health assessment and efficient management of the animals in the herd.