Pregnancy scanning benefits, timing & facilities
There are many benefits to pregnancy scanning suckler cows. Teagasc Advisor David Argue outlines the benefits of pregnancy scanning and also outlines the importance of getting the timing right & the need for good facilities for human & animal safety.
Pregnancy scanning can be considered 30 days after the last cow in the farm has been served. It can provide valuable information in relation to individual cow fertility, and the overall fertility of the herd. The ideal time to scan is from 5 to 14 weeks in pregnancy. Scanning will tell you if the cow is in calf or not. Early scanning will result in identifying as to whether or not the bull is getting the cows in calf as well as identifying any problem cows.
Scanning identifies:
- Empty cows
- Calving date
- Cows carrying twins
- If conception dates are slipping.