Estimation of fetal age in sheep by measurement of the embryonic vesicle diameter and umbilical cord diameter by using real-time ultrasonography

Abstract

This experiment includes 72 local Awassi ewes aged between 2 to 5 years old. The aim of this study was to estimate the fetal age by the measurement of the embryonic vesicle and diameter of umbilical cord diameters during the different periods of gestation by using 5MHz real-time ultrasonography. Results of this study indicated that the embryonic vesicle could be seen at 14 days post breeding, and this can be the first sign of early pregnancy diagnosis. The embryo could be successfully seen at 20 days post breeding. The umbilical cord was first diagnosed at 23 days post breeding. Linear, quadratic and cubic equations were described, which adjust the relationship between the fetal age and diameter of embryonic vesicle and umbilical cord. In a conclusion, linear equation of the relationship between diameter of embryonic vesicle and fetal age was the best. equation to estimate the fetal age, while the cubic equation was the best equation to estimate the relationship between fetal age, and diameter of the umbilical cord.