The diagnosis of pregnancy in sheep by abdominal palpation

Pregnancy diagnosis in Merino ewes by abdominal palpation was 80 to 95 percent accurate in ewes 90 to 130 days pregnant. The ease with which the foetus could be palpated increased with increasing gestational age. Animals in store body condition were more easily diagnosed than those in forward store condition. Withholding feed and water for 12 to 24 hours increased the ease of diagnosis. One operator and two assistants could perform the technique at a rate of 150 to 200 sheep per hour. The animals were held in the sitting position and no special restraining apparatus was necessary. The potential for using this technique may be associated with investigations of reproductive wastage or the selection of pregnant animals for preferential management during drought conditions.