Veterinary Research Forum
Vet Res Forum

Estimation of gestational age using ultrasonography in Baluchi sheep

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Masoud Saeedipanah Ardakani 1
Babak Khoramian Toosi 2
Mohammad Azizzadeh 2
Masoud Rajabioun 2

1 DVM Graduate, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

2 Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30466/vrf.2021.131766.3013
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between some fetal parameters measured by ultrasonography and fetal age for developing a formula which could be used for estimation of fetal age in Baluchi sheep. Placentome diameter (PD), gestation Sac diameter (GSD), biparietal diameter (BPD), straight crown-rump length (CRL), femural length (FL), occipito-snout diameter (OSD), thoracic diameter (TD) and fetal heart rate (FHR) were measured by transrectal and/or transabdominal ultrasonography. All ewes were synchronized using progesterone sponge for 6 days. On the first day, they received PGF2 and on the last day received 400 IU of equine serum gonadotrophin (eCG). All of the parameters revealed significant correlation by increasing fetal age. Except for PD, for other values linear regression curve was illustrated. BPD (between 36 - 96 days) (R2 = 0.961), CRL (R2 = 0.935), FL (R2 = 0.950), OSD (R2 = 0.981), TD (R2 = 0.975) showed high correlation with fetal age (p < 0.001). Moderate correlation was calculated for FHR (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.883). Low correlations were assessed by measurement of GSD (p = 0.018, R2 = 0.318), BPD (between 96-138 days; p = 0.038, R2 = 0.29) and PD represented the significant non-linear correlation with age (p < 0.001), maximum correlation was assessed by measurement of mean placentome wall diameter. In conclusion, OSD was recommended as the best parameter for estimating of gestational age between days 36 - 109 in Baluchi sheep because of the lowest residuals, the highest correlation coefficient and wide period of availability for imaging in gestation.

Keywords

Baluchi sheep
‎ Fetal age
‎ Ultrasonography
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Veterinary Research Forum
Volume 13, Issue 2
Spring 2022
Pages 257-263

  • Receive Date 28 July 2020
  • Revise Date 08 February 2021
  • Accept Date 01 March 2021

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