The accuracy of gestational age predicted from femur and humerus length in Saanen goats using ultrasonography

Abstract

Serial transabdominal ultrasonographic scanning was performed to measure femur and humerus length of foetuses of Saanen goats to establish their gestational stage. Data were obtained from 38 goats that became pregnant after artificial insemination. Animals were restrained in a supine position on a special table designed for this purpose. Humerus and femur length were measured at weekly intervals starting from week 8 of gestation till the end of gestation. Real-time ultrasound scanner equipped with switchable frequency (5-7.5 MHz) micro convex probe was used in the present study. Humerus and femur length showed strong positive correlation with gestational age (r2 = 0.95). Measurements of humerus and femur of foetuses are useful indicators to predict gestational age at the 2nd and 3rd trimesters in Saanen goats. Measuring of only one bone length is quite enough. Incorporating of both measurements within a multiple regression equation did not improve predictive capacity of the bones. The results of the study were used to construct reference charts and gestational equations in Saanen goats utilizing humerus and femur measurements. In Sudan, this is the first study utilizing measurements of the femur and humerus and the first study comparing the length of the humerus and femur for predicting gestational age in Saanen goats.