Abstract

Optimizing the capabilities of a B-mode linear ultrasound transducer used by veterinary practitioners for pregnancy diagnosis in Garut ewes is crucial to enhance reproductive efficiency in sheep farming. This study used a linear transducer to compare the effectiveness and practical aspects of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) in pregnancy diagnosis in sheep. Eighty Garut ewes were used in this study, and both US methods were performed for each ewe on random days during gestation. The overall pregnancy rate was 83.75%, distributed across the early (28.4%), mid (35.8%), and late (35.8%) trimesters. The visibility of fetal structures and the agreement between methods for specific parameters were assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Cochran test, and Cohen’s kappa. Overall, TRUS showed consistent success rates (100%) across all stages, while TAUS exhibited a low success rate (10.5%) in early pregnancy but improved success rates in the mid (83.3%) and late (95.8%) stages. A statistically significant difference was found (P = 0.000) at the early stage, suggesting that TAUS is ineffective. Although no significant difference was found (P > 0.050) in the mid- and late stages, indicating that both methods could be used, the Cochran test revealed a significant difference (P = 0.046) among the methods, but less pronounced. The agreement between TRUS and TAUS for most fetal parameters was low to moderate. No strong agreement was found, suggesting that no specific fetal parameters could be used for pregnancy diagnosis. Other factors, such as fetal development and operator experience, may also influence visualization. In conclusion, a single B-mode linear transducer can be optimized for both TRUS and TAUS in pregnancy diagnosis of Garut ewes, with TRUS remaining the most reliable approach for early gestation and TAUS becoming more applicable during mid- to late gestation.

Key words: pregnancy diagnosis, sheep, transabdominal, transrectal, ultrasonography