Optimal post-breeding interval for pregnancy diagnosis in mares by using ultrasonographic technique Omran, S. N. 1and Rasheed Y. M.

Abstract

The present study was conducted in two different farms, including (256) foaling mares in : AL-Laith equine herd and equestrian club in AL-Ameria, 4-14 years old foaling mares which are situated in areas around Baghdad and extended one calendar from July 2011 until July 2012 . These mares were examined for pregnancy diagnosis by trans-rectal ultrasonography using a 5 MHz lineararray transducer between Days 10 and 40 after breeding (breeding day = Day 0). Criteria to assess the accuracy of trans-rectal sonography were overall accuracy (correct diagnoses/all diagnoses), sensitivity (correct diagnoses "pregnant"/all pregnant animals), and specificity (correct diagnoses "non-pregnant" /all non-pregnant animals. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of trans-rectal ultrasonography were 91.4%, 96.2% and 94.7%, respectively, around day (10-40). Accuracy, Sensitivity and Specificity of pregnancy diagnosis were superior (97.8%, 95.2% and 100%), respectively, in (31 - 35) day post breeding (P< 0.01). The results of this study showed a significant difference (P<0.01) in the parameters of sensitivity and various post-breeding intervals. The results of the present study revealed that using trans-rectal ultrasound for pregnancy diagnosis in mares could be used and are reliable under field conditions from day (31) of Gestation onward