EARLY-PREGNANCY DIAGNOSIS IN EWES

Estrus was synchronized in 22 ewes of different breeds using the Veramix system during the anoestrous season and early pregnancy diagnosis was made on the basis of high plasma progesterone concentration at 16/18 and 21 days after mating. The general accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the radioimmunoassay of plasma progesterone for early pregnancy diagnosis were 81.82, 88.22 and 60%, respectively, and diagnosis of pregnancy was confirmed by real-time ultrasound scanning at 90 or 120 days after mating or lambing results. Ultrasound scanning was 100% effective in the pregnancy diagnosis et the examined ewes.