Ultrasonographic diagnosis of early pregnancy in cattle using different ultrasound systems

Summary

Objective: To evaluate the efficiency of different ultrasound devices in achieving an early diagnosis of pregnancy in dairy herds. Material and methods: A total of 1976 Holstein Friesian cows and heifers were artificially inseminated (AI) according to the herd manager’s regime. Pregnancy diagnostics were performed between day 26 and 35 after AI using six different types of ultrasound systems (linear vs. sector scanners). Manual rectal palpation between day 45 and 60 after AI was used as the gold standard for pregnancy diagnostics. Sensitivity (SENS), specificity (SPEC), positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy (ACC) of the diagnostic measures were determined. Results: Average SENS was 82% (range 67.7–95.2%) with a mean SPEC of 73% (range 50.0–81.0%). ACC was 78.2% with a minimum of 64.6% and a maximum of 89.4%, depending on the ultrasound system. The PPV (ratio of the number of pregnant cows with a positive examination result to the number of cows actually pregnant) was 80.8% (range 59.1–88.1%), whereas the NPV (defined as the ratio of the number of cows correctly diagnosed negative to the number of cows actually open) was 74.4% (72.3–91.9%). Significant differences for these parameters were found depending on the ultrasound system used (p ≤ 0.01; Cramer’s V. = 0.14). Conclusion and clinical relevance: Regardless of the ultrasound device used, early pregnancy diagnostics between day 26 and 35 show a moderate diagnostic efficiency. Comparing the accuracy of the different devices, there may be a significant influence of type and technical parameters. Even though ultrasound systems with mechanical sector probes are not as convenient to use as systems with linear probes, according to this study, sector scanners are a reasonable alternative.

Zusammenfassung

Gegenstand und Ziel: Vergleichende Untersuchung der Effizienz verschiedener Ultraschallsysteme zur Trächtigkeitsfrühdiagnostik bei Kühen. Material und Methoden: 1976 Kühe und Färsen der Rasse Polnische Holstein-Friesian wurden entsprechend des Herdenmanagements besamt und zwischen Tag 26 und 35 nach Besamung zur Diagnostik der Frühgravidität vorgestellt. Diese erfolgte mittels sechs unterschiedlicher Ultraschallsysteme (Linearvs. Sektorschallköpfe) als Bezugsgröße im Vergleich zur rektalen Palpation zwischen Tag 45 und 60 nach der Besamung. Ermittelt wurden die Sensitivität, die Spezifität, positiver und negativer prädiktiver Wert sowie die Genauigkeit der Systeme. Ergebnisse: Im Mittel ergab sich eine Sensitivität von 82% (67,7–95,2%) mit einer mittleren Spezifität von 73% (50,0–81,0%). Die Genauigkeit belief sich auf 78,2%; je nach System traten Schwankungen zwischen 64,6 und 89,4% auf. Der positive prädiktive Wert betrug 80,8% (59,1–88,1%), der negative prädiktive Wert wurde mit 74,4% (72,3–91,9%) bestimmt. Für alle Parameter waren signifikante Unterschiede bezüglich der Anwendung verschiedener Ultraschallsysteme feststellbar (p ≤ 0,01; Cramers V. = 0,14). Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Die Effizienz der Diagnostik in der Frühgravidität zwischen 26 und 35 Tag wurde unabhängig vom verwendeten Ultraschallgerät als mäßig eingestuft. Im Vergleich der Genauigkeit der Systeme zeigte sich ein deutlicher Einfluss des Gerätetyps und dessen technischer Parameter. Obwohl Geräte mit mechanischen Sektorsonden naturgemäß Einschränkungen hinsichtlich ihrer Anwendung unterliegen, stellen sie eine probate Alternative zu Geräten mit Linearsonde dar.

Keywords

Ultrasound - linear and sector scanner - bovine fertility - sensitivity - specificity

Schlüsselwörter

Ultraschall - Linear- und Sektorschallkopf - Fruchtbarkeit - Rind - Sensitivität - Spezifität

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