How to detect pregnancy and estimate the gestation periods in farm animals

A pregnant doe

Pregnancy indicates a potential increase in the stock of farm animals. This, in most cases, is a delight to the farmer. Detecting pregnancy or estimating the gestation periods of your farm animals are things the farmer must know.

In this piece, we look at how to do simple pregnancy or conception detection and the gestation period of various farm animals.

Why is it important to know pregnancy detection and gestation periods?

1. It helps to plan ahead for the incoming stock.
2. You also get to know which of your stock is productive.
3. You are able to prepare and manage your resources well, like feed, space and time.
4. It also helps to keep proper records of your animals.

Methods of detecting pregnancy in animals

Pregnancy can be detected by;

1. The signs showed by the female animals and you can see this externally.
2. The symptoms of pregnancy which can be detected by examination e.g. vaginum examination.
3. Laboratory test carried out biologically or chemically.

A pregnant sow

Signs of pregnancy

In the event of pregnancy, the animal shows various signs:

1. The animal concerned tends to become sluggish in temperament and more tractable.
2. Increase in body weight of the animal in the last half of pregnancy due to the development of foetus and hypertrophy of the uterus and mammary glands.
3. The animal tends to grow fat.
4. There are changes in the mammary gland; as parturition approaches, the mammary gland becomes firm, enlarged and glossy, and teats have a waxy appearance.
5. There is a cessation of oestrus (heat); cessation of oestrus cycle after sexual copulation is the first indication of pregnancy, and it is very reliable although the following should be considered:

• Heat may be inhibited following mating due to hormonal dysfunctions.
• The low intensity of heat may be overlooked and thus the animals may be thought to be pregnant.
• Sometimes animals still show signs of heat even after they are pregnant.

Gestation periods in farm animals

What is gestation?

Gestation simply means pregnancy or conception.

The gestation period is the time between conception to the time of giving birth. The gestation period differs from one animal specie to the other.

The chart below shows the gestation periods of some farm animals.

Specie	Gestation period (days)
Cattle	280 - 291
Horse	330 - 345
Pig	112 - 120
Sheep	144 - 150
Goat	148 - 156
Dog	56 - 68
Rabbit	30 - 35
Cat	59 - 68

Author Bio:

John Koranteng has experience in Animal Production (both traditional and non-traditional animals e.g. rabbits, grasscutters etc.), helping build a productive and profitable agribusiness in animal production. Email: Koranteng32@gmail.com