Possibilities of ultrasound diagnostics for improvement of bovine reproductive performance

Since middle of last century, when first reports for using of ultrasonography in veterinary medicine dated, understanding of bovine reproduction has been significantly enhanced. Initially, this diagnostic method has been used for pregnancy diagnosis. In 1986, O.J. Ginther stated that gray-scale diagnostic ultrasonography is the most profound technological advance in the field of large animal research and clinical reproduction, recommending ultrasound for bovine early pregnancy diagnosis as a less invasive technique than transrectal palpation. High level of accuracy (greater than 90%) of ultrasound diagnostics can be achieved after day 25 of pregnancy, based on the determination of the presence and viability of embryo. Scanning ovarian structures on day 21 pregnancy could be predictive with 88% general accuracy and 100% for non pregnant cows (Dovenski et al., 2009). Additionally, differentiation of male and female fetuses can be performed after the 50th day of pregnancy by evaluating the relative location of the genital tubercle and the development of genital swellings into the scrotum in male fetuses. Ultrasonography is frequently used for visualization of cyclic ovarian structures and monitoring their dynamic changes during estrous cycle as well as prediction of ovulation. Pathological conditions, such ovarian failures (Hypofunctio ovary, Ovulatory defects, Luteal deficiency, Cystic Ovarian Disease) as well as uterine pathology and early embryonic mortality, can be reliably detected. In the field of reproductive biotechnology, ultrasound is very useful tool in MOET program; for monitoring superovulatory treatment in donor cows or evaluation of CL functionality in heifers-recipients. Efficiency of hormonal treatment for stimulation of superovulation is multiplied, by clarifying phase of follicular growth. Finally ultrasound guided Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) method is a most advanced technique in IVP industry for oocyte recovery from live donors. Aspiration of follicles could be performed twice a week, providing 20-30 oocytes/session for IVF procedure, without any negative consequence for the animals.