July 2019
Fall Photo Contest Results
Thank you to all the people who sent in photos for the contest. We received all sorts of pictures from across North America. Keep an eye on our facebook page for all of the pictures. The winner is Jim Sackett from the Parker Ranch in Oklahoma. JB has a BoviScan Curve an LCD Monitor and a ReproArm. The Parker Ranch will receive a RAM Mounts accessory kit for their ultrasound. The runner up is Darren McGhee from the McGhee Ranch.
Tips, Tricks and Techniques – Fetal Aging: Plan Ahead for Success!
One of the greatest benefits of ultrasounding is the ability to age the fetus and determine the stage of gestation of the pregnant cow. When determining fetal age, it is important that the animals are presented at an estimated stage of gestation that gives you the results that you and your client desire. For example, if accurate fetal aging is required to confirm that pregnancies are the result of artificial insemination versus cleanup bulls, then the timing of the pregnancy testing is critical to one’s success.
Tips, Tricks and Techniques - Adjusting Your Ultrasound Unit to Get the Best Image
ReproScan ultrasounds have easy to use operating systems. These units have been designed so the operator can quickly and easily adjust the settings to improve the image. For most of us, we are concerned with the cow’s uterus and its potential pregnancy. So, let’s assume we have arrived at a ranch and the cows have been off water, causing their manure to be dry. Yesterday, we ultrasounded a set of cows with juicy manure in a nicely shaded shed and had an excellent image on the monitor!
Tips, Tricks and Techniques – Ultrasounding Cattle when it is Cold
Ultrasound pregnancy testing cattle on cold days adds additional challenges to an already busy and challenging job. Below are a few tips and ideas from someone who has spent many a cold day chute-side. (Yes, you folks in Florida and other warmer climates can skip this article. Please send us your tips on how to beat the heat.) How cold is cold? Most of us don’t mind a little frost on the ground during fall work.
Tips, Tricks and Techniques – Getting the Right Pressure on the ReproArm
Equipment Care: Chuteside Set Up
Winter is right around the corner, this means chilly days. Chilly days mean chilly fingers. Speeding up your setup time at the chute can reduce the chilliness in your fingers. There are numerous ways to setup your ReproScan up chute-side, but what are quickest and easiest? ReproScan recommends the RAM Mounts® system. This accessory kit is easily adapted to any ReproScan Monitor. To see an in depth set up video click here to see the Ram Mounts Video on YouTube.
New Look!
As you may have already noticed, ReproScan is in the process of getting a new look! New look, new location, but same great customer service and products. At the core, ReproScan seeks to offer simple, durable, and affordable equipment with the best customer service. We at ReproScan wanted our look to reflect this. Stay tuned to see the transition, and thank you for your business—we greatly appreciate it!
New Equipment Highlight - 2.0 Wireless Monitor
ReproScan’s new LCD Monitor 2.0 is now available! This monitor offers improved image quality, increased user friendliness, wireless capabilities, a single 8-hour built-in lithium ion battery, touchscreen buttons, and a brighter and clearer display. Paired with the ReproScan Sun Shade Monitor Bag, the bright 1000 nit display makes working outside in sunlight even easier. The LCD Monitor 2.0 is wireless when used with the ReproScan XTC increasing ease of setup and versatility; it also provides a much clearer image with any of the BoviScan machines via direct wired VGA input.
Tips, Tricks and Techniques – Fetal Sex Determination
Fetal gender determination can be a large value-added feature for those utilizing ultrasound technology. To accurately determine the gender of the fetus, most experts do not recommend attempting to fetal sex earlier than day 57. The optimal window when using a linear probe ultrasound such as the BoviScan HD, is between day 57 and 80 days. When using a convex rectal probe ultrasound (ReproScan XTC and BoviScan Curve), Dr. Andrew Bronson recommends waiting until day 70 to begin fetal sexing.
Reproductive Ultrasound for Feedlots
Here are some key points to consider: A significant number of feeder heifers may be pregnant on arrival at the feedlot. Pregnancy status is a very significant factor in the performance and welfare of heifers in the feedlot. Feedlot staff under the direction of a veterinarian can quickly learn to pregnancy test feeder heifers. The stage of pregnancy can be detected and pregnant heifer management protocols can be implemented using this information.