The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: nelson on January 11, 2013, 07:16:18 pm
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:wave: So excited :excited: as I have been given a Meta Data doppler. It didn't come with a handbook or video - so I am wondering if any members have used one and what tips you can give. I have read that you need to select a time when the sow is lying quietly - but this time of year my sows are either outside eating or back in the arc for a snooze. Many thanks
Lorraine
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Not familiar with that make, but if it's the kind that picks out sounds from the uterine artery (like my Rotech one), avoid trying for about two hours before/after feeding. Otherwise hunger gurgling can cause unwanted interference, as can post-feed digestion!
Good luck
Liz
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Thanks Liz -
have since found the model shown on http://www.thepigsite.com/backroom/149/medata-b300-basic-doppler (http://www.thepigsite.com/backroom/149/medata-b300-basic-doppler) but it seems now not available so unable to get instructions - well it works - and will give it a go maybe mid day.
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These ones are still my fav preg tester!
A tip that I follow is to use veg oil on the probe, I have always used veg oil and never had a problem.
At the early stage (I recomend 4 weeks for the 1st test as if the ow is coming on heat as a 3 week return it can give a false positive) you will be listening for the uterine pulse, meaning there is blood flow to the placenta.
When perfoming a follow up preg test (I stick to about 10 weeks) you will be listening for the piglets heartbeats.
Good luck!
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Is it one that just goes "beep" or is it like mine - giving different "swishing" sounds, depending on how far along the pregnancy is? If it's the latter, I can email you a sound file of the training CD that came with mine. Explains what to listen for. Just let me know.
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Hi there PigmanDan and Liz thanks
Liz no beep - headphones on and press a red button on probe and away you go. I tried it out a couple of hours after feeding on the Berkshires who are in their last 4 weeks and are obviously in pig - I did get the same sound as with my Tamworth.
Couldn't hear anything on the the GOS - haven't noticed her coming on heat - have date she went with the boar (this is the one that had meningitis back in the summer -he may be infertile due all the medication he had). I sooo want her to be in pig. :fc: Tried on my Berkshire sow who is currently with the above boar and she just loved the taste of the oil ;D so I gave up with her for now.
Would love a sound file please - going to keep at it though - and get used to the sounds - BTW how much pressure should you use.
Thanks
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Drop me a message with your email address and I'll send it.