Ultrasonographic Fetal Biometry and Gestational Age Estimation in Pregnant Mares in Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract

Background: This research focused on the evaluation of ultrasonographic fetal biometry. Further, it was to develop predictive regression models to calculate gestational age in horses. Methodology: Eight pregnant mares were studied using two ultrasound techniques, trans-abdominally and trans-rectally. These ultrasound examinations measured several parameters including the diameter of the gestational sac (GSD), crown rump length (CRL), thoracic diameter (TD), abdominal diameter (AD) and head diameter (HD). Results: Measurements of GSD and CRL can be used as a reliable indicator of gestational age before Day 60. However, measurements of TD, AD and HD was found to have strong relationship with gestational age after Day 60. High coefficient values for R2 (>0.99) indicated that there are accurate predictions of gestational age by use of regression models.