Ultrasound devices for pregnancy diagnosis in cattle, horses, pigs, sheep and many other types of animal
Discover our range of ultrasound devices for farmers, veterinarians and co-operatives, which is ideal for pregnancy diagnosis in a variety of types of animal.
Detecting pregnancy at an early stage – optimising breeding and animal husbandry
Reliable pregnancy diagnosis is essential for successful reproductive management in livestock farming. If you can identify at an early stage whether an animal is pregnant, you can plan breeding programmes more effectively and reduce unnecessary costs arising from failed pregnancies.
With the PRO, WRLS and EXPERT ultrasound devices from HK Rheintechnik, Kerbl offers modern solutions for pregnancy monitoring. Whether you’re looking for a cost-effective entry-level device, a wireless scanner or a high-performance professional device – discover robust ultrasound technology that is easy to use whilst delivering good image quality for everyday use in the stable.
Three ultrasound devices – optimised for different requirements
Tried-and-tested ultrasound technology for daily pregnancy monitoring.
Ultrasound device PRO – cost-effective, compact and reliable
The PRO ultrasound device is a compact, portable handheld scanner for pregnancy diagnosis in pigs, sheep, goats and alpacas. With its 3.5 MHz sector probe, it is particularly suitable for piglet producers and sheep farmers looking for a cost-effective and easy-to-use solution.
In pigs, pregnancy can be detected using this device from as early as the 21st day, and in sheep from the 30th day. The 5.6-inch screen provides a clear display of the ultrasound images. Various image adjustment and measurement functions facilitate the examination.
The benefits at a glance:
- Cost-effective ultrasound device with tried-and-tested technology
- Pregnancy examinations performed externally for pigs, sheep, goats and alpacas
- Compact and portable, with a weight of just 750 g
- Battery run time of more than 4 hours
- Includes probe, protective cover, neck strap and carrying case
PRO – the cost-effective solution for your pregnancy testing.
WRLS ultrasound scanner – wireless, ergonomic and flexible
The WRLS wireless ultrasonic scanner enables flexible pregnancy monitoring in pigs, sheep, goats and alpacas. Its 3.5 MHz sector probe transmits the ultrasound images directly to an Android tablet or smartphone – without the need for an internet connection.
The ergonomically curved design makes it easier to work in a way that is gentle on the back and wrists. The app can be used to document examination results and assign them to individual animals. In addition, the scanner enables measurements of backfat and loin muscle thickness, the determination of the stage of pregnancy and the scanning of RFID chips.
The benefits at a glance:
- Wireless image transmission to a tablet or smartphone
- Pregnancy testing for pigs, sheep, goats and alpacas
- Ergonomic design for comfortable work
- Digital documentation and organisation of examination results
- Up to 4.5 hours of battery run time
- Available as a complete set with a tablet or as a single scanner
- Instructions for use in the local language, with local service support
WRLS – wireless flexibility for your everyday work in the stable.
EXPERT ultrasound device – high-performance for cattle and horses
Professional ultrasound diagnostics for vets, breeders and co-operatives.
The EXPERT ultrasound device is particularly suitable for professional pregnancy diagnosis in large animals. With its 6.5 MHz rectal probe, it is ideal for pregnancy examinations in cattle and horses, or for examining the ovaries in horses to determine the optimal time for breeding.
The large, high-resolution 8-inch colour LCD screen, with a wide range of image adjustment options, facilitates a detailed assessment of the ultrasound images. Extensive measurement functions, an integrated image memory and long battery operating time make the EXPERT a high-performance solution for more demanding requirements.
With an optionally available 3.5 MHz convex probe, external examinations of large and small animals are also possible, for example to diagnose injuries or abscesses.
The benefits at a glance:
- Especially suitable for pregnancy scans in cattle and horses
- 6.5 MHz rectal probe included in scope of delivery
- High-resolution 8-inch colour LCD screen
- A wide range of image adjustment and measurement functions
- Over 7 hours of battery operating time with a replaceable battery
- Water-resistant to IPX6 and easy to clean
- Compatible probes, holders and other accessories for the various ultrasound devices are also available
EXPERT – high-performance ultrasound technology for professional users.
The right ultrasound device for your livestock operation
Whether it’s pig farming, sheep and goat breeding, or professional pregnancy scans for cattle and horses: HK Rheintechnik offers the right ultrasound device for a range of requirements.
Compare the PRO, WRLS and EXPERT models and find the solution that suits your day-to-day work.
| Feature | PRO | WRLS | EXPERT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal species | Pigs, sheep, goats, alpacas | Pigs, sheep, goats, alpacas | Cattle, horses (rectal probe), sheep, pigs, dogs and many more (convex probe) |
| Probe | 3.5 MHz sector | 3.5 MHz sector | 6.5 MHz rectal |
| Screen | 5.6 inches | 8.4-inch tablet included in the set | 8 inches |
| Battery life | Over 4 hours | Up to 4.5 hours | Over 7 hours |
| Key feature | Cost-effective solution | Wireless transmission | Professional large animal diagnostics |
| Item number | 221301 | 221300 / 221305 | 221302 |
Tips:
The basic principle is based on the fact that animal organs have different densities. The ultrasound probe generates an ultrasound wave. This is reflected differently by various types of tissue or liquids. The probe converts the echo waves into electrical signals, which are displayed as images on screens.
- Sows should not have eaten until full before the examination
- The probe must be applied with sufficient pressure; using a viscous, bubble-free scanning gel makes the work easier and ensures adequate contrast in the image
- As the pregnancy progresses, the ovarian structures move to the front and the probe must be repositioned accordingly
Determining pregnancy
| Animal species | Oestrous cycle length (days) | Heartbeat detection after insemination | Ultrasound examination after insemination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pig | 21 | 22-24 | From the 21st day onwards |
| Sheep | 17 | 19-21 | From the 30th day onwards |
| Cattle | 21 | 21-22 | From the 28th day onwards |
| Horse | 21 | 24-26 | From the 11th day onwards |
Ultrasound gel for pregnancy diagnosis
Correct use of the ultrasound device is essential for good image quality. The ultrasound gel from HK Rheintechnik ensures an optimal connection between the transducer and the animal’s skin, enabling excellent image quality.
FAQ
At what stage can a pregnancy be detected?
See the table at the top.
Why is a rectal probe needed to test cattle and horses for pregnancy?
Even with convex or mechanical sector transducers, the sound waves can penetrate to a maximum depth of 19 cm, which already compromises image quality. In large animals (horses, cattle), however, the embryos are located further inside. In such cases, the transducer must therefore be inserted into the rectum in order to be close enough to the embryo or the ovaries. Mechanical, vibrating probes are not suitable for insertion.
Can any probe be used with any main device?
No. Each probe can only be used with a specific main device. The Pro model’s main device is only compatible with this mechanical probe. The EXPERT model’s main device can only be used with the various electrical probes designed for it. The probe is calibrated when the device is switched on and must therefore be connected before switching it on.
Which device is suitable?
If the sole purpose is to determine pregnancy in pigs, sheep, goats or alpacas, the stage of pregnancy or backfat thickness, the PRO and WRLS models are very well suited. With the EXPERT model, on the other hand, it is also possible to carry out pregnancy examinations on cattle and horses, ovarian examinations to determine the time of ovulation in horses, or examinations of tendons and abscesses.
How do you get a clear picture?
- Use sufficient ultrasound gel to allow the sound waves to penetrate the animal and be reflected clearly.
- Select a suitable scan depth: the greater the scan depth, the larger the area covered by the image, and the fewer details are visible.
- Select a suitable gain setting: the higher the gain, the brighter and more detailed the image, but the more image noise (white dots) there will be.
- Adjust the contrast and brightness. Use the anti-glare shield when scanning outdoors.
- If in doubt, simply repeat the scan a few days later.
How can this picture be interpreted?
Foetal structures (embryos) are areas of lower density than the surrounding tissue and therefore appear as dark areas. In later stages of pregnancy, white bones can already be seen, as these have an even higher density than water.
Move the scanner forwards from the back, away from the bladder, to avoid confusing the bladder with foetal structures.
What are the benefits of doing your own ultrasound examination?
- You don’t have to wait for a visitor; instead, you can carry out the pregnancy diagnosis at a time of your choosing – whenever you find the time.
- Fewer external visitors reduce the risk of pathogens being carried from one farm to another.
- Work out how long it will take for the purchase of a Rheintechnik ultrasound device to pay for itself in your practice through savings on scanning services and fees paid to veterinarians.