What is Scanning?
Scanning, or pregnancy diagnosis, is an important event on a grass-based, spring-calving dairy farm. It usually takes place 6 to 10 weeks after the start of the breeding season, and helps farmers assess how successful their breeding efforts have been. Here’s a breakdown of what happens:
The Scanning Process
The main goals of scanning are to:
• Confirm which cows are pregnant and which are not.
• Estimate how far along each pregnancy is, which helps predict calving dates.
• Identify any reproductive issues, such as early embryonic loss, infections, or cysts.
• Help make management decisions for the upcoming season.
• Cows are typically scanned 30 to 60 days after insemination, giving enough time for a pregnancy to be detected.
• Scanning is often done in batches, depending on when cows were served during the breeding season.
• A trained vet or technician performs the scan, usually using an ultrasound probe inserted rectally.
• The technician views the uterus and ovaries on a screen to check for the presence of a foetus, a heartbeat, and assess the reproductive organs.
• Each cow’s result is recorded — pregnant, not pregnant, or needing re-checking.
• Some farms also use reproductive software to track results and plan ahead.
• Pregnant cows are grouped and managed for the dry period and spring calving.
• Empty (non-pregnant) cows are re-inseminated (if still within the breeding window) or marked for culling or alternative use.
• Early identification of problem cows helps reduce waste and improve efficiency.
The goal is to have tight calving and breeding windows, so scanning is key to checking if the herd is on track.
Knowing the expected calving dates allows farmers to:
• Plan nutrition and management for late-pregnant cows.
• Prepare calving facilities and staff schedules.
• Keep milk production aligned with grass growth the following spring.
In Summary
Scanning is like a report card for the breeding season on a grass-based, spring-calving dairy farm. It helps farmers confirm pregnancies, manage cows efficiently, and stay in sync with the seasonal rhythm of grass growth and milk production. It’s a vital step in ensuring the farm’s success in the year ahead.