{"id":4913,"date":"2026-04-17T10:20:15","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T09:20:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/poulpharm.vermis.hu\/?p=4913"},"modified":"2026-04-17T10:20:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T09:20:46","slug":"the-importance-of-ultrasound","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/poulpharm.vermis.hu\/?p=4913","title":{"rendered":"The importance of ultrasound"},"content":{"rendered":"

THE IMPORTANCE OF ULTRASOUND IN SWINE PRODUCTION AND RESEARCH.<\/h2><\/h3><\/div>
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Ultrasound has become an indispensable tool in modern, technology-driven livestock production, going far beyond its traditional role in pregnancy confirmation. As farms increasingly adopt innovative tools, ultrasound stands out as a repeatable, non-invasive, and accurate method for monitoring key physiological parameters in pigs. \u00a0Whether for reproductive management, carcass evaluation, or research trials, this technology supports more informed decisions, improved animal care, and greater overall efficiency.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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At\u00a0Poulpharm, Zootests<\/strong>, and\u00a0Vetspin,<\/strong>\u00a0we apply ultrasound analysis in our trials to monitor body composition in fattening pigs as well as gestating and lactating sows. In addition, we offer hands-on training in ultrasound techniques and reproductive protocols, supporting our partners in bringing practical, research-based solutions into the field.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Using ultrasound to boost sows’ performance and longevity<\/h2><\/h3><\/div>
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Monitoring sow body condition using ultrasound is essential in modern pig production to optimize reproductive performance, sow longevity, and piglet survival. Both overnutrition and undernutrition during any stage of the reproductive cycle can lead to metabolic disorders, reduced fertility, and increased perinatal mortality, negatively impacting both productivity and animal welfare (Figure 1).<\/p>\n

Unlike single-point assessments, ultrasound allows for\u00a0repeatable, precise, and dynamic monitoring<\/strong>\u00a0of body composition at critical stages such as pre-insemination, mid-gestation, pre-farrowing, and weaning.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Maintaining backfat thickness within an optimal range\u201416\u201320 mm for sows and 15\u201319 mm for gilts<\/strong>\u2014is crucial to prevent reproductive issues related to poor body condition. Obesity or underweight should be avoided in all phases of the sow reproductive cycle, as deviations of normal body condition in one phase can exert carry-over deleterious effects in subsequent reproductive phases that could lead to severe impairments in performance (Figure 1).<\/p>\n<\/div>

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How can ultrasound be used?<\/h4>\n<\/div>
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Reproductive management<\/strong><\/p>\n