MS Schippers Pregtector Doppler Mode D'emploi page 16

heard as early as 14 days, unless you really need to know as early as that, leave it until later. The
important date by which to know is the second return at 42 days, so leave testing until the last
week before this if you can.
Sows can be tested on either side, either standing or lying (sitting is sometimes difficult).
Of course, each farm is different, so each will find slightly different ways of optimising performance
of the PregTector. Some farms find that testing can be done in the paddocks, just by approaching
the sows, if you are able to do this while they are lying, testing will be as easy as testing indoor
sows.
The key to simple testing is find the right rime in the sows' day when they are most relaxed. This
generally will be two hours or more after feeding. Continue sows to be tested to a small paddock
or central handling area, and allow them to settle. Ideally, they will be in groups of not more than
6 or so, at least for the purpose of testing, even if they are living in larger groups. If you don't have
an area where sows can be resticted, at least to a degree, it may be necessary to use a trailer, or
rig up some kind of moveable pen perhaps using hurdles.
If sows will stay in one place, without being persuaded to do so by a bucketful of nuts, this is
generally better. The action of eating causes quite a lot of movement of abdominal muscles, which
can be noisy. However, this is quite likely to be impossible. You will find they settle more quickly if
they have been fed.
Just as important probably, is to test systematically, so that unnecessary testing is avoided, and to
test regularly. It is far better for the operator to test a little and more often then to try to have a
marathon testing session every once in a while. Familiarity will quickly bring confidence in the
PregTector, and testing will be a routine matter. It is also a fact that sows become used to being
tested and hinder the operator less.
As far as the use of the PregTector itself is concerned, there is no difference in technique from that
described in the Operators Handbook for restrained sows. Be aware that excessive pressure of the
probe on the sow will cause her to move more, and that mud on her flanks may have to be
removed.
It is rarely, if ever essential for a particular sow to be tested at a particular moment. So if the going
is difficult, leave it for a while until conditions improve.
Finally, keep a sense of humour, you may need it!
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