Pregnancy scanning is an essential management tool on pig farms, writes Ciarán Carroll, Head of Knowledge Transfer, Pig Development Department, who looks at the role it plays in improving efficiency and productivity.

Accurate reproductive management is vital for maintaining profitability.

Ultrasound scanning allows farmers to confirm pregnancy in sows as early as 21–28 days after service. This early detection provides a clear picture of breeding performance, enabling producers to identify non-pregnant sows quickly. By doing so, farmers can rebreed (or replace) these animals without delay, reducing the number of non-productive or empty days – a major cost factor in pig production, estimated at €5.65 per day based on current pig and feed prices. Early detection also ensures that farrowing targets can be met consistently, which helps maintain a steady pig output and cash flow.

In addition to improving reproductive efficiency, pregnancy scanning can contribute to better feed management. By confirming pregnancies, we can adjust feeding regimes to match the sow’s stage of gestation, avoiding overfeeding non-pregnant sows or underfeeding those that are carrying litters. This targeted nutrition helps maintain sow body condition and supports healthier litters at birth. Furthermore, scanning results can highlight potential reproductive issues, such as repeat breeders or early embryo loss, allowing for timely veterinary or management interventions.

Ultimately, pregnancy scanning is not just a diagnostic tool but a cornerstone of modern pig herd management. By helping farmers make informed breeding decisions and improve productivity, it contributes significantly to the long-term competitiveness of the farm.

Top tips for pregnancy scanning

• Timing is key: scan sows between 21–28 days post-service for best accuracy.
• Keep good records: note scanning dates and results to track breeding performance.
• Act quickly: Re-serve empty sows (unless they are repeat offenders) as soon as possible to reduce empty days.
• Feed smart: Adjust nutrition based on scanning results to match sow needs.
• Seek advice: Contact your Teagasc advisor or vet for guidance on technique and equipment.

The above first appeared in the Teagasc Pig Advisory Newsletter, access the full document (PDF) here.

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