This document summarizes a presentation on breeding soundness evaluation of female animals through rectal palpation and ultrasonography. The presentation covers the importance of breeding soundness evaluation to identify healthy animals for breeding programs. It describes evaluating the cervix, uterus, ovaries, and other structures by rectal palpation and using ultrasonography. Ultrasonography allows viewing images of the corpus luteum, endometrium, follicular cysts, luteal cysts, pyometra, and endometritis. The conclusion states that breeding soundness evaluation is important for farm economy by allowing selection of healthy dams that can produce healthy offspring.

1. Course no. VSO- 633
Course title: Gynaecology
Breeding Soundness Evaluation of
Female Animal by Rectal Palpation
and Ultrasonography
Presented by
Md. Abdullah Al Mubin
MS in Theriogenology
Dept. of Surgery and Obstetrics
Faculty of Veterinary Science
Bangladesh Agricultural University

2. Talk Plan
1. Introduction
2. Importance
3. Breeding Soundness Evaluation by Rectal Palpation
4. Breeding Soundness Evaluation with Ultrasonography
5. Conclusion
6. References

3. Introduction
The breeding soundness examination (BSE)
involves a complete and systematic evaluation of
the reproductive potential of an animal. The BSE is
not a direct evaluation of fertility. But this can be
confirmed only by successful production of
offspring after breeding and successful delivery [3].

4. Importance
1.To identify a healthy and sound female
animal for a successful reproductive
program
2.A complete examination will help the
clinician to predict important event to
come such as estrus, ovulation, parturition
or abortion
3.To establish a prognosis for condition of
the uterus, uterine tube, ovaries and
supporting structures

5. Breeding soundness evaluation by rectal palpation
Rectal palpation is one of the best and
cheapest method of breeding
soundness evaluation. It’s related to
examine-
1.Vaginal wall
2.Cervix
3.Uterine horns
4.Ovaries : a) Follicles b) Corpus
luteum
5.Adhesion
6.Cysts Fig. Rectal Palpation

6. Findings
Cervix
- Firm, Cylindrical, 5-12 cm
length and 2-6 cm diameter in
cow [4].
Uterine tone
1. Estrus- Turgid, contracted
uterus that is often curled into a
rather tight configuration [4].
2. Diestrus- A relaxed muscular
uterus
Fig. Bovine Cervix
Fig. Bovine uterus

7. Contd.
3. Edematous- a somewhat turgid uterus but without
muscular contraction; may be palpable few days
after estrus
4.Flaccid – a lip, soft, usually thin walled uterus that
doesn’t contract in response to palpation
5.Thickened or doughy – a pathologic condition,
thickening of the endometrium and other layers.
eg. Pyometra etc.

8. Condt.
Palpation of ovaries
# Follicles : 5-20 mm in diameter
# Smooth ovaries: no significant
heat
# Ovarian cyst: fluid filled structure
greater than 25mm in diameter
found in the absence of detectable
CL.
# Ovarian bursa : inspection for
adhesion, oviduct fluctuation or
thickening
# Tumor: rare
Fig. Ovarian cyst

9. Breeding Soundness Evaluation By Ultrasonography
Ultrasonography is modern and the most precise
method of breeding soundness examination. A probe
is inserted into rectum by using sound wave it
creates images of different organs in the monitor [2].
Fig. Ultrasonography machine

10. Ultrasound images and interpretation
Fig. Normal CL (Marked) Fig. Endometrium

11. Fig. Follicular cyst Fig. Luteal cyst
Fig. Pyometra Fig. Endometritis(marked)

12. Conclusion
Breeding soundness evaluation is the most
important task before bred to any animal.
Clinician will use different methods to evaluate
soundness of animal. Farm economy largely
depends on it. A sound and healthy dam will
produce healthy offspring that is the main goal
of BSE.

13. References
1. Verra, M. (2013, March 13). Bovine Ultrasound : Follicular vs Luteal
Cyst. Retrieved from
https://www.eimedical.com/blog/bid/87745/bovine-ultrasound-
follicular-vs-luteal-cysts
2. McSweeney (2014, April 24). Benefits of ultrasounds . Retrieved from
http://bovinetraining.com/benefits-of-ultrasound/
3. Hardin, D. (2015). Breeding Soundness Exam: A risk management
tool for cow-calf producers. Retrieved from
https://beef.unl.edu/breeding-soundness-exam-risk-management-tool-
for-cow-calf-producers
4. Jack, C (1993). Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology of the Cow.
Retrieved from https://extension2.missouri.edu/g2015

14. THANKS TO ALL