Fetal sex determination by ultrasonically locating the genital tubercle in ewes

Accuracy of transrectal ultrasonographic determination of fetal sex by identifying and locating the genital tubercle was determined in 29 ewes with single fetus at 60 to 69 d post breeding. Examinations were conducted once under farm conditions utilizing a real-time diagnostic scanner equipped with a linear-array 5 MHz transducer. Definite diagnoses were made after lambing. Total accuracy was 89%, and 100% (14/14) of the male fetuses and, 76% (10/13) of the female fetuses were correctly diagnosed. In 2 (7%) ewes, fetal sex was not determinable. (C) 1998 by Elsevier Science Inc.