Determining Fetal Gender: Practice Makes Perfect

Transrectal ultrasounds can be up to 100% accurate in determining fetal sex at a determined gestational age.
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For nearly 20 years, veterinarians have been determining fetal gender using transrectal ultrasound. While it’s exciting for a mare owner to know the sex of the new addition before it arrives, just how accurate are these ultrasound procedures?

According to Italian field veterinarian Marco Livini, DVM, of Veterinari Associati Ippovet, in Milan, these transrectal ultrasounds can be up to 100% accurate in determining fetal sex when practiced on a regular basis at a determined gestational age. Livini presented his findings at the 2010 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention held Dec. 4-8 in Baltimore, Md.

Livini performed 572 transrectal ultrasounds between 2006 and 2008, categorizing each by gender between 55 and 70 days of gestation, and between 90 and 150 days of gestation. The mares Livini examined were of a variety of breeds and ranged in age from 3 to 18 years.

By focusing on certain anatomical parts for the 55- to 70-day ultrasounds and certain parts for the 90- to 150-day ultrasounds, Livini found it was relatively easy to determine fetal sex. Between 90-150 days of gestation, in female fetuses, the "target organs" that Livini focuses on are the teats and the mammary gland, the vulva, the clitoris, and the gonads. In male fetuses, Livini suggests focusing on the penis and prepuce, the urethra, the epididymis and vascular pedicle, and the gonads

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Erica Larson, former news editor for The Horse, holds a degree in journalism with an external specialty in equine science from Michigan State University in East Lansing. A Massachusetts native, she grew up in the saddle and has dabbled in a variety of disciplines including foxhunting, saddle seat, and mounted games. Currently, Erica competes in eventing with her OTTB, Dorado.

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