Free Download: Bovine Fetal Sexing Quick Guide

Using ultrasound for foetal sex determination can be useful to herd management programmes. You can estimate the number of replacement heifers, further justify the culling of a cow with chronic disease (mastitis, lameness, etc.) and determine pricing for a sale and/or purchase.

Foetal sex is determined by evaluating the location and structure of the genital tubercle (precursor to the penis and clitoris) with an ultrasound machine. Foetal sex can be determined as early as 55 days post conception and up to approximately 110 days. The ideal time frame to diagnose foetal sex is between 55 and 70 days.