Where should the probe of an ultrasonic pregnancy tester be held to check if a sow is pregnant?

The probe of an ultrasonic pregnancy tester should be held under the rear flank between the hairline and nipples to assess whether a sow is pregnant. This position is effective because it allows the probe to be placed over the uterus, which is located in that area of a sow's body. When the probe sends out ultrasonic waves, it can bounce off the structures within the uterus and provide a clear indication of whether there are developing embryos or fetuses present.

Using this specific location is crucial for obtaining accurate results, as other areas of the body may not provide the same level of clarity or may not intersect with the reproductive organs effectively. For example, placing the probe under the front leg or between the ears would not allow it to make contact with the reproductive structures needed for confirming pregnancy. Similarly, positioning it on the back near the tail would be too far from the reproductive organs to gather relevant information. Hence, the correct positioning at the rear flank is key for successful detection of pregnancy in sows.