INFLUENCE OF AGE, BREED, AND STAGE OF PREGNANCY ON HEPATIC ULTRASONOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN COWS

Influence of age, breed, and stage of pregnancy on hepatic ultrasonogr aphic findings of cows was determined. In addition, the relation betwe en body weight, height at the withers, milk production, and the measur ements determined via ultrasonography was investigated. The liver of 1 86 cows was examined ultrasonographically. The cows comprised Swiss Br aunvieh, Simmental, and Holstein breeds, and age ranged from 2.5 to 11 .5 years. The ultrasonographic findings of the liver, gallbladder, cau dal vena cava, and portal vein were described, and the position, size, thickness, and distal angle of the liver were determined. In addition , the position and diameter of the caudal vena cava and portal vein we re determined. There was no significant difference between any of the variables determined and breed or age. Therefore, measurements for the 3 breeds and for the various ages were summarized into 1 group. There were significant correlations between body weight, milk production, a nd size and thickness of the liver. In 3 pregnant cows, the liver was examined ultrasonographically 8 times during the course of pregnancy. Positive correlation was detected between stage of pregnancy and diame ter of the caudal vena cava. There was a negative correlation between stage of pregnancy and diameter of the portal vein. In 23 cows, the ul trasonographically determined measurements of the liver were compared with those determined at slaughter. Weight of the liver correlated wel l to thickness of the liver determined via ultrasonography.