The relationship between estimates of ovarian size in live cattle and subsequent measurements post mortem

The reproductive tract of each of 122 cows was palpated transrectally by a veterinarian on the day before they were slaughtered, to obtain estimates of ovarian size and to identify palpable ovarian structures. Reproductive tracts were then retrieved post mortem. Ovarian volumes were recorded and compared with in vivo size scores (coded 1–5; 1 being the smallest). Ovarian volumes averaged 4.0 ml (score l), 7.0 ml (2), 10.0 ml (3), 12.9 ml (4) and 15.9 ml (5). There was a linear increase in ovarian volume of 3.0 ± 0.1 ml per score unit (r² = 0.792). The curvilinear regression included a significant quadratic term (p<0.05), but only accounted proportionally for an additional 0.003 of the sums of squares. Ovarian size score was about proportional to volume and could be used as a non-surgical technique to measure ovarian volume in live cattle.