Poor Pregnancy Scanning Results in Ewes – What Might Be Going Wrong?
Disappointing pregnancy scanning results can be frustrating and costly, but they often provide valuable clues about issues earlier in the production cycle.

• Understanding the likely causes is the first step to improving next season’s performance.
One of the most common reasons for poor scanning is ewe body condition.
Ewes that are too light or lost condition before and during mating will have lower ovulation rates and poorer embryo survival.

• Ideally, ewes should be at condition score 3 (lowland) or 2.5–3 (upland) at tupping, with nutrition steady or rising.
• Sudden feed shortages, poor-quality grazing, or competition can all reduce conception rates.