Rheintechnik HKCATSCAN HK Pregnancy Tester Instruction Manual

: October 27, 2023
: Rheintechnik

Table of Contents

Rheintechnik HKCATSCAN HK Pregnancy Tester
Operating Instructions
HK pregnancy diagnosis unit for pigs
Warranty
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

Rheintechnik HKCATSCAN HK Pregnancy Tester

Operating Instructions

The probe should be placed approx.. 5-6 cm above the teatline, before the second teat from behind and directed in an angle of approx. 45º upwards against the animal’s body.

Percentage of correct diagnoses

Rheintechnik-HKCATSCAN -HK Pregnancy-Tester-01 Days after mating Results of a pregnancy diagnostics test from 362 sows between the 16th and 75th day after mating.

HK pregnancy diagnosis unit for pigs

With growth of the foetus and increase in the amniotic ﬂuid, the uterus considerably enlarge as pregnancy progresses. In the 3rd to 4th week of pregnancy, the uterus will lower into the abdominal cavity and its amniotic ﬂuid is measurable by the ultrasonic waves. A clear audible continuous tone indicates a pregnant animal. A rhythmical non continuous tone indicates a sufficient contact between the probe and animals skin. To get high diagnosis- precision, the use of the HK-pregnancy tester is recommended from the 30th day after mating.

Important notice: This appliance is supplied with a 9 volt alkaline- manganese battery. A reusable battery with battery charger can be ordered as an accessory. Please only use original parts for this appliance and follow the operating instructions. Under no circumstances should the appliance be operated with a battery charger if the battery has been inserted, since this can result in severe damage. To obtain a reusable battery and battery charger, please contact your specialist supplier or the manufacturer direct at www.rheintechnik.de

Functional test
Switch on the appliance by operating the ON/OFF key. Moisten the probe head with a few drops of contact oil (see details under 2). Then press the enclosed test piece on the probe. If a continuous signal can be heard, the appliance is operational. You must always check the battery status lamp. If the red lamp lights up, the battery must be changed immediately. No further tests must be carried out in this case, since the power supply required for a reliable test result is no longer assured.
Contact oil
The contact oil ensures airless contact between the animal‘s skin and the face of the probe, which is necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Before each diagnosis, apply a liberal amount of oil on the face of the probe. Any clean oil or gel, with exception of mineral oil, is suitable for this purpose. Paraffin oil, for example, has good properties. Contact gels are also suitable and are often preferred as hands and test unit stay cleaner.
Diagnosis spot and scanning-direction of the probe
The optimal diagnosis spot is situated approx. 5-6 cm above the teatline, before the second teat from behind. The probe should be directed at an angle of approx. 45 degrees upwards against the animal‘s body (see illustration 1 and 2). By moving the probe slightly forward and backward, the ultrasonic waves scan the medium part of the abdominal region. In the case of the unit with integrated ultrasonic head,
the whole unit has to be directed accordingly.
Diagnosis
A clear audible continuous tone that lasts for at least 1 – 2 seconds indicates a pregnant animal. A non-continuous tone indicates a sufficient contact between the probe and the skin; the animal is not pregnant.
Diagnosis precision
Diagnosis precision is optimal from the 30th to 75th day after mating (see illustration 3). However, the following aspects should be taken into consideration:
- The animal to be tested should stand in a natural position.
- If the probe is moved too much backwards, towards the tail, the ultrasonic waves can be reﬂected by the ﬂuidﬁlled bladder giving a false positive result. This risk can be minimized by removing access to drinking water for a couple of hours before testing.
- Apply fresh oil or gel on the face of the probe for each new placing.
- In case of negative result, repeat testing at a later date. This gives additional certainty.
- Gain some experience of testing by using pigs which are known to be pregnant or not pregnant respectively.
Automatic switch-off
The appliance switches off automatically after 3 minutes if no contact has been registered on the ultrasonic head within this time.
To restart, press the ON/OFF switch.
Changing the battery
To change the battery, unscrew the two screws on the battery compartment at the back of the appliance using a Phillips screwdriver. Take off the lid, remove the used battery from the clip and insert the new battery. Close the battery compartment. You must make absolutely sure that the lid is properly ﬁtted. Caution: avoid squeezing the cable. Please only use 9 volt alkaline- manganese batteries. Other types of battery impair the test performance and serviceability.
Looking after the appliance
The appliance should be thoroughly cleaned with a damp, clean cloth after each use. Persistent residues, particularly on the probe rubber
of the unit with an external probe, cause damage and reduce the serviceable life. Do not throw the appliance or let it drop, since this could damage the probe and the electronics. We recommend that you store the appliance in its case.

Warranty

Albert Kerbl GmbH grants you an 2-year guarantee on this article in accordance with our general guarantee conditions. These general warranty conditions can be found at www.kerbl.com/guarantee. We will also be happy to send you the warranty conditions by post. Your statutory warranty rights remain unaffected by our guarantee.

CE-/UKCA-conformity declaration
Albert KERBL GmbH hereby declares that the product / device described in these instructions complies with the fundamental requirements and other relevant stipulations and regulations. The CE-/UCKA-mark conﬁrms compliance with the Directives of the European Union or the releant UK legislation.

Electronic scrap
Disposing of this device after its service life is the responsibility of the operator. Please consult the valid national regulations. The device must not be disposed of in household waste. In accordance with the stipulations of the EU Directive on the Disposal of Electrical and Electronic Devices, the device can be disposed of free of charge at the local waste collection or recycling centre. Alternatively, it can be returned to retailers who offer a collection service. The proper disposal helps to ensure environmental protection and prevents any adverse effects on human health and the environment.

Kerbl UK Ltd
Lands End Way Oakham, Rutland LE15 6RF, UK
www.kerbl.co.uk

Albert Kerbl GmbH
Felizenzell 9 84428 Buchbach, Germany www.rheintechnik.de [email protected] +49 8086 933 – 100