What process is used to test cattle for pregnancy?

The process known as "sleeving" refers to a method used to palpate the reproductive tract of the cow manually to determine if the animal is pregnant. During this procedure, a veterinarian or trained professional inserts an arm into the cow's rectum and feels for the presence of a fetus in the uterus. This method is considered effective and is commonly used due to its immediate results.

Ultrasound scanning is indeed a method for testing pregnancy, but it is less commonly referred to as "sleeving," and it typically involves using specialized equipment to visualize the fetus. Blood testing can also indicate pregnancy by detecting specific hormones, while visual inspection alone is insufficient for accurately determining pregnancy status, as obvious signs may not always be present. Therefore, sleeving is recognized as a direct and practical approach to assessing pregnancy in cattle.