Bull Breeding Soundness Exams

Summary

In this video, Sandy Johnson from K-State Research and Extension discusses the importance of bull breeding soundness exams (BSE). These exams assess a bull's reproductive health and performance, identifying potential unsatisfactory breeders before the breeding season. The BSE includes a physical exam, scrotal circumference measurement, and semen analysis. The video emphasizes the critical need for these exams before breeding to prevent issues like infertility, which can lead to pregnancy failure in the herd. Sandy encourages working with local veterinarians to schedule these exams for better herd management and reduced risk.

Takeaways

• 😀 Breeding soundness exams (BSE) are crucial for managing fertility risks in herds and ensuring bulls perform well during the breeding season.
• 😀 BSE helps identify unsatisfactory breeders or bulls with potential fertility issues, reducing the risk of pregnancy failure due to infertility.
• 😀 A breeding soundness exam includes a complete physical exam, evaluation of feet, legs, eyes, palpation of internal reproductive organs, scrotal circumference measurement, and semen evaluation.
• 😀 Bulls should undergo a breeding soundness exam before each breeding season, ideally conducted far enough in advance to allow for replacements if necessary.
• 😀 BSEs do not test the bull's libido, although tests for sexual capacity exist, they are challenging to implement and not reliable.
• 😀 On average, 10-20% of bulls, regardless of age, will be found unsatisfactory as breeders each year.
• 😀 Bulls should be observed during the breeding season, especially yearling bulls, as their performance can vary despite passing a BSE.
• 😀 BSEs are estimated to have a 1:20 cost-to-benefit ratio, making them a cost-effective tool for managing breeding risk.
• 😀 The National Association dedicated to reproductive studies, the Society for Theriogenology (SFT), sets semen quality guidelines used in BSEs.
• 😀 Bulls need to undergo BSEs at least 60 days before the breeding season, as it takes this long for them to recover from any factors, like high temperature, that might impair semen production.
• 😀 To reduce the risk of fertility problems, work with local veterinarians and schedule regular breeding soundness exams for your bulls before each breeding season.

Q & A

What is a breeding soundness exam (BSE)?

A breeding soundness exam (BSE) is a thorough evaluation of a bull's physical and reproductive health, including a physical exam, scrotal circumference measurement, semen analysis, and palpation of internal reproductive organs. The goal is to identify bulls that may not be suitable for breeding.

Why are breeding soundness exams important for herd management?

BSEs help identify unsatisfactory breeders, reducing the risk of infertility and pregnancy failures in the herd. They provide an opportunity to replace bulls with fertility issues before the breeding season begins, ensuring better reproductive success.

What does a breeding soundness exam evaluate in bulls?

A BSE evaluates several factors including the bull's physical health (feet, legs, eyes), reproductive health (internal organs), semen quality, and scrotal circumference, which is a key indicator of fertility.

Can a BSE test a bull’s libido or willingness to mate?

No, a BSE does not assess a bull's libido or mating behavior. While there are tests to measure libido, they are challenging to implement and not very repeatable. Observing bulls during the breeding season is important to assess this aspect.

What is the typical cost-to-benefit ratio of a breeding soundness exam?

Breeding soundness exams have an estimated cost-to-benefit ratio of 1 to 20, meaning the cost of conducting a BSE is far outweighed by the benefits, such as reducing the risk of infertility-related pregnancy failures.

How often should bulls undergo breeding soundness exams?

Bulls should undergo a breeding soundness exam before each breeding season, as fertility can change from year to year. Regular exams help ensure that only healthy, fertile bulls are used for breeding.

When is the best time to conduct a breeding soundness exam?

BSEs should be conducted well in advance of the breeding season, ideally 60 days before. This allows time to address any fertility issues and make replacements if necessary, while avoiding potential changes due to environmental factors like a winter storm.

How long does it take for a bull to recover from an insult that affects semen production?

It typically takes around 60 days for a bull to recover from an insult that affects semen production, such as high temperatures or physical stress.

What percentage of bulls may be identified as unsatisfactory breeders in any given year?

Studies show that between 10 to 20% of all bulls, regardless of age, may be identified as unsatisfactory breeders in any given year.

What is the role of a veterinarian in the breeding soundness exam process?

A veterinarian plays a crucial role in conducting the breeding soundness exams. They help schedule the exams, perform the necessary evaluations, and provide expert advice on the health and fertility of the bulls.