What are the 4 major parts of the bull breeding soundness exam?
A BSE consists of the following four components:
- Physical exam. A bull needs to be able to see, eat, smell, and move around to successfully breed cows.
- Scrotal circumference. This measurement evaluates testicular size and health as well as estimates the bull’s sperm-producing capacity.
- Sperm motility.
- Sperm morphology.
What does a breeding soundness exam consist of?
The breeding soundness examination (BSE) involves a complete and systematic evaluation of the reproductive potential of a given male, including mating ability and libido, general physical examination and inspection of the genital organs, and assessment of sperm production and quality.
What is required to conduct a breeding soundness evaluation in cattle?
The breeding soundness exam (BSE) is much more than a “semen test.” It consists of a physical exam that should include examination of the eyes, feet and legs, teeth (if an older bull), and general overall condition. The bull should show a menace (blinking) response when its eyes are examined.
How do you Fertility test a bull?
Fertility testing of bulls is a fairly simple procedure. We use an electrical stimulus to induce a semen sample from the bull. Then we examine the sperm under a microscope. Ideally, there is a large concentration of ‘motile’ sperm, which means there are a lot of little guys alive and swimming around.
How much does a breeding soundness exam cost?
The average breeding soundness exam costs between $55 to $65 per bull and depending on the veterinarian the cost can go down based on the volume of animals tested. Both Koziol and Armstrong believe the benefits of performing a yearly breeding soundness exam outweigh the costs and time it takes to do the exam.
What is bull evaluation?
The evaluation indicates whether a bull has met a set of standards for key fertility components which indicate whether a bull has a high probability of being fertile. The components are: Scrotal circumference (cm) and tone or resilience.
What physical traits would a veterinarian assess during a breeding soundness exam?
During the structural soundness assessment, the veterinarian examines the overall condition of the animal including the flesh, feet, legs, eyes and teeth.
How do you tell if a bull is breeding?
Look for raised hair, mud or bare patches over the female’s hindquarters. Also an indication of mating and estrus activity, it is another useful way to see if a cow has been serviced or not. These characteristics should be used to note breeding activity, but only if there is a breeding bull with the females.
How much does it cost to have a bull tested?
How much does a bull soundness exam cost?
The average breeding soundness exam costs between $55 to $65 per bull and depending on the veterinarian the cost can go down based on the volume of animals tested.
How much does it cost to trich test a bull?
A breeding soundness exam, or fertility test, and a trich test usually cost around $50 each. On deciding when to get a bull soundness exam, Fernandez advises beef producers to conduct these fertility tests on all bulls every year.
How do you test a bull?
Semen collection and testing involves a number of processes. The most common method of semen collection is by electro-ejaculation whereby a probe that contains an electric current is inserted into the bull’s anus and small electrical impulses stimulate the bull to erection.
How are heifers evaluated for breeding soundness?
Heifers are evaluated based on breed, physical soundness, conformation, genetic analysis, growth, body condition score, visual appraisal, etc. In addition, heifers should receive a thorough breeding soundness examination to ensure selection of the animals that are most likely to be reproductively sound.
When to do a soundness evaluation on a bull?
The bull’s ability to locate cows in estrus and breed them is clearly vital to a successful breeding program. For the breeding soundness evaluation to be successful, bulls should be evaluated 30 to 60 days before the start of breeding. It is important to allow sufficient time to replace questionable bulls.
What to look for in a breeding bull?
The breeding soundness exam (BSE) is much more than a “semen test.” It consists of a physical exam that should include examination of the eyes, feet and legs, teeth (if an older bull), and general overall condition. The bull should show a menace (blinking) response when its eyes are examined.
How often should I check my cow’s soundness?
The Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BSE) is a relatively quick and economic procedure that can be performed by your veterinarian. It is recommended that all bulls be checked annually, within 60 days of the start of the breeding season.