Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation Thanks to Dr. Rod Christmas

Objectives Breeding Soundness Evaluation Components Physical Exam/Conformation Faults External and Internal Genital Exam Semen Exam Classification

Indications Pre-Breeding Pre-Purchase Post-Purchase If any questions

Medical History Vaccinations Previous Health Information

Management History Feed Previous Use Breeding Behavior Penis during Breeding

Physical Exam Locomotion

Physical Exam Skin

Physical Exam Permanent ID

Physical Exam Eyes

Physical Exam Teeth

Rear Limb conformation Locomotion--Critical. Sickle Hocked Cow Hocked Post Legged Crooked Legs/Feet

Rear Limb Conformation

Musculoskeletal disease Joints Laminitis Scars around coronary band Interdigital growths Footrot Hoof Cracks

Interdigital Fibroma

Examination of Underline

Visual Exam of Scrotum Scrotal Conformation Evidence of Injury Skin Lesions

Palpation Ensure There Are Two Free & Moveable Tone Symmetry Epididymis

Atrophied Left Testicle

Scrotal Circumference Indicates Fertility & Puberty Ensure Both Testicles are In Scrotum Cradle Scrotal Neck Place Tape at Largest Diameter Pull until Skin Indents

Scrotal Circumference Tape

Proper Tape Placement

Incorrect Hand Placement

Measurement

Breed listing of 205 day scrotal circumference need to produce an average yearling scrotal circumference of 32 cm Adapted for Geske, J.M.,et.al:Proceeding annual Meeting, Beef Improvement Federation (1994):

Internal Reproductive Organ Exam Seminal Vesicles Ampulla Prostate Gland Penis (internal portion) Inguinal Rings

Internal Genital Organs

Importance of Rectal Exam Pathology of Internal Reproductive Organs Stimulation

Methods of Collection Manual Massage Artificial Vagina Electroejaculation

Collecting Semen with Artificial Vagina

Electroejaculation

External Exam of Penis & Prepuce Incomplete Extension Frenulum Hair Rings Fibropapillomas (Warts) Prolapse of Prepuce Lacerations Adhesions

Penile Hair Ring

Persistent Frenulum

Penile Fibropapilloma

Semen Evaluation Equipment

Semen Evaluation Motility

Semen Evaluation Morphology Determined at 1000X Eosin-nigrosin stain 70% Normal

Making Slide

Normal Bovine Sperm

Common Sperm Abnormalities

Classification of Bulls Satisfactory Potential Breeder Deferred Unsatisfactory Potential Breeder

Society for Theriogenology

Additional Testing Trichomonas Cultures Brucellosis Pelvic Measurement Hip Height Carcass Ultrasound

Preputial Culture

Trichomoniasis Diagnosis: –Smear - detect high numbers –Culture - In-Pouch ® - culture or transport –Bulls better to culture - serial cultures from bulls

Economics of Testing 10-20% of All Bulls Tested will Fail the Examination 10% of Bulls that Pass will have Substandard Fertility Compared to Others -Pass the Standards, but have Inherent Infertility

Economics of Testing Bulls that have Passed a Breeding Soundness Examination will have a 7% Increase in Pregnancy Rates on Average Over Those that were not Tested.

Economics of Testing 35 Cows x 7% = 2.5 extra calves/bull Open Cow Value: 1200lb x $.50/cwt = $600 Bred Cow Value 2 nd Stage: App. $900 Difference/Cow = $300 x 2.5 = $750/bull Soundness Exam = $35-40/bull 20% Return on Investment!

Breeding Soundness Examination Summary Recommended Any Time a Bull is Turned Out on Cows. Invaluable Management Tool with High Return on Investment. Insurance that an Infertile Bull is not Diagnosed at Preg Check.

Questions?