What is a bull breeding soundness exam?
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.
What is a breeding soundness evaluation?
The breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) is a practical method to identify bulls with less than satis factory breeding potential. This evalu ation should be conducted on every bull at least 30 to 60 days before each breeding season to allow enough time for replacement of deferred or unsatis factory bulls.
What are the parts of a breeding soundness exam?
A BSE has three components – scrotal circumference, a physical exam, and a semen evaluation. bull have a scrotal circumference of at least 30 cm. The physical exam is performed to simply ensure that a bull is physically up to the challenge of the breeding season.
How much is a breeding soundness exam?
between $55 to $65 per bull
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 a good sperm count for a bull?
To successfully complete a BSE, a bull must have at least 30% sperm motility, 70% normal sperm morphology, and a minimum scrotal circumference based on age. Bulls meeting the preceding minimum requirements are classified as satisfactory potential breeders.
What age can a bull be fertility tested?
between 11 and 15 months
Yearling bulls mature rapidly between 11 and 15 months of age and evaluations done at an early age may not accurately reflect their breeding potential several months into the future. Bulls can be tested for fertility using a breeding soundness exam.
Why are breeding soundness exams performed?
The breeding soundness examination (BSE) plays an important role in herd reproduction. Successful operations require that bulls have the ability to identify estrus females, service the females, and produce high quality sperm to fertilize the waiting egg.
What is soundness in animals?
During the structural soundness assessment, the veterinarian examines the overall condition of the animal including the flesh, feet, legs, eyes and teeth.
What are the components of a breeding soundness evaluation BSE?
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.
Why do we breed soundness exams?
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 do you test a bull?
Nonetheless, there are other examinations and tests that will give an indication of a bull’s reproductive potential. They are: physical examination; • examination of the reproductive tract; • semen tests; and • serving capacity/ libido tests.
