Breeding Soundness of the Bull Flashcards
Are breeding soundness evaluations used more in the dairy or beef industry?
Beef
What are 5 components of a bull breeding sounds evaluation?
- Bull’s history
- General PE
- Examine testes and measure scrotal circumference
- Detailed exam of genital tract
- Collection/analysis of semen samples
What are the 4 parts of a bull BSE?
- PE
- Minimum scrotal circumference based on age
- Minimum progressive motility of 30%
- Minimum of 70% morphologically normal cells
How many parts of the bull BSE must be passed for a bull to be considered to have satisfactory potential as a breeder?
All 4 parts!
What is NOT included in a routine BSE?
Test mating
A test mating can be scheduled if a bull has a history of what?
Infertility or failure to breed
What are 3 things that can be reveled with a test mating?
- Penile deviations
- Evaluation of libido
- Ability to make intromission
What are 4 components of the bull’s history that should be taken into account?
- How long has owner had bull
- Vaccination and deworming
- Previous injuries or illness
- Bull’s breeding HX
What are 3 pieces of information that should be recorded about the bull?
- Signalment
- Permanent ID (Tattoo, tag, brand)
- BCS
What are 6 acceptable forms of permanent ID for bulls?
- Metal ear tag
- Tattoo
- Hot brand
- Freeze brand
- Horn brand
- EID
What are 2 important aspects of a PE when evaluating a bull for breeding soundness?
- Watch him walk
- Inspect the eyes
What are 3 other aspects of a PE for a bull?
- Check his age (teeth)
- Look at conformation
- Palpate sheath
Is scissor claw a hereditary condition?
Yes
What is the term for when the hock and fetlock joint are straighter than they should be?
Post-legged
What comes after the regular PE with a BSE in bulls?
Exam of external genitalia
What are 2 aspects of exam the external genitalia?
- Examine prepuce and external sheath
- Palpate penis through sheath
What are 3 conditions to check for when visualizing the penis?
- Warts
- Hair ring
- Persistent frenulum
Examination of external genitalia should consist of methodical palpation of what 4 body parts?
- Testicles
- Epididymis
- Pampiniform plexus/testicular cords
- Scrotum
What are 3 aspects of evaluating the testicles?
- Should be same size and shape
- Feel firm like a flexed forearm
- Check temperature
What are 4 aspects of the epididymus to check on palpation?
- Size
- Shape
- Consistency
- Pain
How should the scrotum appear?
Pendulous with no skin lesions.
What is used to measure the circumference of the scrotum?
Where should it be measured?
- Scrotal tapes
- Around widest portion of scrotum
What has the closest correlation with daily sperm output in the bull?
Scrotal circumference
Scrotal circumference is significant for what 2 reasons?
- Larger scrotal circumference produces more sperm
- Female offspring come into estrus sooner
What is the minimum recommended scrotal circumference in a bull 15 months old or less?
30 cm
What is the minimum recommended scrotal circumference in a bull between 15 and 18 months old?
31 cm
What is the minimum recommended scrotal circumference in a bull between 18 and 21 months old?
32 cm
What is the minimum recommended scrotal circumference in a bull between 21 and 24 months old?
33 cm
What is the minimum recommended scrotal circumference in a bull greater than 24 months old?
34 cm
What type of examination allows for evaluation of internal genital structures?
Rectal examination
Why is it important to clear fecal material from the rectum?
Allows probe electrodes to contact rectal mucosa.
How does a rectal exam aid in semen collection?
Pre-stimulation for electro-ejaculation
What are 4 parts of the internal male genital tract that can be palpated on a rectal exam?
- Ampulla
- Seminal vesicle
- Urethralis muscle
- Prostate