The following criteria should be measured during a Breeding Soundness Exam.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n General physical qualities<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Feet and leg structure<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Body condition<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Vision<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 General health<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reproductive system<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Scrotal circumference (cm)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Reproductive tract infections<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Penis abnormalities<\/p>\n\n\n\n Semen quality<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Number or concentration<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Motility (has at least 30% moving sperm)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Morphology (is at least 70% normal)<\/p>\n\n\n\n A satisfactory bull has been determined to be acceptable if all the criteria are met. It is important to note that this is not a guarantee of fertility, but an assurance that nothing was found that would affect potential fertility. Bulls, particularly yearlings, must be observed to ensure that acceptable libido or sexual desire persist through the breeding season. The cost of a BSE will vary, but typically, this fee is minimal compared to the cost of one open cow or having multiple calves born later in the calving season. If a calf is born 21 days late, that would equate to roughly 50 pounds of lost gain.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Body Condition Score:<\/strong> When developing or purchasing a bull, a correct assessment of body condition score is critical to his breeding performance during the season. Prior to turning a bull out for service, make sure that he is at an ideal body condition score of around 5 to 6 on a 1 through 9 scale. If you would like more information about BCS that information can be obtained HERE. <\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Health: <\/strong>The pre-breeding period is an appropriate time for vaccinations and parasite control. Newly purchased bulls from a reputable program should already have been given vaccinations. This information can be obtained from the sale catalog or ask the seller for herd records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nutrition:<\/strong> Herd bulls should have an abundant supply of clean water and appropriate nutrition in the form of high quality forage, feedstuffs, and mineral supplements. Supplement mature bulls as needed to achieve a BCS of 5 or 6. A working herd bull will use his energy reserve during the breeding season. Yearling bulls weighing 1,500 pounds need to consume roughly 2.5% of their body weight on a dry matter (DM) basis. Growers should monitor the weight of each bull to insure they continue to gain approximately 2 pounds of body weight (BW) per day prior to the beginning of the breeding season or if the bulls are 2 years of age. This will likely require supplemental feeding. The National Research Council\u2019s Nutrient Requirements for Beef Cattle list the percentages as the minimum daily intake (DM) required for a 1,500-pound bull to gain 2 pounds per day in Table 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have any questions please contact your local county Extension agent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Resources:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Are Your Bulls Ready for Breeding Season?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Body Condition Scoring Beef Cows<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/colquittag\/files\/2021\/01\/bulls.jpg\")
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