Checking your bull is ready for joining

Summary

A yearly examination of the bulls in the herd reduces the risk of poor-performing bulls and bull breakdowns.

This Primefact details the factors that should be checked annually to make sure that bulls are ready for joining and fit to perform to requirements. These checks include:

• scrotal circumference (strongly correlated with sperm cell output);
• sperm morphology and motility (the number of normal cells and how they move);
• the reproductive tract;
• soundness and health of the bull;
• mating ability and libido;
• age and condition; and
• social interactions between bulls.

Producers can do some basic monitoring of the bulls' breeding soundness, and vets will carry out more comprehensive testing.