Bull testing is a hugely important management tool. Here are some interesting points to ponder.
- Does the bull you have just lent from your neighbour or purchased from a breeder carry any genital diseases that may affect your cow herd and fertility numbers?
- Is your bull fertile?
- Can your bull mate?
- Should you be breeding with this animal?
- Is your dominant bull sub-fertile?
What should it involve?
- General clinical examination
- Clinical examination of internal and external genital organs.
- Measurement and palpation of testicles and scrotum
- Examination of penis
- Collection of semen
- Microscopic evaluation of semen for mass motility on farm
- Measurement and evaluation of volume, color and density of semen
- Evaluation of 100 sperm cells microscopically (phase contrast) for morphology
- Evaluation of percentage live sperm
- Blood collection for Contagious Abortion.
- Ear clip for BVD (Antigen test by lab.)
- Sheath scrapings for Trichomonas (and Vibriosis – test usually negative due to sensitivity of organism and not due to its absence).
- Tuberculosis testing
- Libido and mating dexterity are very difficult to evaluate at the time of testing
- South African Veterinary Association certificates are available for bulls testing at least 75% (golden standard) normal morphology as well as passing the standard requirements for the particular breed.
- Advice should be given by your veterinarian regarding slaughtering, retesting or using of substandard bulls.