Bull Breeding Soundness Examinations

What?

We have recently imported a clever device from America to obtain semen samples from bulls.

How?

Basically a gently increasing current is applied to the bull's prostate until he cannot help himself, but produce a sample. We then look at the sample under the microscope and assess the sperm's number, shape and mobility.

Where?

All we need is a secure race and crush with access to the bull's backside and underneath, near to a sheltered area with mains electricity for the microscope.

Why?

If you have ever had a bull that doesn't work you'll know the answer to this. It takes at least 3 weeks to see whether a bull is stopping cows (5-8 weeks to confirm it by ultrasound scanning). This delay in getting your cows pregnant costs serious amounts of money.

Which Bulls? When?

o For seasonally calving herds the bulls should be tested TWO MONTHS BEFORE starting work. This will leave time to source replacements before they are needed. o Farms with several bulls can use the results to decide how many cows to put with each bull, or which bulls to pair up.
o Bought in bulls can be tested on arrival.
o Bulls that are not performing as expected can be tested.

Cost Benefit?

Beef A delay in getting 50 cows pregnant by 6 weeks will severely interfere with management, reduce weaning weights by 42kg, costing £3,000

Dairy Each day above the optimum calving interval costs around £5 per cow, that's £3,150 in three weeks for 30 cows. That figure doesn't include over £1,500 per extra cull for failure to conceive.

Please contact the large animal team for more information.