“Calf production is perhaps the most important metric that supports the existence of the cattle industry, making bull health and productivity incredibly important” says Ian McGregor, MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. The Bull Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE) days are intended to assess the general health, structural soundness, and reproductive potential of bulls, as well as providing education regarding bull management for successful breeding seasons to individual producers. During the SW MO Spring BSE Days, MU Extension partnered with 7 veterinary clinics to educate 43 farms on bull management and 152 bulls received a BSE. There were 12 bulls that either failed their exam or were deferred to be tested later by a veterinarian. That is an 8% failure/deferral rate, which is similar to BSE Day results in previous years. Reasons for failure include low quality semen, no semen sample, penile injury, penile warts, and scrotal frostbite. Bulls that failed can be replaced ahead of the breeding season to help support a successful breeding season. Bulls that were deferred can be retested in 60 days.
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