Ensure bull breeding soundness for a successful season

By Blake Jackson

The Southwest Missouri Fall Bull Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE) Days aim to help cattle producers identify unsound breeding bulls and replace them before the breeding season.

Patrick Davis, a livestock field specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, emphasizes the significance of this effort: “It is important for reproductive performance and profitability of the cattle operation to identify bulls that are not sound breeders and replace them prior to the breeding season.”

This program educates producers on effective bull management while assessing bull health and breeding readiness. Collaborating with six veterinary clinics and two pharmaceutical companies, MU Extension provided resources and guidance to 53 farms, examining 184 bulls during the event.

Eleven bulls failed or were deferred for retesting within 60 days due to issues like no semen sample, poor semen quality, or injuries, reflecting a 6% failure/deferral rate. Davis explains that bulls failing a retest should be replaced to optimize breeding season success.

Body condition scores (BCS) were also evaluated as part of the educational initiative. “Optimum body condition score (BCS) is important for bull performance during the breeding season,” says Davis. Of the bulls examined, 15 were considered thin, with a BCS of 4 or less.

Most of these were younger bulls, aged 3 years or under. Since younger bulls are still growing, maintaining proper nutrition or substituting them during the season is critical to avoid long-term performance issues.

Bull structure was another focus of the program, as structural soundness impacts breeding efficiency and herd longevity. “Bull structure is important for breeding performance and longevity,” Davis states.

Issues such as toe curl, short heel, weak pasterns, or straight legs were identified in 11 bulls, potentially impairing their ability to breed and passing on structural flaws to offspring. Producers were encouraged to prioritize structurally sound bulls during selection and breeding.

This collaborative effort between MU Extension, veterinarians, and pharmaceutical companies highlights the importance of proper bull management for a successful breeding season.

Veterinarians in southwestern Missouri interested in participating in future events are encouraged to contact their local MU Extension livestock field specialist for more information.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-steveoehlenschlager