Getting a BSE for your bulls before turnout
During the breeding season, determining if your bulls will be satisfactory for your herd’s gene pool should be a top priority. This is where a breeding soundness evaluation can come in handy. This evaluation should be performed on bulls 30 to 60 days before breeding season starts to give ample time to find replacements.
What is BSE?
Breeding soundness evaluation, or BSE, is a method used to assess bulls, dairy or beef, used for natural mating. This examination is normally done by a veterinarian and consists of three parts: physical examination, measurement of scrotal size, and semen evaluation. It is important to complete all three parts to get a full picture of potential of your bulls.
Physical Examination
This may be the hardest part of the exam to be objective about. Some physical issues may not affect genetics, while others like poor conformation can lead to arthritis or hoof problems. A thorough check of the reproductive system is done to look for inflammation, abnormalities, or developmental defects. Further, body condition and size are assessed in this part.
An issue you may encounter is penile frenulum, or tied-back penis. While this issue is correctable it can be passed to offspring. Additionally, changes in testicular tone can reveal degenerative processes impacting fertility.
Measurement of Scrotal Size
This part of the analysis is better suited for younger bulls, as accuracy can decrease in bulls four years old and older. For young bulls, scrotal circumference, testicular size, and sperm production are very closely related. This circumference is simple, repeatable and 60-70% heritable.
Semen Evaluation
According to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, electro-ejaculation is the most common semen collection method. It is a harmless procedure and provides an acceptable sample to examine. This allows the analyzer to look at two prominent characteristics, mobility and structure of the sperm. Next, if they do indicate abnormalities they are classified as primary issues during sperm development, or secondary, sperm storage issues.
BSE Classification
After a complete evaluation is done the bull will be classified as satisfactory, unsatisfactory or deferred. If one part of the examination is failing, that can lead to unsatisfactory or deferred classification. If a bull is deferred, it can be reevaluated in the next 30-60 days. This period is given because it takes approximately 60 days to develop sperm.
Benefits
Conducting a BSE for your herd can help weed out the animals that may hold back the progression of genetics. When these examinations are done, 1 out of 5 bulls are found to be below satisfactory. Having unsound bulls in your herd can end up costing you more in the long run.
If your bulls need an evaluation, schedule a visit from your local veterinarian. To find more information regarding BSE, check out this article. https://www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/FSA-3046.pdf
