Getting That New Bull

Submitted By: Emily Herring, Extension Livestock Agent, Pender County

A good way to ensure you are purchasing a good, sound bull would be by making sure a Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE) has been performed.  If one has not been performed on the bull you want to purchase yet you could get a licensed veterinarian to perform the exam.  The BSE will determine the capability of a bull for breeding purposes. A standard BSE will consist of a physical examination, examination of reproductive organs, and evaluation of semen. A bull must pass a normal physical and reproductive exam, have greater than 30% sperm motility, and greater than 70% sperm morphology.  A ’satisfactory’ rating means that the bull has passed all three criteria and is able to service the herd. If the veterinarian was not able to pass the bull on all three guidelines but feels that the bull’s condition may improve with time, he will give a ’deferred’ rating. Then the vet may suggest that you have your bull re-evaluated within 60-80 days to allow enough time for new sperm to be created. An ’unsatisfactory’ bull didn’t pass the BSE and is not suitable for breeding. Breeding soundness exams are usually fairly inexpensive and would strongly recommend one especially if you are using a new or unproven bull.

When thinking about purchasing a new bull, a few things need to be taken into consideration: 

• Look at your herd and establish long-term goals. Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of what you currently have and look for a bull to improve your stock.
• Find a reputable source to purchase from. You are investing in genetics and health that will have an effect on your herd and profit for years to come.
• Pick a bull with enough stature to get your calves in medium grade with good muscling and length. Check feet and legs for structural soundness.
• Expected Progeny Difference, or EPD’s, are a set of numbers that will compare how one bull’s genetics matches up to others of the same breed. These numbers will determine a specific bull’s genetic value on traits like birth weight, weaning weight, and calving ease.
• Select a bull that has either had a breeding soundness exam or is reproductively sound from external appearance. Avoid bulls with a small scrotal circumference or any obvious deformities.

There will be a Breeding Soundness Exam Day held at Harold and Jerry Flanagan's Farm in Farmville, NC on Wednesday March 16 at 9 am.  For more information, call Eve Honeycutt at 252-521-1706 or Jerry Flanagan at 252-341-2697.