BULL TESTING – SAVING YOU BIG BUCKS
Here at Compass Veterinary Livestock Services we are proud to offer a full Bull testing service.
Case Study:
350 head beef herd Bulls running at 1/50 cows for a 6 week mating. 80% pregnancy rate (normally 95%) Cows were in good condition, bulls were run at a tight ratio (1:40 is better), feed was good – but cows didn’t get in calf
6 Bulls were tested:
| Bull 1 | Swollen hocks – semen normal |
| Bull 2 | Swollen Hocks, very lame, semen normal |
| Bull 3 | Swollen Hocks – normal |
| Bull 4 | Poor Feet & poor semen quality |
| Bull 5 | Corkscrew penis & poor semen quality |
| Bull 6 | Poor feet, poor semen quality, poor body condition and small testicles |
All the bulls tested had something wrong. Some more severe than others. But the end result was a number of bulls were not functioning at 100%, and when run at tight ratios for short compact matings, there was a breakdown.
If these bulls had been tested prior to mating, issues such as poor feet, poor conformation and semen quality issues could have been identified and bulls either removed from service or run at more generous ratios.
At around $100 a head, bull testing is cheap insurance.
Clients comment:
“Having the option to test these bulls and assess their ability to get the job done is extremely valuable. I would recommend testing your bulls BEFORE they go in with the herd, rather than when you have a problem!”
Make sure bulls can perform
We recommend testing any newly purchased bulls as soon as they arrive on your property, that way if there are any problems they can be dealt with quickly. Its worth mentioning bull testing to suppliers of bulls, increasingly testing is being done prior to sale. (all purchased bulls should be BVD and Vibrio vaccinated!!)
We then recommend testing all bulls on the property prior to the mating season – this is also good opportunity to also ensure yearly vaccinations for Vibrio, BVD and 5in1 have been done.
A bull testing exam includes:
- Examination of feet, legs, joints and gait – swollen joints & poor feet affect mobility & service rates
- Examination of eyes, teeth and jaw – it should go without saying that the working bull needs to see well and eat!
- Measurement of scrotal circumference (This is critical because bulls with testicles below a certain size will be less fertile.)
- Palpation of the penis and testicles (Often problems can be detected from the consistency of the testicles)
- Semen Evaluation (A sample of ejaculate is examined to check quality and quantity of healthy sperm).
If you have any queries about our bull testing service or would like to know more, please give us a call: 8556 2496
Did you know?
We offer in house bull testing so that we can get results to you fast, generally within 48 hours.
