Western Beef Resource Committee
Cattle Producer's Library
Reproduction Section CL425
Identifying the Functional Bull:
Bull Soundness and Management
Ed Duren, Extension AnimalScientist, University ofidaho
Jack Waiker. D. V.M., Weiser Vet Ciinic, Weiser, idaho
Evaluating breeding soundness of bulls is often ne men sample may show evidence of testicular damage
glected as a management practice. Producers may tend from a fever for several months after the illness.
to believe that bulls in the bull battery for a year or Eyes—k bull with poor vision is not only danger
more are of sound breeding value for the rest of their ous to handle but is usually dominated by other bulls to
life. They may also feel that new bulls are sound breed
the pointthat his breeding effectiveness is reduced. Both
ers simply because ofsome vague or implied guarantee eyes should be free from injuries or disease. Special
by the seller to replace infertile bulls. Unfortunately, care should be taken to examine eyes for early cancer
neither idea may be correct. Bulls that do not settle their
eye growths. Old pinkeye scars that result in loss of
share ofcows early in the breeding season are contrib vision may be reason to cull some bulls, especially in
uting to reproductive inefficiency. This can be just as multiple sire groups.
costly as dead calves, although much less dramatic.
Teeth and Mouth—Older bulls need to be exam
Bulls are selected for their genetic potential to im
prove the cow herd. It is economically important that ined for lost and severely worn teeth. Lump jaw (Acti-
all bulls are fertile. A breeding soundness examination nomycosis) is a chronic bone and soft tissue infection
performed yearly on each bull is the best way to predict that is not responsive to treatment. This type of infec
that the producer will get his money's worth from his tion is much more serious than the simple "cheatgrass"
bull battery. type abscesses that drain and then completely heal up.
Bulls with Actinomycosis should be culled as soon as
A basic breeding soundness evaluation consists of:
the condition is diagnosed.
• Physical examination ofthe animal.
Body Condition—Ranchers often disagree about
• Examination of reproductive organs.
what is the correct body condition for a breeding bull.
• Measurement of scrotal size.
Bulls should have enough condition to be strong with
• Semen evaluation.
some reserves ofenergy in the form offat. The required
In addition,the following tests or procedures may be amount of condition will vary with age, kind of range,
included in a breeding soundness evaluation: length of the breeding season, and the number ofcows
• Mating ability: Some assessment ofthe bull's desire per bull. A body condition score of 7 is desirable for
(libido)and ability to breed a female in heat(termed range bulls entering the breeding season.
serving capacity). . Feet and Legs—Structural soundness ofthe feet and
• Pelvic measurement. legs is paramount if the bull is to travel and mount fe
• Trichomoniasis testing. males in heat. A bull that is either sore or crippled will
not be able to perform under range conditions.
Physical Examination Structural defects ofthe feet and legs should be dis
The bull needs to be able to see,eat,smell,and move criminated against during the breeding soundness evalu
around to successfully breed his share of cows. Any ation. Some young bulls may have been foundered to
factor that lowers the efficiency of these activities will some degree in their growing phase. The foundered
have a negative effect on the bull's breeding ability. A condition may be fully expressed during the breeding
history of recent illness is also important since the se season, causing the bull to go lame and reducing his
425-1
