What is breeding soundness evaluation of bulls? The term breeding soundness evaluation is often used to describe a bull's ability to get cows pregnant. However, too often there are broad expectations when this term is used. This presentation will discuss those facets necessary to identify bulls that are capable of getting a reasonable number of cows pregnant in a limited breeding season. High reproductive efficiency is the most important factor for economic success in cow-calf enterprises, typicallyhaving greater impact than growth rate, feed efficiency and carcass quality. Therefore, in order to be profitable and assure optimal animal welfare, each cow on a farm or ranch should raise a calf to weaning each year. For optimal utilization of ranch resources all calves should be born in a relatively short period of time, thereby facilitating surveillance of calving, performance of health maintenance procedures and the ability to take advantage of seasonal marketing opportunities. Bull breeding soundness evaluations prior to breeding is one tool that helps ensure that only bulls with a high likelihood of achieving pregnancy will be utilized.
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