Bull Breeding Soundness Clinics Set For Barry And Lawrence Counties
September 26, 2019
Top-notch beef cow operators pride themselves on a tightly bunched calf crop. Many now have a 60-day or less calving season.
Optimum cow pregnancy rate and calf crop percentage is important for profit potential of a beef cattle operation. Conducting a bull breeding soundness exam (BSE) to make sure your bull is structurally and reproductively sound prior to the breeding season is important to ensure these results according to Patrick Davis, livestock specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
“I urge cattle producers to contact your veterinarian to conduct a BSE to ensure your bull is ready for the breeding season,” said Davis.
One of the factors is adequate bull power.
A proven way to make sure bull power is adequate is to give bulls a breeding soundness exam about six weeks ahead of bull turnout. The semen evaluation is only a part of the breeding exam.
For fall-calving herds, that means check your bulls during October. Since 2005, bull breeding soundness clinics have been promoted. Over 3,800 bulls have been checked and between 10 and 15 percent have failed or required a second check.
“If you’re a gambler, you don’t check your bulls for breeding soundness before each turnout. Just remember that 10 to 15 percent of the random bulls in this program are less than ideal,” said Eldon Cole, livestock specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
Breeding soundness exams on bulls cost around $50. In addition, owners may want their bulls checked for trichomoniasis or have them DNA tested. All of these procedures alter the cost per bull but will add to their usefulness and extend their service in your herd.
The current schedule for the clinics include Oct. 9 at Barry County Vet Service, Cassville, (417) 847-2677; Oct. 8 and 15 at Dake Veterinary Clinic, Miller, (417) 452-3301; Oct. 17 at Animal Clinic of Diamond, Diamond, (417) 325-4136; and Oct. 30 at Countryside Animal Clinic, Aurora, (417) 678-4011.
The clinics are a cooperative effort of the above veterinarians, Zoetis and University of Missouri Extension.
Optimum cow pregnancy rate and calf crop percentage is important for profit potential of a beef cattle operation. Conducting a bull breeding soundness exam (BSE) to make sure your bull is structurally and reproductively sound prior to the breeding season is important to ensure these results according to Patrick Davis, livestock specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
“I urge cattle producers to contact your veterinarian to conduct a BSE to ensure your bull is ready for the breeding season,” said Davis.
One of the factors is adequate bull power.
A proven way to make sure bull power is adequate is to give bulls a breeding soundness exam about six weeks ahead of bull turnout. The semen evaluation is only a part of the breeding exam.
For fall-calving herds, that means check your bulls during October. Since 2005, bull breeding soundness clinics have been promoted. Over 3,800 bulls have been checked and between 10 and 15 percent have failed or required a second check.
“If you’re a gambler, you don’t check your bulls for breeding soundness before each turnout. Just remember that 10 to 15 percent of the random bulls in this program are less than ideal,” said Eldon Cole, livestock specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
Breeding soundness exams on bulls cost around $50. In addition, owners may want their bulls checked for trichomoniasis or have them DNA tested. All of these procedures alter the cost per bull but will add to their usefulness and extend their service in your herd.
The current schedule for the clinics include Oct. 9 at Barry County Vet Service, Cassville, (417) 847-2677; Oct. 8 and 15 at Dake Veterinary Clinic, Miller, (417) 452-3301; Oct. 17 at Animal Clinic of Diamond, Diamond, (417) 325-4136; and Oct. 30 at Countryside Animal Clinic, Aurora, (417) 678-4011.
The clinics are a cooperative effort of the above veterinarians, Zoetis and University of Missouri Extension.