STOCKTON, Mo. — Optimum cow pregnancy rate and calf crop percentage is important to 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,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Regional Livestock Field Specialist. Therefore, Davis urges cattle producers to contact their veterinarian to conduct a BSE to ensure their bull is ready for the breeding season.
MU Extension wants to educate cattle producers on other aspects of bull management in addition to the BSE so Davis will be working with local veterinarians and ZOETIS to conduct bull BSE clinics. In addition to the BSE, Davis will educate cattle producers on bull body condition scoring (BCS) and foot scoring (FS), which are tools to access the energy and structural status of the bull. “Bulls should be in a BCS of 6 as well as have an adequate FS for angle and claw set prior to the breeding season,” says Davis. Davis will also educate cattle producers on utilization of expected progeny differences (EPDS) and genomic testing information to improve their cattle operation.
“Giving booster vaccinations and treating for internal and external parasites at BSE time, ensures bulls are healthy and do not pass disease or parasite issues onto the cattle operation,” says Davis. To that extent, the partnership with ZOETIS during the clinics may allow the veterinarian to provide these products to the bull owner at a reduced cost. If you would like to participate in a Bull Breeding Soundness Exam Clinic on a date and location listed below contact the veterinary clinic listed to schedule your bull’s appointment.
- April 22nd El Dorado Springs Veterinary Clinic, El Dorado Springs, Mo. (417) 876-5805
- May 9th to 13th by appointment Cedar Creek Veterinary Clinic, Stockton, Mo. (417) 476-3060
“Whether you test your bulls through the BSE Clinic or with your local veterinarian, get them tested,” says Davis. Using bulls with poor fertility or structural problems hindering their ability to breed cows causes an excessive number of open cows, and less calves to sell, which leads to reduce operation profit potential. For more information on the Bull BSE Clinics contact Davis at (417) 276-3313 or by email at davismp@missouri.edu.
— MU Extension
