Surgical Restoration Of Breeding Bulls

Abstract

Injury or disease involving the reproductive tract of bulls is a significant cause of economic and genetic loss to cattle producers. An abattoir survey of 550 bulls in Northern Australia found that preputial (prolapse 3.1 %, abscess 0.54%, papillomatosis 0.18%) and penile injuries (persistent frenulum 0.36%, hematoma 0.54%, fractured penis 0.18%, abscess 0.18%) were common. Spitzer et al examined 862 yearling bulls and found that 109 failed breeding soundness examination. Abnormalities in the 109 yearling bulls included persistent penile frenulum (16.5%), fibropapilloma (1.8%), and penile abnormalities (1.8%). Chenoweth et al found breed differences in the occurrence of abnormalities of the reproductive tract. Herefords had larger and firmer seminal vesicles, Brahmans had testicular hypoplasia more frequently, Brahmans had smaller seminal vesicles, Shorthorn Hereford cross cattle had more preputial ulcerations, and Brahman cross cattle had preputial prolapse more frequently.