Assessing Bull Fertility

Authors

  • R. G. Saacke Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
  • S. Nadir Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
  • J. Dalton Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
  • R. L. Nebel Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
  • J. Bame Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA

Keywords:

bull fertility, testing, semen, reproductive capacity, embryos

Abstract

Our concepts involving assessment of bull fertility by evaluation of semen are changing rapidly. The overall research objective has been to predict the fertility of a male by subjecting the semen to appropriate laboratory/ field testing. We have not met this objective. Many tests and combinations of tests were found to have significant correlations to fertility, but fell far short of being predictive of fertility. A better understanding of the interaction of the male / inseminate with the female tract and ovum appears critical to semen and male evaluation. In this presentation of assessing bull fertility, I would to like to summarize our work on accessory sperm and the ova/ embryos from which they are taken and, wherever possible, relate the findings to our understanding of male/ inseminate fertility. Hopefully, from such a base, we can formulate a philosophy toward the assessment of the reproductive capacity of the bull.

Cover image of the 27th Conference Proceedings: A photo of two men herding cattle on horseback through a field of wildflowers in the Texas Hill Country. The men are wearing red western shirts and black cowboy hats. White background.

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Published

1995-09-14

Issue

1995

Section

Society for Theriogenology