Serving capacity testing of 2-year-old bulls

Authors: Hughes PL
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 39, Issue 1, pp 35-36, Mar 1991
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Diagnostic procedures, Locomotor, Reproduction, Reproduction - male, Semen, Clinical examination
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: For some considerable period it has been my intention to record a note of caution about the use of the serving capacity test as a soundness examination for 2-year-old bulls. While the principles of the serving capacity test are well established and have proven in the field to be extremely valuable to the clinician, some care is required in its interpretation with 2-year-old bulls. This is specifically in the situation where certification for breeding soundness is required. Failure of a 2-year-old bull to perform (i.e. poor libido) at a single serving capacity test is not in my experience sufficient reason to issue a certificate of unsoundness for breeding purposes. This is based on my experience of testing about 200 bulls annually for 10 years. The situation I am concerned about often occurs in the spring, when bulls are tested prior to use after their purchase in the previous winter…

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