Abstract
BackgroundThere is a growing interest in beef cattle breeding in Sweden. The majority of the females are bred naturally, which is why it is important to choose healthy fertile bulls to obtain good reproduction and profitability. The breeding soundness evaluation includes measurement of scrotal circumference (SC). Our aim was to analyze if the SC of performance tested beef bulls has changed over the years. In total, 1332 bulls (Angus, Charolais, Hereford and Simmental) from 13 batches (1997-2010) were included in the study. Case book entries from final evaluation of the bulls, 11-13 months old, were compiled and analyzed.ResultsAn overall mean SC of 34.7 cm independent of breed and age was found which is above the set minimum level. Only eleven bulls did not reach the minimum level. An increase in SC of 0.06-0.07 cm/year was shown for all breeds. In all (1997-2010), the increase of the average SC (independent of breed and age) was approximately 1 cm. The positive trend was apparent for all breeds but only statistically significant for the Charolais breed.ConclusionsIn conclusion, our results indicated an increase in the SC over time, which improves the possibilities to obtain performance tested beef sires in Sweden with the potential for achieving better fertility results.
Highlights
There is a growing interest in beef cattle breeding in Sweden
First the gait of the bull was assessed at a walking pace and at trot and the bull was placed in a crush and the testes and epididymides were carefully palpated, the size of the testes assessed, the prepuce inspected and the scrotal circumference measured with a metal scrotal tape (Sullivan Supply Inc; Dunlap, Iowa, USA)
Weight and mean scrotal circumference for each breed and year are shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4
Summary
The majority of the females are bred naturally, which is why it is important to choose healthy fertile bulls to obtain good reproduction and profitability. Our aim was to analyze if the SC of performance tested beef bulls has changed over the years. Selection of herd sires is a critical decision affecting reproductive performance and profitability, since the fertility of the bull is of greater importance for the total pregnancy result than that of the individual female [3]. Sub-fertile bulls delay conception, prolong the calving season, reduce calf weaning weights and increase female culls [4]. (until 2010/11), approximately 170 beef bull calves were tested annually at the performance station in Gismestad near Linköping, Sweden. The bull calves were between five to eight months old at arrival and the testing period was approximately six months
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