Libido and mating behavior in bulls, boars and rams. A review

Abstract

In this restricted review of the literature on libido and mating behavior in bulls, boars and rams it is assumed that libido and mating ability are important traits which can affect production significantly in food and fibre producing animals. These traits are strongly influenced by genetic factors, they vary widely in their expression among individuals and they can be reliably assessed or measured. Rearing young post-puberal males in all-bachelor groups can delay or inhibit the subsequent expression of heterosexual mating behavior. In the species reviewed, females adopt the major role in seeking sexual partners. Visual cues are of greater importance than olfactory cues in eliciting male sexual response. Bulls and rams rend to distribute their services among receptive females within their genetic limitations with females newly in estrus being most attractive to the males. Social interactions among males in multi-sire groups can markedly influence the reproductive performance of both individual males and the female herd or flock. Single sire breeding, while potentially more efficient than multi-sire breeding, is dependent upon the reproductive capabilities of the sire. Proper assessment of factors such as libido and mating ability before breeding can greatly reduce the possibility of poor reproductive performance from single sires.