It is essential to evaluate bulls every year before breeding starts because the fertility of an individual animal can vary from year to year. Surprisingly, only about 28 per cent of bulls in Alberta are evaluated for reproductive fitness. BSE identifies bulls with poor potential breeding ability, bulls with suboptimal fertility and to generally improve herd fertility. The advantages of BSE are often self evident. Here are a few examples.
Large differences exist in the semen producing ability of bulls of the same age, weight and breed.
BSE can identify the estimated 20 to 40 per cent of all bulls that have unacceptable fertility levels. The breeding record of a bull is important, but it does not guarantee performance in the upcoming breeding season. Many factors can influence the fertility of a bull both during the breeding season and during the resting period. The BSE is an effective way to identify bulls that are no longer fertile. Older bulls are usually the most dominant in a group and will prevent younger bulls from breeding more than a few females.