Bioeconomic impact of bull breeding soundness examination in cow-calf systems

Abstract

-It was evaluated the bioeconomic impact of the breeding soundness evaluation on beef cattle production in southern Brazil. Two similar production systems, with and without the use of breeding soundness evaluation, were compared during 4 years in the municipality of Júlio e Castilhos. The rate of unsound bulls in the first examination was 22.8%. By performing the examination, calf production increased by 31%, 13.8 calves/bull/year and 24 kg of calves/cow/year. The benefit/cost ratio on the investment with the breeding soundness evaluation was R$ 35.84. The breeding soundness evaluation improves bioeconomic aspects of beef cow-calf systems.

Andrologic evaluation by points and libido test in corral of young bulls Braford

“…Apesar do evidente benefício do exame andrológico, muitos criadores tem pouca ou nenhuma informação sobre a fertilidade de seus touros, uma vez que, criam de forma conjunta, dificultando a identificação daqueles inférteis ou sub férteis (MENEGASSI et al, 2011).…”

Breeding Soundness Evaluation in Bulls: A Review

“…Calf crops were higher when using bulls which had >70% normal spermatozoa and lowest from bulls with < 50% normal spermatozoa [7] concluding that semen quality, particularly normal spermatozoa percentage was consistently related to calf output. BSEs provided a benefit/cost ratio of approximately 36:1 in Brazil [8] and 17:1 in USA [9]. Using natural breeding bulls in dairy operations, the benefit/cost ratio of eliminating infertile dairy bulls was estimated at approximately 14:1 [10].…”

Reproductive success or failure in four breed groups of beef bulls

“…The yearly assessment of bull fertility potential remains a key management tool to achieve higher reproductive performance. The use of BBSE increased births by 31% (13.8 calves/bull/year) and increased production by 24 kg of calf/cow/year, leading to an income of US$19.37 for each dollar invested (Menegassi et al, 2011a). Therefore, reproductive success will continue to depend mainly on the capacity to evaluate all available information coming from BBSE (Foote, 2003).…”