United States-BSE Testing for stud bulls.

Area beef producers who want to make sure their bulls are in tip-top shape for the breeding season are invited to bring their bulls in for a physical exam before the season begins, a news release from the University of Missouri Extension office said.

"A bull is often compared to an athlete since he’s expected to perform to the best of his ability during the season. That means he must be healthy and capable of moving well so he’ll be able to breed 15 to 40 cows in a relatively short period of time," said Eldon Cole, livestock specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

In order to simplify the physical exam for bulls, Cole says he will be coordinating with four veterinarian clinics during March to perform BSE (breeding soundness exams) for beef producers.

The veterinarians will do an examination of the bull’s penis, scrotum, accessory sex glands; they will collect a semen sample, and evaluate that collection. In addition, body condition scores and soundness scores will be placed on each bull.

The dates and location of the clinics are as follows: March 11: Barry County Vet Services in Cassville, Dr. Voyd Brown, (417) 847-2677;

March 18: Rick Turner Farm in Taneyville, Dr. Randall Spragg, (417) 753-2417;

March 19& 20: Countryside Animal Clinic in Aurora, Dr. Mike Bloss, (417) 678-4011;

March 25: Dake Veterinary Clinic in Miller, Dr. Chuck Dake, (417) 452-3301.

Persons may call the phone number for the clinic nearest them for appointments. Pfizer will be helping out again with complimentary vaccines and parasite control material.

"Most bulls brought in will pass with flying colors, but it’s that 10 to 15 percent that don’t pass which will mess up the 2010 calf crop," Cole said.