United States-Health checks for stud bulls.

UNITED STATES-HEALTH CHECK UP 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.