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Herd bull management is key to successful breeding seasonBy Jennifer Carrico
Managing herd sires is an important job for all beef producers according to Les Vogler, owner of Vogler Semen Centre in Ashland, Neb. "At our facility we test bulls for semen quality and freeze semen for producers to use in their AI (artificial insemination) program," he said. "The biggest obstacle we face is the body condition of the animal and how it affects semen quality." Vogler said bulls that are shown, displayed or sold in sales tend to be in heavier condition than those that are sold off of the farm, which can lead to a decline in semen quality. Each breed has to be managed differently as well, since they may require different nutritional needs. "There's a fine line between making them look good and making them produce good semen," he added. Veterinarian Scott Lubben assists the staff at Vogler Semen Centre with their herd bull health program. He said it's important to be sure the bulls are in good health to give them every opportunity to produce good quality semen, whether it's to be turned out on cows or be collected to sell the frozen semen. All bulls that are housed at the facility or have semen collected and frozen must pass tests on a regular basis to prevent the spread of diseases and pathogens. With ongoing changes in health requirements, Lubben suggests producers work together with their veterinarians to be sure to have proper health management. Vogler said while each bull must pass stringent health requirements to be collected and have semen frozen for resale, each bull's semen reacts differently to the freeze/thaw process. "Bulls must have semen with good morphology. This improves when bulls are not too fat," he said. Vogler also said it is important for producers to know what kind of feed stuffs they are feeding and how that effects a bull's semen quality. He said feeding cottonseed hulls has a negative effect on semen quality. Neither he nor Lubben knew of any other particular feedstuffs that could affect semen quality. He also stressed for producers to select bulls to use in their program that are sound on their feet and legs as those bulls generally have better semen quality. The recent craze of using sexed semen in the beef industry has also pushed producers to select bulls with higher semen quality. "The sorting process can be hard on semen. It is easier to sort the female sperm than the male sperm. After the semen is sorted it has to be strong with good mobility to survive the process," he explained. "On average, the percentage of semen that can survive that process and be frozen for AI use is lower." An improvement in semen quality will be seen in most bulls as they age. Vogler said just because a bull doesn't pass a semen test when he is under 12 months of age, doesn't mean he won't when he gets older. "Sometimes it just requires a mineral boost and a change in feed to see drastic changes in a bull," he said. Genetics between and within each breed will require different management as well. Vogler said talking to other breeders, feed professionals and veterinarians can help producers make necessary management changes to improve their herd bulls. Problems with a bull's reproductive tract can generally be identified the first time the bull is semen tested or collected. Lubben said typical problems include warts or venereal tumors and without being treated they can cause blood in the semen, which would prevent breeding success. Weather can also affect semen quality, with lower conception seen when temperatures are extremely high in the summer months. Another factors that must be taken into account are semen handling after the frozen semen leaves the collection facility, as well as the skill of the AI technician. Vogler said so many different factors should be taken into account when selecting herd bulls to prevent problems within a herd down the road. "Having good herd nutrition and health and knowing the genetics of the bulls you are using are key first steps to be successful during breeding season," Vogler concluded. Jennifer Carrico can be reached by phone at 515-833-2120, or by email at jcarrico@hpj.com.
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