Bull inspections

Bull inspection

The inspection process is in place to provide purchasers with a level of assurance that all bulls presented for sale in the ring have met a minimum standard in a number of criteria and the bull represents a ‘normal’ breeding risk, explains vet Gareth Boyes.

“It is not a guarantee that the bull is fertile or that he will work, it is more a case of no faults have been detected that may affect function. It is critical that this process is independent and consistent.

“The inspection covers eyes, mouth, conformation, infectious disease and the reproductive tract. Bulls falling below these standards will be rejected with red spray being applied to their sale number. The ticket must remain on the bull while he remains in the market,” says Gareth who outlines the key inspection points below.

Eyes:

Cataracts are defects in the lens inside the eye and result in blindness or limited vision. Entropion is where the eyelid is turned in against the surface of the eye resulting in irritation, watery eyes and ultimately an ulcer. Cloudy eyes result from scar tissue on the surface of the eye and are caused by infections and damage. If severe this can affect vision. Bulls with cataracts, entropion or severe scarring to one or both eyes will be rejected. Bulls with minor scar tissue on the surface of the eye can be sold with a declaration at point of sale.

Mouth:

When looking at teeth, allowance is given to the stage of dental development with the central incisors, as they are often loose, absent or grossly out of place depending on the age of the bull and stage of dentition.

Inspectors look at the placement of the outermost incisors in relation to the dental pad. An overshot jaw is where there is no contact of any part

A bull inspection is not a warranty of its fertility or ability to work, but does provide buyers with assurance there are no physical defects with it.

of the tooth with the dental pad. An undershot jaw is when the teeth sit behind the dental pad. A twisted jaw is where on one side, incisor teeth contact the dental pad but not the other. This can be either a rotation of the jaw or a displacement of the jaw to one side. Bulls falling into any of these three categories will be rejected.

If a vendor declares that there has been an injury to the jaw resulting in it being twisted the bull can be sold with the fault being declared at the point of sale.

Testicles:

Scrotal circumference is measured around the widest part with, the testicles held gently in position and minimal tension on the measuring tape and should be no less than 32cm for bulls 12 to 18 months old, 34cm for bulls over 18 months up to 24 months and 35cm for bulls older than 24 months.

Bigger scrotal circumference allows for greater potential sperm production. Testicles should be of equal size - a large or small testicle can be a sign that there is a disease process that could affect subsequent fertility. Testicles should be firm – excessively hard or soft testicles can also be a sign of a disease process affecting fertility.

The cord should be easy to feel in the neck of the scrotum, the head, body and tail of the epydidymis should also be present – the epydidymis is the walnut at the bottom that stores and matures sperm.

There should be no warts on the scrotum or along towards the sheath. Warts are caused by a viral infection and are contagious. A recent fertility report or evidence that the bull has previously got females in calf will not affect the decision to reject a bull with any of the above defects.

Infections:

Evidence of any infectious disease on the skin such as ringworm, mange or warts or other contagious disease such as IBR will result in a bull being rejected.