7 minute read
Managing bull fertility prior to the breeding season
The number one economic trait in the beef industry remains getting a live calf on the ground and that starts with making sure bulls are ready for the breeding season.
By Kacie McCarthy
As we prepare for the breeding season or for those in the midst of the breeding season, it is important to think about how to manage bull fertility and understand critical factors that can impact fertility. There are many factors that can affect sperm production; however, the main factors that can decrease sperm production are disease, fever, injury, and extreme environmental conditions. We must keep in mind that spermatogenesis, the production of sperm, is a 61-day process in bulls; therefore, it will take upwards of 60 days to have normal sperm again following an injury/insult. Therefore, it is important to monitor and identify if a bull has experienced frost bite, or any other injury to the scrotum/testis.
In order to ensure bulls are prepared for the breeding season, they should be tested approximately four to six weeks prior to the breeding season. The test that is performed is the Breeding Soundness Examination (BSE). The American Society for Theriogenology has developed minimum guidelines for a bull to pass a BSE. A veterinarian will evaluate the bull on the following criteria: a physical examination, scrotal circumference measurement, and evaluate semen quality for motility and morphology. To successfully complete a BSE, a bull must have at least 30% sperm motility, 70% normal sperm morphology, and a minimum scrotal circumference based on age. Bulls meeting the preceding minimum requirements are classified as satisfactory potential breeders. If a bull does not pass one of these tests, he is either classified as a classification deferred (meaning it is recommended that the bull be tested again) or as an unsatisfactory potential breeder.
The physical examination portion of the BSE determines the bull’s physical capabilities of successfully breeding a cow. Abull must be able to see, smell, eat, and move normally to successfully breed cows. Sound feet and legs are very important because unsound feet can result in the bull’s inability to travel and mount for mating. Evaluating bull body condition during the winter and prior to the breeding season is just as important as evaluating your cows.
The scrotal circumference tells the testicular mass. As it increases, so does the daily production of high-quality sperm. Scrotal circumference is also an important measure
(Continued on page 28)
Value...
(Continued from page 15)
with cattle, nor had their parents. We’ve been able to help them with heifers from our program and in some instances, kept the animal here on our farm while they handle feeding and working of the heifers.”
The Hewitts often look like an FFA chapter at the open shows they attend. Along with their own family, they haul a number of the kids and their cattle and are quick to offer help and encouragement to everyone involved.
“My school administration has been very understanding allowing me to take the kids to shows like Fort Worth, since we were going as a family,” she remarked, adding that they have also taken her students with them to the AJSA and AJSR events, too.
Kyleen and Colton have taken advantage of the opportunities provided to them in 4-H and FFA, as well as the SimGenetic junior programs.
Kyleen, who just graduated from high school as the valedictorian of her class, will be attending Southern Arkansas University this fall to major in ag business and has the distinction of serving as an Arkansas State FFA officer for 2020- 2021. She excelled in livestock and horse judging, as well as pubic speaking and leadership in high school.
Colton, who aspires to follow in his mom’s footsteps as an ag teacher, is heavily involved in FFA’s ag mechanic competitions and livestock judging.
“We are firm believers in junior programs and that again is a plus for the Simbrah breed. We feel the educational competitions through AJSA and AJSR show have been very beneficial to our kids,” Crystal added.
The Hewitts enjoy the Simbrah cattle, but they have also enjoyed the Simbrah people.
“There are a lot of good people involved in this breed. We have enjoyed so many helpful conversations over the years and have learned so much from someone sharing with us. We have been the recipients of a lot of good advice and encouragement,” Jimmy said. “It’s something we try to provide to the folks who have bought our genetics and have since started their registered programs.”
Raising Simbrah cattle has been a rewarding endeavor for Jimmy and Crystal, especially being able to introduce the breed and the educational programs to a number of juniors. While Jimmy and Crystal handle the majority of cattle responsibilities, his parents continue to help with the care and management of the herd and can always be found ring side cheering Kyleen and Colton on, as well as all the Arkansas kids who show Simbrah.
“We wouldn’t be where we are today if it weren’t for my folks and especially the help they gave us in the beginning,” Jimmy added. “Plus, they introduced me to this breed with that first purchase in 1997 and we’re grateful for every part they have in Cherokee Cattle Company.”
With a history that spans two decades, Jimmy and Crystal are using their experience and knowledge about the Simbrah breed to look forward, keep improving and look for opportunities to promote the breed within the beef industry.
Johnson Cattle Co., remains committed and confident in the Simbrah breed, the individuals we have working in our herd and our senior herd sire, Smith JCC Confident 871F.
Confident is doing a great job for us. He is ranked in the top 10% of the breed for weaning and 15% for yearling, so his calves will gain and are loaded with muscle. He carries some of the top genetics in Simbrah—Secret to Success, Fireball, Nu Wave II, and Oprah.
Smith JCC Confident 871F
We are selling two lots in Synergy in partnership with Smith Genetics. Smith JCC Go Girl N Black 04H (Lot 41) is a February black, polled purebred
Simmental, sired by WLE Smith Multitask E3 and Smith JCC Something Bella 333D (Lot 8) is a January purebred Simbrah, sired by Smith Nu
Approach and out of our donor, Smith Evocative Bella, a Satisfies daughter with the great Smith Bella Bella Cow family on the maternal side. We look forward to seeing you at Synergy on Sept. 26th. JOHNSON CATTLE CO. Wehave show heifers for
Wayne Johnson 830/391-2571 Kenny Johnson 361/438-3413 • wjohnson4945@sbcglobal.net sale and we accept calf
Tim Smith consultant • 512/587-7896 • smithgenetics1@gmail.com scramble certificates
Follow us on Facebook- Johnson Cattle Company, Kenedy, Texas
B & M Cattle has a really simple mission, we want to produce the type of cattle that perform well in the pasture, yet still compete in the show ring. With an aggressive AI program, utilizing some top genetics of both the past and present like Ragin Cajun, Cowboy Crush, Pappadeaux and Have No Fear to name a few, as well females from top breeders. We strive to have calves that are functionally correct and sound along with eye appeal. Our herd sire, Smith Gaston, a son of RFI Real Deal, is loading his calves with power, mass and muscle. His calves are showing a lot of style and performance.
GIVE US A CALL FOR YOUR SHOW CALF PROJECTS, HERD SIRES OR REPLACEMENT FEMALES.
Brandon and Mary Hebert 7500 Harris Road • Bell City, LA 70630 337/370-8864 Brandonhebert60@gmail.com
SMITH DESIGNATED HITTER 71F
Senior herd sire for our program
He is sired by Smith Shortstop, a Dream On Son and out of Smith JCC Accessorized, a Smith Satisfies daughter that traces back to Smith Nu Wave II and the great Oprah, maternally. He is polled and he’s transmitting superior weaning weights to all his calves. He’s knocking it out of the park for quality, pounds and growth!
Visit our website, or better yet come see our program and our Designated Hitter calves.
Mark Melson
P.O. Box 1085
Caldwell, Texas 77836 melsonsimbrah@gmail.com
www.melsonsimbrah.com
Did you know that every issue of Simbrah World and our annual Simbrah News Commercial Feature are archived on www.SimbrahWorld.com? That’s right, you can go back and see any issue.
In addition, all the latest news is carried on our website.
Another feature allows you to enter names and addresses of your buyers, so that they can receive the magazine. Go to the bottom of the home page and enter them today, so they can start receiving the magazine and e blasts. There is no subscription charge.
To advertise in our publications or digitally or to send us news contact:
Martha Hollida Garrett • hollidacompany@gmail.com • 903/316-8465
979/777-0771
