Semen Sampling

Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BBSE)

The Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BBSE) performed 4-6 weeks prior to the service period allows a proactive approach to screening out sub-fertile bulls once a year. Furthermore, a judgement as to how many cows may be served by a bull can be attempted, rather than proceeding with no assessment of likely performance. This encourages a calculation of ‘bull power’ required prior to the service period. On average only two-thirds of sub-fertile bulls may be detected by physical examination alone.

Electro-ejaculation (EEJ)

Electro-ejaculation (EEJ) is now the standard method of semen collection used by specially trained veterinary surgeons in the UK. The procedure is relatively quick (about 60 minutes) and safe providing an appropriate crush is available. The majority of the semen evaluation is carried out on farm giving you a quick idea as to the ability of your bull. The remainder is done in our own lab giving you a quick turn-around of results.

As well as the annual routine pre-breeding check, we can carry out BBSE for bulls pre-sale (or post-sale if bulls have been purchased without a BBSE) or to investigate a suspected infertility problem.