The most effective way to prevent this economic blow is to perform a Bull Breeding Soundness Examination (BBSE) six to eight weeks before the breeding season. This exam is a comprehensive check that includes both a physical inspection of the bull and his reproductive organs, as well as a semen morphology assessment. This assessment is critical because it identifies any developmental abnormalities in the sperm that could be the root cause of subfertility, even in a seemingly healthy bull.

The article explains that subfertility can stem from a variety of issues, including low sperm count, poor sperm motility, physical injuries, or age. It also highlights a less obvious but equally damaging problem: a dominant, infertile bull can suppress the mating behavior of more fertile bulls, leading to poor conception rates across the entire herd. This underscores the need for proactive management and regular checks to ensure herd-wide productivity.

For dairy farmers, the article emphasizes that the BBSE is a crucial, cost-effective investment. Acquiring or leasing an aged bull from another herd without a proper biosecurity check is not a recommended practice, as it introduces unnecessary risk. Instead, a thorough fertility exam serves as a form of insurance, safeguarding the long-term profitability and genetic progress of the herd by ensuring high conception rates and a tight calving window.