Relationships of Scrotal Circumference to Puberty and Subsequent Reproductive Performance in Male and Female Offspring
J. S. Brinks
Abstract
This chapter reviews some of the literature relating to scrotal circumference (SC) and its possible use in improving overall reproductive efficiency of the cow herd. Reproductive efficiency, obtained through cost-effective measures, is the most important factor affecting profitability of the cow-calf enterprise. The reproductive efficiency of bulls and females both contribute to express reproductive performance of the cow herd. The breeding soundness exam (BSE) recommended by the Society of Theriogenology is widely used for both yearling and older bulls and especially for yearling bulls at the conclusion of performance tests. The BSE includes information on SC, semen morphology and motility, and an internal and external physical examination. Knights reported favorable genetic relationships of SC with measures of semen quality and quantity. In general, as SC increases in yearling bulls, motility, percent normal sperm, semen volume, sperm concentration and total sperm output increase and percent abnormalities decrease.