Abstract
Reproductive issues within a beef cattle herd jeopardize profitability and sustainability. Bull breeding soundness examinations (BSE) is a widely accepted reproductive management practice for monitoring bull fertility, yet most producers do utilize BSE annually. Furthermore, not all cattle working facilities are conducive to working with larger larger bulls, particularly those facilities used by small or beginning farmers. The Oglethorpe County Georgia Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent has collaborated with a local large animal veterinarian for 3 years to offer a haul-in BSE program. Objectives of this Extension program were to: 1) incentivize producers to perform BSEs annually by offering an accessible and affordable haul-in program, 2) educate local producers and ultimately decrease lost profits due to bull subfertility, and 3) collect data on local herds and promote local veterinarian-client relationship. County Agent and local veterinarian delivered educational presentations on the importance of annual BSE. Monetary and in-kind sponsorships was secured and allowed the program to offer discounted rate for BSE. In addition, free vaccination and deworming of bulls were provided. Working with input from Extension Specialists, the agent developed a survey instrument that was administered to participants. A total of 46 producers attended the meeting where the educational presentation was given. Moreover, a total of 50 BSE have been performed by a licensed veterinarian. One bull was classified as an unsatisfactory breeder, whereas 4 bulls were classified as deferred. An estimated $23,400 economic loss was prevented by identifying the unsatisfactory bull. Some issues noted with the deferred bulls were semen morphology and inferior scrotal circumference either of which could reduce the number of cows a bull can service in a season. All program objectives have been met and continue to be improved upon annually.