Amy is a veterinarian
at Vetlife Temuka
Vetlife veterinarians have been testing bulls for breeding soundness for some years now, using jump tests and/or semen analysis under the microscope following electroejaculation. To advance our capabilities at Vetlife, we have recently purchased an iSperm machine. This cutting-edge device analyses sperm motility using a computer-assisted programme. Not only can iSperm assess bulls, but it is also capable of analysing sperm from deer, sheep, horses, dogs and many other species.
Why semen test?
In production animals such as beef, sheep and deer, although we only have a few male animals, when it comes to getting great pregnancy rates, the male is ‘half the herd’, so to speak. Despite this, far too often, we do not give these animals the thorough WOF that they should have to ensure we maximise our productivity.
Semen quality varies and, usually, around 20% of breeding bulls tested for the first time will be sub-fertile. In bulls tested annually, around 10% will have dropped in fertility from the year before. You may think this is not important, “I am putting out plenty of bull power, so I don’t need to worry about that.” But studies have shown that dominant bulls get the most cows in calf; so, what happens when your dominant bull is sub-fertile?
To maximise fertility and avoid all the associated losses – such as reduced calves, delayed weaning, slow genetic gains and increased feed costs – we now recommend adding bull testing to your annual health plan.
What is iSperm?
iSperm is a minicomputer-assisted sperm analyser. It will assess:
All this can be done from a fresh drop of sperm, and immediately after collection, allowing instant decisions to be made on farm.
These are all measures that we used to carry out with a water bath and microscope, which was cumbersome, as well as the analysis being somewhat subjective. The new technology takes away any personal bias, and will be very practical to use on farm, with a generator, water bath and microscope no longer needed.
If you would like to book a fertility check for your bulls or learn more about how fertility testing may benefit you with your bulls or any other species, please do not hesitate to contact your local Vetlife veterinarian today.
