Breeding Soundness Examination

(BSE)

VGO-511 Veterinary Andrology & Reproductive Techniques

Dr S Raja, Assistant Professor
Dept. of Veterinary Gynaecology & Obstetrics
TANUVAS, VCRI, Orathanadu

What is BSE?

The breeding soundness examination (BSE) involves a

complete and systematic evaluation of the reproductive

potential in male animal

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BSE is not..

It is not indicative of relative fertility.

It is designed to identify groups of bulls that are more or

less fertile than other groups of bulls.

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BSE invloves
1. History
2. Factors evaluated by observation
3. Physical examination
4. External genital examination

5. Internal genital examination

6. Scrotal circumference

7. Evaluation of semen
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1. History
1. Bull

2. Cow

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2. Factors evaluated by observation

1. Libido

2. Mating ability

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3. General Physical Examination

Weight and body condition

Vision

Teeth
Rear leg conformation..

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Rear leg conformation-Rear View..

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Rear leg conformation-Rear View..

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Rear leg conformation-Side View..

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Rear leg conformation-Side View..

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Foot Conformation
Foot Angle:
Angle at the front of the hoof measured from
the floor to the hairline at the right hoof

Hoof Abnormalities:
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Foot Conformation

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Front Leg Conformation

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4. Examination of the external genital organs

1.
2.
3.
4.

Prepuce and Penis

Scrotum
Testes
Epididymis

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Prepuce

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Penis

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Penis

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Scrotum & testis

Scrotum- Injury, insect bite

Testis-Turgid [soft & Flabby]

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Scrotum conformation
Normal scrotal conformation with elongated
testes.
Normal scrotal conformation with rounded
testes.
Scrotum may be rotated in some bulls with no
apparent ill-effects.
Cleavage between caudal epididymis is
sometimes very distinct.

Testes held close to the body wall are usually

small or hypoplastic.
Unilateral hypoplasia.

Scrotal hernia.
Incomplete descent of right testis

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Epididymis
Head-Palpated

Tail- Filled & Spongy

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5 Examination of internal genital organs

Vesicular glands
Ampullae
Prostate
Internal inguinal rings

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6. Scrotal circumference

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7. Evaluation of semen

1.
2.
3.
4.

Methods of semen collection

Macroscopic examination of semen
Microscopic examination of semen
Classification of semen quality

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7.1 Methods of semen collection

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7.2 Macroscopic examination of semen

Volume
Colour
Viscosity and Density

pH
Presence of foreign materials

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7.3 Microscopic examination of semen

A. Motility
Mass Activity or Gross motility
0
No mass activity
1
Slow wave motion
2
Rapid wave motion
3
Eddies

Individual motility
Motility %

70

50-70

30-50

30

Score

20

12

10

3
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 B. Concentration

C. Live sperm

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D. Morphology of spermatozoa
Based on source of abnormality
Based on the effect on fertilization
Based on the location of the abnormality

Primary
abnormalities

<10

10-20

20-30

>30

<25
40

25-40
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40-60
10

>60
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Total abnormalities

Score

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7.4 Classification of semen quality

Scrotal circumference Motility
Sperm morphology -

40 points
20 points
40 points

Category

Total score

Satisfactory

> 60

Questionable

30 < 60

Unsatisfactory

< 30
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8. In Vitro Assessment of Spermatozoa

Acrosome status of spermatozoa

Assessment of sperm plasma membrane integrity
Zona free hamster oocyte penetration bioassay for
assessment of fertility of bulls

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PROFORMA FOR BREEDING SOUNDNESS

Name/ No. of the bull

:
Date of birth/Age :
Owners name and Address :
Permanent Markings
:
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X

Physical Condition
Integument
Digestive system
Urinary System
Circulatory System
Respiratory system
Neuromuscular system
Examination of external genitalia
Examination of internal Genitalia
Semen analysis

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Points to remember
1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.

7.

History:
1. Bull, Cow
Factors evaluated by observation:
1. Libido, Mating ability
Physical examination :
1. Body wt; Vision; teeth; rear leg
External genital examination:
1. Penis; Prepuce; Scrotum; Testis; Epididymis
Internal genital examination:
1. SV; Amp; Prostate; Inguinal rings
Scrotal circumference:
1. Scrotal measurement
Evaluation of semen:
1. Motility; Concentration; Morphology
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END
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