Scrotal circumference and testicular consistency of yearling beef bulls

TR Number

Date

1978

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Abstract

This study was conducted to: (a) determine scrotal circumference (SC) and testicular consistency (tone) of performance tested, yearling beef bulls of various breeds; (b) correlate these values with performance data; (c) attempt, by means of a buyer survey, to evaluate the fertility and overall desirability of the beef bulls sold through the Virginia BCIA Bull Test Stations; (d) study the relationship between several semen characteristics, scrotal circumference, and testicular consistency measurements of yearling beef bulls.

Final SC was correlated .60 (P < .01) with initial SC and -.31 (P < .01) with final weak spring tone. Final weak spring tone was correlated .87 (P < .01) with final strong spring tone.

Final SC was positively correlated with final weight .44 to .64 (P < .01) and age .40 to .52 (P < .01). Final weak spring tone was negatively correlated with final weight -.35 (P < .01) and age -.30 to -.34 (P < .01).

When the least-squares means were calculated for final SC, the final SC of the Angus breed was significantly different from the final SC of the Simmental and Polled Hereford breeds (both P < .01).

For the bulls placed on a collection regimen, SC was positively correlated with ejaculate volume, .53 (P < .01) to .57 (P < .05), and with sperm output .55 to .71 (P < .01). No significant correlations were found between the tone measurements and the semen traits.

Description

Keywords

Citation

Collections