University of Pretoria veterinary reproduction specialists help Brahman bull get back his role in the herd

Abstract

Whether on a large commercial or small-scale farm, the beef bull has a single role: to ensure that his cow herd falls pregnant as soon as possible during the breeding season, in order to maximise production and farming profit. This requires that the bull be a healthy animal, which includes reproductive health and fully functional reproductive organs. Injuries or disease affecting the genital system are therefore of particular importance in these animals. Recently, a 4-year-old red Brahman bull, who had previously had surgery performed elsewhere to treat a preputial injury, was presented to the Reproduction Clinic of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH) at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science. The Clinic is staffed by veterinary clinicians with specialist qualifications and expertise to diagnose and treat genital conditions in bulls. Dr Geoff Brown, senior lecturer and experienced veterinary reproduction specialist in the Reproduction section of the Department of Production Animal Studies, examined the bull and found that severe post-operative scarring had formed, which prevented the bull from mating naturally.