Factors That Affect The Scrotal Circumference Of The Bull And Its Impact On Herd Reproductive Performance. A Review.

Abstract

Scrotal circumference (SC) is an indirect measure of testicular weight and therefore of the amount of sperm-producing tissue in bulls. The seminiferous tubules, where spermatozoa are produced, constitute more than 80% of the testicular mass. Scrotal circumference is positively correlated with important productive and reproductive traits such as age at puberty and semen quality in the bull. Since SC has a high heritability estimate, it is highly correlated with age at puberty and fertility of the male and female offspring of the bull. Therefore, bull selection based on SC will improve the reproductive traits of the offspring, with significant enhancement of the herd reproductive performance. This article will review the importance of SC to breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) of the bull as a factor to increase the precocity and reproductive performance of the herd.