Preliminary implications of B-mode ultrasonography of the testicles of beef bulls with normal breeding soundness examinations

Abstract

Four polled Hereford bulls were found to have satisfactory breeding soundness examinations. They were examined by B-mode ultrasonography, at which time the testicular diameter was measured by ultrasound. The testicles were removed, measured physically and this data was compared with the ultrasound measurements and correlated with other parameters of the breeding soundness examination. The testicles from bulls with normal breeding soundness examinations appeared ultrasonographically identical with the normal testicles from other species such as the pig and dog. Results indicated that the bull testicle diameter could be accurately measured by ultrasonography. Neither ultrasonographic nor physical testicular diameter measurements correlated statistically with scrotal circumference, but they did correlated well with testicular circumference, weight and volume.