What Happens During a Bull Fertility Exam? (BSE Explained)

What does it take for a bull to pass a breeding soundness exam? Before a bull is turned out with cows, there’s a lot more that goes into evaluating him than just looking at his size or appearance. In this video, we take you through a bull fertility test and explain what veterinarians are checking — from eyes, feet, and overall health to reproductive soundness, semen quality, sperm movement, and scrotal circumference. You’ll see how vets evaluate whether a bull is physically capable of breeding, producing quality semen, and contributing to a successful breeding season. A bull is half the genetics in your calf crop — making sure he’s ready before turnout can save time, money, and a whole lot of headaches. Topics covered: • What happens during a bull breeding soundness exam • Why feet and structure matter • How semen samples are collected and evaluated • What sperm motility and morphology mean • Why scrotal circumference matters • Why some bulls pass — and why others don’t Whether you’re new to cattle or have been ranching for years, understanding bull fertility is a key part of making informed herd decisions.