VCP 511: Gynaecology and Obstetrics Section

CLINICAL EXAMINATION

Physical examination

• Factors evaluated by observation of breeding behaviour

Libido

• Bull must be observed under natural breeding conditions. Bulls should identify cows in heat, then mount and breed.

Mating ability

• This can be impaired by problem of musculo skeletal system. Especially, rear legs and lower back
• Arthritis
• Persistence of penile frenulum
• Ventral and lateral deviation of penis
• Injures to penis
• Social dominance- when one more than one bull is present in the pasture unit, social dominance come into play.

General physical examination

• Weight and body condition
• Coat
• Skin
• Visible mucous membrane
• Palpable lymph nodes
• Circulatory system - Pulse, peripheral blood vessel
• Respiratory system - Coughing, Respiratory rate
• Digestive system - Appetite, Faeces, Examination of liver – Teeth
• Urinary system
• Vision - Good sight is important to the breeding bulls
• Loco motor system
• Rear leg confirmation
• Inter digital fibroma (worms)
• Feet observation
• Sound rear legs are vital to the breeding capacity of bulls. Hooves of sound bulls wear evenly under normal conditions.

Undesirable Confirmation

• Sickle Hock 
• post legs 
• camped legs
• Bowed legs 
• Toed out legs