Breeding soundness examination and herd proficiency of local genetic groups of bulls in tropical environment conditions in Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract

With the aim of assessing bull fertility before or during its use for reproduction under tropical weather conditions where heat stress is present, and correlating it to herd parameters, BSE was carried out to determine which genetic groups of bulls have better reproductive performance. 223 bulls from different genetic groups, Zebu bulls (N = 72), European bulls (N = 58), and Crossbred Bulls (N = 93), were evaluated in situ over a two-year period, 2018–2019. Bull (age, corporal conditions, libido, and scrotal circumference), semen (concentration, motility and volume), herd (pregnancy rate and calving intervals) and environmental variables (THI, season, sampling month and spermatogenesis month) were analysed with One-Way ANOVA, as well as with factorial, multiple regression, and multivariate analysis. Zebu and European bulls have a higher libido than crossbreed bulls (p 7) show high correlation (R = 0.70 p .05). Heat stress did not directly affect bull reproductive performance; Zebu bulls and crossbreeds showed better herd parameters (p < .05).Highlights Bull breeding soundness examination and herd proficiency. Herd proficiency of local genetic groups of bulls in tropical conditions. Breeding soundness examination in tropical environment conditions.

Keywords

• zebu bulls
• european bulls
• crossbreed bulls
• tropical environment
• breeding soundness examination