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Exploring Semen Quality and Bull Management
Research on bull management, development, and their impact on semen quality is expanding, shedding light on various factors that influence male fertility. There are complexities in understanding why certain bulls, despite passing a standard Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE), may fail to freeze or sort well, indicating a gap in knowledge. Some sires exhibit longer lifespans in breeding settings and may respond better to timed artificial insemination (AI) protocols. However, the challenge lies in obtaining sufficient data from individual sires to draw meaningful conclusions. There is a pressing need to integrate genetic assessment into the study of semen characteristics and to balance the research focus between male and female reproductive traits, as historically, more attention has been given to females. As understanding of male reproductive aspects develops, it will be critical to recognize that conception difficulties are not solely attributable to female factors.