The Development of a UK Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation Certificate

Bull breeding soundness evaluation (BBSE) is a routine procedure in many countries but has only recently been undertaken in the United Kingdom (UK). The collection of semen by electro-ejaculation allows BBSE to be carried out in the field in a quick and safe manner. As more bulls are now being examined in the UK there is the need for a standard BBSE certificate to be developed. The BBSE certificates in use internationally were reviewed and a proposed UK certification system was developed which is presented in this paper for discussion. The certificate described in this paper has yet to be finalised and approved by the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA). It is hoped that a certificate will be approved that will allow bulls to be sold with a standard UK BBSE certificate.