Breeding soundness examination data on
over 1,200 yearling Angus bulls were analyzed
to determine heritability of and genetic
relationships among breeding soundness
traits. Breeding soundness exam procedures
were consistent with those currently recommended
by the Society of Theriogenology.
Presence of seminal white blood cells (an
indicator of seminal vesiculitis), penile warts
and persistent frenulums were noted and
recorded. Data were adjusted for age at
measurement and contemporary group effects.
Heritability was high for scrotal circumference,
moderate for percentage of
abnormalities, low for sperm motility, and
near zero for semen white blood cells, persistent
frenulum, and penile warts. Genetic
correlations between scrotal circumference
and both sperm motility and abnormalities
were favorable, indicating that selection for
increased scrotal circumference should result
in higher fertility.
