Observations on the modified serving capacity test for beef bulls

Abstract

Over the period 1979–83,466 beef bulls were examined physically and by Blockley's Modified Serving Capacity Test (M.S.C.T.). Seventy-eight bulls were diagnosed as unsound for breeding, of which 64 were detected by the M.S.C.T. Problems included locomotor abnormalities (6), low libido (14), penile deviation (33) and intromission failure (11). The animal welfare aspects of M.S.C.T. are discussed and its value in increasing herd fertility is illustrated with studies of two beef herds, whichshowed improvements of 4–5% in vetting in-calf rates after using the test.