Welfare and sperm quality with a focus on stress resistance of Bos taurus

Abstract

We studied the effect on the welfare of bulls (n=16) of their resistance to stress. The bulls with less stress resistance (group II) were in a standing position during by 53.6 minutes longer than their highly resistant peers (group I) during 24 hrs. On the contrary, the bulls of the group I rested (lying) by 87 minutes longer. The welfare of the bulls, due to different response to stress and behavioral patterns, affected sperm quality. Defect of sperm not suitable for use compared to peers of group I was higher in bulls of group II by 12.9-22.2% in the first three years of breeding.