Northern Kentucky stands out in Kentucky agriculture due to its unique geographic location, topography, and urban growth. Beef cattle dominate as the top commodity in this region, with most operations focusing on cow/calf production. However, there is a notable shortage of large animal veterinarians. This shortage creates challenges for producers needing to have their bulls examined, often due to a lack of handling facilities or the distance from a veterinarian.

To address this issue, the Northern Kentucky Cattleman’s Association partnered with the Boone and Kenton County Extension Offices and local veterinarians to organize Bull Breeding Soundness Exam Clinics at the Kenton County Fairgrounds. Directors from the Cattleman’s Association Board and other volunteers managed the facilities, while Extension Agents assisted the veterinarians with the examinations. During these clinics, veterinarians weighed the bulls, administered vaccines and dewormers, conducted breeding soundness exams, and provided recommendations based on the examination results.

These clinics are open to all producers and are advertised throughout Northern Kentucky counties. About ten percent of bulls did not pass the breeding soundness exam due to issues like low semen production, immaturity, insufficient testicular development, or injury in the pasture. Producers had the opportunity to bring their herd or sale bulls for examination and vaccination, utilizing the cattleman’s handling facilities and discussing the results and recommendations with the veterinarian.

Each year, the bulls tested at these clinics cover over 1,000 cows. A survey revealed that 90% of producers would not have conducted a breeding soundness exam without the clinic. Additionally, 100% of participants acknowledged the need and value of having a veterinarian perform a physical exam and fertility test for their bulls, along with updating their vaccinations.