Beef farmers wanting to implement Breeding Soundness Exams (BSE) in East Ky face several obstacles.   These include veterinarian shortages, lack of safe bull handling facilities and transportation plus additional out of pocket expenses and time.  Although farmers may understand the importance of BSEs as a protection against open cow herds, these barriers often preclude their participation.

To remove these hurdles, Ag Extension Agents implemented a grant to offer three Bull Soundness Exam and Wellness Clinics in three different locations.  Loosely modeled after the ongoing Morgan County BSE program, these clinics conducted exams and administered preventative health/vaccination protocols for 34 bulls.

As a result of this program, a calf crop valued at almost 1.7 million dollars was ensured.  Additionally, three bulls failed the exams, and one highly transmissible infection was discovered.  These discoveries prevented another $182,000 in potential loss, not including the cost of treating an entire herd for infection plus winter maintenance of an open herd.

Farmers expressed their appreciation for the program and UK Beef IRM surveys indicated they would be adopting better health and prevention strategies for their herds.