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Factors Influencing Preputial Prolapse in Yearling Bulls¹

Texas A&M University, College Station

Abstract

Chronic prolapse of the parietal layer of the prepuce of bulls may lead to preputial injuries and related breeding difficulties. The tendency to prolapse was subjectively scored for 113 yearling, second cross (3/4 Santa Gertrudis, 1/4 British) bulls. Length of sheath, internal diameter of preputial orifice, external circumference of sheath and body weight were also determined. Variation among these traits associated with breed of maternal granddam (Hereford, Angus, Shorthorn or Red Angus), sire and age at measurement was examined.

Statistically significant (P<.05) differences were found for preputial prolapse score among base breeds and sires, indicating that culling bulls with a predisposition to prolapse should decrease the frequency of this trait in the breeding population. The significant (P<.05) correlation between sheath length and prolapse score, independent of base breed, sire and age, was 0.33 and supported other reports that long sheaths were associated with increased preputial prolapse.

¹ The authors gratefully acknowledge the cooperation of King Ranch, Argentina, Buenos Aires.