What is the goal of conducting breeding soundness exams?

The primary goal of conducting breeding soundness exams is to ensure the capability for producing healthy offspring. These exams assess various reproductive traits in animals, including physical health, reproductive anatomy, and semen quality in males, or reproductive tract health in females. By evaluating these factors, breeders can identify individuals that are physiologically prepared to mate and produce viable offspring. Healthy reproduction is not only crucial for the sustainability of the breeding program but also impacts genetic diversity and the overall health of the population. Thus, ensuring that only sound individuals are bred contributes directly to the improvement of livestock quality and productivity.