Weekly electroejaculation did not negatively affect substance P and temperament scoring in young bulls.

Weekly electroejaculation did not negatively affect substance P levels or temperament in young bulls.

This prospective study evaluated the effects of repeated weekly electroejaculation (EEJ) on animal welfare indicators—specifically plasma substance P concentrations and temperament scores—in young Bos taurus bulls over approximately five months (August 2024 through February 2025). Bulls were divided into a control group (n = 4) and a treatment group (n = 10) that underwent 21 weekly EEJ sessions. Welfare was assessed via plasma substance P (a nociceptive biomarker), pen score, chute score, and exit velocity across three study periods: precollection, collection, and between-collection intervals. At baseline, no significant differences existed between groups for any measured parameter. During the collection period, substance P, pen score, and exit velocity did not differ between groups. Notably, treatment bulls demonstrated a statistically lower chute score compared to controls, and the frequency of lower chute scores followed a parabolic pattern with increasing EEJ sessions. The frequency of lesser pen scores increased with the number of EEJ procedures. No significant differences were found when comparing treatment bulls on their last two collection dates versus between-collection dates. The authors conclude that weekly EEJ did not negatively impact temperament scores or substance P levels and did not adversely affect measured welfare indicators. These findings provide evidence-based reassurance to veterinary practitioners regarding the routine use of EEJ for breeding soundness evaluations in bulls.

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