Assessing Bovine Male Fertility in a Technological Age

New and emerging technologies allow for a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of sperm physiology that can be harnessed to improve bull fertility selection. This chapter focuses on (1) the use of conventional and emerging flow cytometry techniques to further enhance functional sperm assessments; (2) new developments in proteomic and metabolomic biomarkers of bull fertility and how they can better inform fertility evaluations; and (3) the use of sperm selection technologies to optimize the fertility outcomes of bulls in artificial insemination service. As our knowledge of sperm physiology continues to expand, technology will allow for a faster translational capacity and continuous development of techniques. The technologies and techniques presented are current tools that can be used to enhance the efficiency, precision and accuracy of bull fertility assessments and better inform herd management.