Does bull temperament impact growth performance and semen quality

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of temperament on body weight and reproductive performance of Nelore bulls. Temperament of 24 young bulls was assessed by chute score (CS) and flight speed (FS). Based on the results of two consecutive evaluations (M1 and M2), bulls were divided into two groups according to their CS: Reactive (n = 12) and Calm (n = 12). Blood samples were collected from both groups for testosterone and cortisol analysis once a month for 4 months. Similarly, over 4 months semen was collected along with scrotal and ocular globe thermography for further analysis, and body weight (BW) was recorded. Reactive bulls showed greater CS (P