Abstract: Yearling beef bulls, representing different Bos indicus and Bos taurus breeds, were given two sexual performance assessments (libido score, number of services, time to first mount and time of sexual inactivity) at four test periods (January, April, July and October) in 1991 (Trial 1) and 1992 (Trial 2) at the Subtropical Agricultural Research Station, Brooksville, Florida. Breed and test period, as well as their interactions, influenced most results. Sexual performance assessments generally improved with age in Bos taurus breeds, but not in Bos indicus. The temperate Bos taurus breeds (Angus and Hereford) were most sexually active, the tropically adapted Bos taurus breeds (Senepol and Romosinuano) intermediate and the two Bos indicus breeds (Brahman and Nellore x Brahman) were least active. Service rates were generally low. Seasonal patterns in sexual performance were not apparent, with breed and year differences occurring. Although breeds showed consistent test results, the failure of Bos indicus bulls to service in any test, indicates either sexual immaturity, or inadequate procedures for assessment of sexual performance in this breed group.

Abstract: Animal welfare, or well-being, is a social issue with ethical, scientific, political, and aesthetic properties. Answering questions about the welfare of animals requires scientific definition, assessment, solutions, and public acceptance. With respect to the actual well-being of the animal, most issues are centered on how the animal “feels” when managed within a specific level of confinement, during special agricultural practices (e.g., tail docking, beak trimming, etc.) and handling. Questions of this nature may require exploration of animal cognition, motivation, perception, and emotional states in addition to more commonly recognized indicators of well-being. Several general approaches have emerged for solving problems concerning animal well-being in intensive production systems: environmental, genetic, and therapeutic. Environmental approaches involve modifying existing systems to accommodate specific welfare concerns or development of alternative systems. Genetic approaches involve changing the behavioral and (or) physiological nature of the animal to reduce or eliminate behaviors that are undesirable within intensive system. Therapeutic approaches of a physical (tail docking, beak trimming) and physiological (drug and nutritional therapy) nature bring both concern and promise with regard to the reduction of confinement stress. Finally, the recent focus on commodity quality assurance programs may indirectly provide benefits for animal well-being. Although research in the area of animal well-being will provide important information for better animal management, handling, care, and the physical design of intensive production systems there is still some uncertainty regarding public acceptance. The aesthetics of modern intensive production systems may have as much to do with public acceptance as with science.