242
21
Preparation of Teaser Bulls
Gretchen Grissett
Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, USA
I­ ntroduction
Historically, a key to a successful artificial insemination
(AI) program has been accurate detection of estrus. Even
with utilization of currently available estrus synchroniza-
tion programs and timed AI, estrus detection is important
as a tool to evaluate the efficacy of the protocol, trouble-
shoot problems in real time, and identify outliers that can
be bred outside the prescribed “AI window.”
Several estrus detection methods exist, including tail-
head paint, mount detectors, self-adhesive heat detection
patches, and visual observation. All these methods depend
on female cattle standing for mounting during estrus. Thus
these methods might miss females with weak or short
estrus behavior [1]. By far the most efficient estrus detector
is the bull, with the caveat that there is the benefit of male
presence [2]. Therefore utilization of a teaser bull (intact
sterilized male) is the most reliable method of estrus detec-
tion in the utilization of an AI program.
Several factors need to be considered when choosing a teaser
bull procedure and each producer will have different needs
and expectations. Besides the obvious need to render the bull
sterile, other considerations would include herd status (open
or closed herd). If an open herd, venereal disease transmission
is an important factor to consider and prevention of intromis-
sion during mounting will be an important factor when choos-
ing a teaser bull surgical procedure. Additionally, expected
longevity needs to be discussed with the producer. On average,
teaser bulls will last one to three years within a herd [1].
Decreased libido is the most common reason for culling, with
excessive size and aggression being the next most common
culling reasons [3]. To summarize, the main goals of surgical
preparation of teaser bulls are to render him sterile, prevent
intromission and therefore the transmission of venereal dis-
ease, and avoid excessive libido reduction [4, 5].
Bovine Reproduction, Second Edition. Edited by Richard M. Hopper.
© 2021 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Published 2021 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Companion website: www.wiley.com/go/hopper/bovine
Proper bull selection is also an important aspect of teaser
bull preparation. The ideal bull needs to be of moderate size,
mild temperament, and easily handled. This bull also needs
to be free of transmissible diseases. Of course, the bull also
needs strong libido, but this can be difficult to assess in year-
ling bulls [4]. Teaser bull surgery should be performed well
before the breeding season to allot time for healing and
recovery from surgery. Ideally, the procedure should be
performed on bulls less than 272 kg, primarily for ease of
handling and decreased hemorrhage during surgery [4].
Teaser bull procedures can be divided into two categories:
those that block semen flow and deliver sterility (vasec-
tomy, epididymectomy) and those that prevent penile pen-
etration (penile–prepuce translocation, penopexy, preputial
pouch). Depending on the needs and expectations of the
producer, any one or a combination of these procedures can
be used for preparation of a teaser bull.
V
­ asectomy
As previously mentioned, vasectomy will render a bull sterile
but does not prevent normal mating and copulation behavior.
This procedure can be performed with the bull in standing
restraint or recumbency, or a tilt chute may be used if availa-
ble. The typical surgical approach is an anterior approach on
the neck of the scrotum. However, if standing restraint is
chosen, then the approach would be the posterior aspect of
the neck of the scrotum. Figure 21.1 shows the procedure.
The neck of the scrotum should be clipped and aseptically
prepared for surgery. Lidocaine 2% should be infused over
the proposed incision site over each spermatic cord. A 3-cm
incision should be made through the skin and tunica dartos
over each spermatic cord. The spermatic cord is isolated by
placing a hemostat underneath the entire spermatic cord.

Figure 21.1 Procedure for vasectomy. Source: Illustration by
Mal Hoover.
The ductus deferens is then identified via palpation. The
ductus deferens is a firm structure that runs medially along
the spermatic cord and is approximately 2–3 mm in diame-
ter. Once identified, the tunica vaginalis is carefully incised,
utilizing extreme caution so as not to damage the cremaster
muscle or pampiniform plexus resulting in excessive hemor-
rhage. After the tunica vaginalis is incised, the ductus defer-
ens is isolated with another hemostat.
Two ligatures are placed approximately 3–5 mm apart
using #0 absorbable suture [4, 5]. The ductus deferens is
removed between the two ligatures. The skin is closed with
a cruciate pattern using nonabsorbable suture. Antibiotics
can be administered to prevent any postoperative infection,
especially if surgical contamination has occurred. It is rec-
ommended to wait 30 days prior to using the bull as a teaser
animal, since sperm can be present in the reproductive
tract up to 30 days postoperatively [4, 5]. Additionally, it is
recommended to perform yearly evaluations of the teaser
animal’s ejaculate to ensure sterility of the animal.
E
­ pididymectomy
An epididymectomy is similar to a vasectomy with regard
to restraint options and copulation behavior [6]. For this
procedure, the base of the scrotum is clipped and asepti-
cally prepared. Lidocaine 2% is infused over the tail of the
epididymis. Once prepared, the surgeon grasps the neck of
the scrotum and pushes the testicle ventrally. A 3-cm inci-
sion is made over the tail of the epididymis through the
skin and common vaginal tunic until the epididymis is
exteriorized. The tail of the epididymis is carefully ­dissected
from the testicle, and towel clamps or Allis tissue forceps
­Penile–Prepuce Translocatio  243
can be used to assist in handling and manipulation of the
epididymis. A hemostat is placed on the ductus deferens
and the body of the epididymis. Ligatures with #0 absorb-
able suture are placed proximal to the hemostats. The tail
of the epididymis is removed by transection distal to the
hemostats. Figure 21.2 shows the procedure.
The common vaginal tunic is closed using #0 absorbable
suture. The skin can be closed with non-absorbable cruci-
ate sutures or the incisions can be left open to allow ventral
drainage. Antibiotics can be administered to prevent post-
operative infections. Postoperative resting recommenda-
tions and yearly ejaculate examinations are the same as
previously stated for vasectomy aftercare.
­Penile–Prepuce Translocation
Penile–prepuce translocation (“sidewinder”) is the surgical
transposition of the penis and prepuce from the ventral
midline to the right or left flank of a bull. This procedure
allows normal protrusion and erection but does not permit
intromission. In general, “sidewinders” are preferred by
producers due to longevity and herd retention of the teaser
animal. Bulls with a penile–prepuce translocation maintain
better and longer libido since this procedure allows normal
protrusion and does not cause pain during erection. Some
bulls are able to compensate and learn how to breed females
despite the translocation of the penis and prepuce. Therefore
it is recommended that a vasectomy or epididymectomy is
performed to ensure sterility of the bull.
Penile–prepuce translocation is performed in lateral
recumbency, so general anesthesia is the preferred method
of restraint. If general anesthesia is not possible, heavy seda-
tion with rope restraints and local infiltration of 2% lidocaine
can be used. Ideally, food should be withheld for 24 hours
and water for 12 hours before performing the procedure.
Prior to placing the bull in recumbency, the translocation
site for the preputial orifice should be identified. The trans-
location site should be just outside the flank fold and lat-
eral to the original preputial orifice site [3]. An 18-gauge
needle can be used to abrade the epidermis so the location
is not altered after placing the animal in recumbency and
skin stretching occurs. The ventral abdomen from the
umbilicus to just cranial to the scrotum and the site of
translocation of the flank should be clipped and aseptically
prepared. Flush the prepuce with dilute iodine solution.
Before making the initial incision, place one simple
interrupted suture at the dorsal aspect of the preputial ori-
fice to serve as a marker and prevent twisting of the pre-
puce during translocation. A circumferential skin incision
around the preputial orifice is made 4 cm from the orifice
or a total diameter of 8–10 cm (Figure 21.3) [3, 4]. Extend
244 Preparation of Teaser Bulls

1 1
2 2

Figure 21.2 Procedure for epididymectomy. Source: Illustration by Mal Hoover.

Figure 21.3 Circumferential incision 4 cm from the preputial Figure 21.4 Ventral midline incision extending caudally with
orifice is performed with an interrupted suture placed at the circumferential incision at the translocation site. Source: Photo
dorsal aspect of the preputial orifice to prevent twisting during courtesy of Tom Thompson.
translocation. Source: Photo courtesy of Tom Thompson.

the preputial orifice at the desired translocation site

the skin incision on the ventral midline from the preputial
orifice to just cranial to the scrotum (Figure 21.4). Carefully
dissect the penis and prepuce from the ventral abdomen.
Avoid lacerating the prepuce; packing or tubing can be
placed in the prepuce to aid with proper identification.
While dissecting the penis and prepuce, avoid incising the
dorsal penile vessels and control hemorrhage as it is
encountered. Once the penis and prepuce are dissected,
make a circular skin incision equivalent to the diameter of
(Figure 21.4). Use a sponge forceps to create a tunnel
toward the flank incision. As the forceps is retracted, open
it slightly to help facilitate penile translocation. This tunnel
can also be accomplished with a cold sterilized polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) pipe (Figure 21.5).
Place a sterile glove or sleeve over the preputial orifice to
minimize contamination of the subcutaneous tissues.
Then run a sponge forceps from the flank incision to the
ventral midline incision and grasp the preputial orifice.

Figure 21.5 Use of a cold sterilized PVC pipe to facilitate
tunneling of penile translocation and skin incision for the
translocation site. Source: Photo courtesy of Tom Thompson.
Manipulate the preputial orifice to the flank incision, tak-
ing care not to twist the prepuce (use a stay suture to ensure
proper alignment). Suture the skin around the preputial
orifice using #3 non-absorbable sutures with a cruciate or
horizontal mattress pattern (Figure 21.6) [1]. Close the
subcutaneous layer of the ventral midline incision with #3
absorbable suture, closing as much dead space as possible
to prevent seroma formation. Close the skin with #3 non-
absorbable suture in a Ford interlocking pattern. Place a
cruciate suture at the cranial aspect of the incision to be
removed for drainage if a seroma does occur.
The teaser bull should be monitored closely for 24 hours
postoperatively to ensure he is able to urinate properly.
Antibiotics should be administered for three to five days
postoperatively to prevent infection. Allow four to six weeks
of recovery time before using the teaser bull [3–5]. Penile–
prepuce translocation is not a technically difficult proce-
dure, but it is more invasive and can result in more
postoperative complications. The most common complica-
tions are obviously seroma and abscess formation from the
excessive dead space created. Another complication would
be not translocating the preputial orifice high enough on
the flank and thus the bull would still be capable of breed-
ing a female animal. There is also one case report of a
teaser bull developing paraphimosis with a penile–prepuce
translocation [7].
P
­ enopexy
Penopexy is the iatrogenic creation of phimosis by surgi-
cally creating an adhesion of the penis to the ventral body
wall. This procedure prevents protrusion of the penis, thus
preventing normal intromission or copulation. Penopexy is
a relatively quick procedure and can typically be performed
­Penopex  245
Figure 21.6 Closure of new preputial orifice with interrupted
sutures and ventral midline with Ford interlocking pattern.
Source: Photo courtesy of Tom Thompson.
with sedation and local infiltration of 2% lidocaine. Tilt
chute restraint or general anesthesia can also be utilized.
Lateral recumbency is the preferred positioning.
The bull’s ventral abdomen is clipped and surgically pre-
pared from the preputial orifice to the scrotum. A skin inci-
sion is made 2–3 cm lateral of the midline and half the
distance between the preputial orifice and scrotum approxi-
mately 10 cm in length. Carefully dissect the subcutaneous
tissues until the penis is identified and exteriorized
(Figure 21.7). Once the penis is exteriorized through the
incision, identify the caudal reflection of the penis (fornix)
and dissect the subcutaneous tissues on the dorsal aspect of
the penis until the tunica albuginea is exposed for approxi-
mately 10 cm caudal to the fornix [4, 5]. Remove the subcu-
taneous tissue on the linea alba in conjunction with the
dorsal aspect of the penis. The tunica albuginea and corre-
sponding linea alba are scarified to promote strong adhesion
formation. After preparation of both sites, the urethral
groove is identified on the ventral aspect of the penis.
Beginning 6–8 cm caudal to the fornix of the penis, pre-place
four to six simple interrupted sutures approximately 2 cm
apart using a heavy non-absorbable suture [4, 5]. The suture
is placed through the dorsal third of the penis using care to
not enter the urethra. The suture is then placed through a
corresponding area of the linea alba (Figure 21.8) [4, 5].
Once all the sutures are pre-placed, return the penis to the
normal anatomical position and ensure it is not protruding
from the preputial orifice prior to securing all the sutures
(Figure 21.9). Close the subcutaneous tissue with absorbable
sutures and the skin with #3 non-absorbable suture in a
Ford interlocking pattern. A vasectomy or epididymectomy
is usually performed in conjunction with a penopexy to
ensure sterility of the bull in case of procedure failure.
Allow three to four weeks of recovery to ensure proper
formation of adhesions. The drawback of penopexy is the
246 Preparation of Teaser Bulls
Figure 21.7 Exteriorization of the penis through the incision
and identification of the caudal reflection of the penis.
Figure 21.8 Preplacement of sutures through the dorsal third
of the penis and linea alba. Source: Illustration by Mal Hoover.
risk of entering the urethra and decreased longevity in the
herd since the bull will experience pain during attempted
erection, thus decreasing libido. A follow-up study of 37
bulls found that 15% of bulls maintained good libido for
one breeding, 30% for 1–1.5 years, and 42% for more than
1.5 years [5, 8].
A standing perineal penopexy approach has been
described using light sedation and a caudal epidural. The
Figure 21.9 Securing the stay sutures for penopexy. Source:
Illustration by Mal Hoover.
approach is over the distal loop of the sigmoid flexure [4].
A 4- to 5-cm incision is made through the skin and the
tunica albuginea is exposed as mentioned previously.
However, the stay sutures are placed on the lateral aspects
of the penis and secured to the fibrous connective tissue in
the perineal region of the bull [4, 5].
­ reputial Pouch Technique (Ventral
P
Slot with Preputial Orifice
Obliteration)
The preputial pouch technique creates a fistula on the ven-
tral prepuce and closes the normal preputial orifice. This
technique prevents penile extension but allows for passage
of urine through the ventral fistula. Teaser bulls with a pre-
putial pouch are typically retained in the herd longer
because libido is maintained for longer due to the lack of
pain during attempted breeding [5]. This procedure is per-
formed in lateral recumbency and can be accomplished
with tilt chute restraint or sedation with local infiltration of
2% lidocaine. The ventral abdomen is clipped and prepared
from the umbilicus to the midsheath region of the bull.
Prior to initiating surgery, the penis is extended and a
Penrose drain is sutured around the glans penis with 2–0
polydioxanone (PDS). An approximately 1-cm-diameter
elliptical incision is made through the skin 7 cm caudal to

the preputial orifice (Figure 21.10). The skin incision is
extended through the preputial mucosa. The excised skin
and mucosa are discarded. Then the internal mucosa of the
prepuce is sutured to the skin of the sheath to create the
fistula. An interrupted non-absorbable suture pattern is
recommended (Figure 21.11a and b) [5]. Once suturing is
complete, the free end of the Penrose drain is placed
through the fistula. The Penrose drain will facilitate urine
divergence while the primary incision sites heal.
The preputial orifice obliteration is accomplished by
removing approximately 5 mm of the sheath skin and
prepuce mucosal junction around the entire preputial
orifice (Figure 21.12). This incision is closed in three layers:
preputial epithelium, subcutaneous layer, and skin. The
Penrose drain and sutures can be removed in two weeks.
Allow three weeks of postoperative recovery time prior to
utilizing the teaser bull [5].
The critical step in the preputial pouch technique is the
size of the fistula. If the fistula is too small, proper urine
Figure 21.10 Site for incision for ventral fistula. Source:
Illustration by Mal Hoover.
(a)
(b)
Figure 21.11 (a and b) Suturing of preputial mucosa to the
sheath skin. Source: Illustration by Mal Hoover.
­Other Procedure  247
Figure 21.12 Excision of 5 mm of the preputial epithelium and
sheath skin junction. Source: Illustration by Mal Hoover.
flow is obstructed. If the fistula is too large, penile extension
can occur with potential breeding. Therefore it is recom-
mended to perform a vasectomy or epididymectomy to
ensure sterility of the bull. Some bulls may pool urine in
their preputial pouch and require postoperative flushing of
the pouch. Thus this technique is not recommended for
Bos indicus breeds since their pendulous sheath would pre-
dispose them to urine pooling and calculi formation [5].
­Other Procedures
Other teaser bull procedures include iatrogenic preputial
stenosis, artificial corpus cavernosal thrombosis, transection
of the apical ligament, and penectomy. These procedures are
briefly discussed, since their use has fallen out of favor due
to high risk of failure, complication rates, and diminished
libido.
Iatrogenic preputial stenosis involves a ventral mid-
sheath approach to the prepuce and penis. The prepuce is
identified and a stainless-steel rod or Steinmann pin is
secured and tightened around the prepuce. Care must be
taken to tighten the ring sufficiently to prevent penile
extension, but loose enough to prevent urine pooling and
balanoposthitis [5, 9]. Mixed success rates accompany this
procedure. Complications associated with this procedure
include excessive ring closure resulting in urine retention
and balanoposthitis, complete stenosis resulting in subcu-
taneous urine accumulation, lack of stenosis resulting in
penile extension and intromission, and excessive tissue
reaction to the stainless-steel ring.
Corpus cavernosal thrombosis involves injection of an
acrylic material into the corpus cavernosum of the
penis [10]. The acrylic material results in thrombus forma-
tion that prevents erection. This method is performed with
standing restraint under a caudal epidural. A midline inci-
sion is made over the penis. The distal sigmoid flexure is
identified by locating the retractor penis muscle, with the
proximal sigmoid flexure being approximately 15 cm proxi-
248 Preparation of Teaser Bulls
mally. A 14-gauge needle is inserted at the dorsolateral
aspect of the penis at the proximal sigmoid flexure and the
acrylic is injected. Non-absorbable stay sutures are placed
at the lateral aspect of the penis at the level of the retractor
penis muscle to prevent penile prolapse. Potential compli-
cations of this procedure include inadequate injection of
acrylic into the corpus cavernosum resulting in procedure
failure, or accidental injection into the corpus spongiosum
or urethra resulting in urethral obstruction [5].
Transection of the apical ligament involves intentional
transection of the apical ligament of the penis creating a ven-
tral penile deviation and preventing intromission. The bull is
restrained in lateral recumbency, either with heavy sedation
and rope restraint or utilization of a tilt table. The penis is
extended and a towel clamp is placed around the apical liga-
ment of the penis to maintain penile extension. Prepare the
penis and prepuce aseptically. Just proximal to the clamp, 2%
lidocaine is infused subcutaneously under the epidermis of
the penis. An approximately 2-cm skin incision is made lon-
gitudinally along the dorsum of the penis. Once the apical
ligament of the penis is isolated, the ligament is transected
extending to the tunica albuginea. The skin incision is closed
with interrupted absorbable suture. Possible complications
of this procedure include excessive hemorrhage with second-
ary seroma or abscess formation. Additionally, inadequate
transection of the apical ligament could occur or healing of
the ligament could allow breeding occurrence, so a vasec-
R
­ eferences
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2 Hornbuckle, T., Ott, R., Ohl, M. et al. (1995). Effects of bull
exposure on the cyclic activity of beef cows. Theriogenology
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3 Noordsy, J. and Ames, N. (2006). Food Animal Surgery, 4e,
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4 Morgan, G. and Dawson, L. (2008). Development of teaser
bulls under field conditions. Vet. Clin. North Am. Food
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5 Gill, M. (1995). Surgical techniques for preparation of
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6 McCaughey, W. and Martin, J. (1980). Preparation and use
of teaser bulls. Vet. Rec. 106: 119–121.
tomy or epididymectomy is recommended in conjunction
with this procedure.
Penectomy involves amputation of the penis. This can be
performed by amputation of the glans penis at the fornix
and suturing of the prepuce to the urethral mucosa [11];
alternatively this can be performed at the perineal region,
suturing urethral mucosa to the skin [5, 11]. Amputation
of the glans penis at the fornix results in teaser bulls that
experience pain during breeding attempts, thus decreasing
libido and herd retention time [5]. With penectomy via the
perineal approach, bulls often lose interest and experience
decreased libido due to the lack of coitus [11]. With either
approach, urethral stricture is a risk factor.
S
­ ummary
Accurate heat detection is essential to any AI or embryo
transfer program and teaser bulls are the best at detecting
heat. There are multiple procedures for creating a teaser
bull, with no single procedure being perfect. Each proce-
dure has its advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the
decision of which procedure to perform depends on the
needs and expectations of the client (longevity of bull,
postoperative complications, assured sterility). Additional
factors that may impact procedural choice include facili-
ties, veterinarian preference, cost, and herd status.
7 Baird, A., Wolfe, D., and Angel, K. (1992). Paraphimosis
in a teaser bull with penile translocation. J. Am. Vet. Med.
Assoc. 201: 325.
8 Hoffsis G, Maurer L. (1972). Preparation of detector bulls
by penile retraction and fixation. Proceedings of the
Annual Convention of the American Association of
Bovine Practitioners, pp. 114–116.
9 Aanes, W. and Rupp, G. (1984). Iatrogenic preputial
stenosis for preparation of teaser bulls. J. Am. Vet. Med.
Assoc. 184: 1474–1476.
10 Wolfe, D. (1986). Surgical procedures of the reproductive
system of the bull. In: Current Therapy in
Theriogenology, 2e (ed. D.A. Morrow), 353–380.
Philadelphia: WB Saunders.
11 Straub, O. and Kendrick, J. (1965). Preparation of teaser
bulls by penectomy. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 147: 373–376.