BullcheckTM Masterclass and Accreditation 

 


 

BULLCHECKTM  Masterclass on Semen Morphology and Motility*

Date: Thursday 26 March 2026

Time: 8:30am - 5:00pm

Location: Royal International Convention Centre (Meeting Room 6 &7)
 

Facilitators:

  • Assistant Professor Karl Kerns, PhD – Iowa State University
  • Kim Kelly
  • Greg Powell
  • Tracy Sullivan
     

Overview:

This day long masterclass will be hands on with experts in the field on semen morphology, motility and assessment. It will be split into two parts.

Part A: Semen Morphology – Principles and Practice

This session will provide an in-depth exploration of bull semen morphology, focusing on the identification, classification, and interpretation of sperm abnormalities. Participants will gain hands-on experience in morphological assessment using microscopy techniques, with emphasis on the relevance of morphology to fertility outcomes. The masterclass will also cover standardised scoring systems, quality control measures, and the implications of morphological defects for breeding soundness evaluations.
 

Part B: Semen Motility – Evaluation and Application

This session delves into the assessment of bull semen motility, a critical parameter in evaluating semen quality and predicting fertility. Participants will learn to distinguish between progressive, non-progressive, and abnormal motility patterns using both manual and computer-assisted techniques (CASA). The masterclass will highlight best practices for sample handling, temperature control, and timing to ensure accurate motility evaluation. Through practical demonstrations and case-based discussions, attendees will develop a robust understanding of how motility data informs breeding decisions, AI programs, and semen processing protocols.

This masterclass is ideal for veterinarians, technicians, and reproductive specialists who was to equip themselves with the skills to confidently assess and report semen morphology in both clinical and research settings.

*note that you can choose just to attend the masterclass and not the accreditation if you are already accredited or want to gain some new skills

Includes: Catering  

Number of delegates: 40 (split into two groups)

VetEd points: 8 

 

BULLCHECKTM  examination and accreditation


Date: Friday 27 March 2026

Time: 8:30am - 4:00pm

Location: UQ Gatton
 

Facilitators:

  • Brendan Brieffies
  • ​​Stacey Rae
  • Kim Kelly
  • Greg Powell
  • Tracy Sullivan
 

Overview:

Become a BULLCHECK™ accredited cattle veterinarian. This session will guide you through the comprehensive process of assessing bulls for reproductive fitness, ensuring transparency, consistency, and adherence to rigorous standards set by Australian Cattle Vets (ACV).

You will learn and gain invaluable insights into assessing bull fertility using scientific methods endorsed by ACV. Accredited veterinarians will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions regarding bull selection and breeding practices, ensuring the future productivity and success of your cattle operations.

After attending, you will leave with an understanding of the equipment and processes and be able to: 

  • Understand the importance of BULLCHECK™ in assessing the future fertility risk of bulls
  • Learn the standardised procedures and criteria used in the BULLCHECK™ examination. 
  • Gain practical knowledge on conducting scrotal circumference measurements and physical evaluations.
  •  Explore the process of semen assessment, including crush side semen evaluation and sperm morphology.
  • Discuss additional factors such as vaccination history and diagnostic tests for diseases or genetic abnormalities.

*please note there will be required online learning to do before undertaking the accreditation taking approximately 2-3 hours. You will receive accreditation paperwork after successfully being approved by an examiner.

Includes: Catering and a printed copy of the bullcheck manual

No of delegates: 20

VetEd points: 18