In this episode Prue Adams speaks with Dr Karl Kerns, Assistant Professor of Animal Sciences at Iowa State University, about why male fertility could be one of the most important frontiers in improving beef production. As global demand for high-quality protein rises, Dr Kerns explains how cattle can help convert human-inedible forages into valuable nutrition — and why improving reproductive efficiency is central to producing more with less.

The conversation explores the limitations of traditional bull breeding soundness examinations, including why good motility, morphology and physical structure do not always equal true fertility. Dr Kerns discusses emerging research into biomarkers, AI-assisted sperm assessment and label-free technologies that may one day help vets and producers identify higher-fertility sires more objectively, quickly and affordably.

For Australian cattle veterinarians, the key message is clear: fertility is dynamic, male reproductive performance deserves closer attention, and future gains in beef productivity will depend on combining practical field knowledge with new reproductive technologies.