Q: The scrotum of a bull should look football shaped, and for most yearlings, scrotal circumference should range from 35" to 40", depending on the breed.  Smaller bulls tend to have smaller scrotal circumferences than big bulls. Irregular shaped testicles (uneven size, epididymis not at the bottom of the testes, etc.) can be genetically passed on to sons and daughters. Scrotal conformation in sons could be worse, and in daughters, udder conformation could cause decrease in milking ability, large teats, sagginess in the udder, and cause the udder to break down early. A cow should have an udder with uniform quarters and small teats. Each teat should be equally spaced under each quarter.  Teats should not be large, as large teats make it more difficult for a newborn calf to latch onto and suckle from or to get adequate colostrum from. The udder should the tucked neatly away in between her hind legs, with a level udder floor and no exhibition of any quartering (i.e., one quarter is larger than the other).  The udder should blend in with the lower part of the belly quite smoothly, with no V or crevice between the udder and the belly. It should attach high up behind the back legs, and not be tilted up in front or down in the back. The median suspensory ligament is responsible for proper attachment to the cow's body wall.  A poor suspensory ligament will allow the udder to hang down too far from the body and subjects the udder to serious problems like mastitis and risk of injury. Like in dairy cows, producers that select for more milk production in terms of higher maternal weaning weight and milk Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) values have a moderate genetic antagonism with udder quality. Thus, it is always best to match genetics with environmental conditions you are raising your cattle in, and never go to extremes, especially with beef cows.
A: Scrotal conformation in bulls: Teat and udder conformation in cows: Poor udder conformation in your beef or dairy herd will reduce udder longevity of your cattle.

Q: There are some conditions and other symptoms that signal the need to visit a dentist. Some of these signs include:  Your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold. Your gums are puffy and/or they bleed when you brush or floss. You have gum recession or loose teeth. You have fillings, crowns, dental implants, dentures, etc. You have persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth. You have pain or swelling in your mouth, face or neck. You have difficulty chewing or swallowing. You have a family history of gum disease or tooth decay. Your mouth is often dry, even if you regularly drink water. Your jaw sometimes pops or is painful when opening and closing, chewing or when you first wake up; you have an uneven bite. You have a spot or sore that doesn’t look or feel right in your mouth and it isn’t going away. You don’t like the way your smile or teeth look. Visit your dentist for a professional cleaning and checkup. At your checkup, the dentist or hygienist will ask about your recent medical history, examine your mouth and decide whether or not you need x-rays.  Let your dentist know about any tooth or gum sensitivity such as cracked teeth or swelling, redness or bleeding in the gums. It is important to let your dentist know about changes in your overall health since many medical conditions can affect your oral health too. Depending on your treatment plan, the hygienist may use a special dental instruments to check your gums for gum disease. Your dentist can help you find the right whitening product or procedure to help you get a brighter smile. Whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration, especially if you have brown or gray hued teeth. If you have had bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth, the whitener will not affect the color of these materials, and they will stand out in your newly whitened smile. You may want to investigate other options, like porcelain veneers or dental bonding. Some other ways to get a whiter smile are:  In-office bleaching is a dental procedure in which dentist applies either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues, which is followed by a bleaching agent. This procedure can be done in one visit to the dentist’s office. At-home bleaching with products containing hydrogen peroxide is useful for some people. There may be potential side effects, such as increased sensitivity or gum irritation, so speak with your dentist before using any whitening products. Whitening toothpastes help remove surface stains and reduce discoloration over the long term with a proper oral care routine. A dental x-ray can help your dentist detect any signs of damage or disease in your teeth that may not be visible during a regular check-up, which may be the cause of teeth discoloration. If you frequently experience toothaches or bleeding gums, an x-ray can help your dentist understand the cause better.  If you are a new patient, your dentist may recommend getting an x-ray to determine the current status of your oral health. A new set of x-rays may be needed to help your dentist detect any cavities, analyze your gum health or evaluate the growth and development of your teeth. Tell your dentist if you are pregnant to use a special apron that protects you and your child from any radiation exposure.
A:
Look for signs that you should see a dentist. Schedule a professional dental cleaning check-up. Ask your dentist about teeth whitening options. Get a dental x-ray.