The scrotum provides physical protection to the testicle and helps regulate the temperature for optimum spermatozoa development. 

Scrotal/Testicle Shape: A common cause of low fertility in bull is abnormal testicle and scrotal sac development. The testicles should be symmetrical, nearly the same size, and freely movable in the scrotum. Small size or degeneration often affects one testicle only and is a serious finding. There ar three basic shapes in beef bulls. These are the "normal" or "bottle-shaped" scrotum, "straight-sided" scrotum, and "wedge-shaped" scrotum. Bulls having a normal scrotum with a distinct neck generally have the best testicular development. The normal scrotum offers the best opportunity for temperature control of the testicles. Often bulls with straight-sided scrotums are only moderate in testicle size. The straight-sided neck of the scrotum is generally the result of fat deposits that may impair proper thermoregulation. As bulls mature and lose condition, they will often develop a more normal scrotum. Wedge-shaped scrotums are pointed toward the bottom and hold the testicles close to the body wall. Bulls with this scrotal configuration have undersized testicles and seldom produce semen of adequate quality.

Consistency of the testicle.

The consistency of the normal testicle is much like a firm rubber ball. Extremely hard testicles indicate infection (orchitis) and very soft ones indicate degeneration. The epididymides, the structure that surrounds the testicles and transports semen to the accessory sex glands can be palpated. Defects of this structure seriously affect fertility. The neck or upper part of the scrotum can be examined. Intestine will be found in the upper part of the scrotum if a severe inguinal hernia is present. This is most common on the left side. Sometimes large fat deposits in the upper part of the scrotum can resemble an inguinal hernia.  

La piel del escroto debe ser lisa y plegable, de naturaleza delgada, sin accidentes o protuberancias. igualmente, el testículo debe tener amplia movilidad dentro del escroto, lo que facilita su retracción o descenso según la temperatura ambiente y por lo tanto el control de la temperatura corporal del mismo. 

SCROTUM BEEF CATTLE