To successfully mate a male breeding animal, such as a bull, ram, or boar, with a receptive female. Breeders track when a female is serviced to calculate gestation periods and expected birthing dates. The term covers both natural mating and artificial insemination procedures.
Heard on the job
The vet confirmed the cow is pregnant, so the bull managed to service her on the first cycle.
Insider tip
A sire's service capacity refers to how many females he can successfully breed in a given season.