To maximise the potential of next year’s lamb crop, Beef + Lamb New Zealand is reminding farmers to carry out an annual health check on their ram team eight to 10 weeks ahead of mating.
Anna Vaughan, Genetics Operation Specialist-Sheep, says sperm production begins two months before mating so it is important to ensure rams are in optimal health well before they go out to the ewes.
“Ideally rams should be shorn and crutched at least two months before mating, ensuring wool is removed from around the testes.”
Ms Vaughan recommends farmers get their vet or animal health professional to check rams for brucellosis, which can go undetected, and other abnormalities such as epididymitis, missing or deformed testes, pizzle rot and scrotal mange.
The rams’ trace element status should also be checked as deficiencies, such as selenium deficiency, can cause sperm defects.
Foot abscesses in the lead up to mating can cause elevated temperatures and cause infertility for up to two months.
“It is worth investing time and money in preparing rams for mating. If they fail to perform, they could have a significant impact on scanning percentages and next season’s lamb crop.”
As with ewes, the rams should be given high quality feed in the lead up to mating and go to the ewes at a BCS of 3-4.
More information
- Making every mating count (PDF, 2.1MB)