As sperm production in rams begins two months before mating, now is a good time for the ram team to be bought in for shearing and a health check.
To help maximise sperm production and survival, the testes must remain cool, hence the importance of ensuring wool is removed from around the testes at this time of year.
Speaking on the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Sheep Mating Management learning module, Farm Systems Scientist Tom Fraser says rams should be checked for brucellosis, which can go undetected, and other abnormalities such as epididymitis, missing or deformed testes, pizzle rot and scrotal mange.
They should also be checked for trace element deficiencies. Selenium deficiency, for example, can cause sperm defects.
Foot abscesses in the lead up to mating can cause elevated temperatures and cause infertility for up to two months.
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.
Recommended ram ratios are 1: 150 for mixed-age ewes and rams and 1:50-1:80 for hoggets when using mature rams or 1:40-1:50 when using ram hoggets.
For more information
- Sheep mating management module.
- Making every mating count (PDF, 2.1MB).