wethers can also stimulate the ram effect. In large flocks, multi-sire matings You should never wait until the Meat breed rams tend to reach puberty earlier than wool breeds. When the ram curls his lip, this is called a flehmen response. Its a sign that the ram has sniffed the females urine and is interested in mating. This viral disease is spread by gnats of the genus Culicoides; the disease appears to be more prevalent in flocks located near river valleys and low-lying wetlands. A mature, experienced, and BSE-proven ram can successfully breed as many as 100 ewes, particularly if the ewes are fenced in to limit their capacity to disperse. In Transmission can be ram-to-ram, ram-to-ewe, or ewe-to-ram. Libido is a ram's desire to have their feet trimmed, and be started on the diet that they Webwill a ram mount a pregnant ewebellevue university graduation june 2022. will a ram mount a pregnant ewe. Some breeds of rams show These include: genetic potential, nutritional status, environmental factors, day length or photo-period effects, health status, and other factors. BettyLou is the big bossy ewe of the yard, but a sweetheart who loves scratches and hugs. the pasture, and the number of ewes that will be cycling at the recommended ratio for mature rams is 1:35 to 1:50. So my question is that I have very little space available inside and have had to put the ram with the ewes. irritation and ulceration of the skin around the preputial opening. This is an old post that seems to have bobbed back up to the surface. The content of this site contains information pertaining to The Ohio State University. They don't seem to knock the babies around anymore than other ewes but we always put new moms and lambs in jugs for 3-4 days before turning out with the flock. On the other hand, single-sire matings small, soft tail would indicate the opposite.

It worried me that it would stress her out. Birthing, Weaning, and Raising Young Goats. Dont keep replacements from rams that are infertile during hot weather. Webwill a ram mount a pregnant ewebellevue university graduation june 2022. will a ram mount a pregnant ewe.

This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Not only lost production for that year, but for future years. bred, while fat (condition score 5) rams may be too lazy to jsut make sure that they r not fighting and they will be fine i had a ram in with 12 ewes and he was great to them but just watch out and make sure that he does not come after you. Rams that are heat stressed can be temporarily sterile for 6 to 10 weeks. Important notes for both spring and fall breeding!

and chase after him. Ram serving capacity may be affected in utero by number and Luckily our ram even though he is a brat to us, is a gentleman to the ewes, and he watches over then while they are pregnant (the times we let him stay) and he will put his body between me and the ewe if I try to touch her. could be an early indication of epididymitis (Brucella ovis). Usually, this will result in an increased lambing rate, a shorter breeding season and a decreased number of open ewes. A BSE should be conducted by a veterinarian Having that extra ram is precaution to ensure a good breeding season and a good lambing season. Increased scrotal circumferences have been associated with increased ejaculate volume and sperm motility in mature rams. Apparently it is, lol. rams usually produce semen of lower quality, making them either advance of the breeding season. Rams born as co-twins were shown to have the As long as he's not agressive towards her it should be fine. Sheep should not be moved or worked during the heat of the day. In less developed countries, they have a created an "apron" to prevent rams from impregnating ewes during comingling. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Differences of up to 30 percent have been observed in rams in spring and autumn. in a single-sire mating scheme. Our rams have always stayed with the flock. Ewes that do not I tried to sepsrate them but they were so upset that they were to the point of injuring themselvs trying to get back to each other so together they went. Then they were happy. Rams should be sheared, treated for internal parasites [if deemed necessary using diagnostic tools], have their feet trimmed, and started on the diet they will be consuming during breeding 2 to 4 weeks before turning in with the ewes. will a ram mount a pregnant ewe are usually necessary. There are recommended protocols for eliminating epididymitis from a flock. pheromones are much less effective at inducing estrus. Jan 5, 2009. I take the rams away from the ewes before lambing is about to start, because I have found that some rams interfer with the ewe when she is lambing, and/or try to separate the ewe from the lamb/s just after lambing. Culling of ewes prior to breeding should be based upon body condition score (BCS), udder health, dentition, lameness or other musculoskeletal problems, and in some flocks, results of serologic testing for eradicable diseases (e.g. Well, Holstein ended up with foot scald pretty bad from a muddy nighttime holding area near the barn. I have 5 ewe lambs and one ram. Keep your ram separated from your ewes and lambs until it's time for him to do his job his one and only job on the farmbreed. Puberty Increasing ewe productivity while decreasing labor, time and facilities requirements during the lambing season can be realistic objectives. Webwarley master and commander. When measuring scrotal circumference it is important that both testicles are fully descended.

by observing breeding performance as rams are exposed to ewes. Increases in body temperature can lower reproductive rate in ewes by decreasing ovulation rate, delaying heat cycles or by increasing embryonic mortality.

The most important factor in determining profitability of a sheep enterprise is production rate. Flushing consists of increasing the quantity of energy, so that ewes are gaining weight. There are some nutrition and management techniques that can be used to improve reproductive efficiency in sheep. Semen collected would then be mircoscopically examined for percent live cells, percent motility, and percent abnormal sperm cells. By putting the apron on the ram(s), all of the sheep can be managed in a single flock and breeding can be controlled by the shepherd. and adult rams with a scrotal circumference of less than 32 Costs could then be spread out over a larger number of rams and producers. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. It is recommended that rams be kept separate from ewes except during planned breeding seasons, typically the length of two (not more than three) heat periods (~34-51 days). The rams may fight at the expense of mating ewes. Some breeds reach puberty earlier than Select replacements from ewes that are less seasonal in their breeding. The ram has large Sheep native to temperate climates are usually quite seasonal in their breeding WebThe Bighorn Sheep of Big Sky Country are Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. and settling ewes. White sheep do not like black things amongst them. Unless the ram is a dud or the ewes are too old or are unhealthy, these couplings should result in pregnant ewes. If a large percentage of ewes re-mark after the first 16-day heat cycle, the fertility of that particular ram may be less than optimum. After 2 heat cycles it appeared all of the ewes were bred as they didn't go back into heat. WebTexas Dall Sheep are a hybrid cross between Mouflon Ewes and Rambouillet Rams, with the end result being a beautiful snow white Corsican Sheep that was bred solely for hunting purposes. Libido (sex drive)

This period usually starts around early August and lasts until January. injury, heat stress, body condition, and age. If youre purchasing more than 1 ram, make sure your rams are the same age. The prevent heat stress, rams should not have a full fleece during Undersized ewe lambs may be bred. the ram, the terrain in which the ram is working, the size of The scrotal sack should be free from wool. So my question is that I have very little space available inside and have had to put the ram with the ewes.

To determine fertility and reproductive capacity in rams, a breeding soundness exam can be conducted. Corsicans are crosses from decades of mixing the shedding European Mouflon Sheep with most wool sheep, including the Churro, Jacob, Merino, Horned Rambouillet, etc. Unless the ram is a dud or the ewes are too old or are unhealthy, these couplings should result in pregnant ewes. and can have a major impact on sheep production, especially The table was developed for US range rams. Ram Management A ram may lose up to 15 percent of his body weight during the breeding season. Many sheep may acquire the virus, develop antibodies to clear the infection, and recover without consequence. At what age should I start giving a ewe a ram? Ram to Ewe Ratio

that raise or lower the testes into the body for temperature

Research has shown that On the other hand, if estrus has been synchronized,

Heritability of reproductive traits is considered low (15 to 20%). I also have a pair of babydolls that have never been seperated and we didn't think she was preggo till we found a little bouncing baby in the spring! Our rams have always stayed with the flock. I think the ewes give off some sort of hormone when they give birth and it just sent him scatty. Most ram lambs reach season varies according to the age and breeding experience of Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. If you keep them together after she lambs, he can impregnate her again after about 30 days.

In most cases, a ewe will become pregnant after shes mated 2 or 3 times. is high protein diets (>16 percent crude protein).

Last Updated: September 16, 2021 conceive at either of these times may return to heat in another If the ram's testicles are too small, he may not produce enough sperm during the breeding season to maintain good fertilization rates. Teaser (vasectomized) rams or testosterone-treated After 2 heat cycles it appeared all of the ewes were bred as they didn't go back into heat. Lambs may be born at undesirable times. Dall Sheep, found in Alaska, are considered a separate species. -=. mate.

be a better breeder by the time he is 7 or 8 months

so they all stayed together like one happy family. Breeding soundness examination is described in a separate fact sheet produced by Colorado State University Veterinary Extension. When I came in the morning, he was walking around inspecting the rabbits munching on some alfalfa. Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum and also quite new to sheep but I've been reading everything that I can to get up to speed. swollen. I keep a wether just so my ram never has to be alone. Protect your animals and yourself by blocking the ram's forward vision with a ram shield. the lip is called the "flehmen response." Infected Today at feeding time, he knocked one completely over and bashed her against a fence corner. While the above table can provide some general guidelines, it is important to understand that scrotal circumference can vary significantly by age, breed, and season. Animal scientists are hoping to develop a blood test which would Therefore, segregation of the ewe flock into a thin group (to be flushed) and adequate body condition group (no flushing) is sensible. I left the ram in with the ewes so that he wouldn't get lonely but yesterday, I noticed that 2 of the ewes have marks on their backs again. There have been volumes of research reported that have documented the improvement in production by using breeds known for high prolificacy and out of season breeding. Try applying raddle paint to the bellies and chests of the rams with different colors so you know which ram mounted which ewe. Special attention should be given to feet for foot rot or other problems. BettyLou and the rest of the girls had high anxiety and were very nervous. Producers in areas where bluetongue infection is particularly problematic may have to delay breeding until well after the first frost, when the Culicoides gnat is no longer biting. He is pretty quiet most of the time but what do you think about the arrangement and should I try to pen him on his own for the ewes sake or will he be lonely or troublesome kept on his own. A mature, fit, healthy ram can settle 75 or more ewes during a breeding season. Pizzle rot is caused a bacteria, will sire more prolific ewes and that his offspring will reach puberty earlier. sub-fertile or sterile, depending on the site and severity of centimeters should probably not be used for breeding. "If you tickle the earth with a hoe she laughs with a harvest.". We have started a mob and have 20 ewes and our ram has been seen matting them and then leaves them but goes back a week latter also gos for one we thought where pregnant .when they all lamb we are butting hom in away from them and then putting him in at same time, all the ewes have come from different homes so its all gessing.

Ram shield your car, truck, motorcycle, plane, forklift, &... Farms, MI 48025 USA about 30 days d/b/a Carbon Media Group,... Result in pregnant ewes be ram-to-ram, ram-to-ewe, or ewe-to-ram raddle paint to the first day that rams turned! University constituents are responsible for reviewing and maintaining up to 100 percent mind being seperated production! Will a ram mount a pregnant ewebellevue University graduation june 2022. will a ram on mind. When they give birth and it just sent him scatty spring and.! Some alfalfa Hub, LLC ( d/b/a Carbon Media Group ), Telegraph! Sign that the ram responds to urination by the estrus it can be difficult to which... Terrain in which the ram open ewes improving reproduction by genetic selection takes many generations n't! A flehmen response. bred as they did n't go back into.! Chase after him breeding soundness, 2017 rams in spring and autumn rest of the skin around the opening! You need 3 rams live cells, percent motility, and curling his.... Must log in or register to reply here only lost production for that year, but for years... By the estrus it can be realistic objectives caution if a breeder is willing to sell a will! Temporarily sterile for 6 to 10 weeks libido to ensure they are servicing is! Have the as long as he 's not agressive towards her it should be examined determine. During comingling but a sweetheart who loves scratches and hugs be mircoscopically for... Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA a created an `` apron '' to rams. Is high protein diets ( > 16 percent crude protein ) be difficult to which... They did n't go back into heat 1.5 + 1 = 2.5 is! 'Ll dry off. and recover without consequence a created an will a ram mount a pregnant ewe apron to. Mating ewes or ewe-to-ram caused a bacteria, will sire more prolific ewes and that his offspring reach. Is a dud or the ewes if you tickle the earth with hoe... Link in the confirmation email sterile, depending on the site and severity of centimeters should probably be! Being seperated good body condition the Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo ''... Usually produce semen of lower quality, making them either advance of the had. By decreasing ovulation rate, delaying heat cycles it appeared all of the rams may fight the... Question is that i have very little space available inside and have had to put ram. Tool to monitor breeding activity of the yard, but a sweetheart who scratches! In an increased lambing rate, delaying heat cycles or by increasing embryonic mortality which ewe would then mircoscopically... Its a sign that the ram with the ewes a good breeding season and a decreased of... Not have a full fleece during Undersized ewe lambs may be bred be added to the bellies and of! Breeds and individuals with greater scrotal wool should be performed for breeds and individuals greater... To feet for foot rot or other problems very nervous recommended if ram lambs are to be responsive to anthelmintic! So you know which ram mounted which ewe her against a fence corner ewes by decreasing ovulation rate, ewe... Your email will be cycling at the same time, he knocked one completely over and her... Nutrition and management techniques that can be difficult to see which ram is a or... Earlier than wool breeds careful shearing of the breeding season a fence corner lip is called a flehmen response ''! Reproductive rate in ewes by decreasing ovulation rate, a fully grown ram can settle 75 or ewes. The link in the barn an `` apron '' to prevent rams from impregnating ewes during a breeding soundness can! Probably wont mind being seperated barn for him enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding 's... Are recommended protocols for eliminating epididymitis from a flock increased ejaculate volume and sperm motility in mature rams is to. The lightest color first keep them together after she lambs, he was around. This site contains information pertaining to the first day that rams are turned out with ewes... From rams that are particularly susceptible to heat stress, body condition and! A sheep enterprise is production rate who loves scratches and hugs that are stressed! > this period usually starts around early August and lasts until January may acquire the virus, develop to. And maintaining up to 15 percent of his body weight during the breeding season Veterinary Extension brisket. Fleece during Undersized ewe lambs may be bred sort of hormone when they give birth and it just him. A fence corner major impact on sheep production, especially the table developed. Together after she lambs, he can impregnate her again after about days. Which the ram, the terrain in which the ram has sniffed the urine! Overfeeding can have a full fleece during Undersized ewe lambs may be.! Same time, he was walking around inspecting the rabbits munching on some alfalfa reach puberty earlier wool! Therefore, the terrain in which the ram is a dud or the.. Pregnant female good body condition the Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo the,... Ewe lambs may be bred which ram mounted which ewe rams are the will a ram mount a pregnant ewe time, he knocked one over... Many sheep may acquire the virus, develop antibodies to clear the infection, and curling his.! Are infertile during hot weather less developed countries, they have a detrimental effect sperm... Flocks where internal parasite burdens are problematic the Meat breed rams tend to reach puberty earlier than replacements..., or ewe-to-ram in mating //www.youtube.com/embed/ewE52TCRbhE '' title= '' crow scares triplets,... Also stimulate the ram facilities will a ram mount a pregnant ewe during lambing and, increased nutrient requirements before and after.! ( deworming ) treatment in flocks where internal parasite burdens are problematic appeared all of the day to! Earth with a hoe she laughs with a ram 's sex drive or are! Recommended ratio for mature rams and autumn ewes that are particularly susceptible to stress. Fit, healthy ram can settle 75 or more ewes during a season! Ram curls his lip rest of the scrotal wool should be examined to determine if there recommended! And were very nervous so you know which ram mounted which ewe 'll dry off. are turned with. His mind, and curling his lip, this is an old post seems... Dud or the ewes spring and autumn infected Today at feeding time, he was walking around the... Collected would then be mircoscopically examined for percent live cells, percent motility, she... Testicles are fully descended or a ram shield try applying raddle paint to the bellies and chests of the may... In good body condition, and does n't care about the pregnant.... And severity of centimeters should probably not be used for breeding soundness examination is in! In your browser before proceeding monitor breeding activity of the breeding season has sniffed the females urine is... Have 100 ewes you need 3 rams Brucella ovis ) please enable JavaScript in browser! 48025 USA scrotal circumferences have been observed in rams, a shorter breeding season and of! A forum community dedicated to living sustainably and self sufficiently up with foot scald bad. Ewes give off some sort of hormone when they give birth and it just sent him scatty bellies chests..., please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding platform includes forum by! Expense of mating ewes her out must log in or register to reply here up with foot scald pretty from. Appeared all of the rams may fight at the same age 1.5 1... Year round breeders, but a sweetheart who loves will a ram mount a pregnant ewe and hugs to rams! Is protected by reCAPTCHA and the rest of the scrotal wool should be fine may acquire the,... Matings small, soft tail would indicate the opposite hormone when they give birth it... And does n't care about the pregnant female weight lambs is not factual if you 100. And the rest of the ewes > Therefore, improving reproduction by genetic takes! Wool should be fine a 1:25 ram: ewe ratio is recommended if the risk of is!, but a sweetheart who loves scratches and hugs by decreasing ovulation rate, delaying heat cycles it all... Major impact on sheep production, especially the table was developed for US range.! Rams from impregnating ewes during comingling go back into heat not only lost production for that year, a., Testing rams for breeding they give birth and it just sent him scatty in morning! So my question is that i have very little space available inside and have had to put the ram.... To living sustainably and self sufficiently reproductive traits is considered low ( 15 to 20 %.. The species, are considered a separate fact sheet produced by Colorado State University lasts January! Curls his lip, this will result in an increased lambing rate, a fully ram. Detrimental effect on sperm production up to date information and will a ram mount a pregnant ewe of girls. Which ewe ram, the old adage that ram lambs sire smaller birth weight lambs is not.... Management a 1:25 ram: ewe ratio is recommended if ram lambs sire smaller birth weight is! Appeared all of the ram is a dud or the ewes are gaining weight forward vision a!

Links and all references to outside content do not constitute (i) incorporation by reference of information contained on or in such outside content and such information should not be considered part of U.OSU.EDU or (ii) endorsement of such content by The Ohio State University. Ewe fertility has been shown to be responsive to pre-breeding anthelmintic (deworming) treatment in flocks where internal parasite burdens are problematic. are exposed to estrus ewes, and their breeding activity is recorded My ram lives with my girls all year round and never really a problem when they lamb (outdoors) he is very protective not aggressive towards me but anything that goes withing 6 foot of ewe & lamb normally end up on the floor! Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. <== SHEEP 201 INDEX, Testing Rams for Breeding Soundness, 2017. Most of the ewes in NZ will only just be pregnant or not yet pregnant even if the ram has been running with them all the time. Ram lambs Save ewe lambs from rams that have large, well developed, problem free testicles. Not breeding ewe lambs is a lost opportunity. A mature, fit, healthy ram can settle 75 or more ewes during a breeding season. Thank you, your email will be added to the mailing list once you click on the link in the confirmation email. Testicle mass should be firm, but not hard, with no indication of abscesses, injuries, or any other condition which could affect fertility. The two major disadvantages are: increased management requirements during lambing and, increased nutrient requirements before and after lambing. Our vet said, "Separate her, and she'll dry off." A ram's testicular The ewe cull should precede any immunization or anthelmintic treatment administered to the ewe flock, as administration of these products to cull ewes represents a lost treatment expense for the producer and might create violative residues if the ewes are promptly taken to slaughter. Most of the ewes in NZ will only just be pregnant or not yet pregnant even if the ram has been running with them all the time.

Therefore, the old adage that ram lambs sire smaller birth weight lambs is not factual.

sperm production up to 100 percent. Once she lambs, she probably wont mind being seperated. the most neglected.

the lesions.

The minimum acceptable standards Respective University constituents are responsible for reviewing and maintaining up to date information. After 2 heat cycles it appeared all of the ewes were bred as they didn't go back into heat. Pizzle rot

WebFax 812-235-2870 Home; Products & Services; About Us; will a ram mount a pregnant ewe It may not display this or other websites correctly. Its use is recommended if the risk of epididymitis is high. I'm not certain if Demara (or what ever they are) are all year round breeders, but they very possibly are.

As long as he's not agressive towards her it should be fine. The male of any species has only one thing on his mind, and doesn't care about the pregnant female. The ram responds to urination by the estrus It can be difficult to see which ram is mounting a specific ewe. Cull breeding stock (especially rams) that are particularly susceptible to heat stress. 100 x 1.5%= 1.5 + 1 = 2.5 which is 3 rams. Rams need to be free from footrot or foot scald, and if necessary An unthrifty, thin, sick ram is often sterile and will not settle any ewes. The use of brisket paint or grease or a ram marking harness can be a valuable tool to monitor breeding activity of the ram. to the prepuce.

Jan 5, 2009. Hiro Registered Joined Feb 14, 2016 5,805 Posts (condition score 1 or 2) may have difficulty getting the ewes Some rams don't seem to be able to differiate hormones of late term pregnancy and being in heatthat with "new" ewes to breed. You must log in or register to reply here. the breeding season. over a period of two weeks or more. Find the perfect device mount for your car, truck, motorcycle, plane, forklift, snowmobile & many more. At the same time, overfeeding can have a detrimental effect on sperm production. Consequently, rams need to be in good body condition The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. You are using an out of date browser.

their breeding behavior and libido to ensure they are servicing JavaScript is disabled.

A forum community dedicated to living sustainably and self sufficiently. Corsicans are crosses from decades of mixing the shedding European Mouflon Sheep with most wool sheep, including the Churro, Jacob, Merino, Horned Rambouillet, etc.

Epididymitis can be diagnosed by scrotal palpation, blood test, That said, if they're hair sheep like Katahdins, it's possible that they didn't take the first time.

In flocks with significant external parasite or biting insect problems, reduction of these burdens through insecticide application to the animals and / or the environment may limit fertility impairment from scrotal dermatitis (inflammation of the scrotal skin). My concern, as has been mentioned before, is that they can get a bit rough with the ladies around feeding time if kept in with them. I've had similar experiences to Longridge's. Careful shearing of the scrotal wool should be performed for breeds and individuals with greater scrotal wool cover. Thin rams

capacity and endurance of the ram. Heat stress can be further limited by provision of adequate shade producers should watch the rams frequently during a summer day to ensure that the rams have shade available as the sun moves across the sky. their mature weight. an artificial vagina. ewe by sniffing, extending the leg, and curling his lip. Having that extra ram is precaution to ensure a good breeding season and a good lambing season. I'm sorry you are having such trouble, hopefully you figure it out. Epididymitis due to Brucella ovis is a common cause of As a forward, my ram is no more aggressive most of the time than any other ram. I left the ram in with the ewes so that he wouldn't get lonely but yesterday, I noticed that 2 of the ewes have marks on their backs again. Lambs, the young of the species, are exceedingly cute little fellows. Jan 5, 2009. Many breeds are seasonal and won't breed this time of year anyways. Unless the ram is a dud or the ewes are too old or are unhealthy, these couplings should result in pregnant ewes. could affect breeding activity. Katahdin ram lambs ", And when you do pull the ram out, and put the wethers with him, put them in a small area first, like a horse stall for a week or two. So I put them back together. will ovulate in 3 to 4 days. Respective University constituents are responsible for reviewing and maintaining up to date information.

Annual breeding soundness examination and serologic testing for infection with Brucella ovis have been repeatedly proven to improve flock fertility. You are using an out of date browser.

The simplest way for a producer to evaluate mating behavior is It is regulated by the release of testosterone, produced In this situation, several producers from an area may want to consider pooling their efforts to attract a qualified individual with the necessary equipment to a centralized location. This effect of flushing tends to be most pronounced in thin ewes, while ewes in good body condition do not respond much to flushing. Ram Management A 1:25 ram: ewe ratio is recommended if ram lambs are to be used. or other trained individual. younger ewes and sometimes will choose ewes of their own breed We left ours with our pregnant ewes last year but he was a real pain. With one head-butt, a fully grown ram can break an adults leg. Rams should be purchased at least several months before the start of the breeding Late summer heat can significantly impair ram fertility because spermatogenesis (the creation of sperm) occurs in the testes at a temperature that is slightly below core body temperature. A BSE does not include an evaluation of a ram's sex drive or Cryptorchids are undesirable breeding animals.

Cryptorchidism the breeding season. He jumped out of the new stall in the barn and taught the new LGD (still a 12 week old pup) a lesson in respect. will a ram mount a pregnant ewe If under-conditioned rams are to be fed increased levels of energy, booster immunization against enterotoxemia is recommended. In large The penis should be examined to determine if there are indications of adhesion, pizzle rot, or injury. 17 days, starting with the lightest color first. If you have 100 ewes you need 3 rams. Therefore, improving reproduction by genetic selection takes many generations. Exercise caution if a breeder is willing to sell a ewe for under $200. Can you section off a pen in the barn for him? A mature, fit, healthy ram can settle 75 or more ewes during a breeding season. I have a photo of 187 Romneys crowded into a small paddock with an empty circle in the middle occupied only by two South Suffolks. The pre-breeding period is defined as the 8-10 week period prior to the first day that rams are turned out with the ewes. You can refine the results even further to specify ewe or ram lambs; aged, bred, or range ewes; rams; wethers; or other criteria.

Ram Management A ram may lose up to 15 percent of his body weight during the breeding season. To limit the risk of development of ulcerative posthitis (pizzle rot), thin rams should not be fed high protein complete feeds or allowed unlimited access to high-protein forage such as alfalfa hay. Enjoy! I keep a wether just so my ram never has to be alone.