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Rams
Rams are high performance animals that work very hard over the joining period. They contribute half of the genetics of their progeny and are the primary drivers of genetic improvement in a flock, so need to be given every opportunity to pass on their genes.
To cover multiple ewes over the joining period, rams need to be in peak physical condition and able to:
- eat and convert nutrients efficiently
- maintain the ability to walk, mount and serve ewes effectively.
To avoid unnecessary loss of production due to poor reproductive performance, beginning the inspection and preparation of your ram team 12 weeks prior to joining is a critical part of the management calendar.
This ensures cast for age rams, unsound rams, and rams that no longer suit your breeding objective are identified and removed in time to find replacements. It also ensures that rams kept for joining are given every chance to perform as best they can. Sperm production takes six weeks and any check in the ram’s health during this time (fever, malnutrition, lameness, time off feed, flystrike) may cause sperm death. New sperm takes six weeks to develop, meaning that fertility and conception could be compromised if joining during this time.
Timely and effective ram preparation is a key routine management activity that livestock managers must undertake to optimise flock reproduction performance. Carrying out pre-joining management 12 weeks prior to joining will allow rams time to recover, then have at least six weeks without being disturbed prior to joining.
AWI Change Makers Episode 3: Ram performance management
Rams are high performance animals that work very hard over the joining period. They contribute half of the genetics of their progeny and are the primary drivers of genetic improvement in a flock, so need to be given every opportunity to pass on their genes.
Join Nathan Scott as he outlines why it’s so important to manage your rams to be in peak physical condition for joining, the time it takes to have rams at peak sperm production and practical management tips to help you achieve your joining goals in #AWIChangeMakers Episode 3: Ram performance management.
Performing pre-joining checks on your ram team 12 weeks prior to joining allows you to pick up any issues and check your rams are in top condition.
AWI and Zoetis’ Checklist for Pre-Joining is a quick reference checklist you can use when performing pre-joining checks on your ram team. Check their condition score, general health and parasite control is taken care of in plenty of time to hit peak performance prior to the start of joining.
The modern Merino is a complex animal, expected to produce large amounts of high quality wool, compete with specialised breeds in the global red meat market, rear enough progeny to be self-replacing and generate surplus sheep sales.
Luckily, there are many tools available to help you choose the right sheep to fit your breeding objective. The benefits of each of these tools are outlined in AWI's Sheep Selection Tools publication, allowing you to use tools that are most appropriate to the traits you’re selecting for.
