Pre-joining Ram Exams

Your ram team is a significant financial investment in your sheep enterprise. Rams contribute half of their lambs’ genetics but they are the main driver for genetic gains in your flock. Your rams represent an investment for the future development of your flock, therefore it is vital to maintain them in good health. This will ensure a good return on your investment.
 
To maximise performance, it is important to assess them for breeding health well in advance of joining. This allows you time to rectify and problems or purchase replacements if required. The first inspection should be around 12 weeks prior to joining.

At this inspection it is important to assess the following:

• Body condition score: Rams should be a 3.5 – 4.0 condition score at joining. Consider feeding lupins or other supplementary feed at this point to increase their condition if required.

• Soundness: Rams that are not physically sound will not readily serve ewes due to pain. Identify any lameness or other injuries and assess whether or not they can be treated or whether you will have to purchase replacements.

• Examine the 4Ts: Tip your rams up to assess them properly. Inspect their teeth, toes, testicles and tackle (penis). Make sure there are no lesions in or around the mouth. Check the toes for conformation, overgrown horn, any swelling, discharge or odour – trim if overgrown. Feel the testicles and assess the tone (firmness) and resilience (sponginess) and that they move freely within the scrotum. Small soft testicles indicate poor sperm quality and quantity. The ideal tone should resemble a tennis ball. Feel for any lumps or bumps in the testicles and the epididymis. These types of lesions could be indicative of an infectious bacterial disease known as Ovine Brucellosis that causes permanent infertility.  Brucellosis is more common in non-merino rams, especially when purchased from non-accredited studs. Whilst the ram is tipped up exteriorize the penis and look for any signs of swelling, discharge, redness or sores.

 
The second assessment should be around 8-10 weeks prior to joining. This is the time to provide any treatments the rams may require, including:

• Drenching: Rams are particularly susceptible to internal parasites. We strongly recommend monitoring worm burdens by performing frequent worm egg counts (6 – 8 week intervals).  Often rams will require a drench with a triple active at this point in time.
  
• Vaccination: Rams should be vaccinated with Glanvac 6 in 1 every 6 months to ensure adequate coverage against Swelled Head. This is a clostridial disease rams are susceptible to from fighting. This is not covered in 3 in 1 vaccines.
• Lice: If you suspect that kice might be present, treat off shears with an appropriate product or plunge dip after shearing cuts have healed.
• Fly strike prevention: Rams can be at increased risk of fly strike due to open fighting wounds. Pay particular attention to the pizzle, poll and breech areas. Use of an effective product that will provide adequate coverage leading up to and during joining.
• Trace element status: Selenium and Cobalt supplementation is required on the majority of Kangaroo Island.
• Shearing: Shearing should be performed at least 8 weeks prior to joining. Make sure you provide paddocks with adequate shade if the conditions are hot. Rams suffering from heat stress or sun burn can have significantly reduced fertility.
• Do a final count of all rams that are fit for mating and “top up” if required

If you have any questions or concerns after inspecting your rams, or you would like a veterinary exam performed on your ram team please feel free to call the clinic on 8553 2485.