Making Sure the Ram is working correctly during Mating
Michael Gottstein Head of Sheep KT, writes about the importance of the ram in ensuring next year’s lambing period is a success.
Mating time represents that time of year when next year’s lamb crop is sown. The importance of the ram in the process cannot be understated. Furthermore ensuring that all rams are working correctly and that the lambing period is compact is an important aspect of reducing labour and avoiding a drawn out lambing period.
Every year a number of sheep farmers get a nasty surprise at scanning time when a high proportion of ewes show up as empty. Unfortunately finding this out at scanning time is too late, so the emphasis needs to be on monitoring mating and ensuring that potential problems are identified early and hopefully rectified.
Carefully monitor mating as it progresses
The only way that this can be done effectively is by raddling the ram. There are a number of options available in terms of raddling rams and all are relatively cheap in terms of cost. The hassle around this task lies with having to catch rams to apply, top up or change raddle colours. The benefits of raddling rams cannot be overstated. There is no negative effect in gathering ewes during the mating season to apply, top up or change raddle colour provided it is done calmly. Having a pen in the corner of the field or gently running the sheep into the yard to catch rams is standard practice on many farms with no adverse effect on pregnancy rates.
Applying raddle can be in the form of paste (powder mixed with oil) or with a harness and crayon. Both systems are equally effective. It is important that raddle is topped up regularly and that the colour is changed at least every two weeks. Ideally every week. Start with the lighter colours first (yellow, orange, green, red, blue, black).
Monitor the progress at mating
For flocks that are mating when the majority of the ewes are cycling, expect 95% of the ewes to cycle in the first 17 days. Be concerned if more than 20% of the ewes repeat, particularly if there is only one or two rams running with the flock. Changing the raddle colour more frequently gives a better handle of what cohort of ewes are repeating. E.g. is it the ewes mated in the first or second week.
Also monitor the health of the rams during mating. Rams that are lame will not be in a position to cover ewes. Watch for rams that are continually lying down or spending most of the time grazing. Active rams should be seeking out ewes that are in heat. Be particularly aware of any infections that give rise to a body temperature increase in the rams as this will lead to infertility. The administration of antibiotics does not give rise to infertility in rams. Consequently it is important to treat any underlying health issues in consultation with your vet quickly.
Remember that any ram that has had a body temperature rise, is lame or injured will not be able to effectively serve ewes. These rams need to be replaced.
The recommended ram to ewe ratio is as follows; One ram lamb per 25 ewes. One mature ram per 45 ewes.
Running a single ram with a group of ewes is high risk
Even running two rams can be risky as one ram can block the second ram from mating ewes (blocker ram). Consequently the gold standard when mating larger groups of sheep is to run at least three rams with each group of ewes. This will guard against an infertile ram and also the presence of a blocker ram.
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