Check for the five ‘Ts’ of ram soundness

Producers are reminded to check for the five 'Ts' of ram soundness when buying rams and joining ewes this season.

Healthy rams with excellent semen can serve more ewes in a given year and produce more lambs, which can have a significant impact on lowering the costs of each lamb produced, a good thing for sheep producers.

According to Dr Colin Peake, district veterinarian from Riverina Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA), the four 'Ts' of ram soundness are teeth, toes, tossil, and testicles, which should be examined for any defects that would interfere with the breeding process. The general health and body condition of the ram should also be monitored, although it can’t be changed quickly when it’s time to begin breeding.

"Examining the fourth 'T' is something that is often overlooked by producers, but when you’re talking about joining your ewes it’s vitally important," said Dr Peake.

"All rams should be checked to ensure there are no lumps and bumps on the testicles and epididymides, that they are firm and of uniform size, and there are no other injuries in this area.

"The impairment of one testicle with scar tissue or of an abnormally small size will reduce the breeding capacity and endurance of that ram, even if the semen appears normal under microscopic examination."

Dr Peake said that the scrotal circumference should be measured as it gives a good indication of a ram's breeding endurance. It will vary with the season of the year and with body condition but would usually be at a maximum peak during the autumn breeding season.

"Adult rams with less than 33cm scrotal circumference should not be approved as acceptable breeders," he said.

Producers should consider culling any rams with detectable lesions. If you find a large number of rams with lesions you should also consider having the problem investigated further to rule out Ovine brucellosis. An increased number of lesions can often be the first sign of this disease, which can cause infertility in rams and lead to reduced lambing percentages.

"Apart from ensuring your rams are in good physical condition, you should check that  they are vaccinated with a '5-in-1' or '6-in-1' injection to protect them from clostridial diseases, such as pulpy kidney, tetanus and ‘big head’. And just like any other class of sheep, drench and protect from flies," said Dr Peake.

"Finally, don’t be the fifth 'T', a 'twit', by not checking your rams - remember that increasing the number of ewes served per ram in your operation can have a significant impact on lowering your costs per lamb produced."

Contact your local LHPA or private vet for more information about ram soundness.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378