Breeding ram selection

Ram selection

Genetics is an important aspect to consider when buying in sires. Genetic improvement is a major factor contributing to the profitability of production systems for livestock. Breeding and selection have resulted in significant economic gains in lamb and wool production 

Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBV) is a selection tool to help you choose the right genetics for your flock/herd. These values provide an indication of the potential breeding values of different animals

Purchasing rams

When purchasing rams for breeding, in addition to assessing the usual traits that help you select a ram, it is highly recommended that the rams be from an Ovine Brucellosis accredited flock.

Buyers should request a sheep health statement from the seller which includes useful information on the origin of the ram, prior treatment, OJD status, footrot and lice.

When your new rams arrive it is recommended that a quarantine drench with at least a four way combination drench is given. The rams should be quarantined for as long as possible to ensure they are lice free or until they can be shorn and treated for lice before introducing them to your flock.

The 5Ts for assessing rams for breeding

Image showing the location of the Ts on a sheep's body - also outlined below.

Teeth 

Make sure the ram has the best chance of making the most of the good nutrition on offer during joining. Poor nutrition leads to infertility, and protein is required for producing healthy sperm.

• Check his age.
• Check that the ram has a sound mouth. Can he eat properly?
• Broken mouthed animals or animals with poorly aligned teeth should be culled because they will be less able to eat sufficient feed to maintain weight.

Toes 

A ram needs to have good working legs to get about and serve ewes. Having sound sires is essential for optimal performance as his toes and legs are what get him around and support him during mating.  Can he walk properly? Are his hooves overgrown? Is he lame?  

• Inspect feet and legs for abscesses, interdigital dermatitis and other conditions.
• Inspect his gait. Does he track properly?
• Check for joint swellings and abnormal hoof growth which may indicate chronic problems or arthritis.
• Be alert for footrot – if you suspect footrot please report it to your local LLS office.
• Pension off any rams with these conditions.

Torso

• Poor body condition may be related to poor nutrition, internal parasites, chronic disease or age.
• Is he in good condition? BCS 3.5 is the optimal body condition score for joining.
• If not, do you have enough time to get condition on him before joining? 

Tossle 

• Check the prepuce for swelling or for any abnormal discharge. Check prepuce for wounds and infection or sheath rot.
• Make sure the penis can move freely in the prepuce and protrude out.
• Check the penis for any injuries, infections or abnormalities that may prevent the ram from serving an ewe.

Testes 

• Examine and palpate the testicles. Testes should be firm, resilient to touch and free moving. Soft, flabby testes are associated with poor nutrition and disease, and may indicate poor fertility.
• Check the size of the testes. The optimum diameter for rams is > 28cm with both testes uniform in size.
• Look at the scrotum.  Check for any signs of thickenings, injuries, abscess, mange.
• Palpate the spermatic cord (the region above the testes, attached to the body). Look for swellings, abscesses, hernias.
• Palpate the epididymis, starting from the top and running around the outside of the testes to the base of the testes.  Check for any lumps, swellings, uneven size.