Ram testing

Annual MOT and semen testing of your breeding rams each year will ensure that potential sub fertile rams are identified and either not used of given a smaller group of ewes to mate.

It is essential to perform pre-breeding health checks on any breeding rams (including newly purchased and proven) to be used in the forthcoming season, as 10% of rams will have poor fertility. By running sub-fertile rams, overall flock profitability will be significantly reduced due to a lower lambing percentage, a higher number of barren ewes and an extended lambing period. Pre-breeding examinations should be carried out ten weeks before mating to allow time for replacements to be sourced and/or adequate time for any conditions to be treated. Remember also to consider screening for iceberg diseases, such a MV, CLA and border disease, in your rams, especially if new to the flock.