Preparing for joining? Don’t forget your rams

With joining just around the corner, many producers are working to get their ewes in the best condition to conceive one or even multiple healthy lambs and lay the foundations for another successful lambing season in 2023.

But what are they doing with their rams?

Rams are a crucial part of any sheep breeding system. They account for 50 percent of the breeding equation, and because there are less rams than ewes (at around three percent of total ewes), each ram must perform at least 33 times to achieve breeding success.

Therefore, having one or more underperforming ram can have a devastating effect on scanning rates.

General Manager of Rural Operations at South East Rural Supplies Cooma, James Waugh, stresses the significance of joining and subsequent scanning rates in a lamb producing operation.

“The importance of a successful joining is huge.

“Joining, measured by scanning results, sets the ceiling of a breeding operation, and preparing ewes and rams for a successful joining can make a massive difference,” he said.

The ideal joining period is no longer than six weeks. This means, that for best results, rams need to be in peak condition and fully functional from day one to day 42.

To ensure that rams are fit for the task, Technical Manager at AusFarm Nutrition Products (ANP) Micheal Savli, emphasises the importance of performing ram checks.

“Twelve weeks from joining would be the best time to start looking at your rams.

“Get them in the yards and check their teeth, toes, testes, tackle and body condition score,” he said.

“There’s a good chance that they haven’t been looked at properly since last year, so they may need a bit of TLC.

“If they need to put condition on or require treatment, there is still plenty of time to get them into shape.”

Hoof health was of particular concern last year, as persistent wet conditions saw a marked increase in reports of lameness.

“Lameness can reduce mobility and the inclination to serve ewes,” Mr Savli said.

“On top of this, and less noticeable is the stress effect on the ram, which can significantly reduce fertility.

“However, pairing foot bathing with an effective mineral supplement, like StockMins-Hoof n Horn, has proven to be quick and efficient at controlling lameness and strengthening hooves.”

For both ewes and rams, the ideal time to get on top of lameness is during the drier months when the hooves have a chance to dry out and wounds have a chance to heal.

ANP offer StockMinsHoof n Horn, a high specification, weatherproof, granular

Make loose-lick supplement designed to be fed to livestock to repair damage, fortify hooves and boost immunity during times of high production and stress. Containing the right levels of organic zinc, elevated levels of vitamins

A, E and Biotin and phosphorus in combination with other essential minerals, vitamins and trace elements to support fertility, StockMins-Hoof n Horn is the perfect supplement to support joining preparations this summer.

For more information on how StockMins-Hoof n Horn can help boost your joining this season, call the team at South East

Rural Supplies Cooma on (02) 6452 3511. Your local supplier of AusFarm Nutrition Products.

ANP is a certified FeedSafe® manufacturer, ensuring that the feed supplements you feed your animals are safe, reliable and of high quality.