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SHEEP-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 160
Ewes can lamb out on the pasture.
Less grain is required for lambs because you have sufficient pasture.
THE RAM
Select the best ram you can, because he contributes to the genetics of all your lambs.
A 2 year old ram that is well grown that was one of either twins or triplets is highly desirable. This is because his daughters will inherit a genetic inclination toward having twins, even more so if their mothers had the same inclination. A ram also greatly influences other traits, such as conformation and fleece type.
If your ram is young do not leave him with the flock all day. Conserve his energy and separate him from the ewes for several hours during the day when he can take time to feed, and rest.
A good ram can service between 25 to 30 ewes. A well nourished ram can, on a small flock, service your ewes for up to 6 years, but remember, be careful of inbreeding you do not want him to breed his daughters, granddaughters and so on. If however, your flock is on an open range the ability will be restricted for a couple of years.
Consider leasing a ram if your flock is small.
Artificial Insemination (AI):
You may wish to consider artificial insemination if your flock is small. It must be done by a trained vet or a specially trained AI technician. The advantage of this method is you do not have the expense of buying or feeding a ram, and you increase the genetic diversity.
All ewes you plan to inseminate must be in good health and not stressed out. The insemination needs to be synchronized with the estrous cycle, and for this reason, ewes are often treated with hormones in order that they will all come into heat at the same time.
Less grain is required for lambs because you have sufficient pasture.
THE RAM
Select the best ram you can, because he contributes to the genetics of all your lambs.
A 2 year old ram that is well grown that was one of either twins or triplets is highly desirable. This is because his daughters will inherit a genetic inclination toward having twins, even more so if their mothers had the same inclination. A ram also greatly influences other traits, such as conformation and fleece type.
If your ram is young do not leave him with the flock all day. Conserve his energy and separate him from the ewes for several hours during the day when he can take time to feed, and rest.
A good ram can service between 25 to 30 ewes. A well nourished ram can, on a small flock, service your ewes for up to 6 years, but remember, be careful of inbreeding you do not want him to breed his daughters, granddaughters and so on. If however, your flock is on an open range the ability will be restricted for a couple of years.
Consider leasing a ram if your flock is small.
Artificial Insemination (AI):
You may wish to consider artificial insemination if your flock is small. It must be done by a trained vet or a specially trained AI technician. The advantage of this method is you do not have the expense of buying or feeding a ram, and you increase the genetic diversity.
All ewes you plan to inseminate must be in good health and not stressed out. The insemination needs to be synchronized with the estrous cycle, and for this reason, ewes are often treated with hormones in order that they will all come into heat at the same time.