-
SHEEP-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 161
Whereas AI is extensively used for cattle, it is only just catching on with sheep. The reason for this is that the use of vaginal insemination has not had good results. The intrauterine method has a high rate of fertilization, but it is expensive.
Preparation of the Ram:
If you decide to buy a ram or borrow one, it is best to get it well in advance of the breeding season so he can feel at home. The minimum time before you put him with your ewes is a week or two. Keep him away from the ewes and feed him on good feed and pasture, but remember the importance of introducing the feed gradually when you first get him home. Also bear in mind that if a ram is overweight it lowers his potency and efficiency, so keep him in good health and condition.
During the breeding season, feed the ram around 1 pound (0.5 kg) of grain a day because there is the possibility he may be too preoccupied with the ewes to allow him to graze sufficiently. Feeding the grain should continue throughout the breeding season and a short time afterward so he can regain his strength.
There are two approaches as to what to do with a ram after the ewes are bred. The first approach is to remove him from the flock as soon as breeding is complete, and keep him separated until the next breeding season comes around. The second approach is to leave him with the flock for most of the year. The approach you decide to take will depend on your breed of sheep and your management target.
You should consider the following:
1. Is it possible to breed your sheep at a very young age? If this is possible then he could breed his daughters before you want them bred.
2. Is your breed of sheep one that can be bred out of season? If this is the case, he may rebreed ewes at a time when you do not want them to breed. But this can be an advantage if you want your lambs to be born all throughout the year.
3. Do you have a facility in which he can be easily kept in separation for long periods, and do you want to deal with a separated ram?
Make sure your ram has a cool, shady place to escape from the heat of the summer sun, because if his body temperature becomes elevated (and this applies to infection as well) it can cause infertility. The quality of semen is affected at 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.7 Celsius) and seriously damaged at 90 degrees farhenheit (32.2 Celsius). If his temperature is as such it may leave him infertile for weeks and then your lambing program will not be as scheduled.
If you happen to live in a part of the world that has a very hot climate, shear his scrotum just before the commencement
Preparation of the Ram:
If you decide to buy a ram or borrow one, it is best to get it well in advance of the breeding season so he can feel at home. The minimum time before you put him with your ewes is a week or two. Keep him away from the ewes and feed him on good feed and pasture, but remember the importance of introducing the feed gradually when you first get him home. Also bear in mind that if a ram is overweight it lowers his potency and efficiency, so keep him in good health and condition.
During the breeding season, feed the ram around 1 pound (0.5 kg) of grain a day because there is the possibility he may be too preoccupied with the ewes to allow him to graze sufficiently. Feeding the grain should continue throughout the breeding season and a short time afterward so he can regain his strength.
There are two approaches as to what to do with a ram after the ewes are bred. The first approach is to remove him from the flock as soon as breeding is complete, and keep him separated until the next breeding season comes around. The second approach is to leave him with the flock for most of the year. The approach you decide to take will depend on your breed of sheep and your management target.
You should consider the following:
1. Is it possible to breed your sheep at a very young age? If this is possible then he could breed his daughters before you want them bred.
2. Is your breed of sheep one that can be bred out of season? If this is the case, he may rebreed ewes at a time when you do not want them to breed. But this can be an advantage if you want your lambs to be born all throughout the year.
3. Do you have a facility in which he can be easily kept in separation for long periods, and do you want to deal with a separated ram?
Make sure your ram has a cool, shady place to escape from the heat of the summer sun, because if his body temperature becomes elevated (and this applies to infection as well) it can cause infertility. The quality of semen is affected at 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.7 Celsius) and seriously damaged at 90 degrees farhenheit (32.2 Celsius). If his temperature is as such it may leave him infertile for weeks and then your lambing program will not be as scheduled.
If you happen to live in a part of the world that has a very hot climate, shear his scrotum just before the commencement