Timely focus on ram health and condition increases longevity

摘要

As we head towards ram purchasing season and tupping, now is a good time to revisit the findings of work carried out by NSA.Funding secured by NSA facilitated research by independent sheep consultants Lesley Stubbings, Kate Phillips and Chris Lewis to look into welfare and longevity of commercial rams.Preparing your rams 10 weeks prior to tupping is key to ensuring they are fit, healthy and ready to start work. Good preparation should aim to eliminate sub-fertile rams, allow the use offewer rams of higher quality, and to have fewer returns to service and ensure a compact lambing. Conducting a ram MOT will boost both his and your ewes' productivity.