How to check the ram is fit for breeding Virtual Sheep Week

Hello my name is Edward Egan. In this video we're going to go through how to check the ram is fit for breeding. Now these checks should be done 10 weeks before the breeding season starts. That gives you enough time to 1. build body condition, 2. sort out health problems, 3. buy replacement rams, 4. acclimatise replacement rams and 5. quarantine any replacement rams that come onto the farm. First check body condition. The target body condition score at the start of breeding season is 4. Look at your batch of rams. Why are some thin? Is it due to age, teeth, lameness or disease? Check the eyes. They should be clear and bright. Check for signs of infection like pink eye. Signs include cloudiness, scarring, blinking and excessive tears. Check for entropion or turned in eyelids. This is a genetic defect that you do not want in your flock. Check the incisor teeth. When the ram has his mouth closed run your thumb over the incisors. You should not be able to feel the tops of the incisors because they should be closing firmly onto the dental pad. Overshot incisors will drift forward and become gappy, loosen and fall out. Check the molars are correct by feeling along the outside of the jaw. It should feel smooth. Signs of molar problems include lumps along the jaw, green drool on the side of the mouth or lumps of fibrous food trapped between the molars and the cheek. Check the brisket for sores which can be a sign of excessive lying because of lameness or arthritis. Check each foot for lameness. Examine between the toes for scald and excessive heat. Stand back and watch each ram is walking correctly. Decide which foot is the problem and examine it closely. Also watch rams which are keen to lie down and find out why. Check the reproductive organ and the area around it for excessive staining, blood and infection. Look for injury from shearing, briars and thorns. Check the testicles. There should be two of them. They should be evenly sized, free from lumps and move freely within the scrotum. They should have the springiness of a clenched bicep. Check the epididymis at the bottom of the testicle. It should be free from lumps and it should have a rubbery feel. The skin of this area here should be clean and free of infection. Okay so to summarise, do your ram checks 10 weeks before breeding. The target body condition score at mating time for rams is 4. Check that the eyes are clear and bright. Check that the incisors and the mortars are correct. Check that the ram does not suffer from lameness. Check the reproductive organs are clear of infection and injury. Thank you for watching. Bye.