Ram Palpations

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The time is here again to get us out on farm for ram palpations. It is one of the few times we get an opportunity to come on farm and is a great opportunity to discuss anything animal health/farm related.

TWO key times

  • pre-sale (Oct/Nov)

  • pre-breeding (Jan/Feb)

Why do it?

1. New Zealand has a high ewe to ram ratio ~ ≥1:100 – the rams need to be sound or we’ll have reduced lambing percentage – the cost of one unsound ram could be very significant at this ratio! Look at it as an insurance policy.

2. Control of Brucellosis.

3. Compulsory for pedigree breeders for accreditation.

4. Sperm takes 6-8 weeks to develop and mature. If sperm production is affected, it can affect an entire breeding season to make more – may need more rams if lesions detected.

What do we look for?

1. Size + symmetry

2. Firmness – Too soft = reduced sperm production.

3. Scrotal mange – Caused by an allergy to a mite. The skin of the scrotum gets thickened with scabs and oozing – resulting in reduced fertility. This can make them temporarily unsound.

Treatment for scrotal mange:

  • Dectomax (ACVM A006199)

  • If many in mob are affected then dipping with organophosphate may be required.

NOTE - scrotal mange can occur quickly – a quick visual check prior to mating even if they have been previously palpated can save trouble later.

4. Lesions

  • Epididymitis – we often find epididymitis on our visits. Most of the time its caused by a less scary bug found in young rams. But we do need to do bloods to rule out the contagious Brucella ovis. Either way, both result in smaller testicle size, reduced fertility and are considered permanently unsound.

  • Other – eg abscesses

Farmers Prebreeding Checklist (things that will affect fertility):

  • Lameness - especially footrot. Rams require prompt treatment. Can be incurable if left too long.

  • Teeth, body condition score (prebreeding aim for 3.5-4/5), disease (flystrike, parasites)

  • Over heating - long wool on scrotum (aim for <0.5cm), lack of shade, prolonged transport.

Our clinic managers should be contacting you to organise this year’s ram runs, call us if you have not yet been contacted.