Elders Livestock Production Specialist Emma Shattock provides her top tips, strategies and targets on preparing your ewes and rams for joining.
Pre-joining ewe and ram preparation is vital to meet maximum conception rates and a tight joining. Good preparation starts from weaning, but should be considered at least eight weeks before the rams are due to go out.
Ewes
Ideally, ewes should be at least condition score 3 at joining. This is best managed from weaning, but needs to be checked at least two months before joining. This allows enough time to consider and execute supplementary feeding if needed.
Five weeks before joining, ensure the ewes have a positive energy balance, i.e. ewes are getting more energy today than they were yesterday, and supplement with trace minerals and vitamins for better follicle development and embryo implantation.
Also be sure to avoid stress in the last cycle prior to joining, during joining and for two weeks after the rams are removed.
For maidens, ensure they are at a minimum of 85 per cent of the Standard Reference Weight (weight of a mature dry sheep, condition score 3, off shears). For a 65kg ewe, this would be a minimum of 55kg. Research has shown that ewes joined lighter than this at their first joining have reduced reproductive performance over their lifetime. The use of teasers in maidens may also help ensure a tighter joining.
Rams
Sperm production in rams takes approximately seven weeks, so any nutritional supplements should be started at least eight weeks prior to joining. It is also important to avoid any major stressors in this time, such as shearing or flystrike, that reduce semen quality.
Eight weeks prior to joining, consider the Five Ts soundness examination:
- Torso – body condition score of at least 3, without being too fat
- Teeth – sound mouth to eat properly
- Toes – legs and hooves in good condition to walk and mate
- Tossle – no damage or infection
- Testes – firm with no lumps.
Additionally, increase the rams’ dietary protein levels (but don’t overdo it!). Consider supplementing with trace minerals and vitamins to boost sperm quality, and give booster clostridial vaccinations and drench if required.
Two weeks prior, adapt rams to the grain or type of feed the ewes are on.
Finally, check the ratios of rams to ewes, particularly for young ewes or large paddocks.
Disclaimer – Important, please read:
The information contained in this article is given for general information purposes only, current at the time of first publication, and does not constitute professional advice. The article has been independently created by a human author using some degree of creativity through consultation with various third-party sources. Third party information has been sourced from means which Elders consider to be reliable. However, Elders has not independently verified the information and cannot guarantee its accuracy. Links or references to third party sources are provided for convenience only and do not constitute endorsement of material by third parties or any associated product or service offering. While Elders has exercised reasonable care, skill and diligence in preparation of this article, many factors including environmental/seasonal factors and market conditions can impact its accuracy and currency. The information should not be relied upon under any circumstances and, to the extent permitted by law, Elders disclaim liability for any loss or damage arising out of any reliance upon the information contained in this article. If you would like to speak to someone for tailored advice specific to your circumstances relating to any of the matters referred to in this article, please contact Elders.
