Tup managements vital for a top crop of lambs

5 October 2001

Tup managements vital for a top crop of lambs

By Hannah Velten

AGAINST the chaotic backdrop of movement restrictions frustrating ram replacement decisions, tup management remains crucial for a successful lamb crop, warn experts.

Signets breeding consultancy manager, Sam Boon, says most lowland producers have already had to make tupping decisions. "Many producers were forced to source rams locally, with many coming from recorded flocks. When rams cannot be seen, estimated breeding values are useful to determine breeding quality."

Pembrokeshire-based Promar consultant, Iwan Price, believes hill producers sourcing rams will have most luck through auctioneers lists of breeders. "But when more than one ram is needed, they should be sourced from one breeder because of movement restrictions and risk of bringing-in F&M. Although buying from one source will narrow the genetic base used in a flock, it will be more economical to transport them by reducing disinfection costs."

As 10% of all rams can be infertile, Mr Price suggests a vet should fertility test them. "With the hassle and costs of moving rams this autumn, it is worth knowing they will be able to perform."

General pre-tupping ram management should usually begin about 6-8 weeks before work, advises independent sheep consultant Lesley Stubbings. "At work rams should be at condition score 3.5-4. They will take 4-6 weeks to put on one condition score and in the last four weeks they should be on 1kg of an 18% protein concentrate a day.

"Feet must be checked, because in rams suffering from lameness six weeks before work any infection will cause a rise in body temperature and decrease his fertility."

But Ms Stubbings says many purchased rams have yet to be moved and will be introduced to work as soon as they arrive on-farm. "In this case, producers should contact the vendor and find out what and how much rams are being fed and try to ensure they reach you fit not fat.

"Do not forget to worm rams that cannot be quarantined and treat against sheep scab," she adds.

To raise bio-security and because of a lack of confidence in the industry, many producers are relying on rams already on-farm, says Ms Stubbings. More pedigree flocks are using home-bred ram lambs on ewes and Mr Price advises running a ram lamb with every 20 mature ewes.

Some commercial flocks are making do with older rams, says Mr Boon. "Preparation is the key to successfully using these rams, which includes conducting fertility tests.

"Providing old rams have good body condition and feet there is no need to reduce the number of ewes for him to serve. But to help him, ewes could be bought into smaller paddocks so he has less distance to travel between matings."

To avoid a protracted lambing period it is essential to watch for ewes returning at 16-17 days when using older rams. "When in doubt, swap rams with different raddle or crayon colours around groups to detect returns," says Mr Boon.

Mr Price warns that there is a risk of in-breeding when older rams are used on ewe lambs or yearlings. "When there is any possibility the ram is related to ewes, do not use him." &#42

Begin pre-tupping management 6-8 weeks before introducing rams to ewes, where possible.

REPLACEMENT RAMS

&#8226 Source more locally?

&#8226 Fertility test.

&#8226 Careful use of old rams.