We have decided this year that we will fertility test all our sale rams. Because so many of the people who buy our rams have small flocks and only one ram, a problem with a rams fertility can cost a years production. Unfortunately, unlike shedding, fertility cannot be assessed by eye.
It is a fairly labour intensive process. (Many thanks to our neighbour Andrew for lending his strength to the process)
Semen is collected from each ram and checked for sperm motility with a microscope. This gives a good idea of the rams fertility, but only on the day.
Our vets tell us that sperm has a six week turn around, so a sickness, or too much grain, for example, can cause a problem with a rams sperm, but in six weeks they should be right again. There are also a small number of rams that have a fertility problem with no obviously cause.
Along with our brucellosis testing and Johnes vaccination we hope to minimise any problems for our ram clients.
Our vets tell us that sperm has a six week turn around, so a sickness, or too much grain, for example, can cause a problem with a rams sperm, but in six weeks they should be right again. There are also a small number of rams that have a fertility problem with no obviously cause.
Along with our brucellosis testing and Johnes vaccination we hope to minimise any problems for our ram clients.
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