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A physical examination of your breeding rams is worth the time, writes Nerys Wright. I hear the saying ‘the ram is half your flock’... Why testicle size matters at tupping

A physical examination of your breeding rams is worth the time, writes Nerys Wright.

I hear the saying ‘the ram is half your flock’ but if we were honest with ourselves, sometimes we a little complacent when it comes to checking our rams before the mating season

I was a shadowing an inspector at a ram sale recently – and surprised at the variation in testicle size. The overall circumference of both testicles is critical. Smaller testicles have lower fertility because testicle size correlates with the amount of semen they produce.

A smaller circumference does not mean they are infertile, but their fertility is likely to be reduced. Carry a tape measure with you when purchasing or checking your rams, it will generate some interesting discussion, if nothing else.

Carefully examine new rams when they arrive on your farm, but don’t forget to physcially examine your existing rams as well. The sperm maturation process takes 49 days (seven weeks).

This is why we put so much emphasis on making sure rams are fit and fertile at least 10 weeks before the tupping season, much earlier than when they are turned out with the ewes. Above are the five Ts.

For further information, there are great resources on the AHDB website.

Nerys Wright is an independent sheep consultant. For more details, call 07891 187643 or visit
sheepconsultancy.co.uk.