Mating advice - reducing the risk posed by an infertile ram

Teagasc sheep specialist, Damian Costello, joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast with key tips around ram management during the mating period. 

Firstly, Damian emphasises the need to make sure the ram is physically sound and any aliments are addressed prior to turnout and how this could impact ram fertility.  

Damian talks about the use of raddle and the need to observe mating activity and in particular repeats during the mating period. 

He discusses dealing with injured rams and why it’s a good idea to check rams during the mating period, plus Damian explains why group mating with three or more rams reduces the risk of using an infertile ram and the advantages of mopping up ewes after the first cycle. 

Finally, Damian advises not to over-use ram lambs or over-rely on older rams with ailments as the mating season progresses.  

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For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
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