Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
8
Ewes, and Lambs
THIS CHAPTER COVERS sexual and reproductive problems of rams and
ewes, as well as problems that tend to be gender- and age-specifi c. As is true
with the health problems discussed in chapter 7, good husbandry and man-
agement techniques will minimize or eliminate most of these troubles.
Rams tend to have far fewer problems than do ewes, but because of the
rams' infl uence on the breeding fl ock, their problems can have far-reaching
effects.
Without doubt, newborns are the most vulnerable class of livestock on
any farm. Studying the section on lamb problems can help you protect your
babies.
Your ram is far more than 50 percent of your fl ock. He contributes genetic
material to each of your lambs, so his health is critical to production.
Epididymitis
In recent times, awareness of ram epididymitis, a disease caused by one of sev-
eral organisms that damage sperm-producing tissues, has increased greatly.
Why? Because this bacterial infection (usually caused by
Brucella ovis
, though
a number of other bacteria can occasionally be the cause)
is the number one
reason for reduced fertility and infertility in rams. It is a contagious and
237