Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
RAM CONFORMATION
When looking at a ram, remember the old saying “The ram is half
of the fl ock.” The choice of the ram will most rapidly affect the
character of your fl ock, for good or bad, because he breeds all (or
a large number) of your ewes. So inspect him more closely than
you would the ewes.
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Not only should a good ram display the basic conformation
points, he should also show a heavy, muscular neck and a
deep, wide body.
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His genitals should be well developed, which, for all but the
smallest breeds, means that he should have a scrotal cir-
cumference of at least 12 inches (30 cm) by the time he's a
yearling.
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He must have good, healthy feet, as bad feet can render him
useless.
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His head can't be too large for his type because big-headed
lambs often cause problems for the mom during lambing.
Since the ram has such a major infl uence on your entire fl ock,
buy or lease the best one you can afford.
General Health
The fi nal thing to think about when planning your purchase is the general
health of the animal. Determining a sheep's general health should involve
a close physical examination. If you're considering purchasing a large fl ock
from one seller, you may decide to closely inspect only a portion of the ani-
mals, but if you're buying a small number of animals from one seller (say,
fewer than 20), then take the time to give them all a complete examination.
(See chapters 7 and 8 for an in-depth discussion of health.)
Mucous Membranes
The animal should have no suspect discharges from the eyes, ears, or nose. Just
as in people, if the weather has been cold and windy, a little clear fl uid may
discharge from the eyes or nose and not indicate anything of consequence,
but if the discharge is crusty or full of pus or if there is excessive slobbering
