Is your ram up to the job? A full MOT and the importance of BCS for your flock

There are probably few management techniques that will have as much impact as managing condition score in your flock at key times. As we approach breeding, this is one of those critical times to put your hands on the flock. There is always a big difference when you put hands on sheep versus what you think your eye is telling you.

In our short online video, Daren Carty talks through the value of condition scoring and how to actually carry it out with your flock. Also, some simple tips to help manage those ewes that are below our target condition score.

We also look at the differences between hill and lowland targets for body condition scoring.

If you want to have an impact on ewe fertility, nutrition is probably the first place to start?

Many farmers will head out at this time of year to purchase a ram, but what are the key things to look out for? Darren will look at the key performance characteristics/traits and Tommy will chat through the key signs for health.

While it is important to examine a newly purchased ram from tip to tail, there is great benefit also to examining all rams prior to breeding. When a ram gets an infection or injury it can turn infertile. It can take four to six weeks for fertility to return.

So we want to check new rams but also make sure older rams haven’t picked up any problems.

A good examination can pick up problems early. Watch our video where we talk about everything from teeth to testicles.

Darren and Tommy will show farmers how they can do a quick MOT on all the rams in the flock.

It is important that rams also receive any dosing, minerals and vaccines that are being used.