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United Suffolk Sheep Association |
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February/March 2004 Question Question: How do you manage stud rams in the off season? Answer: Leonard Bianchi As our stud rams are managed as a single group in the non-breeding season, our system is quite simple. Our stud ram numbers vary from five to eight rams per year, and one of the most critical management steps is combining them together after they are removed from the ewes. We call this the “healing-in process.” All rams are placed together in a small, strong pen that gives them only enough room to push and shove without being able to back up and butt heads. This takes about 12 hours, after which we feed and water them in a larger pen. This seems to eliminate the fighting, although some shoving and rumbling may continue. If the fighting seems to still be too aggressive, or if one individual seems to be the target of all the others, the rams can be returned for a longer time in the smaller pen. Once healed in, the rams are moved to a location a mile or so away from the ranch where there are no other sheep. With no ewes nearby, we believe the ewe smells are eliminated, making the rams a more compatible group. Before the rams are relocated, their feet are trimmed and they are wormed if necessary. They are kept on native pasture that is slightly hilly and has shade, but no real shelter from rain. At this stage the rams are fed once a day; a combination of good alfalfa hay and about a pound of barley-corn per ram. We find that they do very well in this comfortable setting with consistent feeding. A ram is not removed from the group for treatment or care unless really necessary. Should this be required, the “healing” process needs to be repeated although it may not take as long. It’s usually a safer plan to trim a hoof or treat a ram and keep him in the group if possible. Rams are usually removed from their breeding groups at the end of October. Therefore they will spend the next six to seven months as the “Stud Ram Group”. This is a quiet, restful time for these rams, and they are then strong and ready for the breeding season at the first of June.George C. Good I have been married to Bonnie for 36 years. We have 3 children and I have been employed by Michigan State for 34 years. The Suffolk flock at the university numbers 60 ewes and the flock was established in the 1950’s. Our mission at Michigan State is three-fold; teaching, research and extension. I manage the flocks and maintain facilities with part time help, which are full-time students. For 25 years Michigan State had a production sale. They had two national champions and one reserve in the 1970’s. Progeny sired by our rams won several ram tests over the years. Our sale averages were in the 5 several years. I received the Jack Breslin award, which is given to outstanding staff, in 1993. The Michigan Association of Extension Agents honored me in 2002. In 2003, the Michigan Sheep Breeders honored me with their service award. Our breeding rams are the most forgotten of our sheep flock, especially in the off-season. Housing- In the hot months our rams have access to shade trees on top of a hill. During the cold months they still need exercise and should have a shed to bed down in that is well bedded because of frost bite on the testicles. Shearing- Shear in the late spring after weather has warmed up. Don’t shear just before turning rams in. Wool will serve as an insulator for your ram. Do not shear a ram that you have just bought. The wool will help your ram adjust. When to Purchase- Be sure your rams have good body condition. Check over the ribs and backbone area for the amount of fat cover. I like my rams to be thrifty and still have some extra finish on their ribs before turning in with the flock. Remember, a long fleece can fool us on the condition of our rams. External Parasites- Check for heel mites, lice and ticks. Rams that have external parasites spend a lot of time and energy scratching. These creatures are just added stress. Internal Parasites- This is the most overlooked part of the off-season management. Be sure to worm your rams when you are worming the ewe flock in the warm months. The times I have had problems with parasites in my rams is when the days start getting longer in the spring and just when you turn to grass. Alan Kjeldgaard Al started raising Suffolk sheep in 1963 and currently owns 20 head of Suffolk ewes. Not only is he kept busy with the sheep, but he also manages a seed company and farms on the side. I believe this is one area a lot of breeders probably do a poor job of management in. I see a lot of stud rams that get stuck in some back barn for the off season. Then it seems you forget to worm them often enough or trim their feet. The health of your rams in the off season is vital for their usefulness in the breeding season. I try not to over feed them. I feed high-quality alfalfa and what grain I think they need to stay healthy and active with some weight gain. After all, you have 10 months for them to gain condition. Again, keep them wormed, their feet trimmed, and as cool as possible in the summer without putting a lot of stress on them
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