Are your rams ready for the breeding season?

Date published: 22 July 2026

In this article, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Beef and Sheep Adviser, Brian Hanthorn outlines the key areas farmers should assess before mating begins and explains why carrying out a thorough ram MOT ten to twelve weeks before breeding can help maximise flock performance and protect a significant financial investment.

Although rams may appear healthy in the field, underlying issues can affect fertility, mobility and breeding performance. Identifying these problems well in advance of mating provides time to take corrective action or, where necessary, source replacement stock.

Teeth and mouth

A ram’s ability to maintain body condition is closely linked to good dental health. The incisor teeth should meet the dental pad correctly, allowing the ram to graze efficiently. Rams with broken, missing or excessively worn teeth often struggle to maintain condition and can lose weight rapidly during the breeding season.

Farmers should also watch for rams that regurgitate their cud, as this may indicate problems with the molar teeth or arthritis within the jaw. These animals are unlikely to perform efficiently and should be considered for culling.

Feet and legs

Lameness remains one of the most common causes of poor ram performance. A ram that is uncomfortable or unable to move freely will spend less time seeking out and serving ewes.

Each foot should be carefully examined and trimmed if necessary. Rams with severe foot defects or recurring foot problems should be considered for culling, as poor foot conformation can be passed on to offspring. Older rams should also be checked for signs of arthritis or joint swelling. Any ram that cannot move freely and bear weight evenly on all four legs is unlikely to work effectively during mating.

Brisket sores are commonly seen in lame rams and should be treated once the underlying mobility issue has been addressed.

Body condition

Rams should enter the breeding season in good condition, ideally at a body condition score of 3.5 to 4. Thin rams often have reduced libido and may spend more time grazing than actively seeking ewes.

It is also important to avoid excessively fat rams. Newly purchased pedigree rams are often presented for sale in very high condition and may require careful management before breeding. Research has shown that excessive fat deposition around the scrotum can increase testicular temperature, reducing sperm production and overall fertility.

A hardworking ram can lose up to 15% of its bodyweight during the mating period, making good body condition at the start of the season particularly important.

Testicular health and fertility

Healthy testicles are essential for good breeding performance. Rams should have two evenly sized, firm testicles that are free from lumps, swelling or other abnormalities.

Scrotal circumference is also an important indicator of fertility. For many mature lowland breeds, a circumference of 36 cm or greater is desirable. Rams with smaller testicles can often produce disappointing breeding results.

The prepuce and penis should also be examined for signs of injury, infection or ulceration. If any abnormalities are detected, veterinary advice should be sought.

Where possible, a pre-breeding semen test can provide additional reassurance. Semen evaluation by a veterinary surgeon is an effective way of identifying sub-fertile or infertile rams before they are turned out with ewes.

Health treatments

Vaccinations and routine health treatments should be completed well before the breeding season begins. Rams should also be shorn in good time, with excess wool removed from around the scrotum to help maintain optimum testicular temperature.

Effective parasite control is equally important. Rams should be protected against external parasites and fly strike throughout the mating period.

Mineral and vitamin status should not be overlooked. Deficiencies in selenium, zinc, iodine and vitamin E can adversely affect fertility. Blood testing through your veterinary practice can help identify deficiencies and allow supplementation programmes to be targeted appropriately.

Brian concluded: “Good quality rams represent a significant investment on sheep farms. Carrying out a thorough inspection before the breeding season helps ensure rams can perform to their full potential when it matters most. Identifying issues early can help maximise the value of your investment and contribute to improved flock fertility and lamb output.”

For further advice on ram management, contact your local CAFRE Adviser through your local DAERA Direct Office.

CAFRE’s Business Sustainability Groups (BSGs) are currently open for a second tranche of applications. The groups have been developed to support farmers in improving the economic and environmental sustainability of their farm businesses. Each group is supported by a CAFRE Adviser who facilitates meetings where members can collaborate, share knowledge and benefit from specialist technical advice.