We don’t need to tell you how tough this year has been! The season’s constant fight against some pretty terrible weather has taken its toll on farmers and stock alike. 

Now that we are finally starting to get a glimpse of the elusive Big Yellow, it’s time to start looking ahead to lamb finishing and next season’s tupping. With this in mind, let’s get your vet on-farm to get their yearly ram action!  

The reason we insist on performing this annual ritual is to ensure your mating season runs smoothly, with no nasty surprises at scanning time.  

Some of the most common issues we find during Ram Run that can cause issues with your rams’ fertility and ability to perform over mating are: 

• Mono-orchidism (only one testicle present) 

• Micro-orchidism (one or both testicles are underdeveloped) 

• Cryptorchidism (no testicles present) 

• Unevenly sized testicles 

• Epididymitis (lumps/inflammation in the surrounding tubes) 

• Scarring and damage to the testicle or scrotum 

• Scrotal mange. 

We also cast a quick eye over the rams and lay a hand on their back to body condition score them. There are many other conditions we can easily pick up that can have a significant impact on fertility. 

Ram Run is also a great time to make teasers. Rams chosen for vasectomy should be young, strong, and healthy. 

Ram palpations are best performed a minimum of 6 weeks prior to mating. This allows enough time for infertile or unsound rams to be treated or replaced. 

To ensure your ewes get nothing but the best next mating, book the boys in for a cheeky feel - you won’t regret it. Simply call the clinic on 0800 VETSOUTH and reserve your spot for next year’s Ram Run (around February 2025, dates tbc).