Report on the Breeding Ewe and Ram Management Day

held at Beer Mill Farm on June 21st 2003

click any image to enlarge it

For the last of the sheep days in 2003 the weather was absolutely perfect, lots of glorious sunshine and just a bit of a breeze.  Everyone arrived safely if slightly frustrated in some cases by traffic delays.  Normally the holiday traffic in the West Country is only a problem during the school holidays but perhaps everyone was having a practice run!

The morning was devoted to the ewes and the afternoon to rams.

The day started with a session dealing with condition scoring of sheep.  A vital management tool when keeping both ewes and rams in good condition.  It was explained that our flock was generally kept on a level plain of condition and we avoid changes of condition score if we can.  It was pointed out that to bring a sheep up or down in condition can take many weeks and is not something that can be achieved in a few days.  The Clean Feed Company of Rackenford near Tiverton in Devon had very kindly provided samples of various feeds and an information pack for each participant.

 The next sesion was on choosing good breeding stock.  The importance of choosing stock that is sound in all aspects and if a pedigree animal, meets the breed standard, was emphasised.  We had tried to supply examples of different types of ewes.  Including a good breeding ewe who had done her bit for ten years and is still in good condition, a ewe who had bred successfully but because she had an udder problem was not one we would use again and finally a shearling ewe who had not yet lambed but who is the type of ewe we are looking for as breeding stock.

Following on,  the breeding ewe's year was run through with all the various important tasks being covered.

After a lunchbreak in lovely sunshine where the various participants were able to chat to each other and compare experiences, the afternoon focused on rams. With a number of people having attended previous days, quite a few aquaintances were renewed.

The importance of choosing the correct ram was emphasised and it was pointed out that the ram contributes 50% of the genetic makeup of any flock.  If the ram has faults these could be passed on to all his offspring so it was emphasised that care should be taken when choosing him. The various points to look for were pointed out including among many other points; good legs, correct horn pattern if a horned breed, a sound mouth and of course the necessary wedding tackle!  Hilary said that we would always want to look at the sire, dam and any offspring if possible rather than just the ram itself.  Also that if we were buying a ram we would definitely ask to see Scrapie certificate and also wool board fleece certificate if possible.

Some time was devoted to the management of ram behaviour and the extra problems this poses.  As was pointed out.  More people are killed or injured by year by rams than bulls! It was explained that we never trust a ram however well we know him and indeed familiarity can sometimes lull you into a false sense of security.  Examples of damaged equipment were displayed and the measures we take to protect everything were run through.  (In the main this involves protecting all vunerable gates, fencing/buildings etc with single strand electric fencing).

It was pointed out that rams do not need any sort of charging distance and can do the most damage from a few inches away.  Breeds without horns pose an equal threat to those with the most set splendid of horns.

Following this session, the Ram's year was run through and it was emphasised that year round attention was just as important for the ram as for the ewe.

At the end of the day a specially printed booklet was given to everyone attending.

Following the end of the more formal sessions, those who did not have to leave on long return journeys went round the farm to look at the rest of the Portland flock.

We rounded off the day with a pub meal for those who could stay.

If you would like to kept informed of any future courses please contact us at howell@portlandsheep.co.uk