Abstract
Simple SummaryPre-breeding management of rams and their ram lambs is critical for viable, sustainable and profitable farms. A further understanding of the management and selection criteria of the males during pre-breeding enables producers to efficiently use animal resources to maximize the reproductive potential of the animals. The reproductive management of mature rams and their lambs is complex, varying across breeds, farms, and regions of the world. It involves different aspects of animal husbandry, such as genetics, health, nutrition, behavior, economy and physiological and anatomical changes during the non-breeding season. Sound flock management must include an integrative and complete management plan for males and females that provides adequate conditions for the sheep to express their genetic potential and production level. This review article examines some of the key aspects to consider when managing mature rams and ram lambs during the pre-breeding season to ensure proper condition of the males for optimal function during the breeding season.In sheep farms, achieving economic and productive efficiency and sustainability goals is directly related with the reproductive management of the animals. Genetically, the male contribution to the offspring is 50%, but in practical terms, there is a greater potential impact of the ram on reproductive results, because one male has the potential to affect a large group of females and therefore greatly affects the entire flock. Unfortunately, the selection of males for breeding in the US sheep industry has been traditionally conducted based on phenotypical traits, without a genetic/reproductive evaluation, and/or health assessment or records. Therefore, it is important to establish integrative management practices to select the rams and ram lambs to be used in the breeding season. Among these practices are genomic testing, a comprehensive breeding soundness evaluation and assessment of health status and records of the males before the breeding season, to detect and correct potential issues.
Highlights
To achieve adequate reproductive performance during the breeding season (>95%of the ewes pregnant by the end of the season), it is necessary to implement husbandry practices during the non-breeding season to ensure the proper conditioning of the males and females
In addition to genetic evaluation and testing, an important tool to select potential breeding rams and ram lambs is through breeding soundness examinations (BSEs)
The reproductive performance of a flock relies on many key factors to ensure success as well as to ensure economic profitability and sustainability
Summary
Of the ewes pregnant by the end of the season), it is necessary to implement husbandry practices during the non-breeding season to ensure the proper conditioning of the males and females. September to December, with a successive lambing period occurring from February to May the following year. This rather short timeframe puts a great time constraint on producers in terms of organizing the breeding season as well as maintaining the profitability of their operation. The reproductive performance of the animals is one of the most important traits, due to its impact on the overall profitability of the flock. Management of the males is necessary to ensure the success of the flock productively and economically and to maximize the longevity of the animals [5].
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