Preparing rams for tupping: CAFRE issues autumn guidance for sheep farmers

CAFRE Beef and Sheep Adviser John Hamilton.

As sheep farmers across Northern Ireland turn their attention to assembling breeding flocks this autumn, experts are urging producers not to overlook the vital role of rams in ensuring a successful lambing season.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) has issued fresh guidance to farmers on the preparation and management of stock rams ahead of tupping.

CAFRE Beef and Sheep Adviser John Hamilton said:

“Rams can be an expensive but essential investment. They make up 50% of your breeding flock and should be well cared for throughout the year, not just before tupping.”

Ram MOT essential

Farmers with March-lambing flocks are being encouraged to carry out a thorough inspection of rams around shearing time. Known as a ‘ram MOT’, this involves checking teeth, feet, testicles and body condition, with any issues treated or animals culled where necessary.

This process also helps determine how many additional rams may need to be purchased at upcoming sales. Buying rams well in advance is strongly recommended to allow time for acclimatisation before they are turned out with ewes.

Selecting the right ram

A pre-mating check of all rams to be used on your breeding flock is an essential element of flock management.

Hamilton cautioned against relying on appearance alone when purchasing new animals. Many rams presented at sales will have been carefully prepared to look their best.

Instead, CAFRE advises farmers to prioritise rams from performance-recorded flocks and to use Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) as a reliable measure of genetic potential.

“Purchasing decisions should not be based on looks alone. Selecting rams from performance recorded flocks and using Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) provides an objective measure of genetic potential and should be used in conjunction with visual and physical assessment,” Hamilton said.

Post-purchase care

Aftercare is just as critical as the purchase itself. Rams typically lose significant body condition during the tupping period, so they should begin the season fit but not fat, ideally with a body condition score of 3.5–4.

Private purchases from breeders’ home farms can also be a viable alternative to auction sales, often reducing the need for heavy concentrate feeding and ensuring rams are reared in systems similar to their new environment.

Quarantine measures

When new rams are brought onto a farm, strict quarantine protocols should be followed. Rams should be isolated in a paddock for a minimum of 28 days, ideally with other purchased rams or cull ewes. This allows time to identify any potential health issues and contain infectious diseases before introducing them to the main flock.

Monitoring fertility

Mating ratios depend on breed and terrain, but shearling and mature rams generally cover larger groups of ewes compared with ram lambs in their first season. Farmers are advised to use a raddle or a crayon harness to track mating activity, as repeated returns to service may indicate fertility problems.

Equal focus on ewes and rams

Hamilton concluded:

“In conclusion we must be mindful that the care of the ram is as important as that of the ewe in helping to achieve a successful compact lambing.”

For further guidance on flock management, farmers are encouraged to contact their local CAFRE Beef and Sheep Adviser through DAERA Direct.