Rams are important members of the flock, but often overlooked members. Not only did he contribute half of the genetics to the flock, but his success as a caretaker will greatly help ensure profitable lamb crops. It is very necessary to use B-ultrasound to make timely judgments on the reproduction of male sheep.

Observation of Adolescent Rams by ultrasound in sheep

Adolescence is the age at which the reproductive organ function of a ram develops, its secondary sexual characteristics develop, and it is ready to successfully mate with a ewe. Most male lambs reach puberty at 5 to 7 months of age, with 50% to 60% of their mature body weight.

The onset of puberty is influenced by breed, genetics, and nutrition. Lambs on low nutrient levels may not enter puberty until they are 12 months or older. Some breeds enter puberty earlier than others: prolific breeds and wool sheep. Meat breeds are more likely to enter puberty than green sheep breeds.

Observation of Sheep Sperm Production by B-Ultrasound

Sperm is a male reproductive cell. The production of ram sperm takes approximately 49 days (7 weeks). Testicular size is a good indicator of the sperm production ability of rams. Palpation of the epididymis is a useful guide for determining sperm reserve. A large and sturdy tail indicates good reserve, while a small and soft tail indicates the opposite. Nutrition can have a significant impact on testicular size. Research has shown that improving nutrient intake within the two months prior to reproduction can increase testicular size, and subsequent sperm production can reach 100%. Meanwhile, excessive feeding can have adverse effects on sperm production. For normal sperm production, the testicles must be at a temperature several degrees below normal body temperature. The ram has large sweat glands and a series of muscles on the scrotal skin, which can raise or lower the testicles into the body for temperature regulation.

The standard for semen of rams:

Power percentage 30-70

%Normal Form 30-50

White blood cells>5

Brucella negative

Observation of Seasonal Effects of Sheep on Reproduction by B-Ultrasound

Sheep born in temperate climates usually have seasonal breeding habits, although rams are less affected than ewes. The size of the testicles, sperm production, and mating ability of rams will vary according to the seasons of the year, with the highest being during the normal autumn breeding season. Some breeds have much less seasonality in their reproductive behavior: Dorset, Rambouille, Merino Polyp, Finnsheap, Romanov, and wool sheep. Temperature is also a seasonal factor that affects the fertility of rams. A temperature change of only half a degree may reduce sperm production and/or libido.

Observation of mating behavior of male Sheep Using B-ultrasound

A ewe in heat usually finds a ram. She will smell and chase after him. Rams respond to estrus ewes' urination by sniffing, stretching their legs, and curling their lips. Curling lips is known as the 'flehmen response'. If the ewe accepts, she will represent mating. During several initial attempts to install ewes, rams may fail. He may repeatedly mate with the same ewe. Rams tend to choose older ewes over younger ewes, and sometimes choose their own breed of ewe over another breed. Some producers prefer to use one ram per group of ewes. If more than one ram is used, older rams usually occupy younger rams and may prevent less dominant rams from reproducing. Rams may engage in combat at the cost of mating with ewes. It will be more difficult to detect infertile or male rams in various situations. In large chicken flocks, multiple pairings are usually required. On the other hand, if using rams with reduced fertility or decreased libido, single parent mating may lead to low pregnancy rates or prolonged lambing season.

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