Ram selection - getting it right is important

It all comes down to dollars according to Robert and that is why making the right decision is so important.

"Buy the wrong ram and you are likely to lower the potential performance on your farm. Get it right and accumulatively you can reap between $30 -$35 per ewe per year."

Robert has recently taken an in depth look at ram selection and developed '10 commandments' which he firmly believes will assist farmers when looking for a ram.

1. Decide what production traits are important for genetic gain in your flock. 
2. Remember the more traits selected for the less progress made in individual traits.
3. Know that selecting the right ram breeder is the most important step in the process.
4. The ram breeder's flock must show genetic gain in the production traits important to your flock.
5. The ram breeder's flock must be genetically superior to your own flock.
6. Understand your flock's production will track the genetic improvement of your ram breeder's flock.
7. Spend time reading the records and select rams from their production records before making your final choice by inspecting each animal.
8. The ram breeder should have the rams ranked from best to worst for each trait or ranked on breeding value or breeding index.
9. Make sure the productive traits you are interested in are in the index.
10. SIL index information is a big advantage in ram selection.

Interested and want to know more than click here to access Robert's full article on ram selection.


Robert Pattison