Ram fertility testing

A tight lambing period is essential in maximising flock productivity, and fertility problems in flocks are often put down to problems with ewes. 

Any breeding male can suffer from fertility problems due to disease, trauma or just overworked or wearing out. 

When relying upon these animals to maintain the productivity of your farm, it is important to know that they are capable of breeding to the level required.

We can perform ram breeding soundness examinations, giving you an immediate and comprehensive assessment of the semen quality and breeding ability of the animal in question. 

The examination takes approximately one hour at our surgery or on farm and involves a clinical examination and collection of semen sample by electro-ejaculation. 

The semen is then immediately assessed for quality microscopically before a final high magnification quality check back at the surgery.

Since starting this service we have tested a wide range of animals and although the results vary we have always provided the owner with an answer allowing them to make an informed decision over the future of the animal.

We recommend that testing should be carried out yearly at least two and a half to three months before you require your rams to work. This means there is plenty of time to resolve any problems that we may find, or for you to find replacements.