Book your rams in for their annual ‘service’ to make sure they can perform properly at mating time.

With the year moving so quickly it will be no time at all before you will find our sheep vets crouched down behind your ram team getting their yearly testicular fix!

I promise the reason we insist on performing this annual ritual is not for our own perverse enjoyment (although for most of us it is a favourite time of year), but to ensure your mating season runs smoothly, with no nasty surprises at scanning time.

Some of the most common issues we find that can cause issues with your rams’ fertility and ability to perform over mating are:

• Mono-orchidism (only one testicle present)
• Micro-orchidism (one or both testicles are underdeveloped)
• Cryptorchidism (no testicles present)
• Unevenly sized testicles
• Epididymitis (lumps/inflammation in the surrounding tubes)
• Scarring and damage to the testicle or scrotum
• Scrotal mange.

During the Ram Run, we also cast a quick eye over the rams and lay a hand on their back to body condition score them. There are many other conditions we can easily pick up that can have a significant impact on fertility.

It is also a great time to make teasers. Rams chosen for vasectomy should be young, strong, and healthy.

Ram palpations are best performed a minimum of 6 weeks prior to mating. This allows enough time for infertile or unsound rams to be treated or replaced.

To ensure your ewes get nothing but the best this mating, book the boys in for a cheeky feel - you won’t regret it. Simply call the clinic on 0800 VETSOUTH and reserve your spot for this season's Ram Run.