Ram Breeding Exam & Fertility

Question 1

what is the ram’s job

Answer 1

Produce spermatozoa

Mature spermatozoa

Have ‘libido’ (directed towards ewes)

Be able to mount and introduce spermatozoa into the vagina

Question 2

when should you check tups

Answer 2

8-10 weeks prior to use

Question 3

what are the 4 T’s

Answer 3

1. teeth
2. toes
3. tone (BCS 3.5-4)
4. testicles (large, firm)

Question 4

for normal fertility what must be necessary in the semen sample

Answer 4

Good motility of spermatozoa

Adequate sperm numbers/ejaculate

Normal morphology

No inflammatory or degenerative products

Question 5

how is the semen analyzed

Answer 5

Volume and concentration (can count or can estimate — gross density 1-5)

Gross (initial) motility (x100) wave motion (Grade 1-5)

Progresive motility (x400) %

Morphology of spermatozoa and live/dead count — stain

Other cells

Final overall assessment

Question 6

what is the gold standard of tups working

Answer 6

Odd numbers

• Competition
• Fighting
• Several tups = higher ewe fertility than a single tup

Riddles or keel paint

Change colour either every 1/2 cycle or every full cycle (light colours first)

• Any ewe that returns to estrus — maybe problem with fertility of that tup

In for 2 cycles

Question 7

what ram power is needed?

Answer 7

Age of tup:

• Can be proxy for size

Breed, extreme terminal fewer others

Use of teasers/synchronization

Hill or lowland

Question 8

what are diseases that cause orchitis and epididymitis

Answer 8

Brucella ovis (in endemic countries)

Actinobacillus seminis

Trueperella pyogenes

Histophilus somni

Mannheimia hemolytica

E. coli

Question 9

what does brucella ovis cause

Answer 9

Primarily male infection

Will cause abortion in ewes

Infection of epididymus

Spermatozoa fails to form

Can feel scarring on physical exam

Question 10

what are other diseases that affect fertility

Answer 10

Testicular torsion

Scrotal hernia

Trauma urolithiasis

Chorioptes of the scrotum