Clinical evaluation of reproductive ability of rams

Abstract

Clinical evaluation of reproductive ability of rams is an integral part of sheep health management programs. The majority of problems adversely affecting the reproductive ability of rams can be easily detected with clinical evaluation. The procedure is easy to perform, has a small cost and does not require specialized support from a veterinary laboratory. As a management procedure, the method should be applied two months before the breeding season, in order to detect problems, which would adversely affect the reproductive ability of rams. It should also be performed when selecting ram-lambs as replacement sires in a flock: their first evaluation should be performed at weaning, followed by another two examinations: two to four months later and before the first mating season of these rams. The method should also be performed before the purchase of any ram as sire in a flock. Regular monitoring of reproductive ability of rams in a flock contributes to early diagnosis of disorders. As a diagnostic procedure, the method should be performed during the investigation of reproductive problems within a flock. During the evaluation of reproductive ability of rams, various clinical findings can be detected and their importance can vary. In general, rams should be in good condition and have healthy genitalia, normal libido and the ability to mate the ewes. Clinical evaluation of rams is performed in the following stages: (a) history-taking, (b) evaluation of the ratio "ewe:ram" in the flock, (c) general clinical examination, (d) clinical examination of the genitalia, (e) ultrasonographic examination of the genitalia and (f) evaluation of libido. Veterinary advice is important, in order to incorporate the clinical evaluation of reproductive ability of rams into the health management of sheep flocks. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.