The tupping (mating) season is a critical welfare period in sheep flocks. Effective management of rams and ewes through the breeding season affects both immediate welfare and flock reproductive performance. Planning for tupping starts weeks in advance.
Ram Welfare and Preparation
Ram welfare must be assessed well before tupping begins:
- Body condition: Rams should be in good condition (BCS 3.5–4.0) at the start of tupping — underweight rams have reduced libido and fertility
- Foot examination: Lame rams cannot serve effectively and suffer in the process; all four feet should be examined and treated 4–6 weeks before tupping
- Scrotal palpation: Epididymitis, orchitis, or abnormal testicular consistency reduces fertility; rams with clinically abnormal testes should not be used
- Semen quality: Ram Breeding Soundness Evaluation (RBSE) by a veterinarian tests libido, physical examination, and semen morphology — recommended for rams representing significant investment or concern
Raddle Marking for Monitoring
Fitting rams with raddle harnesses (marking crayons applied to the chest) allows identification of served ewes. Changing raddle colour every 16–17 days (one oestrous cycle) identifies ewes returning to service, indicating ram infertility or ewe reproductive problems. This monitoring system enables early problem detection without intrusive examination.
Ewe Flushing
Increasing ewe nutritional plane 2–3 weeks before tupping (flushing) improves ovulation rate and conception rates. Moving ewes to better pasture or providing 200–300g concentrate/day increases multiple births. Flushing benefits are greatest in ewes in moderate body condition (BCS 2.5–3.0); very thin or very fat ewes respond less well.
Group Management and Ram Ratio
Recommended ram:ewe ratios are typically 1:40–60 for mature rams in managed systems. Higher ratios risk ram exhaustion and missed services. Running rams in groups of two or more harnesses their competitive behaviour — competition between rams increases service frequency. However, ram-on-ram aggression must be monitored to prevent serious injury.
Welfare Monitoring During Tupping
Daily observation of tupping groups is essential. Rams showing reduced libido, lameness, or injury require prompt investigation. Ewes that are repeatedly returning to service (identified by raddle) may indicate ram fertility problems or ewe pathology. Quiet, consistent handling during tupping reduces stress in both rams and ewes, maintaining conception rates.