Choosing a ram to breed with ewe lambs

• Mate ewe lambs separately from mature ewes because their oestrus behaviour is less aggressive
• Use experienced rams with ewe lambs
• Mate ewe lambs on relatively small areas of land
• Mate with rams from breeds with a smaller mature size

Breeds that are traditionally seen as having smaller birth weights can have weights similar to continentals. It is essential that pregnant ewe lambs are managed appropriately to avoid problems.

Birth weights in ewes of all ages recorded with Signet Breeding Services

Differences between breeds reflect both genetic and environmental differences. Some breeds lamb earlier and are fed more than others. Differences seen between purebred lambs may be smaller when rams of these breeds are used on the same type of commercial ewe.

For a compact lambing period, you may want to use vasectomised (teaser) rams. These run with ewe lambs for 15 or 30 days immediately before introducing fertile rams and can successfully synchronise their heat. Placing fertile rams with the ewe lambs for three weeks should result in most being served at least once. Lambing is then focused within this defined period and can be easier to manage. This technique could also be used to select the most fertile sheep

Mature ewes tend to monopolise the rams if they run together. Ewe lambs have a shorter ‘standing heat’ period than ewes and this, coupled with their reluctance to seek out and court a ram, means that more ram power is required. The need for extra rams is further increased if heat is synchronised.