The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: wellies on April 29, 2012, 01:50:55 pm
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Hi everyone, I hope that the weather isn't getting you down too much?
Just a quick question.... at what age should I think about retiring a ram, he has 5 ewes to look after and has done well this year helping the girls produce strong healthy mainly twin lambs. He turned 7yrs in Feb but is in good health, has good teeth and is of good condition score. He is such a superstar I am hoping he can stay for a few seasons yet. What are your thoughts? :wave:
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so long as he has teeth, good feet and produces good lambs keep him going. 7 is not old!
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One reason to keep an older tup is the need to breed longevity into our flocks. Some breeds are more long-lived than others, but for those who only use ram lambs or shearlings, they have no idea of the life expectancy they are breeding into their lambs from the sire's side.
Keep him for as long as you are happy with the job he does :sheep: