Beltex ram??

[Simonson82]

I'm in the market for a new ram and have been offered what looks like a lovely beltex ram. I've never had a beltex so wanted to know if they come with any problems. Hes a 3 year old apparently with no health conditions and the owner says he hits 100% giving 185%.
Hel be going in with my small flock of Dorset x, of about 15-20.
I've heard stories online that they die very young due to breathing difficulties. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[SteveHants]

I'm in the market for a new ram and have been offered what looks like a lovely beltex ram. I've never had a beltex so wanted to know if they come with any problems. Hes a 3 year old apparently with no health conditions and the owner says he hits 100% giving 185%.
Hel be going in with my small flock of Dorset x, of about 15-20.
I've heard stories online that they die very young due to breathing difficulties. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

Texel throat is hereditary, so I suppose the fact that he's lived three years means something.
However, that something might be that he's reached his limit and will be dead by autumn...…..

 

[Simonson82]

Is there a way to check if he has this con dition?

 

[Northeastfarmer]

A tup that’s is guaranteed to hit 185%
Does it come with a money back guarantee

 

[Simonson82]

Sorry should have been clearer. Hit 185% this season. But more the point is the texel throat. Is there any way to tell?

 

[Northeastfarmer]

Sorry should have been clearer. Hit 185% this season. But more the point is the texel throat. Is there any way to tell?

It’s a 3 year old beltex...you’re on borrowed time as it is...

 

[Simonson82]

Wow, seriously? How is there a breed that only lives that long? Seems ridiculous.

 

[gwi1890]

Sorry should have been clearer. Hit 185% this season. But more the point is the texel throat. Is there any way to tell?

gently stick your fingers under his wind pipe if he’s gasping with little pressure then he’s no good, 3 years old isn’t old for a fit tup have a look how he walks, if he’s a docile bucket trained tup leave him where he is.

 

[Simonson82]

Why is docile and bucket trained not desirable?

 

[SteveHants]

Wow, seriously? How is there a breed that only lives that long? Seems ridiculous.

Wait until you hear about Bluefaced Leicesters…..

 

[gwi1890]

Why is docile and bucket trained not desirable?

because it’s probably been pushed and generally have a shorter lifespan/fertility issues tend to be lazy at tupping not necessarily resulting in empty ewes but having to serve over multiple cycles resulting in a long lambing period ,I like my tups to run away when I go into they field not to me.

 

[Al R]

Check how he walks, a few I’ve seen looked fine as ram lambs and young yearlings but the legs went V shaped with age and moving them was a nightmare as they got fed up of waddling and lay down.
How many ewes has he been serving until now? 185 on 10 ewes isn’t as good as 185 on 100 ewes.....

 

[Agrivator]

I would buy him if the price is reasonable- less than £500?? But Beltex tups, just like Blue-faced Leicesters, need looking after when they've finished tupping.

Will the seller be able to provide a replacement if needs be? Otherwise, just buy a good tight-skinned Texel or Beltex cross Texel or a Suffolk. They are the only three terminal sires worth considering - apart from a North-Country Cheviot.

 

[Stewartry hill]

But a beltex that age the day before you want to use him

 

[pgk]

Currently lambing some Highlanders with Beltex lambs, good lambs but I would be concerned at being able to find a structurally sound grass reared Beltex which would last the 5 years I would expect. Am looking at Charmoise as an alternative with a view to having a more long lived and virile tup for small ewes and ewe lambs.

 

[Simonson82]

Hes quite reasonably priced at £340. But at the end of the day I do t think I want a tup that's going to be good to me or anyone else after he done a couple seasons with me, and that's even IF he lasts a couple of seasons. Thanks for the info everyone, think I might have saved myself fore hassle than its would have been worth. My second choice was Suffolk so think I might stick with that.

 

[Al R]

Hes quite reasonably priced at £340. But at the end of the day I do t think I want a tup that's going to be good to me or anyone else after he done a couple seasons with me, and that's even IF he lasts a couple of seasons. Thanks for the info everyone, think I might have saved myself fore hassle than its would have been worth. My second choice was Suffolk so think I might stick with that.

Why not charollais?
I wouldn’t pay that money for a yearling Beltex let alone 3 year old

 

[delilah]

Hes quite reasonably priced at £340.

you've got less than 20 ewes, we started with that many and I've always worked on the basis that shouldn't be spending more than £10/ewe on a ram, so i'd be finding something cheaper or borrowing.

 

[spin cycle]

got this lad coming 2nd shear...beltex cross witha hint of exlana...very mobile .....bucket trained ...not been overworked,,,£200

edit....never gets out

 

[JSmith]

got this lad coming 2nd shear...beltex cross witha hint of exlana...very mobile .....bucket trained ...not been overworked,,,£200

edit....never gets out

Bôllôcks!! An I don’t mean the rams!!