Schmallenberg - Ram fertility

[Jerry]

New one on me.

Had a ram customer ring today, he runs an early flock of Dorset ewes and a later flock of Lleyn ewes. He’s bought 3 rams from me that I’m delivering later this week.

Reason he called was to ask if a Lleyn over a Dorset would give an ok lamb with daughters retained, said I sell a few rams to Dorset flocks and would be a good cross.

Then asked why he was asking…turns out he scanned his early flock yesterday and had only 6 ewes in lamb, rest empty. Rams used were all new this year from a good Dorset breeder breeder, all shearlings. He’s not very happy as this really messes up his lambing schedule.

Breeder is saying the virus might cause fertility issues in rams…is that something??

He’s getting rams tested, breeder is saying he will offer replacements if an issue.

Just seems very odd that all 3 rams are infertile or sub fertile.

 

[ringi]

Assuming I recall correctly, a badly timed Schmallenberg infraction can give temporary fertility issues in rams, lots of information on https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/schmallenberg.402953/

 

[Man_in_black]

Not really on point but it's a cross we use as teasers candidates, work early & eager with benefits of HV

 

[Jackov Altraids]

I would imagine that Schmallenberg, like any infection would raise the ram's temperature such that it would affect sperm and lower fertility.
I would interested in knowing whether in this case it would be a blessing. It might be hugely advantageous for the ewes to not be getting pregnant while schmallenberg is circulating in the flock, but I'm not sure on the timings on when it damages the foetuses.

 

[andybk]

Did they come from same breeder ? I would bet on overfed rams (fat around testes) , rather than infections , presume would have been tupped may june time bit early for midge activity , rams fed all winter and peak summer sunshine with a wool cover ,not a good combination .very common in all breeds , They will come back but time needs to be on your side

 

[Jerry]

Did they come from same breeder ? I would bet on overfed rams (fat around testes) , rather than infections , presume would have been tupped may june time bit early for midge activity , rams fed all winter and peak summer sunshine with a wool cover ,not a good combination .very common in all breeds , They will come back but time needs to be on your side

Yes same breeder.

Im delivering 3 rams there tomorrow so might get to see them.

 

[andybk]

Yes same breeder.

Im delivering 3 rams there tomorrow so might get to see them.

easy with dorsets , see how wide the dock is !

 

[Jerry]

Went there today to deliver my rams. I did not see the rams in question.

Whilst I was there vet rang with results of tests.

Ram 1 - infertile, testes size slightly below desired average but no sign of trauma

Ram 2 - Infertile plus a tumor on one testes

Not a good advert for the breeder and buyer probably should have been a bit more selective possibly??

I did not stay around for the conversation with breeder so dont know the final outcome.

 

[Yale]

Maybe an idea to pop some Crovect on the rams at intervals.

 

[andybk]

Maybe an idea to pop some Crovect on the rams at intervals.

just done ewes again with dysect , felt it had effect last year when quite a few around us had schmallenberg

 

[yellowbelly]

just done ewes again with dysect , felt it had effect last year when quite a few around us had schmallenberg

I always dysect ewes that we're tupping now, when sorting the culls out (basically 'cos our fly season can go on until well into October here) but had the same thought as you, re schmallenberg, last year.

 

[Mc115reed]

Schmellanberg can cause ram infertility for around 2 weeks I think I read?

Iv put crystalyx garlic licks in for my sheep pre tupping and had them in today and there was barely a fly in sight so I think they’re working