Breeding & Genetics Testing Rams for Breeding Soundness

Testing rams for breeding soundness helps identify males that are physically healthy, reproductively fit, and capable of settling ewes during the breeding season.

A breeding soundness exam typically evaluates body condition, feet and legs, reproductive organs, scrotal size, and semen quality so producers can remove unsatisfactory rams, improve flock fertility, and reduce costly breeding failures.

Video

Real lessons.
Real advice.
Real producers.

Dr. Daniel H. Pool, NC State University

Dr. Daniel Poole, reproductive physiologist at North Carolina State University, walks producers through ram breeding soundness exams covering the physical evaluation, scrotal exam, and semen analysis.

He explains the satisfactory and exceptional rankings, why testing 60 days pre-breeding matters, and how a $30 BSE can lift profit by $20 to $30 per ewe.

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