Ram Scrotal Girth

[Roving Jacobs]

My sheep industry guide says for rams 8-14 months: <30 cm is questionable, 30-36 cm is satisfactory, and >36 cm is exceptional. For rams >14 months: <32 cm is questionable, 32-40 cm is satisfactory and >40 cm is exceptional.

It looks like scrotal circumference is correlated with body weight so rams with larger scrotal circumference are bigger and more mature than rams the same age with smaller circumference. I guess that would also mean that rams with a larger scrotal circumference would produce ewes that got bigger and matured faster theoretically.

 

[Southern by choice]

@Sheepshape

Great answer!

 

[babsbag]

@Sheepshape

I see that your sheep are just as flirtatious as my goats.

 

[babsbag]

I find myself sitting at the local restaurant having these discussions with a good friend and we are totally oblivious to everyone...and then the waitress will come by with coffee or food and the looks we get. One day we were talking castrations and banding vs. cutting, another day we were re-positioning kids and checking for afterbirth...and the doe was eating it. We see each other so seldom and she is one of the few that can relate to my life so we have some interesting conversations, no matter the place.

Now if the article is saying that the daughters will grow bigger, faster, better, and be ready to breed sooner I might understand the study.

 

[Sheepshape]

The ewe I posted the pics of was NEVER (knowingly) in the field with our rams. She was 12 at the time and retired, having produced about 26 lambs in her time. Either one of our rams or a neighbour's ram paid her a visit, and the result was as shown .....she went on to produce healthy triplets. So,fertility...usually NOT an issue.

 

[Ponker]

I'm interested to know the meaning of the fertility statement as well. Finns are known for their prolificacy so any insight into multiple births would be welcomed.

I went out and measured my two boys.
Georgie was born on Feb 4, 2016. He measured 27cm. So according to the study I posted, Georgie is found lacking. Holstein was born March 12, 2015 and hit the tape at 31cm. According to the study I posted he is fine...so far.

My sheep industry guide says for rams 8-14 months: <30 cm is questionable, 30-36 cm is satisfactory, and >36 cm is exceptional. For rams >14 months: <32 cm is questionable, 32-40 cm is satisfactory and >40 cm is exceptional.

According this study, both my rams are on the low end.

My tiny little Nigerian Buck, Houdini measured in at a whopping 17cm. LOL

He was so difficult to take a picture of! I could have had a thousand pictures of his nose. He was born March 3, 2016.

 

[Southern by choice]

I am missing something... how do you measure?

See what you started...........

 

[Ponker]

Measure the circumference of the testicles. The measurement should be greatest point. I used a sewing tape and measured my rams first. Such good boys. My neighbors probably think I'm a nutjob. The boys were so calm and casual about it as I was on my knees behind them getting the measurement. Then I followed them around getting pictures of their backsides. I thought I heard my neighbor call her kids to the backyard at that point. LOL

My little buck Houdini was the most difficult one to measure. Had to get someone to hold him. He's only 4 and half months old so he's smaller than the cat. LOL But oh what a cutie! Even has little waddles.

I do wonder if there are studies to back this up. There certainly must be. I'm going to look into it and see if there is any difference in measurements considered for the bigger breeds or the smaller breeds. Certainly mini Cheviots wouldn't be held to these measurements - or would they... hmmm

 

[Roving Jacobs]

I wouldn't be too worried about their circumference right now, apparently scrotal circumference is variable depending on the season and is generally largest in October.

This study in African merinos links scrotal circumference to ewe fertility but I can't quite figure out how they measured it.

 

[Mini Horses]

Yeah, time of year makes a difference. Those rascals are hanging low and long in this heat! Looking for air flow.

This is almost as hilarious as the horse discussions about "how to remove a bean from the penis". Now THAT is when you do NOT want your neighbor around (unless they own a male horse)