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Sonora Ram Test starts Sept. 8 and 9Texas The annual ram performance test conducted at the Texas AgriLife Research Station at Sonora will begin Sept. 8 and 9 with delivery of rams entering the test. The station is located on State Highway 55 between Sonora and Rocksprings. An annual field day and sale highlighting the end of the test will take place on March 13, 2009. Dr. Dan Waldron, San Angelo-based AgriLife Research geneticist and the program's coordinator, said Rambouillet sheep breeders have long used the performance test to improve their flocks. "From its start in 1948, the Sonora Ram Performance Test's main goal has been to identify and document superior rams," Waldron said. "Every year we evaluate and publish information on several key traits so producers can retain their own rams or buy from other breeders to improve their flocks." Test animals may be registered or non-registered. Only registered rams born between Oct. 1, 2007 and April 30 will be eligible for the American Rambouillet Sheep Breeders' Association Registry of Merit program. Cooperators wishing to enter more than 20 animals are asked to give Waldron advance notice. The test is open to ram lambs regardless of initial weight. But fall-born lambs weighing less than 135 pounds and spring-born lambs weighing less than 100 pounds on the initial weigh day will not be eligible for certification. Complete animal information--including sire, type of birth, age of dam and birth date--is required by the first weigh day. Animals without this information will be considered commercial rams. Rams also should be individually identified by ear tag or tattoo, and tagged with the mandated scrapie tag. Waldron recommends test animals be taught to eat from a feed trough before delivery. The rams will be treated against internal parasites and vaccinated against enterotoxemia immediately after arrival. Rams should have at least one-half inch of wool at delivery. A deposit of $400 per ram is due upon arrival. Any unused funds will be returned when the test is over. Rams will be shorn before going on the test on Sept. 23. The initial weigh-day is set for Sept. 24. Other weigh-days are Nov. 12 and Jan. 7, 2009 with the final weigh-day on Feb. 11, 2009. The final shearing is set for Feb. 12, 2009. Waldron also encourages breeders to participate in an "on-the-ranch" performance test so more information can be gathered from more rams. For more information on the Sonora ram test or the on-the-ranch test, contact Waldron, Dr. Frank Craddock or Dr. Chris Lupton at 325-653-4576, or call Dr. Charles "Butch" Taylor at 325-387-3168. The test program's website is: http://sanangelo.tamu.edu/genetics/ramtest.htm. 8/25/08 Date: 8/21/08 Advertisement
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