2004-2005 Dakota Ram Test Program

                                                              

Dr.Jeff Held, SDSU Extension Sheep Specialist
Tim Faller, NDSU, Hettinger Research and Extension Center
Dave Pearson, Hettinger Research and Extension Center, Manager

The 2004-2005 Dakota Ram Test will be held at the Hettinger Research and Extension Center in Hettinger ND.  Dave Pearson will serve as the station manager.

Cost.  The cost per ram is $155.00, $25.00 per ram at entry and the balance upon delivery at the test site. This will cover feed, management, veterinary attention, and wool testing.  Wool from both shearings will be sold by the ram test committee to help cover shearing costs.

 Health.  Rams will be vaccinated against enterotoxemia and sore mouth shortly after arrival.  All rams will be drenched for internal parasites.  Please indicate on your entry form if rams have been vaccinated for any of the above or if they have been drenched.

In order to comply with recent North Dakota health regulations, all rams will be tested for Brucella ovis (ELISA) at the end of the performance test.  Lambs over 6 months of age at the beginning of the test must be tested for B. Ovis before they can be accepted in the station or originate from a certified B. Ovis free flock.  All animals must be accompanied by health papers and originate from a footrot free flock.  Federal I.D. tag must be in animal’s ear and listed in the health paper.

                                 SCHEDULE 2004-2005 (Dates Subject to Change)

September 16-October 2      - Rams to be delivered to the station

October 6                               - Rams shorn

October 11                             - Rams to be weighed, ultrasound and started on test

November 8                           - 28 day weighing

December 6                           - 56 day weighing     

January 3                                - 84 day weighing

January 31                              - 112 day weighing

February 28                            - 140 day - End of growth test period

March 4-5                              - Rams to be shorn, ultrasound, field day, rams can                                                                         be picked up by owner

 §        Delivery: Contact Dave Pearson 1-701-567-4323 prior to delivery at station.  Transportation is available from Hettinger Ram Sale, Newell Ram Sale.

            REGULATIONS FOR DAKOTA RAM TEST – 2004-2005

1.         Ram lambs will be delivered to the test site September 16 thru October 2, 2004.

2.                  Rams will be shorn on October 6, 2004; weighed and will start the official test on October 11^th.

3.         Individual fleeces will be sampled at the britch and side in early-February.  Samples will be used to determine staple length (adj. for 365 days), clean yield and fiber diameter.  Samples will be sent to Montana State University for yield and fiber analysis (OFDA).

4.         Feed.  The rams will be self-fed a mixed ration containing a custom protein supplement, barley, chopped alfalfa hay.

5.         Liability.  All animals remain the property of the cooperator.  The manager will make every effort to take proper care of the animal and to provide proper veterinary services, but it will not be responsible for any losses occurring during the test.  In the event of a major health problem, the appropriate cooperator will be contacted on direction for disposal.  If a ram is removed from test for health reason, or dies while on test, a partial refund of the entry fee will be made.

6.         Feeding and management of the rams on test will be under the supervision of Dave Pearson, Tim Faller, Jeff Held and appointed committee members.

                                           FOR RAMBOUILLET RAM OWNERS

1.         For Rambouillet rams consigned - all necessary procedures and rules for establishing Certified Rams and Registry of Merit sires will be followed.

2.         All Rambouillet rams must be registered no later than 60 days after the test starts to be eligible as Certified rams.  If you do not have registration numbers on rams when you send in your entry forms, please send them to us as soon as you get them.

3.         If a Rambouillet entered in the Certified Sire Program qualifies as a Certified ram, he must be classified with the American Rambouillet Association as a Certified ram.  The owner will be billed for the $15.00 classification fee, as this program has been set up to carry itself without additional cost to the ram test.

4.         Breeders submitting rams for testing should submit a statement containing their INTENTION OF ENTERING RAMS IN THE CERTIFIED SIRE PROGRAM BEFORE the testing begins and list birth dates accompanying the flock or ear tag numbers.

                                       2004-2005  Dakota  Ram Test Program

The following rams are entered for testing under the program and are covered under the contract:

 

Cooperator   _______________________________

 Phone No.                                          Address__________________________________

                                                             _________________________________________

                                                             City                            State                Zip Code

 Supervisor of Project _________________________________Date______________