Breeding unsoundness in the ram: The incidence of contributing conditions

Abstract

Extract

Few studies have defined the incidence of those disease and other conditions that contribute to genital unsoundness in the ram. The comprehensive study by Gunn et al. (1942) provided data not only on some 9,000 rams in New South Wales and Queensland, but also on the effect that some of these conditions have on semen quality. Subsequently, workers have confined themselves to an investigation of specific entities within this field. Work is progressing within New Zealand on testicular abnormalities (Ekdahl et al., 1968; Bruere, 1969; Bruere et al., 1969), and chorioptic mange (A. P. Rhodes, pers. comm.). The overall situation in New Zealand is not clear. A review of two seminars on the factors affecting ram soundness has recently been published (Quinlivan; 1970). This attempt to standardize the veterinary examination of rams, in the light of present knowledge, and to establish priorities for further study, was long overdue.