Preparing for Tupping

For many of you, it probably feels like lambing has only just finished. While the focus has been on this year’s lamb crop, it’s important not to overlook the tup ahead of the next breeding season. After all, the ram contributes 50% of next year’s lambs, so preparation now can have a major impact on flock performance and profitability.

For those synchronising ewes for earlier lambing systems, particularly flocks aiming to start lambing in December/January, tup preparation needs to begin now. Rams used for synchronised groups are often expected to work harder over a shorter period, making fertility, fitness, and overall condition even more important.

Tupping is one of the most important periods in the sheep calendar, setting the foundation for scanning results, lamb numbers and overall flock efficiency. Assessing both rams and ewes in advance of mating can help identify any issues early and ensure stock are in the best possible condition for the season ahead.

Rams – Rams are often forgotten about for much of the year, but when tupping time arrives, their role becomes critical. Research suggests up to 30% of rams may be subfertile, highlighting how important pre-tupping checks are.
Ideally, rams should be assessed 10–12 weeks before tupping. This allows time to identify and correct any issues before breeding begins. Leaving problems unnoticed until scanning can prove costly, with poor conception rates or empty ewes.

The Ram MOT – The 4 T’s
A ram MOT should form part of every flock’s preparation plan. Using the 4 T’s is a simple way to assess whether rams are fit for purpose: Toes – Teeth – Testicles – Tone
Check mobility, body condition, and overall health carefully, and involve your vet if there are any concerns. Aim for a BCS of 3.5-4.
Any purchased rams should also arrive ahead of tupping to allow time to settle onto the farm and adapt to feeding and management systems. Remember, it can take around three weeks for the rumen to adapt fully to a dietary change.

Nutrition – Nutrition plays a key role in ram fertility, with trace elements such as zinc and selenium being particularly important for reproductive performance. Even where no obvious deficiency exists, ensuring adequate levels of these minerals may help support fertility and breeding success. Including a source of bypass protein in the diet during the eight weeks leading up to tupping can also be beneficial, helping to increase testicular development and support sperm production. However, care should be taken not to overfeed rams, as excessive condition can negatively impact both mobility and semen quality. Keeping rams healthy and fit from unnecessary stress during the 10 weeks before tupping is equally important. As sperm production takes approximately seven weeks, any health challenge, nutritional setback or stress event during this period has the potential to affect fertility and ultimately flock performance at scanning.

HJ Lea Oakes Heritage Ram and Lamb Mix
Our Heritage Ram & Lamb Mix is specifically formulated to help prepare tups ahead of the breeding season, supporting both condition and fertility during this critical period. The palatable 18% protein coarse mix has been formulated to encourage consistent intake while helping rams achieve and maintain the correct body condition score prior to tupping.
It is fully mineralised to support overall health and performance, also containing ammonium chloride to help reduce the risk of urinary calculi.

Good preparation ahead of tupping can make a difference to scanning percentages, lamb survival and overall flock profitability. Investing time in both ram and ewe management now can help set the flock up for a more productive and successful lambing season next year.