Mating in Ladoum Production

While some Ladoum sheep producers prefer to have their rams run with the ewes all year round, a better management practice is to have specific breeding seasons which will allow better management of the lambing season. This will allow a more homogenous group of animals to be managed more effectively in terms of weighing, vaccinating, weaning, ear tagging and marketing.

It is important to consider various factors when planning the breeding cycle:
• fodder flow and feed availability,
• natural ostrus cycle of the doe,
• market cycle,
• marketing date.
In terms of management inputs, it significantly reduces the workload if all inoculations, vaccinations, and other practices can be carried out in a group context rather than having to handle lambs on an ongoing never-ending basis as they are born. A planned breeding cycle also ensures that the producer can present largely similar groups of Ladoum sheep for sale rather than smaller lots of animals.

Ewes
The reproduction rate of Ladoum sheep is one of the most beneficial characteristics for the meat producer.

Lambing percentages of 180% are easily achieved with good management input.
There are various factors which affect the lambing percentage of the ewe:
• weather,
• age,
• condition score,
• nutrition.
The Ladoum sheep ewe displays seasonal ostrus every 21 days.
Ewes reach puberty at around six months of age.
However, pregnancies at this young age can negatively impact their growth and permanently rein in future performance. A useful rule of thumb is that young does should not be mated before reaching 60% of a ewe’s average adult body mass, thus, generally around
40 to 50 kg.

Good grazing and adequate nutritional levels go hand in hand with animal production (lambing percentages and milk production).

As with any ruminant, nutrition levels have a noticeable impact on the reproduction levels of Ladoum sheep .

Ram
One infertile ewe has only a minimal impact on the reproduction index of a flock while an infertile ram has a major impact.

Generally, the following practices have a positive influence on improved reproduction when administered two to three months before mating:
• administer vitamins A, D and E,
• Supplement zinc if zinc levels are too low in pastures,
• Inoculate against pulpy kidney,
• Dose for round worm and nose worm,
• Ensure that bucks are in a good condition and are free from any hoof problems,
• Rams should receive adequate exercise to ensure that they are fit and don’t become too fat and lazy.

Before mating occurs
Ensure that ewes are not too fat at the time of being mated. They should be in a phase of improving condition. A condition score of around 3 is recommended.

Generally, the following practices have a direct or indirect impact on improved reproduction four to six weeks before mating:
• Supplement zinc and manganese if a deficiency is present. This improves fertility.
• Inoculate against enzootic abortion and pulpy kidney.
• Dose for roundworm and noseworm.
• Ensure that ewes are in a good condition and have no hoof problems.
• Reject all ewes with problem udders, teats that are either abnormally enlarged and those with multiple teats.
• Administer Vitamins A, D and E three weeks before the mating season. This is extremely important, especially during dry periods.
• Administer flush feed in the form of a suitable lick or a small amount of chocolate maize daily. This a in addition to good grazing.