AgriLife Research ram test starts Sept. 15 at San Angelo

 

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu

Contact: Dr. Dan Waldron, 325-653-4576, d-waldron@tamu.edu

 

SAN ANGELO – The 2014-2015 Annual Ram Performance Test conducted by Texas A&M AgriLife  Research will begin Sept. 15 with delivery of the Rambouillet rams to the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo.

The center is located north of San Angelo on U.S. Highway 87.

The field day and sale of the top performance tested rams is set for March 18, 2015.

Dr. Dan Waldron, AgriLife Research geneticist at San Angelo, is the test’s coordinator.

“Flock improvement through identifying and documenting superior rams has been the test’s purpose since it started in 1948,” Waldron said.

Waldron said the test is designed to evaluate post-weaning performance of ram lambs born from October through April.

“Today’s strong lamb and wool prices should be added incentives for breeders thinking about putting rams on the test, as well as for potential buyers next spring. Historically, the test consistently includes genetics from some of the world’s finest flocks of Rambouillet sheep.”

Other important dates associated with the ram test are:

– Sept. 30, initial shearing.

– Oct. 1, initial weigh-in.

– Nov. 19, and Jan. 7, 2015 are two other weight-check days.

–Feb. 18, 2015, final weighing.

– Feb. 19, 2015, final shearing.

Waldron said an initial fee of $410 per ram will be required and is expected to cover the costs associated with the test. Payment must be received on or before the Sept. 15 starting date.

For more information contact Waldron 325-653-4576, d-waldron@tamu.edu .

Complete information as it becomes available on the test animals will be posted at http://sanangelo.tamu.edu .
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