Ram test starts Sept. 14 at San Angelo

 

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

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

Dr. Reid Redden, 325-653-4576, reid.redden@ag.tamu.edu

 

SAN ANGELO – The 2015-2016 annual Ram Performance Test conducted by Texas A&M AgriLife Research will begin Sept. 14 with delivery of the Rambouillet rams to the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, north of San Angelo on U.S. Highway 87.

The field day and sale of the top performance tested rams is scheduled for March 18, 2016.

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

 “Improving producers’ flocks through identifying and documenting superior rams has been the purpose of this test since the first one was conducted in 1948,” Waldron said.

He said the test evaluates post-weaning performance of ram lambs born from October through April.

Other important dates associated with the ram test are:

– Sept. 29, initial shearing.

– Sept. 30, initial weigh-in.

– Nov. 18 and Jan. 6, 2016 are two other weight-check days.

– Feb. 17, 2016, final weighing.

– Feb. 18, 2016, final shearing.    

Waldron said an initial fee of $425 per ram will be required and is expected to cover the costs associated with the test. Payment must be received on or before Sept. 14.

For more information, contact Dr. Reid Redden, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service state sheep and goat specialist at San Angelo, or Waldron at 325-653-4576. Their emails are reid.redden@ag.tamu.edu and 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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