Sheep producers should plan to participate in the 2009 Performance Ram Test at the Hettinger Research Extension Center.

“The purpose of the test is to compare growth and carcass traits among ram lambs raised under a similar environment,” says Christopher Schauer, HREC director and animal scientist. “Consignors will be given information on average daily gain, rib-eye area and fat thickness data for each ram.”

The 70-day testing period begins May 18 and concludes July 27. To be eligible, rams must be born between Jan. 15 and March 1 of this year. The entry fee for each ram is $100 and consignors must be members of the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association (NDLWPA).

During the test, updates on ram performance will be posted on the NDLWPA’s Web site (www.ndlwpa.com) every 28 days. At the end of the testing period, finalized data and rankings will be sent to all consignors.

The ration for the rams will consist of approximately 15 percent alfalfa pellets, 15 percent market lamb pellets, 60 percent corn and10 percent oats.

Rams can be delivered to the testing facility at the HREC from May 11 through May 15. Starting on May 11, rams also can delivered to the NDSU sheep barn beginning at 9 a.m. or to the Stroh family sheep operation in Tappen starting at 11:30 a.m. The rams will be delivered to the HREC from those two locations at no charge.

An award will be given to the No.1 indexing ram in each breed. Rams placing in approximately the top two-thirds of each breed will be considered performance ram test certified. Producers will be able to consign these animals to the Fargo Ram Sale on Aug. 8 at Shepperd Arena on the North Dakota State University campus or the Hettinger Ram Sale on Sept. 16 at the Adams County Fair Barn.

The consignor and HREC agreements, entry form and NLWPA membership form are available for downloading at http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/hettinge/ramtest.htm.

NDSU Agriculture Communication