Getting the Most from Your Womboota Border Leicester Investment

Purchasing quality rams is just the beginning—proper management ensures you capture their full genetic potential. After 111 years of Border Leicester breeding and countless client consultations, these management principles consistently deliver superior results.

Pre-Joining Preparation: The Critical 8 Weeks

Success starts with ram preparation two months before joining. Your rams need condition score 3 at a minimum, achieved through quality feed and strategic supplementation. We recommend:

• Shearing 6-8 weeks pre-joining: Keeps rams cool and comfortable during mating.
• Rising plane of nutrition: Gradually increase feed quality leading to joining.
• Worm egg count monitoring: Essential—we always recommend pre-joining drenching.
• Annual 6-in-1 vaccination: Non-negotiable for flock health.

The Joining Strategy

Use a 2% joining rate (1 ram per 50 ewes) for six weeks maximum. Higher ratios often lead to overworked rams and reduced conception rates. Young rams need special attention—never run them with mature rams until after their first joining season to prevent fighting and injury.

Infrastructure Investment

Secure fencing prevents respect issues that plague many operations. Use minimum 8 plain wires or ringlock—damaged rams are expensive rams. Adequate shade and clean water access are essential. If using troughs, clean them weekly in hot weather. Dam access requires stable banks to prevent bogging.

It is always preferable to have your ram paddocks beside an active area of your farm. Our ram paddocks are beside laneways so that we are always monitoring how they are between joinings.

Health Protocol Management

Testicle checking annually identifies problems before they impact performance. Any abnormalities such swelling or lumps require immediate veterinary attention. Ensure all rams carry current brucellosis-free and footrot free accreditation—never compromise flock health for cheaper genetics.

Environmental Hazards

Heliotrope awareness is critical for Border Leicesters. This toxic plant causes liver failure and death. Spray paddocks clean and choose alternative grazing areas. The production gains from improved pastures far outweigh herbicide costs, and you’ll eliminate the risk entirely.

Post-Joining Management

Pregnancy scanning 4-6 weeks post-joining enables strategic management. Separate multiple-bearing ewes for supplementary feeding and smaller lambing groups. This prevents pregnancy toxemia and reduces mismothering losses.

Dry ewes should be culled unless there are some underlying issues such as drought conditions.

The Long-Term View

Quality ram management extends working life and maximizes genetic impact. Our clients typically achieve 5+ productive seasons from well-managed rams, compared to 2-3 seasons from neglected animals.

Client Success Stories

Our most successful clients treat ram management as a year-round commitment, not a seasonal activity. They understand that superior genetics require superior management to deliver superior results.

Your investment in Womboota genetics deserves this level of care. When managed properly, our rams consistently deliver the genetic gains that drive long-term profitability and flock improvement.