1997 Colorado Ram Test To Begin June 6
Wednesday, April 9, 1997
FORT COLLINS--The Colorado Ram Test Association will begin
its 18th annual ram-performance test June 6 at the Colorado State
University Sheep Research and Teaching Unit near Fort Collins.
"The purpose of the test is to identify genetically superior
ram lambs and promote their use in Colorado," said Steve
LeValley, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension sheep
and wool specialist.
"In a weight-driven system where pounds of lamb equate to
increased income, genetically superior rams are likely to improve
profits for sheep producers," he said. "Rapid growth is a highly
desirable selection trait in sheep."
The test gives producers valuable breeding and selection
information and an opportunity to progeny-test their stud rams
and still have lambs to sell.
Rams consigned to the test must be born on or after Jan. 15
and weigh a minimum of 60 pounds for white-faced lambs, and
70 pounds for black-faced lambs.
Lambs must be delivered to the university's sheep unit on
May 28. After a 10-day adjustment period, they begin a 60-day
test to identify genetically superior rams for average daily
gain, total gain, weight-per-day-of-age and breeding soundness.
University scientists will use ultrasound to check rib-eye area
and fat thickness.
The Colorado Ram Test provides 20-, 40-, and 60-day reports
on average daily gain and weight-per-day-of-age.
Ram lambs that pass the structural- and reproductive-
soundness examinations and rank in the top two-thirds of the test
for average daily weight gain are eligible to be consigned to the
annual CRTA sale in September.
The Colorado Ram Test is jointly sponsored by the Colorado
Agricultural Experiment Station, Colorado State University
Cooperative Extension and the department of animal sciences. For
more information and nomination forms, contact Steve LeValley,
105 B Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins,
CO 80523; or phone (970) 491-1321.
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