September 28, 2015 Dear Ram Test Participant, It s that time of year where we are making preparations for the annual ram test. We will be receiving rams November 5th through the 7th, and begin the test November 14 th. We have tried to coincide ram drop off with MSU Ag week and the sheep advisory committee meeting November 6 th. Department of Animal and Range Sciences Notwithstanding a later start this year, we are making changes to the test that we feel will add value in terms of information generated to the participant. We are proposing weigh periods of every 28 days for a total of 112 days on test. Additionally, we will evaluate growth performance, provide additional wool analysis to characterize variability from side to britch, and collect multiple carcass ultrasound scans. Also, we have tailored the ration to better maximize growth and reproductive development while maintaining characteristics to ensure ram longevity. Please see enclosed 1) Rules and Regulations, 2) Nomination Form, and 3) Breeder Information Form for additional information. Please return the nomination form, check, and information form no later than November 1 st. Please make check to Montana Wool Lab with memo: Ram Test. Please don t hesitate to call if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, 103 Animal Bioscience Bldg. P.O. Box 172900 Bozeman, MT 59717-2900 Tel (406) 994-3721 Fax (406) 994-5589 Whit C. Stewart, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Sheep and Wool Production Extension Sheep Specialist Office: 406.994.3758 Cell: 406.589.5980 whit.stewart1@montana.edu animalrange.montana.edu
MONTANA CENTRAL RAM PERFORMANCE TEST RULES AND REGULATIONS 1. The procedures listed below for the Montana Central Ram Test have been written as complete as foresight will allow; however, it is recognized that situations may arise which may not have been anticipated initially in the description of procedures. Items not specifically referred to herein shall be acted upon by a Ram Performance Test Committee appointed by the Montana Wool Growers Association. All decisions made by this committee will be final. 2. The test will be conducted at Montana State University s Fort Ellis Experimental Ranch. 3. The test will be conducted under the supervision of Whit Stewart and Bob Brekke. 4. Every attempt will be made to execute good management and maintain the sheep in good health. Professional veterinary services will be used as needed. Montana State University and their employees assume no liability for claims which may arise from the Montana Central Ram Performance Test specifically including, but not limited to, theft injury, predator loss, or death of animals on test. It will be up to individual owners to insure test animals if they so desire. 5. If more rams are entered than can be tested, the ram test committee will make the final decision as to which producers and/or number of rams per producer that shall be accepted for the test. In-state producers who are conducting a formal on-farm or ranch test will be given first priority. Rams from out-of-state producers will be accepted only if space permits. 6. Charges for feed, overhead, labor, preventative health measures and other miscellaneous expenses associated with the test will be assessed to consignors on a per head basis. 7. The test ration will consist of feeds suitable for adequate expression of genetic differences in growth potential. Rations will be designed so that rams should gain an average of about.5 to 1.0 pounds per day. 8. Performance information will be released at a field day following the test. Rams will be released to owners at the conclusion of the field day. Any additional costs owed by the producer as a result of the test must be paid before rams will be released. 9. The rams will be placed on the test ration during the adjustment period. Rams who have had access to dry feed and have been eating good prior to bringing them to the test will be less subject to trauma and should perform better. 10. Rams consigned to the test must have been born on or after January 1 and weigh a minimum of 45 lbs.
MONTANA CENTRAL RAM PERFORMANCE TEST RULES AND REGULATIONS (continued) 11. All rams will be thoroughly screened for general health and soundness. Any rams with obvious reproductive unsoundness and/or communicable diseases will be denied entrance to the test. A health certificate from the grower s veterinarian stating that the rams have been inspected and are free of communicable diseases is required. 12. All rams must have a scrapie identification tag. 13. Upon arrival at the test station all rams will be ear-tagged. All lambs will be uniformly vaccinated and subjected to preventive health measures as prescribed by the management and consulting veterinarians. All proceeds from the sale of wool will be credited to the cost of testing. 14. The use of growth stimulants is forbidden either prior to, or during, the test period. 15. Rams are to be delivered to the Fort Ellis Research Ranch at Bozeman, on dates specified. No rams will be accepted after this period. 16. No ram shall be removed from the test without the approval of the management and/or the Ram Test Committee.
2015-2016 White Face Central Ram Performance Test Information Form BREEDER NAME Please provide as much of the following information as possible: MSU Ram Number (do not fill in) Breeder ID Breed Number of Sire Date of Birth Type of Birth Type of Rearing
2015-2016 Montana White-Face Central Ram Performance Test Nomination Form I hereby make application for the entry of rams, breed, in the 2015-2016 Montana White-Face Central Ram Performance Test. Enclosed is a nomination fee of $225.00 per head totaling $. I agree to the terms described in the Montana White-Face Central Ram Performance Test Rules and Regulations. I fully understand that I, the owner, assume full risk and liability for animals during the feeding period, and the Montana Wool Growers Association and Montana State University assume no responsibility whatsoever for loss of animals, personal injury or property damage. Name (please print) Address Telephone number City State Zip Email address Signature Date Please make checks payable to: MSU CENTRAL RAM TEST The following must be completed and returned at the time of delivery of rams: Nomination form Information form Health Certificate Ram Test Fee