Presented by
Optimal Livestock Services, LLC
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Cleon's Corner |
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Presented by
Optimal Livestock Services, LLC
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Ram epididymitis, if not controlled by a rigid testing and culling program, is the most costly problem in a sheep producer’s reproductive program. Its incidence in infected flocks varies from 15-45% with breeders losing 25% of their ram flock breeding potential. With the current high cost of range and stud rams, the possible direct financial loss should be immediately apparent.
In mature rams, the disease is caused primarily by Brucella ovis (B. ovis) bacterium, with other organisms or trauma playing a minor role. The B. ovis organism is discharged from an infected ram through semen and urine. The organism can gain entry into another ram by:
The infection rarely causes a problem in the ewe although the possibility of abortion does exist. The ewe will generally clear the organism from the vagina within two estrus (or heat) cycles. A common observation in a flock where B. ovis infected rams are used for breeding is recycling ewes. Following entry of the organism into the ram's body it localizes in the epididymis (see Figure 1) causing tissue inflammation, swelling and scar formation (see Figure 2). As the disease progresses, the testicular tissue is replaced by scar tissue.
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| Figure 1: Normal testicle, cross section as viewed from the rear. | Figure 2: Normal testicle and one infected with epididymitis. |
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| Figure 3: Genital tract of the ram. |
The epididymis is a tubular portion of the testicle that delivers sperm to the urethra via the vas deferens (see Figure 3). Reproductive failure occurs in varying degrees due to the extent of damage to the epididymis and testicle. Epididymitis usually affects only one testicle and the epididymis. Since testicular volume is directly correlated to fertility, the loss of any functional testicular tissue reduces the breeding capacity of the animal.
Studies show that rams with epididymitis have semen of inferior quality. The Brucella organism weakens the neck of the spermatozoa causing a separation of the head from the midpiece ("tail") resulting in a non-viable sperm cell. This is frequently accompanied by numerous white blood cells in the semen. If both testicles are involved conception rates may be 0 to 40%. If only one testicle is involved conception rates may be 70%, whereas, with clean rams having good healthy sperm cells conception rates of 90% or better can be expected. In other studies, it was found that ewes bred to rams with epididymitis had an extended lambing period of 60 days more than ewes bred to normal rams due to lowered fertility. The loss of breeding capacity is minor when one considers the possibilities of:
Diagnosis of ram epididymitis is an essential part of a breeding soundness examination. Clinical diagnosis is possible by palpation of the affected epididymis only late in the disease or after permanent damage has occurred. A percentage of infected rams spread the disease and never exhibit palpable lesions. Early diagnosis is accomplished by a microscopic evaluation of the semen and the ELISA test. One of the first flock indications of a Brucella ovis infection is an extended lambing period. If 85-90% of the lambs are not born within the first 18 days of the lambing period; ram fertility is of major concern.
There is no effective treatment for B. ovis. Vaccination is not recommended as it is not effective and interferes with the ELISA test. Brucella ovis can be eliminated by a stringent testing and culling regime. Testosterone production, which regulates the sex drive (libido) in the ram fluctuates with daylight much like the estrus cycle in the ewe. Transmission of B. ovis decreases with the decrease in sexual activity. Therefore, to optimize elimination of B. ovis from a flock, testing with ELISA should be conducted every 45 - 60 days during that period (February - July) until 2 consecutive negative tests on the ENTIRE ram population have been obtained.
The cardinal rule is to use clean rams with normal sexual orientation! Have a Breeding Soundness Examination conducted annually on all rams prior to the breeding season. If you are buying rams, only purchase rams that have scored satisfactory or excellent on a Breeding Soundness Examination as an indication of breeding potential. Purchased rams should have tested negative for B.ovis within the last 30 days or come from a B.ovis certified clean flock. Reputable breeders should provide paper copies of these tests upon request by the purchaser.
For more information about ram epididymitis and how to incorporate ram breeding soundness examinations into your operation contact:
Prepared by Cleon V. Kimberling, Gerilyn A. Parsons, Jay Parsons, and Wayne Cunningham
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