Shear rams 6-8 weeks before breeding season for maximum performance. Rams with health problems, such as pneumonia, should not be used for breeding. Epididymitis Epididymitis is the most common cause of reduced fertility and sterility in rams. The bacterium Brucella ovis is the primary cause of this condition. Occasionally, other bacteria, including Actinobacillus ovis , may be involved.
Affected flocks tend to have lowered conception rates due to lowered fertility of the rams.
Diagnosis of epididymitis can often be made by close manual examination. The epididymis, located near the bottom of the scrotum, can be palpated as a knob-like structure at the end of each testicle. Severely affected rams will often have at least one enlarged epididymis and may show pain when the testicle is manipulated. A thorough fertility evaluation is the best method of diagnosis. Culturing of semen and blood testing are methods used to diagnose the specific cause of epididymitis as produced by Brucella ovis .