Best Ram Marking Harness Options for Sheep
Using a ram marking harness, also referred to as a sheep breeding harness, is an excellent way to identify how efficiently your ram is breeding your ewes. A ram harness fits snugly around the chest and shoulders of a ram, and has a slot for a replaceable marking crayon. When your ram mounts and breeds your ewes there will be a clear mark left above their hips.
For many years shepherds have been using a sheep harness to help determine the lambing due date by using a sheep gestation calculator or table. A breeding harness can also help shepherds identify fertility problems with their rams or ewes if their flock is consistently marked and re-marked by their ram.
For many years shepherds have been using a sheep harness to help determine the lambing due date by using a sheep gestation calculator or table. A breeding harness can also help shepherds identify fertility problems with their rams or ewes if their flock is consistently marked and re-marked by their ram.
Why Use a Sheep Harness During Breeding Season?
Since we know the average gestation period for ewes, using a ram marking harness during breeding season allows shepherds to plan their lambing resources. If your first ewes are delivering in mid-March, you can avoid extra trips to the barn in February.
Additionally, using a ram harness when your sheep are being bred in the fall will make it clear if there is an issue with conception. If a single ewe continues to be marked and re-marked, it's an indication that there may be something wrong with her since she is unable to conceive. If all of your ewes are getting marked repeatedly, that's a sign that your ram may have a fertility issue, and you may need to switch to a different ram to ensure that you'll have a robust crop of lambs the following spring.
Additionally, using a ram harness when your sheep are being bred in the fall will make it clear if there is an issue with conception. If a single ewe continues to be marked and re-marked, it's an indication that there may be something wrong with her since she is unable to conceive. If all of your ewes are getting marked repeatedly, that's a sign that your ram may have a fertility issue, and you may need to switch to a different ram to ensure that you'll have a robust crop of lambs the following spring.
What Are The Best Reviewed Ram Marking Harnesses?
There are two popular styles of sheep breeding harnesses. These include 100% nylon ram harnesses, and sheep harnesses which are constructed from leather, or a combination of leather and nylon. I've had success using both styles of ram marking harness, so it's really a matter of personal preference.
​Here are examples of each style from Weaver Leather, which can be purchased on Amazon:
​Here are examples of each style from Weaver Leather, which can be purchased on Amazon:
  
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About Marking Crayons for Your Ram Breeding Harness
It'After your ram marking harness is snugly secured to your sheep, you'll attach a colorful marking crayon to the provided clip (located just below the ram's brisket. These crayons attach easily with a provided pin.
I recommend that you purchase at least three different colors for your breeding season, and purchase 2 crayons of each color. Make a note of when each color is attached to your ram marking harness, and try to change color every 16-17 days (the average ovulation cycle of ewes), so that you can clearly see if your ewes are getting re-marked. I also recommend starting with the lightest color crayon you have, and then changing to darker colors progressively (it's much easier to see a blue mark covering a yellow mark than the other way around).
I recommend that you purchase at least three different colors for your breeding season, and purchase 2 crayons of each color. Make a note of when each color is attached to your ram marking harness, and try to change color every 16-17 days (the average ovulation cycle of ewes), so that you can clearly see if your ewes are getting re-marked. I also recommend starting with the lightest color crayon you have, and then changing to darker colors progressively (it's much easier to see a blue mark covering a yellow mark than the other way around).
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More Tips & Information About Sheep Breeding Harnesses for Your Rams
It's normal for a brand new sheep marking harness crayon to become worn and dirty. Don't be concerned about that ... these crayons come with extra colored material on purpose, and even a dirty harness will leave a prominent mark when your ram successfully breeds a ewe. With that said - if it is especially hot in your climate, or if your ram is with a very large number of ewes, you may find that you need to use two crayons per 17 day cycle.
You also may find that you have extra length for the straps when attaching a ram harness. Some shepherds will cut the excess, but I recommend that you simply tuck and tie the extra nylon or leather so that your harness can be used again for larger rams or rams in heavier fleece.
You also may find that you have extra length for the straps when attaching a ram harness. Some shepherds will cut the excess, but I recommend that you simply tuck and tie the extra nylon or leather so that your harness can be used again for larger rams or rams in heavier fleece.
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How Tight Should My Ram Harness Be?
While it may be tempting to keep your ram's marking harness slightly loose and comfortable, it's recommended to keep the straps as snug as possible without restricting movement or risking the development of sores. A sheep marking harness has the tendency of loosening up as it is worn, so it's better to go a bit snug than a bit loose, or you risk having the harness fall off.
If you have a decent-sized flock of ewes to be bred, it might be a good idea to keep an extra harness on hand, in case the one your ram is using is damaged. This way you won't miss out on important data about your ewes being bred by your ram while waiting for your new ram harness. |
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