Tupping season is one of the most important periods in the sheep farming calendar. Getting your breeding management right — knowing which ewes have been served and when — can make a real difference to your lambing percentages. Raddle powder and ram crayons are two simple, reliable tools that give you exactly that visibility.
What is Raddle Powder?
Raddle powder is a brightly coloured powder applied to the brisket (chest) of a ram before he goes out with the ewes. When the ram mounts a ewe, the powder transfers onto her back, leaving a clear mark that shows mating has taken place. A quick scan of the flock each morning tells you which ewes have been tupped and lets you start building an accurate lambing date forecast.
How Do Ram Crayons Work?
Ram crayons work on the same principle but come in a solid crayon form, fitted to the ram's chest using a purpose-made harness. The crayon leaves a coloured mark on the ewe at mating. Many farmers prefer crayons in wet or cold conditions, as they tend to perform more reliably than powder when fleeces are damp.
Changing Colours Mid-Season
A useful technique is to change the colour of your raddle or crayon partway through the tupping period — typically after 17 days (one oestrus cycle). Ewes marked in the second colour have returned to the ram, indicating they were not successfully conceived first time. This flags potential fertility issues early and helps you plan any remedial action before the season ends.
The Benefits of Using Raddle Powder and Ram Crayons
Used consistently, raddle powder and ram crayons give you a clear, low-cost record of breeding activity across your flock. The benefits include:
- Accurate prediction of lambing dates, so you can plan supervision rotas and feed requirements
- Early identification of ewes that have not held to the ram
- Improved conception rates through timely intervention where needed
- Better overall flock management and reduced losses at lambing
Research consistently shows that farmers who actively monitor tupping activity achieve higher lambing percentages and healthier lamb crops — with minimal additional cost or labour.
Getting Started
Tanat Supplies stocks a full range of raddle powders, ram crayons, and harnesses suitable for all breeds and flock sizes. If you're unsure which product suits your setup, get in touch with our team — we're happy to advise.
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