Hierarchy and Dominance in Groups of Rams: Establishment and its Effects on Reproduction

Abstract

The present review summarizes information on the hierarchical social structure of rams, and how it is related to reproductive outcomes. The review provides information on how dominance relationships are established, both during the prepuberal development of the lambs, and between unknown joined rams. The effects of hierarchy on rams’ sexual behavior in pen and in paddock conditions is summarized. Finally, we present some possible alternatives to reduce the negative impacts of the hierarchy in reproductive outcomes. The respective sections include original information generated under both, pen and field conditions.