Rurtec Matingmark Ram Crayon for Sheep Harnesses
Description
Rurtec Matingmark Ram Crayon
The Rurtec Matingmark Ram Crayon is a marking crayon that fits into a ram mating harness and leaves a coloured mark on a ewe's rump when she is served. It is made for sheep farmers, pedigree breeders and smallholders who want an accurate, at-a-glance record of tupping activity across the flock.
Made in New Zealand by Rurtec, it is part of the Matingmark system of harnesses and crayons used to track mating and plan lambing groups.
Key Features
- Clear mating marks: shows which ewes have been served so nothing is missed during tupping
- Fits Matingmark harnesses: slots into the harness crayon block for secure, consistent marking
- Colour rotation: change colours through the cycle to identify returns and split lambing groups
- Better flock planning: unmarked ewes are easy to spot and follow up
- New Zealand made: produced by Rurtec, a specialist in livestock mating and marking equipment
- Simple to change: crayons can be swapped in the field as they wear down
Specifications
| Brand | Rurtec |
|---|---|
| Product | Matingmark Ram Crayon |
| Type | Mating harness marking crayon |
| Livestock | Sheep - rams and ewes |
| Category | Agrihealth / sheep husbandry |
| Country of origin | New Zealand |
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How to Use
- Fit the ram harness correctly, checking the straps sit snugly without rubbing behind the forelegs.
- Press the crayon firmly into the harness crayon block so it is held securely and sits flush against the ram's chest.
- Turn the ram out with the ewes and check marking within the first day to confirm the crayon is making contact.
- Inspect the harness and crayon every few days, re-tightening straps and replacing the crayon as it wears down.
- Change to a different colour after around 14 to 17 days to identify return ewes and group expected lambing dates.
- Record marked ewes as you go, and follow up on any that remain unmarked at the end of the mating period.
FAQ
What does a ram mating crayon do?
It sits in a ram harness and marks the ewe's rump as the ram serves her, so you can see exactly which ewes have been mated and roughly when.
Will this crayon fit my harness?
It is designed for Matingmark ram harnesses. If you use another harness, check the crayon block dimensions before ordering, as holders differ between systems.
How often should I change the colour?
Most shepherds change colour every 14 to 17 days, roughly one ewe cycle, so any ewe marked in a second colour is a return that did not hold to the first service.
How long does one crayon last?
Wear depends on ram activity, flock size and weather. Check the crayon every few days and replace it once it is worn low so marks stay clear.
Does the mark come out of the fleece?
Marking is intended to be visible for the mating period, so plan colour use with shearing and wool handling in mind.
Who is this best for?
It is best for anyone tupping ewes who wants written-down mating dates rather than guesswork, from small flocks of a few ewes to larger commercial groups.
About Rurtec
Rurtec is a New Zealand manufacturer of livestock husbandry equipment. The Matingmark range of ram harnesses and crayons is designed for the demands of pasture-based sheep farming and is used by flock keepers to record mating and plan lambing.