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Background: breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) of males is crucial for reproductive success in sheep production systems. Objective: to determine the causes of failure when annual BSE was used to evaluate reproductive performance of rams. Methods: we analyzed 1,017 reproductive assessment records and assigned animals to young or mature groups. Animals were classified as approved or failed in the BSE. Statistical analyses were performed through Chi-square tests, correlation, and factor analyses. Results: our results clearly show the importance of regularly performing BSE to detect potential failures in rams that might reduce general fertility rates. Conclusions: consistent physical causes of failure were identified, and fertility rates varied according to age and year of examination.