Good day experts in livestock farming.

I just bought a young ram which I intend to raise to adulthood then slaughter for meat.

Different neighbors have however advised I get a mate (a sheep) for it.

Two of them said the ram living alone won't grow fat without company especially a sheep.

How true is this please?

Not necessarily...

A Rams growth like most animals is determined or influenced by genetics, nutrition and overall health.

However, having other sheep around not necessarily a female/mate can result in competitive activities or behaviors that can stimulate growth and size indirectly.

Social interaction can also reduce stress and therefore promote a general or overall well-being which can contribute to growth and development of the animal.

Proper nutrition, health care and management practice are however essential for growth and development of your ram irrespective of whether it has a mate or not!

What your neighbors meant is the fact that the young ram will be restless and always looking to go out ... Most especially when he hears the bleat of others .... And u know what the say a restless mind is always in a state of worry ....
But getting another ram or even sheep will put them at ease. And even you too ur mind will be at ease ... Cos only keeping only one ram ... The ram will give you headache.

OP, I figured you used the word “sheep” in parentheses to specifically refer to the female. That’s actually wrong as the word generally refers to the animal itself regardless of gender. The male is called a ram (or a wether if it is castrated) while the female is called a ewe (pronounced exactly the same as the word “you”).