Lamb/Sheep

Domestic sheep

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A flock of sheep grazing

Other name(s)
Species	Ovis aries
Breed
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Sheep (Ovis aries) are quadrupedal, ruminant mammals typically kept as livestock. Like all ruminants, sheep are members of the order Artiodactyla, the even-toed ungulates. Although the name "sheep" applies to many species in the genus Ovis, in everyday usage it almost always refers to Ovis aries. Numbering a little over one billion, domestic sheep are also the most numerous species of sheep.

Description

Sheep are relatively small ruminants, usually with a crimped hair called wool and often with horns forming a lateral spiral. Sheep are most likely descended from the wild mouflon of Europe and Asia. One of the earliest animals to be domesticated for agricultural purposes, sheep are raised for fleece, meat (lamb, hogget or mutton) and milk. A sheep's wool is the most widely used animal fiber, and is usually harvested by shearing.

Behavior

Sheep are social animals and tend to form flocks. They have a strong instinct to follow a leader, which is exploited in sheep herding. Sheep communicate through a variety of vocalizations, and they have a range of facial expressions that help them communicate with each other.

Reproduction

Sheep are seasonal breeders, with ewes (female sheep) typically coming into estrus in the fall. The gestation period for sheep is about five months, and lambing usually occurs in the spring. Ewes typically give birth to one or two lambs, although triplets are not uncommon.

Uses

Sheep are raised for several purposes:

• Wool: Sheep's wool is used in textiles and is a major product of sheep farming.
• Meat: Sheep meat is known as lamb when from younger animals and mutton when from older ones.
• Milk: Sheep milk is used to make various cheeses, including feta and Roquefort.

Health and Diseases

Sheep are susceptible to a variety of diseases, including foot rot, mastitis, and various parasitic infections. Proper management and veterinary care are essential to maintaining a healthy flock.

Also see

• Goat
• Cattle
• Wool
• Livestock
• Ruminant