The generic term for animals of the sheep species. The word “sheep” is used for both one animal and several animals.
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About sheep — vocabulary and breed identification
Understand before identifying
Sheep, ewes, rams and lambs
“Sheep” is the general English term for the species and is both singular and plural. In livestock terminology, an adult female is a ewe, an adult male is a ram and a young sheep is a lamb.
Essential vocabulary
A castrated male sheep. This is a more specific livestock term than the general word “sheep”.
An adult female sheep. Depending on the breed, ewes may be kept for milk, meat, wool or a combination of these products.
An adult breeding male. In some breeds, horn shape and overall development are important identification features.
A young sheep. “Ewe lamb” and “ram lamb” may be used when the sex needs to be specified.
Why are there so many sheep breeds?
Sheep breeds developed in different environments, farming systems and for different purposes. Some are highly specialised while others combine several production traits. Their body shape, fleece and adaptation to local conditions account for much of their diversity.
Three major production types
Breeds selected in particular for milk production and for dairy products such as cheese.
Breeds in which selection places an important emphasis on growth, muscling and carcass traits.
Breeds for which fleece quantity, fineness, length or other wool characteristics are important traits.
How can a sheep breed be identified?
There is rarely one feature that is sufficient on its own. Identification usually relies on a combination of visible characteristics.
Colour, density, length, fineness and how far the wool extends onto the head or legs.
Face colour, markings, straight or convex profile and the amount of wool on the head.
Size and carriage: upright, horizontal, semi-drooping or drooping.
Presence or absence in rams and ewes, together with horn shape, size and direction.
Colour, wool coverage, hoof pigmentation and other visible markings.
Small, medium or large size, body proportions, general carriage and, for some breeds, tail type.
Explore further
Sheep Breeds Challenge combines an illustrated encyclopedia with interactive games to help learners identify these features and distinguish one breed from another.