DOMESTIC SHEEP
Type – Chordata
Class – Mammalia
Order – Artiodactyla
Family – Bovidae
Genus – Ovis
Species – Ovis aries
Domestic sheep are descendants of wild mouflons (Ovis orientalis), which was domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Middle East. Today, they are bred worldwide, including Europe, Asia, the Americas, Australia, and Africa. They were among the first mammals domesticated by humans and played a key role in the development of agriculture.
On farms, sheep typically live 10–12 years. In the wild or under harsh conditions, their lifespan is shorter, about 5–7 years. Adult sheep weigh between 45 and 160 kg, depending on the breed. Sheep stand between 60 and 125 cm tall at the shoulder.
Sheep are social animals that live in flocks. Gestation lasts about 150 days, resulting in 1–3 lambs. Sheep have strong maternal instincts, and lambs are able to walk within a few hours after birth. Sheep are herbivores. They primarily feed on grass, leaves, grains, and hay. During the winter, their diet is often supplemented with grains and mineral additives. Sheep are an essential part of agriculture, providing wool, meat, and milk. Sheep farming is a major economic activity in many countries, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. In many cultures, sheep symbolize humility, sacrifice, and wealth.
Domestic sheep are not at risk of extinction as they are bred in large numbers. However, wild species like mouflons are considered “vulnerable” due to habitat loss and hunting.
Interesting facts:
- Sheep can recognize the faces of people and other sheep, remembering them for several years.
- Sheep have a unique field of vision — their eyes are positioned to see 270–320 degrees around them.
- The oldest sheep in the world, named Mary, lived to be 23 years old.
- Australia and New Zealand are global leaders in sheep populations, with their sheep outnumbering humans significantly.
- A single sheep’s wool can grow enough in a year to make several sweaters.
