Sheep (Ovis aries)

Sheep is a livestock animal for meat and milk purpose which scientific name is Ovis aries. As ruminants, sheep efficiently convert fibrous plant material into high-quality protein, making them well-suited to diverse agroecological zones, including marginal grazing lands.

Common Terms for Sheep

The following terms used for sheep:

• Sheep: Common gender.
• Ram or Tup: An adult uncastrated male sheep used for breeding.
• Ewe: An adult female sheep which has given birth.
• Lamb: A young one of either sex.
• Ram lamb: A male young one.
• Ewe lamb: A female young one.
• Wedder or Wether: An adult castrated male sheep.
• Crone: An old broken mouthed ewe which has been retained in a breeding flock because of her excellent breeding performance.
• Gimmer: A female sheep which is between 1 and 2 shearing.
• Seggy: A ram castrated after service.
• Yeld or Eild: A barren or non lactating animal.
• Shearing: Removal of wool.
• Lambing: The act of giving birth to a young one.