There are many breeds of sheep in the world that vary in appearance. You can find white, black or even spotted sheep. Some have horns, but most are devoid of them. It is always the case that the male is larger than the female, while the tails of these animals are very short.
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Information
Currently, sheep can be found almost all over the world and their ancestors probably came from the Middle East and Central Asia. The largest breeding of domestic sheep currently occur in India, Iran, Australia, China and the United States. It is estimated that the number of all domestic sheep around the world is about 1 170 million individuals!
Domestic sheep are herbivores, so in the summer season they feed on vegetation that grows on pasture, while in the winter season they are fed with various types of fodder as well as hay.
Reproduction of this species of animals in breeding farms is handled by people. It is they who choose the right male, while in wild populations it looks a bit different, then the male dominating in the entire hierarchy will proceed to reproduction. Pregnancy lasts about 148 days and the birth usually takes place in the spring. The female usually gives birth to 1 to 2 young. The life span of individuals of this species is about 11-12 years and up to 20 years.
Trivia
- Sheep and people: Sheep are among the first animals to be domesticated by humans. Indications are that sheep were domesticated around 9,000-11,000 years ago in the Middle East.
- Diversity of breeds: There are many different breeds of sheep, each adapted to different climatic conditions and different breeding purposes, from wool production to meat.
- The language of the sheep: Sheep have their own "language" of communication, which includes different types of "meee" and body positions through which they communicate with each other.
- Excellent memories: Studies have shown that sheep have an excellent memory for faces and can recognize both other sheep and people they have interacted with.
- Wool: Sheep are one of the main sources of wool, a natural material that is used in the production of clothing and various other products.
- Seasonal changes: Sheep change their behavior depending on the season; for example, sheep of species that lose their wool in winter will seek warmer places to spend the winter.
- Polygamy and monogamy: Depending on the breed and conditions, sheep can lead both polygamous and monogamous lifestyles.
- Resistance to harsh conditions: Some breeds of sheep are extremely resistant to harsh environments and can live in extreme conditions such as deserts or high mountain ranges.
- Diet: Sheep are herbivores and their diet consists mainly of grasses, but also other plants like clover and various herbs.
- Medical applications: Sheep are also used in medical research, for example in studies on cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, due to some anatomical similarities to humans.