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Sheep
are even-toed, hoofed animals. They are
cud-chewing animals with the upper
incisor teeth missing and with a
four-compartmented stomach (see Artiodactyl).
They have paired, hollow, unbranched
horns that are not shed. The horns of
the adult male, or ram, are massive and
spirally curved. The horns of the adult
female, or ewe, are short and only
slightly curved.
Sheep
typically have a long, fairly narrow
muzzle and pointed ears. The length of
the head and body averages about 1.5 m
(about 5 ft), with a short tail, and an
adult may weigh 75 to 200 kg (165 to 440
lb). In the wild, the animals are nimble
runners and climbers. The female bears
up to three young after a gestation
period of about 150 days. Sheep live as
long as 20 years.
Besides
providing pelts and wool
for clothing and carpets, meat in the
form of lamb and mutton, and milk for
drinking and cheesemaking, sheep are
used to a limited extent as pack
animals, and the wild species are hunted
as game. Several distinct types and more
than 800 breeds of domesticated sheep
have been developed. The breeds are
adapted to environments that range from
desert to tropical conditions. |
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