Ovis aries

Ovis aries, commonly known as the domestic sheep, is a species of mammal from the family Bovidae and the subfamily Caprinae. It is a quadrupedal, ruminant mammal typically kept as livestock.

History

The domestication of Ovis aries dates back to between 11000 and 9000 BC, making it one of the earliest animals to be domesticated. This process occurred in the region that is now Iran and Turkey. The domestication of sheep was a significant factor in the spread of the Neolithic revolution.

Characteristics

Ovis aries is known for its woolly coat, which is shorn in most domestic breeds to produce wool. The body of the domestic sheep is stout and its legs are short, ending in cloven hooves. Most breeds also have a tail, which can be short or long and tufted.

Breeds

There are hundreds of breeds of Ovis aries, which vary widely in appearance, size, and purpose. Some breeds are raised primarily for meat, others for wool, and still others for milk. Some well-known breeds include the Merino, known for its fine wool, and the Suffolk, a breed prized for its meat.

Reproduction

The reproductive cycle of Ovis aries is seasonal, with most breeds breeding in the fall and giving birth in the spring. The gestation period is approximately five months, and most ewes give birth to one or two lambs at a time.

Uses

Ovis aries is a versatile livestock animal, providing meat (lamb and mutton), milk, wool, and hides. Sheep are also used in research and for landscape management purposes.

Health

Like all livestock, Ovis aries is susceptible to various diseases and parasites. These include scrapie, a neurodegenerative disease, and flystrike, a condition caused by blowfly larvae.

See also

• Sheep farming
• Sheep shearing
• Sheep husbandry