Description

Sheep (Ovis aries) are quadrupedal, ruminant mammals typically keptas livestock. Like all ruminants, sheep are members of the orderArtiodactyla, the even-toed ungulates. Although the name "sheep"applies to many species in the genus Ovis, in everyday usage italmost always refers to Ovis aries. Numbering a little over onebillion, domestic sheep are also the most numerous species ofsheep. An adult female sheep is referred to as a ewe (/juː/), anintact male as a ram or occasionally a tup, a castrated male asawether, and a younger sheep as a lamb. Sheep are most likelydescended from the wild mouflon of Europe and Asia. One of theearliest animals to be domesticated foragricultural purposes, sheepare raised for fleece, meat (lamb, hogget or mutton) and milk. Asheep's wool is the most widely used animal fiber, and is usuallyharvested by shearing. Ovine meat is called lamb when from youngeranimals and mutton when from older ones. Sheep continue to beimportant for wool and meat today, and are also occasionally raisedfor pelts, as dairy animals, or as model organisms for science.Sheep husbandry is practised throughout the majority of theinhabited world, and has been fundamental to many civilizations. Inthe modern era, Australia, New Zealand, the southern and centralSouth American nations, and the British Isles are most closelyassociated with sheep production. Sheepraising has a large lexiconof unique terms which vary considerably by region and dialect. Useof the word sheep began inMiddle English as a derivation of the OldEnglish word scēap; it is both the singular and plural name for theanimal. A group of sheep is called a flock, herd or mob. Many otherspecific terms for the various life stages of sheep exist,generally related to lambing, shearing, and age. Being a key animalin the history of farming, sheep have a deeply entrenched place inhuman culture, and find representation in much modern language andsymbology. As livestock, sheep are most often associated withpastoral, Arcadian imagery. Sheep figure in many mythologies—suchas the Golden Fleece—and major religions, especially the Abrahamictraditions. In both ancient and modern religious ritual, sheep areused as sacrificial animals. Free Android Mobile App - Best App andAPK Free Download! Tablet, Smartphone, Mobile Phone Wallpaper. Getit free…for sheep wallpapers Support for all Android Mobile Devices