Sheep

A sheep (Ovis aries) is a domesticated, hoofed mammal commonly raised as livestock. They are known for their thick coat of wool, which is used for textiles, and are also farmed for meat and milk.

Sheep are typically covered in a thick, curly fleece of wool. Their color can range from white and brown to black. They have a stout body, a short tail, and are ruminant animals, meaning they have a four-chambered stomach. Both male and female sheep can have horns, but they are more common and larger in males, which are called rams.

As domesticated animals, sheep are found on farms and ranches all over the world. They are herbivores that graze on grass, legumes, and other low-lying plants. They are well-suited to a variety of climates, from arid grasslands to cold mountainous regions.

Sheep are one of the most commercially important livestock animals. Wool is the primary product for many breeds, and it is shorn and processed into a wide range of textiles, from clothing to blankets. Mutton and lamb are terms for sheep meat, with lamb referring to younger animals. Sheep milk is also used to make cheese, especially in parts of Europe and the Middle East.