In some cultures sheep are considered highly useful as a sacrificial animal. Since their domestication between 900 years ago they have been a source of meat, milk, wool and hides in nearly every country. Ovis aries is one of the most economically significant species on the planet. Its modest nutritional requirements contribute to its economic significance.(Hecker 1983, Ensminger 1965) Economic Importance for Humans: Positive Ovis aries has a large and complex stomach which is able to digest highly fibrous foods that can not be digested by many other animals. Sheep spend their day alternating between these periods of grazing and ruminating. Grazing sheep ingest a large amount of food in a short time, then retire to rest and rechew the ingested matter. Considerable research has been done on sheep nutritional requirements, and feed substitution tables are present in Ensminger's 1965 "The Stockman's Handbook". In general, sheep feed mainly on grasses while in pastures and can be fed a wide variety of hays and oats. (Hecker 1983)ĭomestic sheep are extremely hardy animals and can survive on a diet consisting of only cellulose, starch or sugars as an energy source and a nitrogen source which need not be protein. If not then he will move on to another ewe. If the ewe is interested the ram will conduct a short "foreplay" session, mount and copulate. The ewe then assumes a mating stance if interested in the ram or walk away if not. Rams search for ewes and if a ram suspects the ewe is in estrus, he will nudge the ewe in the perineum. Mating occurs mainly in the early morning or in the evening. Sexual behavior in Ovis aries is important in sheep production. Sheep become considerably stressed when separated from others, often calling and pawing at the ground. This flocking instinct contributes to their economic significance as a single shepherd can control a large flock of animals. No "leaders" in the flock initiating grazing or other forms of behavior, including flight. Large groups of sheep (up to 1000 or more) move over an area in groups, rather than as individuals. Ovis aries has a highly developed flocking or herding instinct. Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male).Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female).
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