Herding
Breeds
Wool
Lambing

Sheep

Sheep are a domesticated mammal that is kept as livestock. They are most likely descended from the wild mouflon of Europe and Asia. A sheep's coat is usually made up of two types of fiber, kemp and wool. Sheep are raised for their meat, milk, and fiber. They are used for their meat, leather, and wool.


Herding

Herding is the process of bringing a flock of sheep together. A shepherd will use a number of methods to do this, including but not limited to: calling the sheep, using a sheepdog, or even by walking in front of the flock. The goal is to get the sheep to move in the desired direction.


Breeds

There are many different breeds of sheep. The most common in North America are the Columbia, the Corriedale, the Dorset, the Hampshire, the Merino, the Southdown, and the Suffolk. Each breed has its own unique characteristics. For example, the Columbia is the largest of the breeds and is known for its high quality wool. The Corriedale is a medium sized breed that is known for its versatility. The Dorset is a small breed that is known for its high quality meat. The Hampshire is a large breed that is known for its high quality wool. The Merino is a medium sized breed that is known for its high quality wool. The Southdown is a small breed that is known for its high quality meat. The Suffolk is a large breed that is known for its high quality wool.


Wool

Wool is the main fiber used in making clothing. It is obtained from sheep. The fleece is the layer of wool that covers the sheep. The fleece is removed from the sheep by shearing. The fleece is then cleaned and processed to make wool yarn.


Lambing

Lambing is the process of a sheep giving birth to a lamb. It generally occurs during the springtime. Ewes will typically give birth to twins or triplets, though single births are not uncommon. The gestation period for a sheep is approximately five months. Lambs are born with a thick coat of wool that helps protect them from the cold weather.

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