Sheep Ethology

• how does sheep being a prey species impact their social behavior?

  • defense is to flee
  • rely on flock for security
  • helps humans move them as a group
• sheep flock structure:

  • multiple females (ewes), offspring, and 1-2 males
  • preferentially bond to related flock members
• ewes stay in maternal group for life
• rams can form bachelor herds, often solitary after sexual maturity
• sheep production is declining as price/value of wool decreases
• sheep production in the US is mainly meat production
• sheep production utilizes land not suitable for agriculture/housing, more land in western US
• sheep meat breeds:

  • dark face and legs
  • finer hair, lower quality wool
  • grow faster