Sheeps are generally found on every continent except Antarctica. There are
both wild and domesticated types of sheeps. Sheeps have almost no protection from
predators. Sheep are nearly similar to goats, though sheep are usually stockier
than goats. Sheep usually have got short tails and scent glands on their face
and hind feet. A sheep regurgitates its food and chews the cud.
The life
expectancy of sheep is similar to dogs, somewhere between 10 and 20 years. The
average is about 10 to 12 years. However, the length of a sheep's productive life
seems to be much less. This helps its four separate stomach compartments to fully
digest the food. Mostly, sheep eat grass, clover, weeds, and other pasture plants.
Sheep especially love to eat "weeds." In fact, weeds are their first
choice of food in a pasture. Weeds or "forbs" can be very nutritious
for them. Sheeps prefer plants that are young and tender and will graze close
to the ground. Sheep will graze for an average of seven hours per day, mostly
in the hours around dawn and in the late afternoon, near sunset.
Domestic
sheep depend on humans for protection. The flesh of a sheep is called mutton.
The sheep is still important to us today. They provide us with food, leather,
clothing and also gives us the raw materials for by-products, such as soap, lanolin,
glue, tallow and catgut. Today, modern sheep, through selective breeding are bred
for either their good meat or quality wool.
