Livestock management requires specialized vocabulary to describe individuals based on age, sex, and reproductive status. This naming convention is common in livestock industries, where distinguishing between animals is necessary for effective breeding and production planning. Understanding these terms allows for clear communication regarding the composition and goals of a flock.
The Definitive Answer: What is a Ewe?
A ewe is the term for an adult female domestic sheep, scientifically known as Ovis aries. While the simplest definition is “female sheep,” the term usually applies once the animal reaches sexual maturity or after she has given birth to her first lamb. Mature ewes vary in size depending on the breed, typically weighing between 45 and 100 kilograms (100 and 220 pounds). The ewe’s role is centered on reproduction and milk production.
Understanding Related Sheep Terminology
The term “ewe” is part of a larger system of specialized terms used to classify sheep within a flock. An intact male sheep, responsible for breeding, is called a ram or sometimes a tup. A castrated male is known as a wether, and these animals are often raised primarily for meat or wool production. A young sheep of either sex under one year of age is referred to as a lamb.
A female in her second year of life that has not yet produced a lamb is sometimes called a gimmer. A pregnant ewe is described as being “in lamb.” These distinctions are helpful for farmers to manage breeding programs and nutritional needs.
The Reproductive Life of a Ewe
The ewe’s purpose is to produce the next generation, beginning with a gestation period averaging 147 days. This pregnancy length (about five months) can vary depending on the breed and whether the ewe is carrying a single or multiple fetuses. The act of giving birth is called lambing, and ewes typically deliver one or two lambs.
The health and survival of the newborn lamb depend on the ewe’s maternal care and milk supply. Immediately after birth, the ewe licks the lamb to clean it and stimulate bonding, which encourages nursing. The ewe’s udder has two teats, and she produces colostrum, a nutrient-dense first milk that transfers antibodies to the newborn. Ewes reach peak milk production about 30 days following lambing, providing the lamb’s nutritional needs during its earliest weeks.