A ram refers to an adult male sheep. Sheep, scientifically known as Ovis aries, have been integral to human civilization for thousands of years, providing wool, meat, and milk. Rams are distinct from female sheep, known as ewes, and young sheep, called lambs. Understanding their specific characteristics helps differentiate them within a flock.
Defining Physical Traits
Rams generally exhibit a larger and more muscular build compared to ewes. An adult ram can weigh 100 to 350 pounds, while ewes typically weigh 100 to 220 pounds. Many rams have substantial horns, which are typically longer, thicker, and more curved than those of ewes. In some breeds, like Bighorn sheep, a ram’s horns can be exceptionally massive, sometimes weighing up to 30 pounds, equivalent to all the bones in its body.
Some rams are naturally “polled,” meaning they are born without horns. Rams have a stockier body with comparatively shorter legs than goats. Their bodies are covered in wool, which varies in color and texture across different breeds. Their robust appearance and visible male genitalia make them readily identifiable.
Behavior and Role in a Flock
Rams are social animals, though their social structure differs from ewes. Outside the breeding season, rams often form all-male “bachelor groups,” distinct from maternal herds of ewes and lambs. Within these groups, rams establish a dominance hierarchy through displays, most notably head-butting. This head-to-head collision helps determine social rank.
During the breeding season, or rut, rams become highly territorial and aggressive as their testosterone levels surge. They fiercely compete for access to ewes, with dominant rams gaining priority for mating. Head-butting intensifies, serving as a direct contest for breeding rights, though serious injuries are less common than the force of impact might suggest. Rams are generally unpredictable, particularly hand-reared individuals, and can pose a safety risk due to their powerful nature.
Rams in Culture and History
Rams hold a significant place in human culture and history, symbolizing strength, leadership, fertility, and virility. Their image has been widely incorporated into mythology, religion, and art across various civilizations. In ancient Egypt, the god Amun was depicted with a ram’s head, representing fertility and creation. The ram also features in Greek mythology, notably with the Golden Fleece, and is associated with Zeus and Ares, embodying courage and power.
Celtic cultures revered the ram as a symbol of fertility and rebirth. In Hinduism, the ram signifies vigor and has sacred connections. The zodiac sign Aries, symbolized by the ram, represents individuals born in early spring with traits like a pioneering spirit and determination.