Diving into the world of sheep husbandry can be an exhilarating experience, but it also introduces a vast array of specialized terminology that’s essential to grasp. If you’re seeking a comprehensive guide to deciphering the language of sheep farming, you’ve landed in the right spot.
Different Names for Sheep
Bellwether
The concept of a ‘bellwether’ originates from the practice of attaching a bell to the neck of a lead sheep, known as the bellwether, within a flock. This pioneering animal guides the rest of the herd, setting the pace and direction for the entire group. In essence, the bellwether serves as a precursor or indicator, much like how its bell sounds out ahead, signaling the way forward for the others to follow.
Cull Yow
In the world of ovine terminology, a cully ewe refers to a mature female sheep that has surpassed its reproductive prime. No longer deemed suitable for breeding purposes, this category of ewes typically comprises older animals that have reached an age where their fertility has begun to wane.
Draft Ewe
In many parts of the world, particularly in areas where agriculture has been practiced for centuries, a specific type of sheep is referred to as a ‘draft ewe.’ These are mature sheep that have spent their early years on hill farms, where they’ve had to contend with rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions. Once they’ve reached maturity, they’re often sold to farmers who operate under more favorable circumstances, offering them a chance to thrive in environments that are less demanding.
Ewes
When discussing the feminine aspect of sheep, one might wonder: what’s the term for a female sheep? The answer, quite straightforwardly, is an ‘ewe.’ This designation also applies to younger females, who are then referred to as ‘ewes lambs.’
Flock
The term ‘flock’ is often used to describe a group of sheep, but it can actually encompass any number of individuals. While the size of the flock can vary greatly, it’s worth noting that larger groups are commonly referred to as ‘mobs’ or ‘bands’, providing a useful shorthand for describing these gatherings.
Gelt
In sheep farming, a gelt is an adult ewe that fails to lamb when others in her flock are giving birth. This often occurs because she was previously separated from the ram due to issues with previous lambing. Despite being capable of breeding again in the future, many gelts are ultimately fattened up and sold for meat consumption.
Gimmer
In agricultural contexts, a term often overlooked yet essential to understanding farm life is ‘gimmer.’ Essentially, it refers to a female sheep in her first year of lambing or one that has given birth for the first time. The term is often used interchangeably with ‘ewe,’ which typically describes any adult female sheep.
Gummer
As I delve into the world of sheep terminology, I’m delighted to share with you a fascinating term that holds a special place in my heart. It refers to an aged sheep that has naturally lost all its teeth, a testament to the passing of time and the natural process of aging.
Hogg Sheep
In sheep farming, a hogget refers to an individual animal that falls within a specific stage of its life cycle. Specifically, this term encompasses both males and females between the ages of weaning and first shearing. This period marks a crucial phase in a sheep’s development, as it transitions from dependence on its mother’s milk to a more independent existence.
Lambs
In the realm of sheep farming, the term ‘lamb’ holds multiple connotations. Primarily, it denotes any sheep that has not yet reached its first birthday, typically one that has not yet reproduced or given birth. In this sense, a lamb is essentially a young and inexperienced sheep. On a culinary note, lamb also refers to the tender meat of these youthful animals, often consumed as a popular food choice.
Interestingly, so long as the sheep remains under the age of one year, its meat is classified as ‘lamb’ rather than ‘mutton’, highlighting the significance of this young age milestone in the context of sheep farming and culinary traditions.
Mule
While not all mules are sheep, the term ‘mule’ typically refers to a specific type of hybrid animal. In particular, the most well-known breed of mule is the Northern mule, which arises from the union between a Swaledale ewe and a Bluefaced Leicester ram. This unique pairing results in a distinctive creature with characteristics inherited from both parent species.
Rams
While it’s widely accepted that male sheep are indeed rams, there’s some variation in terminology depending on the region. In certain instances, you might come across the term ‘buck’ used to describe a ram, although this is colloquial and not entirely precise. Interestingly, in Britain, rams are commonly referred to as ‘tips’, showcasing the diversity of language usage across different cultures.
Shearling
A shearling refers to a young sheep or lamb that has been weaned but hasn’t yet experienced its first shearing process. This stage typically falls within an age range of nine to 18 months, although this timeframe can vary slightly depending on the breed and individual characteristics.
Store
In the agricultural world, a store is akin to a weaned lamb that has outgrown its original purpose and is subsequently sold to another farm to enhance its meat production capabilities.
Wethers
While many people are familiar with the term ‘ewe’, fewer may know that a ‘wether’ is actually a castrated male sheep. In fact, this type of sheep is often specifically bred and raised for its meat, although it’s not the only purpose they serve. Wethers can also be used as pack animals or companions, making them a versatile addition to any flock.
Yearling
A yearling refers to a young sheep between one and two years old. This term can also be applied to other livestock. In the context of sheep farming, you may also come across alternative names such as hoggets, gimmers, shearlings, thieves, or tegs, each used to describe a yearling at a specific stage in its development.
Yoe
Yow
In Scotland, the term ‘yow’ has a specific meaning – it refers to an adult female sheep, or ewe, that has previously given birth. This term is often used to describe a mature and experienced mother in the flock.
Sheep Farming Terminology
Abattoir
In the heart of many cities, there exists a crucial facility known as an abattoir – a place where animal slaughtering and subsequent meat processing take place. It’s here that livestock are humanely culled and then transformed into the meat products we consume daily.
Accelerated Lambing
In an unusual phenomenon, some ewes exhibit the ability to lamb multiple times annually, defying the typical seasonal pattern or annual single-episode lambing experience of most sheep.
Bottle Lamb
In the world of sheep husbandry, there’s a specific phenomenon where orphaned lambs are raised through bottle feeding, earning them the nickname ‘pet lambs’ or ‘bottle lambs.’ As a result of this unique upbringing, these lambs typically grow to be smaller than their naturally-raised counterparts.
Colostrum
The initial secretion from a ewe, colloquially referred to as colostrum, plays a crucial role in the well-being of her newborn lamb. This golden-hued fluid is teeming with antibodies and essential nutrients, characteristics shared by the early milk productions of all mothering mammals. As the lamb’s first exposure to its mother’s milk, it sets the stage for a healthy and thriving start in life.
Creep Feeding
The concept of creep feeding revolves around offering additional sustenance to a specific group of lambs, which are typically those that are too young or inexperienced to compete for food with more dominant animals in their environment.
Crutching
In the realm of sheep farming, crutching is a vital process that involves carefully removing wool from specific areas of the animal’s body. Specifically, it involves shearing the wool found between a sheep’s rear legs and around its tail. This technique is often employed during lambing as an alternative to performing a full-body shearing operation.
Dag
Wool contaminated with feces is known as dag, often forming teardrop shapes near the tail and anus of a sheep. This unwanted material can accumulate if not regularly removed, posing a risk of flystrike. Another reason to crutch your sheep, besides lambing, is to prevent the buildup of dags and minimize the potential for flystrike.
Fleece
The concept of fleece refers to the natural fibers obtained from a single sheep, typically harvested after shearing when the wool is still coated with its natural oils and residue. This unique condition allows for the preservation of the wool’s inherent properties, making it an important consideration in various industries that utilize this valuable resource.
Graft
Grafting, also known as cross-fostering, involves reassigning a lamb to a ewe that is not its biological mother. Typically, this occurs when an ewe has lost her own lambs and the goal is to facilitate an ‘adoption’ process. By transferring the lamb to a new mother figure, it may be possible to avoid the need for bottle-feeding in certain situations. However, this process can be quite challenging to execute successfully.
Jug
A ‘jug’ is often referred to as a lambing pen, serving as a sanctuary for ewes and their newly born lambs. Within this confined space, the ewes have the opportunity to form strong bonds with their young, shielding them from potential dangers and the stress of competing with other members of the flock.
Lanolin
Sheep’s wool is rich in a natural oil and grease known as lanolin. This waxy substance plays a crucial role in protecting the wool from dryness, cold weather, and abrasion, allowing sheep to thrive in their environments.
Mob
A flock of sheep can be categorized as a mob when they are reared under identical circumstances, with uniform living conditions and feeding regimens, throughout an entire growing season. This homogenous environment allows for a predictable behavior and development amongst the sheep, making it easier to manage and optimize their growth.
Mutton
Ovine
The term ‘ovine’ has a charming quality to it, don’t you think? It’s actually an adjective that refers to something related to or characteristic of sheep. Simple yet fascinating, the ovine world is full of interesting facts and tidbits waiting to be discovered.
Parturition
The term parturition refers to the process of giving birth, a phenomenon that occurs in many mammalian species. In the context of sheep farming, parturition is often used interchangeably with terms like ‘lambing’ and ‘birthing’, highlighting its significance in the reproduction cycle of these animals.
Raddle, Raddling and Raddled
In the world of sheep farming, a crucial process is employed to track breeding patterns – raddling. This involves fitting a marking harness, known as a raddle, onto a male sheep, or ram. The primary goal of this practice is to enable shepherds to monitor which ewes have been successfully bred by which ram during the mating season, and which remain unbreed. Typically, these marking harnesses comprise simple yet effective devices consisting of straps and a paint reservoir.
When an ewe has been raddled, it serves as a clear indication that the ram has indeed successfully bred her.
Rigwelted
Among the various colloquialisms used in sheep farming, ‘rigwelted’ holds a special place in my heart. The term typically describes a sheep that has become overturned, often due to its advanced pregnancy making it difficult for it to regain its footing and right itself.
Rise
The characteristic yellow line, or ‘rise,’ on a sheep’s wool is often indicative of an impending need for shearing. Typically, this phenomenon occurs when the old, greasy winter coat is removed from the skin and replaced by a fresh, easier-to-cut new growth. The presence of rise serves as a reliable signal that your flock has reached the ideal stage for harvesting their wool.
Shearing
The ancient practice of shearing refers to the removal of wool from sheep, a crucial step that serves dual purposes. On one hand, it allows for the commercial harvesting of this valuable resource, with many farmers relying on its sale as a significant source of income. On the other hand, shearing is also a fundamental aspect of flock maintenance and hygiene, ensuring the health and well-being of the sheep by preventing overgrowth and reducing the risk of skin irritations and infections.
Shepherd
Tupping
In the world of sheep farming, the term ‘tup’ often refers specifically to male sheep, also known as rams. However, when discussing the concept of ‘tupping’, we’re not just talking about any old ram – it’s actually a reference to the breeding or mating process between a female sheep (ewe) and a male sheep (ram). This process is a crucial aspect of sheep farming, allowing for the continuation of healthy and productive herds.
Wool
The soft and fuzzy material obtained from sheep is commonly referred to as wool. Interestingly, this natural fiber is also known by the same name when it’s still attached to the animal. The term ‘wool’ specifically refers to the fibre that has been removed from the sheep, which is then often used for spinning or felting purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheep Terminology
What is the Singular/Plural for Sheep?
One way to simplify the concept of singular and plural forms is to look at the case of ‘sheep’. While it may seem unusual that both the singular and plural forms are the same, this peculiarity can actually make it easier to remember. The parallel with the word ‘moose’ serves as a helpful reminder that not all nouns follow a standard pattern when it comes to their plural forms.
What is the Difference between a Sheep and a Lamb?
Sheep and lambs are two distinct stages in the life cycle of these agricultural animals. The age cutoff between the two is typically 12 months, with sheep referring to animals older than this threshold. Interestingly, the term lamb is often used to describe young animals that have not yet reproduced or bred, implying a certain level of maturity.
This dichotomy highlights the significance of milestones such as lambing and breeding in determining an animal’s classification as either a sheep or a lamb.
What Do You Call a Newborn Sheep?
What Is a Mature Female Sheep Called?
Female sheep, commonly referred to as ewes, undergo changes throughout their lives that warrant specific terminology. As mature females, ewes are the norm, but their lifecycle involves various stages, each with its own nomenclature. Beyond ‘ewes’, one may encounter terms like ‘gummer’ for pregnant females or ‘yoe’, ‘yow’, and ‘gelt’ to describe younger or castrated sheep.
What Is a Mule Gimmer?
With a solid understanding of sheep farming terminology under your belt, you’re now equipped to confidently engage with fellow shepherds. For instance, a mule gimmer is a female cross-bred sheep specifically bred for its meat quality. This essential knowledge will allow you to effortlessly converse about the ins and outs of sheep farming without fear of sounding uninformed.
By grasping these fundamental terms, you’ll be able to mingle with other sheep enthusiasts knowing exactly what they’re talking about.
