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The bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) [6] is a species of sheep native to North America. [7] It is named for its large horns. A pair of horns may weigh up to 14 kg (30 lb); [8] the sheep typically weigh up to 143 kg (315 lb). [9] Recent genetic testing indicates three distinct subspecies of Ovis canadensis, one of which is endangered: O. c. sierrae.
The ancient Egyptian corkscrew-horned sheep (Ovis longipes palaeoaegyptiacus) [1] is a type of the extinct wild barbary sheep found in the ancient southern Egypt and Nubia. The ovacaprines were domesticated and often depicted on the stone tomb murals of the pharaohs for religious or aesthetic purposes.
There have been incidents of polycerate goats (having as many as eight horns), [9] although this is a genetic rarity thought to be inherited. The horns are most typically removed in commercial dairy goat herds, to reduce the injuries to humans and other goats. 4 horns are the norm for the Austrian goat breed Vierhornziege (four-horned goat). [10]
Rams have larger horns than ewes. The horns in two-horned sheep, and the lower horns in four-horned animals, grow in a spiral shape. The rostral set of horns usually extend upwards and outwards, while the caudal set of horns curls downwards along the side of the head and neck. On polycerate animals it is preferred that there is a fleshy gap ...
Annual growth rings indicate the animal's age. The rams may rub their own horns to improve their field of view. [7] Both rams and ewes use their horns as tools to break open cactus, which they consume, and for fighting. [8] Desert bighorn sheep typically live for 10–20 years. [9] The typical diet of a desert bighorn sheep is mainly grasses. [7]
Navajo-Churro sheep at the San Francisco Zoo with four horns. Churros are small sheep with long, thin tails, horizontal ears, [1] and a double coat. Ewes are 40–60 kg (88–132 lb), while rams are 55–85 kg (121–187 lb). The sheep are long-lived and can be productive for up to 15 years. [2]
The Hebridean is a breed of small black sheep from Scotland, similar to other members of the Northern European short-tailed sheep group, having a short, triangular tail. They often have two pairs of horns. They were often formerly known as "St Kilda" sheep, although unlike Soay and Boreray sheep they are probably not in fact from the St Kilda ...
Domestic sheep are also reared for their milk and meat (which is called lamb or mutton depending on the age of the animal). In wild sheep, both rams and ewes have horns, while in domestic sheep (depending upon breed) horns may be present in both rams and ewes, in rams only, or in neither. Rams' horns may be very large – those of a mature ...