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Ram fighting is a blood sport between two rams (large-horned male sheep), held in a ring or open field. It is commonly found in sheep or goat husbandry culture in Africa, Asia and Europe. [ 1 ] In Nigeria , Uzbekistan and Indonesia , ram fighting gains popularity among locals. [ 2 ]
[1] [2] [3] "About 10% of rams (males) refuse to mate with ewes (females) but do readily mate with other rams." [2] Thirty percent of all rams demonstrate at least some homosexual behavior. [4] One report on sheep found that 8% of rams exhibited homosexual preferences—that is, even when given a choice, they chose male over female partners. [5]
Depending on breed, sheep show a range of heights and weights. Their rate of growth and mature weight is a heritable trait that is often selected for in breeding. [24] Ewes typically weigh between 45 and 100 kilograms (100 and 220 lb), and rams between 45 and 160 kilograms (100 and 350 lb). [25]
Historically, especially aggressive rams were sometimes blindfolded or hobbled. [8] Today, those who keep rams typically prefer softer preventative measures, such as moving within a clear line to an exit, never turning their back on a ram, and possibly dousing with water or a diluted solution of bleach or vinegar to dissuade charges. [1] [9]
The males commonly emit grunts while fighting and often chip their horns or break their noses. [36] After dominance has been established, the rams begin to select their ewes. [36] Although Marco Polo sheep rams are known to herd females, during the rut males pair off with females to reproduce. [37]
European mouflon usually form small herds with an older ewe as the leader. Rams often form separate groups outside the rutting season. During the rutting season, the rams fight over the ewes, especially by ramming each other with their curved horns, in order to push their rivals away. European mouflon are herbivores and eat a wide range of food ...
Agonistic behaviour is a result of evolution, [5] and this can be studied in a number of species facing different environmental pressures. Though agonistic behaviours can be directly observed and studied in a laboratory setting, it is also important to understand these behaviours in a natural setting to fully comprehend how they have evolved and therefore differ under different selective ...
The sheep are hardy with light bones, narrow bodies, and long legs. They do not reach their full-grown size until well into their second year. [13] Most rams have horns, either two or four. Rams may also have scurs or be polled. Ewes are more likely to have scurs or be polled; however, they may also have two or four horns.