As we started this project we thought it might be a good idea to provide a quick background on the terms involving sheep. Having a modest understanding can certainly help when you are shopping for lamb meat and talking with your local rancher.

Ewe

A ewe (pronounced “you”) is a female sheep.  A ewe lamb will become a yearling after one year.

Ram / Buck

A ram refers to a sheep that is able to breed a ewe.  Typically, a ram can breed around thirty ewes during breeding season.  The term “Buck” is slang for ram.  Some buck lambs will be castrated shortly after birth and when this happens they are then referred to as a “wether lamb”.

Lamb

We call a young sheep (one that is less than 12 months of age) a lamb.  Lambs usually have not produced offspring.

Ewe lambs and wether lambs produce the best quality of meat. 

Older sheep (especially around 3 years of age) have meat which is considered mutton.  This type of meat is a darker meat which can be tougher and dry due to the older age of the sheep.  It is typically less tender than lamb meat and has a much more intense flavor.  

Lambing Season

The term “lambing” refers to the act of a sheep giving birth.  Sheep have a 145 day gestation period and their natural breeding cycle is to give birth in the spring time.  The typical lambing season is usually from March to May due to the animals being bred around November.  Hence the term “spring lamb”.  Lambing in the spring is a convenient and natural occurrence.  This is the time when the alpine meadows become free of snow and have lots of green grass and plants for sheep and young lambs to consume when nutrition is most vital.

The Most Popular Breeds in America

Suffolk

This is probably the most popular breed of sheep in the U.S.A.  This breed originated in England and were first brought to America in the late 1800’s.  The Suffolk breed of sheep grow quickly and produce well muscled animals making them high quality for meat markets.  Their lean bodies are able to produce carcasses that have a high yield meaning more meat for the consumer.  Females are able to produce ample milk which is essential for their newborn lambs to survive and give them rapid growth.  And the quick growth is necessary in order to bring them to market so quickly.  

Dorset

Similar to the Suffolk breed, these sheep were also first introduced to America in the late 1880’s from England.  One attribute that does separate them from the Suffolk variety is that they are all white in color.  Dorset sheep are able to breed out of season meaning that they can give birth to their lambs outside of the typical spring window and can do so up to twice a year.  The reproduction rate can be a real positive for some lamb producers since their herd can grow quickly using this type of breed.

Rambouillet

Rambouillets are very iconic with their curved horns and rugged disposition.  Their large bodies make them very robust and they live longer than other breeds.  Due in some part to these attributes, rambouillets can sometimes be the preference to serve as the foundation for some flocks. 

A large number of sheep can be called a flock or a herd.  We most often use the term “herd” as that is what we are accustomed to.