Sheep

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### Classification

The sheep (Ovis) are a species of cloven-hoofed mammals belonging to the family Bovidae, specifically within the subfamily Caprinae. They comprise twenty species, which can be divided into several more closely related groups.

### General Characteristics

Wild sheep are found in the pre-mountain and mountain areas of North America, Asia (Near East and Middle Asia) and Europe. Compared to other hollowhorns, they have relatively small sizes and are characterized by their distinctive features.

### Physical Description

Sheep reach a head trunk length of 1.2 to 1.8 meters, plus a 7 to 15 centimeter long tail. The shoulder height is 65 to 125 centimeters and the weight is 20 to 200 kilograms – with the males always significantly heavier than the females. The coat coloration varies from whitish to dark brown, with a coat change often occurring.

The males often have a mane on the neck, but unlike goats, no chinbeard. Both sexes can wear horns, but those of the females are significantly smaller. In individual domestic sheep breeds, both sexes may have no horns or only the males may have horns. The horns of the males spiral in old age and can grow over 1 meter long.

### Reproduction

Sheep have two halves of the udder with one teat each.

### Species

The genus Ovis includes five species and numerous subspecies, some of which are considered their own species by some authors. The most well-known species include:

* **Ovis ammon** (argali)
* **Ovis ammon ammon**
* **Ovis aries** (domestic sheep)

### Domestication

The domestic sheep originated from the wild sheep and have been bred for various purposes, including meat, wool, and milk production.

Note: The classification of species within the genus Ovis may vary depending on the source.