Sheep is a term for selective grazing animals that may be domesticated (tamed) or wild. This material will primarily focus on domesticated sheep. Behaviorally, sheep are gregarious, precocial, …

Sheep breeds can be classified as general purpose breeds, specialized dam breeds, specialized sire breeds or dairy breeds. In addition, the type of fiber they produce, wool or hair, classifies sheep.

The American sheep industry is committed to the most appro-priate husbandry, health and nutrition practices that positively impact the care and well-being of our sheep.

As of Jan. 31, 2025, there were 5.05 million head of sheep in the United States1.

Sheep milk has higher amounts of protein, fat, and calcium than cow or goat milks. Most sheep milk is made into cheese, but can be made into ice cream and yogurt.

A three-sided shelter with an open front facing south away from prevailing winds will meet the needs of sheep. The shel-ter should be located on an elevated, well drained site.

All sheep and goats inventory and lamb and kid crop estimates for January 1, 2024, were reviewed using official slaughter, import and export data, and the relationship of new survey information to the …