Domestic sheep and lambs are raised for their wool, meat, and milk. But there’s a major difference between sheep and lamb. Despite sharing the same species, there are significant distinctions between sheep and lamb, even if the phrases relate to the same species at different life stages.
But – how come lambs are different from sheep? Moreover, what do they imply for those who wish to grow them on their farms?
The Main Difference Between Sheep and Lamb
The adult sheep is called a sheep, whereas the young sheep, or lamb, is called a lamb and is either a lamb or the flesh of a young sheep.
Sheep Vs. Lamb
Now we will show you the difference between sheep and lamb by discussing them separately.
What is Sheep?
A sheep is a domesticated mammal that is part of the Bovidae family. It is a quadrupedal ruminant, which means it has four legs and chews its cud. Sheep are commonly raised for their meat, milk, and wool. They are also raised for their hides and sheepskin. Sheep are known for their docile nature and are often kept in large herds by farmers and ranchers. They have been domesticated for thousands of years and are important to many agricultural economies worldwide.
What is Lamb?
A lamb is a young sheep that is less than one year old. Lambs are typically born in the spring and are raised by their mothers until they are weaned. They are commonly raised for their meat, which is known as a lamb. The meat from a lamb is considered to be more tender and milder in flavor than that of an adult sheep, known as mutton. Lambs are also raised for their wool, which is sheared to make clothing and other textiles. In some cultures, lambs are also raised for religious or ceremonial purposes.
Also Read: Difference Between Lamb and Goat
Please note that the term lamb can also be used to refer to the meat from a young sheep rather than the animal itself.
Difference Between Sheep and Lamb in Detail
A sheep is an adult domesticated mammal in the genus Ovis, while a lamb is a young sheep less than one year old. The terms are often used interchangeably, but they do have distinct differences.
Regarding physical characteristics, adult sheep have thick, woolly coats and long, curved horns, while lambs have soft, fluffy coats and small, nub-like horns. Adult sheep also tend to be larger and heavier than lambs.
Regarding behavior, sheep are generally more independent and self-sufficient than lambs, who depend more on their mothers for food and protection. Lambs also tend to be more playful and curious than adult sheep.
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In farming, sheep are raised for their wool and meat, while lambs are typically raised for meat and milk for yogurt and cheese. Sheep are sheared yearly to harvest their wool, while lambs are not typically sheared.
Sheep and lambs are at distinct stages in the life cycle of the domestic sheep, with adult sheep fully grown and lamb’s immature young sheep. They have different physical characteristics, behaviors, and farming uses.
Size
In terms of size, adult sheep are generally larger and heavier than lambs. Depending on the breed, adult sheep can weigh anywhere from 120 to over 300 pounds, while lambs typically weigh between 60 and 120 pounds.
Lambs are born small and grow quickly, reaching adulthood within a year or two. They are usually smaller than adult sheep, but their size can vary depending on the breed. Some breeds of sheep, such as the Merino, tend to be smaller and lighter than others, such as the Lincoln.
Additionally, the size of a sheep or lamb can also depend on the nutrition and care they receive. Sheep and lambs that are well-fed and healthy tend to be larger and heavier than those that are malnourished or neglected.
Adult sheep are generally larger and heavier than lambs, but the size of both can vary depending on breed and nutrition. Lambs grow quickly and reach their adult size within a year or two.
Coat
Adult sheep’s coat comprises a thick, woolly undercoat and a coarser, longer outer coat. The wool is typically sheared once a year to harvest the fleece. The sheep’s coat is often used for clothing, blankets, and other textiles.
On the other hand, lambs are born with a soft, fluffy coat that is typically shed and replaced with a coarser adult coat as they mature. The lamb’s fleece is not commonly used as it is considered too short, fine, and less desirable than the adult sheep’s fleece.
The color of sheep and lambs’ coats can vary widely depending on the breed. Some breeds have white, black, brown, or even multicolored fleece. Additionally, the quality of the wool can also vary depending on the breed, with some breeds producing higher-quality wool than others.
Adult sheep have thick, woolly coats, while lambs have soft, fluffy coats. Adult sheep’s coats are typically sheared once a year for the wool, while lambs’ coats are typically shed and replaced with a coarser adult coat as they mature. The color and quality of the coat can vary widely depending on the breed.
Horns
In terms of horns, adult sheep have long, curved horns, while lambs have small, nub-like horns.
Adult sheep typically have long, curved horns that can grow up to several inches long. The horns grow out of the sides of the sheep’s head and can be used for defense, territory marking, and dominance displays. Horns are typically present in both sexes, but some breeds of sheep are naturally polled, meaning they do not have horns.
Lambs, on the other hand, are born without horns. They grow small, nub-like horns within a few weeks after birth. These horns are soft and flexible and are called scurs. These scurs will fall off as the lamb grows. The presence and shape of horns can also vary depending on the breed.
Adult sheep typically have long, curved horns, while lambs have small, nub-like horns. Horns are present in both sexes, but some breeds of sheep are naturally polled, meaning they do not have horns. The presence and shape of horns can also vary depending on the breed.
Diet
Sheep and Lambs are both herbivorous and primarily eat grass and other plants. However, their diet has some differences depending on their age and stage of life.
Adult sheep have a diet that mainly consists of grass and hay, with some additional supplements such as minerals and protein depending on their nutritional needs. They have a complex set of teeth that allows them to graze and chew tough plant material. Sheep can survive on various types of vegetation, including tough, woody plants, and they are known to be good foragers.
On the other hand, lambs are primarily fed milk from their mothers for the first several weeks of life. After this period, they eat grass, hay, and their mother’s milk. As they grow, their diet becomes more and more grass-based until they are weaned and eat only grass and hay. Lambs have a simpler set of teeth than adult sheep, which are not as efficient at grazing and chewing tough plant material.
Sheep and lambs are both herbivorous and primarily eat grass and other plants. However, lambs are primarily fed milk from their mothers for the first several weeks of life, and their diet becomes more grass-based as they grow, while adult sheep mainly eat grass and hay with some additional supplements. Lambs have a simpler set of teeth than adult sheep, which are not as efficient at grazing and chewing tough plant material.
Sociability
Sheep and lambs have different social behaviors depending on their age and stage of life.
Adult sheep are social animals that form strong bonds with other flock members. They have a hierarchical social structure, with a dominant ram leading the flock and ewes forming the majority. They communicate through various vocalizations and body language, and they spend much of their time grazing, resting, and traveling together.
On the other hand, lambs are more independent than adult sheep and spend less time in close proximity to each other. They are more curious and active and spend more time exploring and playing than grazing. Lambs are also more likely to wander off independently and sometimes become separated from the flock.
Comparison Table “Sheep Vs. Lamb”
| Age: | Adult sheep are generally considered to be over one year old. | A lamb is a young sheep that is less than one year old. |
| Meat: | Meat from adult sheep is known as mutton and is generally considered to have a stronger, gamey flavor and a tougher texture than lamb. | Meat from a lamb is considered to be tender and milder in flavor than mutton. |
| Wool: | Adult sheep have wool, which is sheared to make clothing and other textiles. | Lambs are born without wool but will grow it as they mature into adult sheep. |
| Size: | Adult sheep are generally larger in size than lambs. | Lambs are smaller in size than adult sheep. |
| Reproduction: | Adult sheep are capable of reproducing. | Lambs are not yet capable of reproducing. |
The Key Difference Between Sheep and Lamb
Now, we will show the key points presenting the difference between sheep and lamb.
- Sheep are adult animals, while lambs are young animals
- Meat from adult sheep is known as mutton and is generally considered to have a stronger, gamey flavor and a tougher texture than lamb meat.
- Wool is present in adult sheep but not in newborn lambs, but it will grow as they mature into adult sheep
- Adult sheep are generally larger than lambs
- Adult sheep are capable of reproducing, while lambs are not yet capable of reproducing.
Conclusion
In summary, adult sheep are social animals that form strong bonds with other flock members and have a hierarchical social structure. But lambs are more independent and spend less time closer to each other. Lambs are more curious and active and spend more time exploring and playing than grazing. So, now you know the difference between sheep and lamb.
