What is the Difference Between Ewe and Sheep?

The main difference between a ewe and a sheep lies in their gender and age. A ewe is an adult female sheep, while a sheep can refer to both male and female animals. Here are some distinctions between ewes and sheep:

1. Gender: Ewes are always female, while sheep can be both male and female.
2. Age: Lambs are baby sheep, typically less than 12 months old, while adult sheep, including ewes and rams, are 12 months and older.
3. Reproduction: Ewes are used for dairy and meat production, and they are usually mated to rams for the first time at about 18 months of age. Rams are adult male sheep used for breeding and wool production.
4. Appearance: Ewes have a feminine appearance due to the influence of female hormones, while male sheep do not.

In summary, a ewe is an adult female sheep, and a sheep can refer to both male and female animals, with lambs being the younger, less than 12-month-old individuals.

Comparative Table: Ewe vs Sheep

The main difference between ewes and sheep lies in their age and gender. Here is a table summarizing the differences:

Both ewes and sheep are part of the same species, but the term "ewes" specifically refers to adult female sheep. In contrast, "sheep" is a general term that includes all members of the species, including rams (adult males), ewes, and lambs (young sheep).