Lincoln Park Zoo

Common name: Jacob sheep
Latin Name: Ovis aries aries

Class: Mammals
Order:    Artiodactyla

Description
A domestic sheep breed, Jacob sheep are known for their black-and-white spotted wool coats. Adult sheep can have anywhere from two–six horns. The species is sexually dimorphic, with male Jacob sheep being larger than females.

Range
The Jacob sheep has been bred by pastoralists around the globe. The breed was originally developed in England.

Status
Entirely domestic, Jacob sheep are maintained by breeders worldwide.

Habitat
Jacob sheep graze grasslands, fields and other pastures provided by keepers.

Niche
Jacob sheep feed on grass, hay and other browse. They possess a multi-chambered stomach, enabling them to digest plant products containing high levels of cellulose.

Life History
Female sheep enter estrus in late summer or early fall, ensuring that lambs are born in spring, when food is readily available. Lambs are well-developed at birth, with a full coat and short horn buds. They can begin to move with their herd within an hour of being born.

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