SHEEP

If you are wearing a warm, wooly sweater, thank a sheep. Wool from sheep’s coats have been knit, woven, and sewn into products for many centuries. Wool is soft and warm. It resists fire and can be easily stored.

People make sweaters, clothing, blankets, rugs, carpets, and even mattresses for beds from wool. The natural fibers are washed, dyed, and combed to make yarn.

Sheep need very little care. They can climb rocks without falling. They can go for long periods without water. They eat wood and shrubs, which can be found anywhere.

Sheep are raised in one of two ways. Some sheep live in fenced pastures. Farmers provide food and water every day. Other sheep are more independent. They live on land that is owned by the farmer. They roam the grounds and find food for themselves.

Some sheep are still wild. The largest of the wild sheep live in Siberia. They are four feet (1.2 meters) tall at the shoulder. Wild sheep have enemies. Wolves and coyotes hunt sheep. Diseases and insects can make sheep sick.

Today, more than 800 breeds and varieties of sheep exist. There are five main groups of sheep. They are grouped by their fleece (wool) types. They are fine wool, long wool, crossbred wool, medium wool, and coarse wool.

People value sheep for their wool, and for meat and fat. Meat from sheep is called mutton. It is used in stews and other dishes. Fat from sheep can be made into candles and soap.