Sheeps Wallpaper, #12162

Domestic Sheep (Ovis aries) are quadrupedal, ruminant mammals kept as livestock. Like all ruminants, Sheep are even-toed ungulates, also commonly called cloven-hoofed animals. Although the name "Sheep" applies to many species, in everyday usage it almost always refers to Ovis aries. Domestic Sheep are the most numerous species in their genus, and are most likely descended from the wild mouflon of Europe and Asia.One of the earliest animals to be domesticated for agricultural purposes, Sheep are primarily valued for their fleece and meat. A Sheep's wool is the most widely used of any animal, and is typically harvested by shearing. Ovine meat is called lamb when from younger animals and mutton when from older ones. They continue to be important for wool and meat today, and are also occasionally raised for pelts, as dairy animals, or as model organisms for science.The front teeth are gradually lost as Sheep age, making it harder for them to feed and hindering the health and productivity of the animal. For this reason, domestic Sheep on normal pasture begin to slowly decline from four years on, and the average life expectancy of a Sheep is 10 to 12 years, though some Sheep may live as long as 20 years.