What is the Difference Between Ewe and Ram

Sheep are domesticated animals that have been raised for thousands of years for wool, meat, and milk. Ewe and ram are two types of sheep. A ram is a male sheep, while a ewe is a female sheep.

What is the difference between ewe and ram? Rams’ horns are much larger, thicker, and heavier, whereas ewes’ horns are smaller.

Key Areas Covered

1. Ewe 
     – Facts, Features, and Behaviors 
2. Ram
     – Facts, Features, and Behaviors 
3. Similarities Between Ewe and Ram
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Ewe and Ram
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Ewe and Ram
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Ewe, Ram, Sheep

Ewe – Facts, Features, and Behaviors 

An ewe is an adult female sheep. Ewes are usually smaller and lighter than male sheep. They can weigh up to 220 pounds. It’s easy to identify an ewe, even if she has horns. Unlike rams, ewes have smaller horns (if any) and do not have male genitalia. Another key difference is that ewes have two teats, which are present from birth and help identify female lambs. Before giving birth, an ewe will develop a small udder, which signals that a lamb is on the way.

Ewes are generally calm and social. Unlike rams, they do not fight for dominance, but they do have a hierarchy based on size. Although most ewes will run from danger, higher-ranking females will stand their ground to protect their herd or lambs. They may stomp, kick, bite, or even use their horns to fight off predators.

Ewes form strong family bonds. They usually stay in maternal groups for life. These groups can include lambs, mothers, and even great-grandmothers. Even if a domesticated ewe is separated for weaning, she will return to her maternal group when reintroduced. Moreover, ewes do not compete for mates. However, the highest-ranking females are often the most sought-after by males.

Ram – Facts, Features, and Behaviors 

A ram is an adult male sheep. Rams are usually larger and heavier than female sheep. Some even weigh up to 350 pounds. One of the easiest ways to identify a ram is by looking at its horns.

Although both male and female sheep can have horns, a ram’s horns are typically longer, thicker, and more curved. Some rams, like Bighorn Sheep, can grow horns that weigh up to 30 pounds. However, some rams are naturally born without horns, and they are called “polled” rams.

Rams play an important role in flock hierarchy. They establish dominance by fighting, showing aggression, and competing for food. Rams with similar-sized horns are more likely to challenge each other. However, rams with different-sized horns may avoid fights. Rams usually reach sexual maturity between four to six months. During the breeding season (rut), rams use their vomeronasal organ (Jacobson’s organ) to sense pheromones from ewes and detect when they are ready to mate. During the rut, rams can become aggressive toward humans due to increased hormone levels.

Similarities Between Ewe and Ram

1. Both rams and ewes are sheep and belong to the same species.
2. They are plant eaters.
3. Both males and females produce wool.
4. Both can have horns.

Difference Between Ewe and Ram

Definition

• A ram is a male sheep, while a ewe is a female sheep.

Size

• Rams are generally larger and heavier and weigh up to 350 pounds, whereas ewes typically weigh up to 220 pounds.

Horns

• Rams’ horns are much larger, thicker, and heavier, whereas ewes’ horns (if present) are smaller.

Teats

• Ewes have two teats to feed their lambs, while rams do not have teats.

Behavior

• Rams are more aggressive and competitive and often fight to establish dominance, whereas ewes are more docile and social.

Mating

• Rams compete for mates by fighting, whereas ewes do not compete but are often chosen based on their status in the flock.

FAQ: Ewe and Ram

1. How can you tell a ram from a ewe?

• You can tell a ram from an ewe by looking at its size, horns, and body features. Rams are usually larger, have thicker and longer horns (if present), and have visible male genitalia. Ewes are smaller, have smaller or no horns, and have udders with teats for feeding lambs.

2. Do ram females have horns?

• Female sheep are called ewes. The rams are the male sheep. Some ewes can have horns, but they are usually smaller than those of rams.

3. What is the difference between lamb, sheep, goat, and ram?

• A lamb is a young sheep, usually under one year old. Sheep is the general term for the species and includes both males and females. Goats, on the other hand, are a completely different species from sheep. They have straighter horns, a slimmer body, and often a beard. A ram is specifically an adult male sheep, usually used for breeding.

4. Why is sheep called ram?

• A sheep is called a ram if it is an adult male. The term “ram” specifically refers to a male sheep used for breeding, while “sheep” is a general term for the species.

Reference:

1. “Sheep.” Wikipedia. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Värmland sheep white ram” By Martin Stoltze – Photo by Martin Stoltze (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “Sheep Ewe Lamb” (CC0) via NeedPix