The high losses are due to neglect by farmers, working in an industry that exploits animals at every stage. As a result of the burdens put on sheep, they suffer endemic lameness, miscarriage, infestation and infection. Often, they will die before a farmer even realises anything is wrong.

Sheep are domesticated animals – adapted to live with us. The same as would happen to cows, pigs, horses, dogs, cats, chicken and all other domesticated animals if there were no humans to care for them: most would die, of diseases, starvation, exposure, parasites or simply by being eaten.

Like dogs, sheep can learn their own name and even do tricks. Much like the ‘play-bow’ dogs use, lambs have their own special signal when they want to have fun.

They cry out when in pain, and — like humans — have an increase in cortisol (the stress hormone) during difficult situations. Sheep are doting mothers: They form strong bonds with their lambs and can recognize the sound of their individual call when they wander away.

If you define crying as expressing emotion, such as grief or joy, then the answer is yes. Animals do create tears, but only to lubricate their eyes, says Bryan Amaral, senior curator of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Animals do feel emotions, too, but in nature it’s often to their advantage to mask them.

During the day the ewes can see their lambs but as night falls they can’t see each other so well, and they need to talk with each other by baaing continuously to check that all is well, or to help the lambs locate their mothers. This is why they make such a lot of noise at night time.

The lambs are normally weaned from their mothers between 2-4 months old when they will either go on to be breeding sheep (ewes or rams), or they’ll be reared for meat. The ewes then have a few months to get into top condition, ready for Autumn tupping when the process starts all over again.

5. Ewes (female sheep) are very caring mothers and have deep bonds with their lambs. Each mother can recognise her lambs by their bleats alone.

Given the variation between different production systems, breeds and regions the age of lambs at slaughter varies widely from as young as 10 weeks of age to over 12 months but it is assumed that on average a UK lamb will be between 6 and 7 months old when slaughtered.

Pieris spp in particular account for a large proportion of cases submitted for post mortem, the AFBI explained. These plants contain the toxin acetylandromedol, a substance which is very poisonous to sheep.

The behaviour of sheep: They spend most of the day alternating between periods of grazing and resting/ruminating, and sleep for only around 4 hours per day.

They tend to shelter from heavy rain, but they love being out in snow and deep cold, sunshine, and wind. Too much rain will damage the fleece and the feet. At lambing time, ewes will sometimes lamb in these shelters, others lamb outside then bring the lambs in once the ewe has cleansed.

Sheep can live on grass alone, since they are ruminants. The grass needs to be of high quality and provide for all of their nutritional needs.

As long as the sheep are safe and content, sheep can sleep nearly anywhere. If given the choice they will go to the spot that they feel is the best for the night, normally on higher ground. Their favorite sleeping spot can and will change with the weather, especially winds.

A general rule of thumb is that 1 acre of land can support two sheep, but this varies greatly based on rainfall and your soil quality. If rain is plentiful and your soil rich, your land may support more than two sheep per acre, while an acre in drought-ridden area may not support even one.

In general, sheep in pain may show the following signs:

1. Reduced feed intake and rumination.
2. Licking, rubbing or scratching painful areas.
3. Reluctance to move.
4. Grinding their teeth and curling their lips.
5. Altered social interactions.
6. Changes in posture to avoid moving or causing contact to a painful body area.

To help the sheep calm down, leave them in the yards for about 30 minutes before working with them, if possible….To keep sheep calm:

1. Handle stock quietly and calmly – don’t be unnecessarily aggressive.
2. Make sure the animals can hear and see you.
3. Do not use electric prodders.

An ewe with newborn lambs will often stamp their hoof and adopted an aggressive posture when they feel threatened; they may also try to head-butt the threat. Breeding rams use butting to build up their strength and to establish the hierarchy within the herd.

FERTILITY is the possibility of reproducing. With adequate nutrition, sheep are fertile throughout the year. A healthy, well fed ewe can give birth up to 6 or more lambs in two years….Chapter 5. SHEEP BREEDING, PREGNANCY AND BIRTH.

They are really frightened by any sudden loud noises, especially yelling or raised voices. This will make them feel stressed and nervous. When you are around your sheep, always talk in a quiet, calm voice. This will help them to be less afraid.

Sheep that are accustomed to people enjoy being petted by their humans. However, sheep that are unaccustomed to people do not like to be petted and their fight or flight response is activated. Sheep approached by strangers may react favorably or not, depending on their level of socialization to multiple people.