Buzz
While all lambs are sheep, not all sheep are lambs. Can you identify which one you're seeing here? Images captured by R A Kearton / Getty Images.March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Beware of wolves disguised as sheep. These ruminants have captured our imaginations, but what truly sets them apart? Let’s unravel the enigma of lamb vs. sheep.
What Is a Lamb?
A lamb refers to a young sheep (Ovis aries). These young ones feed on their mother's milk until they reach four to five months of age, when their milk teeth are replaced. They reach sexual maturity between one and two years, coinciding with the development of their adult teeth.
The term lamb typically describes sheep that are less than one year old.
A young male sheep is often referred to as a ram lamb, whereas a young female sheep is known as a ewe lamb.
What Sets a Lamb Apart from a Sheep?
Lambs and sheep belong to the same species but represent different life stages. Lambs are the young, and sheep are the adults.
What Is a Sheep?
Domesticated sheep (Ovis aries) are ruminants, animals that chew cud, and are utilized by humans for their meat, milk, and wool. These animals were first domesticated from wild sheep around 5000 BCE, and their wool, milk, and meat continue to be vital resources for people.
Adult sheep are known by various terms:
- A mature female sheep is referred to as a ewe.
- A mature male sheep is known as a ram.
- A male sheep that has been castrated is called a wether.
At the Butcher Shop
While a lamb and a sheep are the same species, the flavor of their meat varies depending on the age of the animal at the time of slaughter.
- Lamb is the term used for meat from sheep that are less than one year old when slaughtered.
- Meat from older sheep is referred to as mutton, which has a stronger, more distinct flavor compared to lamb.
It's common for meat from the same species to have different names based on the animal's age. For instance, meat from a young cow is called veal. Meat from younger animals tends to be more tender and has a milder taste.
