Ouessant sheep are the smallest breed of sheep in the world as a result of selective breeding.
Ouessant sheep are a domesticated breed that are thought to be the descendants of the wild Mouflon. They are bred for their fleece which is usually black or dark brown. Rams have very large horns that curl around, Ewes do not have horns. They are social animals that like to love in flocks and are great lawn mowers!
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Ouessant sheep
Ovis aries ouessant
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Animal classMammal, bovidae -
HabitatBeing a domesticated animal, Oussant sheep thrive in many habitats including farmland, grassland, and rocky terrain. -
DietHerbivores – their diet consists of grasses and hay.
Ouessant sheep are the smallest breed of sheep in the world as a result of selective breeding.
They have adaptations that allows them to digest tough plant material. They will regurgitate partially digested food, richer the material, and swallow it again to help break it down. This is known as ‘Chewing the cud’.
Ouessant sheep range from 40–50cm and can weigh from 11–20kg.
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Introduction
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Habitat
Ouessant sheep originated on the island of Ouessant, off the coast of Brittany, France, that is mountainous.
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Fun Facts
Ouessant sheep are ruminants, like goats and cows, meaning they have a 4 chambered stomach allowing them to digest coarse plant materials.
After a pregnancy of approximately 5 months, the female will usually give birth to one lamb.
