Difference Between Lamb And Sheep Fun Facts You Should Know

Sheep are a type of domesticated ruminant mammal, which most of us know as being one of the livestock animals commonly found on a farm, with many a flock often seen grazing among cows and goats.Sheep are known for their woolly appearance, and they are raised by farmers to gain a variety of products. These products range from milk to cheese to their meat as well as their skin, and they are sheared regularly for their fleece, which is used to make woollen yarn.The word sheep encompasses all types of this woolly mammal. There are a number of different terms which we use when referring to livestock sheep, though some people tend to have a hard time telling the difference between lamb and sheep. The word for a group of sheep is called a flock, and a flock often contains sheep of different sexes and ages. A baby or a young sheep that is under a one year old is called a ram or ewe lamb, with adult sheep being called ewes (female sheep) and rams are male sheep. A lamb is a young sheep which mostly feeds on the milk of ewes, whereas older sheep sustain themselves on a diet of grass, which is their only source of food. Lambs stop feeding on milk once the first pair of teeth erupt which happens at under one year of age, and they gain two teeth every year until they reach four years of age, which helps them to chew solid food. Though both lamb and sheep are used for their meat and skin, there are many differences in the quality, taste, and texture of these products.If you liked this article about differences, check out our other pages on difference between hay and straw and difference between ox and bull.Lamb Meat Vs Sheep MeatThough we have all heard of lamb and mutton while going to the butchers, what is the difference between lamb and sheep? If both these types of meat come from the same animal, then why is there a difference in their names?The taste, cost, and naming of sheep meat tend to depend on its age. The two most widely known types of meat are called lamb and sheep, though a third group, hogget, exists as well.Lamb is a young sheep, meaning it is a sheep under a year old of age. Once they cross the 12 month mark, they are raised as sheep. Though lamb usually refers to baby sheep, the meat we know as lamb is not exactly that of babies, but of slightly older ones below the one year of age mark, once they just start to feed. Lambs have a more slender, smaller body than sheep do, and are usually without horns, whereas sheep have a stockier body, and rams have curly horns and are much bigger and fluffier than lambs. A male lamb is known as a ram lamb, with a female being a ewe lamb, both being below one year old.Since lamb meat comes from younger sheep, it is known for being quite soft and tender. It is also better in taste, with it being the most delectable of all sheep meats. The other two being hogget and sheep, called mutton. Due to its elevated taste and texture due to the lamb’s young age, it is also the most expensive meat out of the three. It is pale pink in color and also very healthy, as it has little fat content. It is important to cook this meat using the proper temperature and technique as eating undercooked lamb meat can cause a variety of health problems. Lamb dishes are very popular in the culinary world, with a rack of lamb, lamb crown roasts, and lamb chops being the most desirable and delectable cuts of this animal on the market. Lamb meat is more popular in the United States of America.Yearling or hogget meat comes from younger sheep who are between one to two years of age. Their meat has a flavor that is not as strong as mutton, though not as tender as a lamb at the same time. It falls between the two main varieties in terms of cost, taste, fat content, and texture. These sheep may or may not have been produced offspring by the time they are slaughtered for their meat.Sheep or mutton comes from the production of meat of a fully grown, domestic mature sheep. It has a strong, fatty flavor and has a larger grain texture due to its age, whereas lamb is much softer. Though not as tender as lamb, it can still be succulent when stewed properly. It is in less demand than lamb and is also less expensive, however, it is considered a delicacy in Europe and the Middle East. Called mutton, it can be confused with goat meat, which is also called mutton in some parts of Asia. It is rich red in color and has a higher fat content than lamb does. Some popular mutton dishes are mutton chops and mutton curry. The difference between sheep and goat mutton depends on their diet. As sheep feed only on grass, their meat has a strong taste that can be quite similar to beef. Goat meat is softer and more tender, as goats feed on leaves, greens, and shrubs as well as grass. Ultimately, the demand for both depends on the preference of the person eating it, as both meats can taste very similar. Out of female ewes and male rams, a male is more likely to be slaughtered for its meat as it does not provide milk or birth young lambs like a female ewe does.Sheep Skin Vs Lamb SkinDue to the age of the animal, the skin of a lamb is known as lamb skin and sheep is known as sheep skin respectively. Though the names are different, there is not much difference between the two. The wool and skin of both animals is used in the production of a variety of threads, bags, gloves, purses and shoes, and wallets.When the fur is left on the skin which is used to make these products, it is called sheep skin or lamb skin. This results in the items having a soft lining inside, with the leathery part being on the outside. This type of apparel is good for wearing in cold climates, as the soft inner lining helps to keep people warm.Why are sheep and lambs bred?Sheep and lamb are common animals found in farms all over the world and have been domesticated by humans for centuries.Sheep provide us with many products, some of these being milk, which is used to make delectable cheeses such as Feta and Pecorino. They also provide meat such as the soft, succulent lamb and tougher, stronger mutton. Sheep also give us wool to make yarn from as well as leather from which we can make coats, bags and shoes.Domestic mature sheep are kept for their milk and fleece, whereas lambs are mostly reared commercially in order to supply butchers with fresh meat.Difference In LeatherThe skin of lambs and mature sheep is often used to make leather. Animal leather is basically made from the skin of a sheep after it is shorn completely to get rid of its fleece. Leather is made by tanning and drying the skin until it becomes tough and supple, and is then used to make a variety of products.Out of the two types of sheep leather, lamb leather is preferred by most people as it has a softer, more supple feel and texture due to the lamb being under one year of age. The hide of a sheep is rougher and thicker, which makes it better for use in colder climates. It is also used to make accessories and to cover furniture due to its sturdiness, and its lightness, as it weighs much less than leather made from cows, crocodiles, and pigs.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for difference between a lamb and a sheep then why not take a look at difference between frog and toad, or sheep facts?

Sheep are a type of domesticated ruminant mammal, which most of us know as being one of the livestock animals commonly found on a farm, with many a flock often seen grazing among cows and goats.