A female sheep (regardless of parturition status) is called?

A female sheep, regardless of whether she has given birth, is referred to as a ewe. This term specifically denotes the gender and reproductive status of the sheep. Unlike a lamb, which refers to a young sheep regardless of gender, the ewe is a mature female who is capable of reproduction.

The term ram is used for a male sheep, while a wether refers to a castrated male sheep. Therefore, ewe is the appropriate term to describe a female sheep in general and is widely used in both agricultural and scientific contexts. Understanding these terms is crucial for anyone studying animal science, as they are fundamental for distinguishing between the different types of sheep within the species.