Growth and development of desert bighorn sheep

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Hansen, Charles G.

Source:

Journal of Wildlife Management, The Wildlife Society, Volume 29, Issue 2, p.387-391 (1965)

Call Number:

A65HAN01IDUS

Keywords:

California Bighorn Sheep, desert bighorn sheep, Ovis canadensis, Ovis canadensis californiana

Abstract:

The growth and development of desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) were studied on the Desert Game Range, Nevada. A set of characteristics was developed for use by the field worker. Week-old lambs are about 16 inches high at the shoulder and weigh about 8 pounds, which differs little from their size and weight at birth. As the lamb develops, its facial characteristics, horn length, and horn shape are used to distinguish the age and sex of the animal. The horns appear on both sexes at approximately 2 months of age. The male lamb at 1 year of age is usually the size of an adult ewe while the female lamb is considerably smaller.