Sheep and Pigs Identification

Ewe

female sheep of breeding age, may be qualified as maiden ewes, not yet bred, or ewe lambs, up to one year.

Cull Ewe

finished ewes culled out for slaughter.

Mutton

the meat of older sheep, including cull ewes.

Ram

male sheep castrated at an early age before secondary sexual characters have developed

Flock

Group of Sheep

Lambs

young sheep still with its dam (mother) or up to five months of age. Qualified as ewe lamb or ram lamb.

Fat Lambs

finished ready for slaughter from approx four months old onwards.

Store Lambs

lambs not sold during the summer for slaughter may be kept for sale or feeding on as store lambs.

Crossbred

an animal whose sire (father) and dam (mother) are different breeds or breed types

Purebred

parents are of the same breed or type

Gilt

young female pig, has not produced first litter (up to first farrowing)

Piglet

young pig

Barrow / Hog

castrated male pig

Sow

female pig after her first litter

Boar

intact male pig over six months of age destined as a sire.

Farrowing

giving birth

Manufacturing

pigs are processed in the factory to provide pork, bacon, hams, pies, sausages, tinned and other meat products.