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You are here: Home / Animals / How Many Different Species of Sheep Are There in the World and Where Do Sheep Live?

How Many Different Species of Sheep Are There in the World and Where Do Sheep Live?

August 2, 2020 by Karen Hill

Sheep farming is practiced all over the world, and has been significant in the history of many civilizations.

How Many Different Species of Sheep Are There in the World

There are over 500 different breeds of sheep around the world.

Their wool varies according to the breed.

The New Zealand Romney sheep, for instance, produces the best wool for making carpet.

The merino, in contrast, has soft, fine wool for clothing.

Sheep husbandry is practiced mainly in Australia, New Zealand, the South American nations, and the British Isles.

With the rise of corporate agriculture, and the decline of family farms, many breeds of sheep are in danger of extinction.

Preferences for sheep with uniform characteristics and fast growth have resulted in reduced numbers of heirloom breeds of sheep.

The few breeds that remain are maintained through the efforts of conservation organizations, and individual farmers dedicated to their preservation.

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Filed Under: Animals

About Karen Hill

Karen Hill is a freelance writer, editor, and columnist. Born in New York, her work has appeared in the Examiner, Yahoo News, Buzzfeed, among others.

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