Overview
Horns can grow up to 40 inches (102 cm) in length and can weigh up to 30 lbs (14 kg), and can actually outweigh the rest of the bones in their bodies, combined. Commonly bright white in color. Horns in males circle and turn outward at tips and are generally tan to light brown in color, growing to typically about 28-35 inches (71-89 cm) in adults. This animal carries an impressive mane that ranges from 3-8 in. (8-20 cm). Usually these animals are hybrids of the European mouflon (Ovis gmelini musimon) and domestic sheep (O. aries), a haired (non-woolly) sheep from West Africa via the West Indies. The hybridization has created a variety of color phases and horn shape and sizes. With careful breeding, the Texas Dall should be free of wool and carry spectacular horns that curl downward and outward. The horns are typically a clear, almost milky color and massive. Females carry much smaller curved horns.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Bovidae
- Genus
- Ovis
- Species
- Domestic hybrid sheep, Ovis aries x Ovis ssp.
Habitat
Distribution- Has increased to include private ranches throughout the lower 48. Some free-range animals can be found in Texas, California and Florida.
Diet
Primarily a browser, eating a variety of weeds and occasionally tender grasses. During the summer months the sheep will water daily and during the cooler months they may go up to three days without watering.
Behavior
Males are very aggressive towards each other in establishing the hierarchy. These animals form tight flocks when disturbed and then flee as a group. They are most active in the early and late hours of the day and seek shelter amongst trees, in brush, and inside ravines during harsh weather conditions. They will sun themselves on exposed slopes when cold and sunny, but not windy and seek out hilltops to catch a breeze when hot. They have poor eyesight and congregate in herds as their primary defense. Breeding season occurs mainly from August to September with most births January to March. Females have a gestation period of 5 months, giving birth to 1 or 2 young. Males mature at 1.5 years of age while females reach maturity as early as 7 months.
Hunting
Bred to offer hunters an inexpensive trophy complementing a successful hunt. In regards to keeping this sheep- it is often compatible with any other exotic as long as food is available at their feeding level. Need water daily during warm weather. Crossbreed freely with other sheep, producing fertile offspring. Typical 4 foot fencing is usually sufficient. Used by some landowners as a natural lawnmower.
Conservation Status
There are no conservation concerns.