Why Are Sheep White?

[ayabrea38]

Went to Wales on Sunday,where there is a fair bit of snow left on the hills.Couldn't see the sheep as well as in the summer,I love watching the lambs when they are funny little things jumping round after their mums,so it got me wondering!(that's a miracle in itself LOL)most animals are the colour they are because of the surroundings they live in,so they blend in.Is this the case with sheep?

Doesn't work very well in the summer does it?

Just a light hearted question.

[Frank97]

Wales isn't a natural environment for the domestic sheep, so I assume that's why they haven't evolved to blend in. Wild sheep on the other hand aren't necessarily white and do blend in much better with their surroundings.

[dustypuss]

Because they're stupid.

[Lie-in King]

Makes the mint sauce show up...

[Canary42]

Domestic animals are "protected" from the ravages of Natural Selection.

[Clanad]

On the off chance that your question might have a hint of actual inquiry; Since the domestication of sheep (perhaps 10,000 years ago) they have been continually bred to improve certain characteristics... including light colored wool which is much easier to dye in making cloth. The Rambouillete, a predominant breed here in the western U.S. was bred for such purposes. Funnily, many years ago, a black sheep would be produced by a ewe... which would then be used as a "counter" for a flock. One black sheep equaled 800 head of white ones and made them easier to account for.
Most highly selective breeding has also caused them not have muscle control of their tails. Since they can't move the tail out of the way for bowel movements and soon becomes clogged and maggot ridden, the tails are removed a few weeks after the lamb is born... along with the removal of testicles which are highly prized for a "lamb fry" feast here in the U.S. At the very least, the "townies" volunteer to come out and help in the functions just to be present when the rancher yells "Dinner's on the table!" The ranchers (or at least their wives) tend to vie with each other over the amount and quality of the feast...

By the way, you probably don't want to hear a description of the "old fashioned" way of testicle removal still favored by the largely Basque heritage sheep ranchers here...

[society]

"Why Are Sheep White?"

Because that's the way God made them.

[ayabrea38]

Now you come to mention it,Clanad,I do remember a farming programme I saw years ago about ahem..removal of things...Ouch.But the farmer said they didn't feel a thing.
Maybe thats why you only get a small amount of black lambs?

I may be horrid and heartless,but I always want some nice roast lamb after a drive round North Wales!

Thanks for all your answers,made us giggle
Aya and her OH

[TWR]

You'd be white if you had Basds in Green Wellies running after you!!!!!!

[Sparkles62]

Why are sheep white?
Because if they were brown they would be cows.
Duh. X