A lamb is a young sheep, usually defined as being under one year of age. Lambs are born after a gestation period of about five months, most often in the spring. They are typically delivered in litters of one or two, though some breeds commonly produce larger numbers. At birth, lambs are covered in a fine, soft fleece and are able to stand and walk within hours, an adaptation for survival in open landscapes.
Lambs are dependent on their mother’s milk for the first weeks of life but begin to graze alongside the flock within a few weeks. Early socialization within the herd helps them develop flocking behavior, which provides safety and cohesion.
In agriculture, the term “lamb” also refers to the meat of young sheep, considered tender and mild in flavor compared to mutton from older animals. Culturally and symbolically, lambs are often associated with innocence, purity, and renewal, appearing frequently in religious and artistic traditions.
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