Domestic sheep reproduce sexually like other mammals, with a reproductive process similar to other domestic herd animals. A flock of sheep is generally mated by a single ram, which has either been chosen by a farmer or has established dominance through physical contests with other rams (in feral populations).[1] Most sheep have a breeding season (tupping) in the autumn, though some can breed year-round.[1]
Largely as a result of the influence of humans on sheep breeding, ewes often produce multiple lambs. This increase in lamb births, both in number and birth weight, may cause problems with delivery and lamb survival, requiring the intervention of shepherds.