Modern sheep bear very little resemblance to their wild ancestors and they have been selectively bred for farming.

Sheep with the most wool are kept in some of the world’s hottest climates and other breeds endure storms, drought and snow. Wild animal would naturally take cover in burrows or nests, but sheep are left exposed on fields with no shelter.

Under natural conditions ewes reproduce every spring, after five months gestation. Drugs now bring ewes into season up to six weeks early to ensure the flock ovulate all at once.

Semen for artificial insemination is obtained by masturbating rams by hand. Another method is to use electric probes in the anus, administering electric shock to make the ram ejaculate.

Commercial production of wool is directly linked to meat production. Lambs are slaughtered at 4-6 months old and a sheep kept for wool will soon be killed for meat. Pulled wool is taken from the skins of slaughtered sheep and lambs. When wool is first taken from sheep (dead or alive), it is rich in a natural grease called lanolin which is removed before the wool is processed into yarn or felt. Lanolin is used as a base in cosmetics, lotions and ointments.

There are plenty of natural and synthetic fibres that can be used instead of wool, such as hemp and cotton.