Year of the Ram: Chinese New Year Feature
	Year of the Ram: Chinese New Year Feature (Feature) Washington Journal: Is War Good for Asian Pacific Americans? (in National News) Cheu Steps Down as Executive Director of LGBT Center (in Bay Area News) U.S. Opens Door to Shanghai Club (in Sports) Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend (in A&E) Emil Amok: Internment? No, Harrassment is Enough (in Opinion)

A Sheep By Any Other Name

The biological workings of a ram

By Ji Hyun Lim | AsianWeek Staff Writer

Ever wonder how Chinese astrologists know so much about the characteristics of people born in the Year of the Ram? It’s not very complicated. It comes straight from the source itself: ovis aries, also known as the ewe, ram or sheep.

The ram, which refers to the male, has been in existence since 8,000 B.C.E. in Southwest Asia. Rams are domesticated ruminants — any number of a genera of mammals characterized by a complex digestive system capable of breaking down cellulose.

The average weight of the ovis aries is between 115-280 pounds. Rams tend to be heavier, and they measure 50 to 62 inches when full-grown. Their horns alone may weigh as much as 30 pounds. The ram has a double-layered skull with struts of bone for battle protection. They also have broad, massive tendons linking the skull and spine to help the head pivot and recoil from blows.

The most obvious characteristic of the ram are its horns. They are very sensitive despite their strength. The outer sheath of the ram’s horn is made of keratin or calcium-like layer. The entire horn is filled with blood and tissue and when it is touched, the ram will react. Some rams used to have six horns but many biologists believe that through evolution, rams began to have two to four horns.

The most common rams’ coats are smooth. Their outer coat composed of brittle guard hairs with short, grey, crimped fleece under-fur. This coat is much warmer and sturdier than the typical lamb’s wool. The summer coat is a rich, glossy brown but becomes faded by late winter.

Rams are said to be very alert and have remarkable eyesight that helps them judge distances in jumping and locating footholds. They can also watch other animals moving at distances of up to a mile away.

The ram is a dominant animal. When two rams are within close premises, they often challenge each other by charging. Rams will continue to fight until one or the other is injured or cannot fight anymore.

At the same time, the ram is a very caring animal, paternal, strong and able to take care of their herd. Though they are bold personalities, rams tend to be shy when they do not feel comfortable. They are often intimidated by people and scared of new environments and things.

The ram has no predators and are free roaming grazers. They eat oat hay, alfalfa hay, grass, bushes, berries and flowers. Domesticated rams eat “enrichment” which includes buckets of apples, oranges and carrots.

Rams climb mountains and live in rocky areas. It is said that many were found in the hillsides by Spanish conquistadors and domesticated for bartering and trading. The American Indians used their fur for weaving and today, one breed of ram is known as the Navajo churro.

The ram does not wash itself. Scent glands between the hooves excrete an odor that tells other rams when it is ready to breed. Female rams, or ewes, will give birth in a confined area like a stall or a den. The typical gestation period of a ram is six months. Many ewes will have twins, as the female’s uterus has two entryways through one opening. This way, the male sperm can fertilize up to two eggs. The baby ram or lamb weighs three pounds at birth.

The ram also has a unique digestive system. Rams have one stomach with four compartments. This way, the bacteria and gastric juices in the stomach can digest a variety of foods, such as bramble or twigs.

The lifespan of a free-roaming ram is eight years; while the domesticated ram can live up to 13 years. Arthritis, joint trouble, bed sores and lack of vitamins may be signs of aging.

The ram is a fascinating and caring creature — an animal worth celebrating this year. It’s bold and impressive stature and disposition make this animal a very important part of the zodiac. Knowing the biological aspect of this animal can help people who are “rams” know where they are rooted.

To that end, Happy New Year, rams!