Hermaphroditidic ewe?

[Chickpalooza]

We got a group of sheep today and received a ewe with giant horns on par with a ram at a little less than a year(painted dessert) at first we thought she was a he who had been castrated, nope . No scrotum, no penis, pee’s squatting, the only characteristic she shares with a ram is the horns. We named her chimera since there’s a good chance that’s what she is. We are going to see about getting blood work on her to see what in the world she is. Any ideas? I’ll include pictures once I get them taken.

 

[nuthatched]

Sometimes female deer carry impressive antlers, it's usually a hormone issue.

 

[Chickpalooza]

Sometimes female deer carry impressive antlers, it's usually a hormone issue.

I heard a story from a friend about a similar ewe who they successfully bred. Her horns are impressive but if she were a ram would be unimpressive since we estimate that she’s probably a yearling. Could she be bred?

 

[Chickpalooza]

I also managed to get a picture

edit: more pictures

 

[nuthatched]

I heard a story from a friend about a similar ewe who they successfully bred. Her horns are impressive but if she were a ram would be unimpressive since we estimate that she’s probably a yearling. Could she be bred?

I don't see why not, however, I'm not an expert on sheep.

 

[Chickpalooza]

I don't see why not, however, I'm not an expert on sheep.

Well if the horns are caused by hermaphroditism or a hormone imbalance then it’s pretty iffy

 

[cassie]

I am no expert on sheep, but hermaphrodites are not uncommon in goats. I think the characteristics would be similar in both goats and sheep. A goat that is a hermaphrodite has an oversized vulva with an enlarged clitoris. The clitoris is readily visible when you part the lips of the vulva. They also act like a buck. Only far worse. I suspect your ewe is fine. If she comes into heat you will know for sure. A hermaphrodite won't cycle.

 

[Chickpalooza]

I am no expert on sheep, but hermaphrodites are not uncommon in goats. I think the characteristics would be similar in both goats and sheep. A goat that is a hermaphrodite has an oversized vulva with an enlarged clitoris. The clitoris is readily visible when you part the lips of the vulva. They also act like a buck. Only far worse. I suspect your ewe is fine. If she comes into heat you will know for sure. A hermaphrodite won't cycle.

With sheep a true hermaphrodite is very rare. Hopefully we can get blood work done soon. The horns are very abnormal as this breed usually has very small if any scurs for ewes. We’re putting her with a ram soon to see if she can breed but she looks for the most part normal and acts for the most part normal. I will note she is taller/ bigger than the other ewes. I haven’t seen her so any courtship behaviors or any butting into things but I’m not sure what to think.

 

[Chickpalooza]

I’m going to make a list of traits, for sake of simplicity.

male traits
Mane
Large Horns
Bigger size

Female traits
Vulva

miscellaneous traits
docked tail
Variegated horns
Cinnamon and white fur

I don’t know if this helps but the traits listed are strictly for that sex with this breed of sheep

 

[NatJ]

male traits
Mane
Large Horns
Bigger size

Just to check the obvious: could she be older than you were told?
Because large horns and bigger size could just come with increased age.

(I am not a sheep expert, but I have read that you can tell the age by looking at which permanent teeth they have.)