What does gestation end with?

Gestation refers to the period during which a fetus develops inside the uterus. In sheep, this period typically lasts around 145 to 155 days. The conclusion of gestation occurs with parturition, which is the process of giving birth. During parturition, the mother sheep, also known as a ewe, delivers her lambs, marking the end of the gestational period. This is a crucial phase in sheep management, as it directly impacts the health and viability of the newborn lambs, as well as the future productivity of the ewe.

Understanding this process is vital for effective sheep management, as it sets the stage for subsequent practices like lactation and lamb rearing. The other options refer to different stages or practices in sheep management; for example, weaning involves separating lambs from their mothers after they have been born, breeding is the process of mating, and flocking refers to social behavior in sheep. Each of these plays a role in the overall management system but does not signify the end of gestation.